Surname Tierney - Meaning and Origin

Viking Warriors & Celtic Tribes: How a DNA Test Changed My Perception of My Tierney Ancestors

My recent DNA testing at iGENEA led to startling revelations about my ancestors named Tierney. These profound, unexpected insights have altered my self-understanding by revealing a direct lineage to the ancient Celtic tribes and a surprise connection to Viking heritage.

Z. Tierney

Tierney: What does the surname Tierney mean?

The last name Tierney is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "O'Tighearnaigh". The prefix "O" means "descendant of", and "Tighearnaigh" is derived from "tighearna", meaning "lord" or "master". Therefore, the name Tierney essentially means "descendant of the lord or master". This surname is common in Ireland, especially in the County Clare and County Mayo regions. The spelling of the surname can vary and includes different forms like Tierny, O'Tierney, MacTierney, McTierney, Tiereney, Tearney, etc. The Tierney family crest also reflects its Gaelic origins, displaying three lions as a symbol of the warrior strength associated with this name.

Tierney: Where does the name Tierney come from?

The last name Tierney is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "O'Tighearnaigh," where "O" signifies a male descendant and "Tighearnaigh" means "lord" or "master." Ultimately, 'Tierney' translates to 'descendant of a lord.' The name is abundant in Ireland, especially in the western region.

The name spread across different countries along with Irish diaspora. Today, it is common in not only Ireland but also in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. After many generations and significant emigration, the family name is now scattered and has many bearers worldwide. While its largest concentration remains in Ireland, a significant number of Tierneys can still be found in the United States, particularly in states like New York and Massachusetts. Regardless of its global dispersion, the Tierney name maintains its strong Irish roots and cultural significance.

Variations of the surname Tierney

The surname Tierney is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic "O'Tighearnaigh" which means "descendant of Tighearnach". This Gaelic word is translated as "lord" or "master". Over time, variations and different spellings of the surname have emerged.

Variations of Tierney include Tierany, Tierny, O'Tierney, and Tearney. Some surnames that may be of the same origin due to their linguistic and historical connections are Tiereney, Tieraney, Tiernan, and McKiernan. However, these connections are not always clear cut due to the complex history of surname evolution in Ireland.

The process of Anglicization during the 17th and 18th centuries also led to several different spellings of the name. As many Irish people immigrated to English-speaking countries, their surnames were often spelled phonetically, resulting in a wide variation in the spelling of many Irish surnames.

Also, in some areas the prefix "O'" may have been dropped or added over time, leading to further variants of the surname. Similarly, in parts of Ireland, the Mac or Mc prefix, meaning "son of", could also have been used interchangeably with the "O'" prefix, suggesting possible links to names like MacTierney or McTierney.

Famous people with the name Tierney

• Gene Tierney: One of the most successful American film actresses during the golden age of Hollywood. She is best known for her performance in the movie "Laura".
• Maura Tierney: A popular American film and TV actress known for her role as Abby Lockhart in the medical drama series "ER".
• Lawrence Tierney: An American actor known for his role as the title character in "Dillinger" and his recurring role in “Star Trek: The Next Generation”.
• Michael Tierney: An Australian actor famous for his work in television series such as "Strictly Dancing" and "Heartbreak High".
• Gerard Tierney: An Irish actor known for his performances in "My Left Foot", "The Field", and "In the Name of the Father".
• Brian Tierney: He is a prominent historian of the medieval church and a former professor of history at Cornell University.
• Kevin Tierney: A Canadian film producer and screenwriter, known for his work on the film "Bon Cop, Bad Cop".
• Louis Tierney: A former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Jacob Tierney: A Canadian actor and film director known for "The Trotsky" and "Good Neighbors".
• Patrick Tierney: An American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts from 1997 to 2015.

Other surnames

TiernanTiernieTierny