Surname Dulany - Meaning and Origin

Dulany: What does the surname Dulany mean?

The surname Dulany is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Ó Dubhlánaigh, which means "descendant of Dubhlán." The personal name Dubhlán is a diminutive form of "dubh" which means "black" possibly referring to a person's complexion or hair color. Therefore Dulany could be translated as "little black one" or "little dark one." It's important to note, the meaning is based on historical interpretations and might not hold true in the present. Like many Irish surnames, Dulany may have different spellings including Delaney, Delany, Delane, and others. Over time, bearers of the last name have migrated and settled in many parts of the world, particularly in the United States, England, and Australia.

Dulany: Where does the name Dulany come from?

The last name Dulany is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O'Dubhsláine" (pronounced as O Doo-lawn-eh). This Gaelic name comprises two elements: "Dubh" which means black and "Slán" which means challenge, defiance, or rebellion. Therefore, the name implies a resistance to blackness or evil.

Over time, through emigration and anglicization, O'Dubhsláine evolved into various forms including Doolan, Dooley, Dowling, and Dulany. As Irish people began to settle in different parts of the world throughout history due to economic, political, or social reasons, these names spread and took root in different regions. Today, the specific variant Dulany is not incredibly common. You may come across it in countries with high Irish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or the UK. However, its distribution will likely be spread out rather than concentrated in specific areas. Please note that variations of the name, such as Doolan or Dooley, may be more common. It's always recommended to use a dedicated genealogical service for accurate and personalized information about surname distribution.

Variations of the surname Dulany

The surname Dulany, believed to be of Irish origin, has quite a few variants and alternate spellings. Some of these variations include Delany, Delaney, DeLany, DeLaney, Delanoy, De Laney, Dulaney, Doolan, and Dolan. Other less common spellings could even encompass Deighlainigh or Ó Dubhsláine, which are closer to the original Gaelic form.

Specifically, "Delaney" and "Dulaney" seem to be the most commonly used forms in English-speaking regions. All these surnames likely originated from the Gaelic 'Dubh' meaning 'black' and 'Slainne' meaning 'challenge' or 'defiance'.

These names might have eventually evolved into different forms due to regional influences, language evolution and migrations. Please note, while these names maintain similar characters, the use of each surname may also relate to unique familial histories and they may not necessarily signify the same lineage.

Famous people with the name Dulany

• Daniel Dulany the Elder (1685–1753): An American merchant and politician from Maryland.
• Daniel Dulany the Younger (1722–1797): An American lawyer and Loyalist politician from Maryland.
• Benjamin Dulany (1752-1816): He was an American army officer in Virginia and a member of the Dulany family of Virginia.
• Walter Dulany Addison (1769–1848): He was an American lawyer, Episcopal priest, and Maryland plantation owner.
• Helen Dulany: An American philanthropist known for her significant contributions to Loyola University Maryland.
• Robert Jenkins Onderdonk: An American artist and he is the great-grandchild of Walter Dulany Addison.
• John Addison (1713-1764): A Maryland political figure, also known as John Addison of Darnall's Warehouse, who married Rebecca Dulany in 1729.
• Lloyd Dulany: A wealthy young American who was famous in the early 20th century for his extravagant lifestyle and high-profile friendships.
• Dulany Foster, famous for her equestrian skills, carried her last name Dulany into her professional life.
• George Dulany: 20th-century baseball player who played as a pinch hitter in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for Washington Senators. Delany Matthews: Popular American actress and producer known for her roles in "Day of Our Lives" and "General Hospital".

Other surnames

DulanDulaney