The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.
Quick answersIs Breen an Irish name?
Breen is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Ó Braoin.
What does the surname Breen mean?
Breen (Irish: Ó Braoin) means “descendant of Braon, 'sadness' or 'sorrow'”. Origin: Gaelic sept.
Where in Ireland is the surname Breen from?
The historic homeland of the Breen name is Westmeath, Roscommon, Kerry. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.
What is the Irish for Breen?
Ó Braoin. Related spellings: O'Breen, Bruen.
Looking for the Breen family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting.
Tracing Breen ancestors? The step-by-step guide.