Show ContentsCloonan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Cloonan is the anglicized version of the Irish name Ó Cluanain, which is from the Irish "cluana" meaning either "deceitful" or "flattering" or "rogue." 1 This surname was also derived from Mc Cluin, which comes from the Irirsh Gaelic "glun," meaning "knee."

Early Origins of the Cloonan family

The surname Cloonan was first found in County Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island.

Early History of the Cloonan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cloonan research. Another 41 words (3 lines of text) covering the year 1890 is included under the topic Early Cloonan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cloonan Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Cloonan, Clunan, O'Cloonan, O'Clunan, Ó Cluanain, Cloun and many more.

Early Notables of the Cloonan family

More information is included under the topic Early Cloonan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Cloonan migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Cloonan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Martin Cloonan, who was naturalized in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
  • John Cloonan, who was naturalized in Philadelphia in 1868

Australia Cloonan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Cloonan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • James Cloonan, aged 39, a farmer, who arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship "Nugget" 2
  • Bridget Cloonan, aged 19, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship "Nugget" 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Cloonan (post 1700) +

  • William J Cloonan, American author
  • Becky Cloonan (b. 1980), American comic book creator
  • Jarlath Cloonan (b. 1953), Irish sports executive, former County Galway Senior Hurling Manager (1994-1996)
  • Eugene Cloonan (b. 1978), Irish retired hurler who played as a full-forward for Galway (1978-2008)
  • Martin Cloonan, British author and musicologist


  1. MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
  2. South Australian Register Tuesday 4th July 1854. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) Nugget 1854. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/nugget1854.shtml


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