Whelan
“descendant of Faolán, 'little wolf'”
The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.
Is Whelan an Irish name?
Whelan is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Ó Faoláin.
What does the surname Whelan mean?
Whelan (Irish: Ó Faoláin) means “descendant of Faolán, 'little wolf'”. Origin: Gaelic sept.
Where in Ireland is the surname Whelan from?
The historic homeland of the Whelan name is Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.
What is the Irish for Whelan?
Ó Faoláin. Related spellings: Phelan, Whalen.
Looking for the Whelan family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting. Tracing Whelan ancestors? The step-by-step guide.
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