Surname Phelan - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Mystery of My Surname: A Surprising Journey With iGENEA DNA Test
Embracing an unexpected journey through my DNA test report from iGENEA, I discovered my deep-rooted connection to the Celtic warrior tribe, the revelation of my ancestry with the well-known Phelan family of Ireland, and a surprising link to Brittany, France. This voyage allowed me to explore the uncharted territories of my surname, Phelan, and engrave those unanticipated discoveries into my identity.
M. Phelan
read morePhelan: What does the surname Phelan mean?
Phelan is an Irish surname that comes from the Gaelic term "faolán," meaning "little wolf." It is a traditional Irish clan name with a strong historical presence particularly in the areas of Waterford and Kilkenny. The surname Phelan is a derivative of the Old Gaelic name, O'Faolain, often shortened to Whelan or Whalen in English-speaking countries. The prefix "O" denotes "descendant of," so the surname means "descendant of the little wolf." In ancient Irish culture, the wolf was a symbol of warriors and chieftains, often romantically seen as a guide and protector. So, those bearing the name Phelan might invoke images of strong leadership and formidable combat skills. The lore surrounding “little wolf” perhaps conveys a nuanced blend of cunning and tenacity with youthful enthusiasm. Summary: The last name Phelan is of Irish origin and means "little wolf."
Order DNA origin analysisPhelan: Where does the name Phelan come from?
The last name Phelan is most commonly found in Ireland and in other countries where people of Irish descent live, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia. In Ireland, it is most commonly found in County Cork and County Laois.
In the United States, the last name Phelan is the 745th most common surname according to the 2018 US Census. It is found in higher numbers in the states of New York, California, Massachusetts and Connecticut. In New York, in particular, it is the 238th most common surname.
In the United Kingdom, it is the 260th most common surname. It is most often found in London and other parts of England as well as Scotland and Wales.
In Canada, the last name Phelan is the 564th most common surname, while in Australia it is the 444th most common surname. In both countries, it is most often found in the larger urban centres such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Sydney and Melbourne.
Overall, the last name Phelan is most common in countries with large populations of people of Irish descent. In other countries, it is much more uncommon but still present.
Variations of the surname Phelan
The surname Phelan is of Irish origin and has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants of this surname include O'Phelan, O'Failin, O'Phelim, Phalen, Phelean, and Phelim.
The spelling of this surname can also vary. It can appear as Failin, Faillen,Faillon, Failon, Pailin, Palen, Palin, Pallen, and Phaelin.
The O' prefix is sometimes dropped from those surnames related to the Phelan surname. A few of those surnames include the spellings Failen, Failon, Faillen, Faillon, Fhelim, Fillan, Fillin, Pilan, Pilin, and Phalen.
The Phelan surname is also known by numerous related surnames. Some of these surnames are Isidore, Dwyer, Breen, and White. These surnames are derived from O' Phelan, O' Failin, and O' Phelim and were used as a way to hide from persecution from English forces during the 1600s.
Another variant surname of this origin is known as Whelan. This version of the surname is the anglicised version of the original O'Phelan surname, and is prevalent in the United States. The spelling of this name has also been altered over time to include Wheland, Whalen, and Whelan.
In summary, the surname Phelan has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, making it one of the most widespread surnames of Irish origin.
Famous people with the name Phelan
- Jason Phelan: Irish professional BMX rider
- Damian Phelan: Irish television actor
- John Phelan: American politician and Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party
- David Phelan: Irish aerospace engineering researcher
- Dan Phelan: English actor
- Sean Phelan: Irish Gaelic football player
- Tim Phelan: American actor and comedian
- John J. Phelan Jr.: American investment banker and philanthropist
- Michael Phelan: Irish lawyer and professor
- William F. Phelan: American entrepreneur and author
- David Phelan: British composer
- Liam Phelan: Irish cricketer
- Mark Phelan: American automotive journalist
- Stephen Phelan: English actor
- André Phelan: Canadian actor and musician