Kearney — Irish Surname Origin & Meaning
Irish form: Ó Cearnaigh
Meaning: 'descendant of Cearnach (victorious)'
Traditional stronghold: Tipperary, Mayo
Pronunciation: KAR-nee or KEER-nee; Irish Ó Cearnaigh: oh KYAR-nee
History of the Kearney name
Kearney represents several distinct Gaelic families. Ó Cearnaigh, from cearnach, meaning victorious, arose among the Uí Fiachrach of Mayo near Moygownagh and separately in Clare and Tipperary, where the name became numerous around Cashel; while Ó Catharnaigh, from catharnach, meaning warlike, belonged to Meath, where its chiefs were known by the curious title of Sionnach, the Fox, and gave rise to both Kearney and Fox. The name is now widespread across Ireland, particularly in the south midlands and east. Its most resonant association is with Peadar Kearney, who wrote the words of the national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann.
Variants: Carney · Kearny · O'Kearney
Famous bearers of the name
- Peadar Kearney — Dublin republican and songwriter of A Soldier's Song, the national anthem, and uncle of Brendan Behan.
- Rob Kearney — Louth-born fullback, Grand Slam winner and twice European Player of the Year nominee with Leinster and Ireland.
- Richard Kearney — Cork-born philosopher, holder of a chair at Boston College and author on Irish and European thought.
Related names from the same part of Ireland: O'Brien · Ryan · Walsh · Kennedy · Burke · Carroll · Hogan · Tobin