Finnen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
England

Etymology of Finnen

What does the name Finnen mean?

The roots of the Finnen surname in Ireland are somewhat unclear; it seems that the name was both native Irish Gaelic, and Norman. The Gaelic name "ó Fionnáin" seems to be derived from Gaelic word "fionn, "which means "fair." This Gaelic name has been Anglicized as Finan and Fanning, both of which are also Norman names that came to Ireland in the 12th century.

Early Origins of the Finnen family

The surname Finnen was first found in County Mayo (Irish: Maigh Eo) located on the West coast of the Republic of Ireland in the province of Connacht, where they were of the Hy Fiachrach Sept. One notable bearer of the personal name who lived several centuries prior to the introduction of hereditary surnames was St. Finan (Finan of Lindisfarne) who died in 661 AD, and achieved repute for his missionary work in England. He was Bishop of Lindisfarne (651-661) and he converted the kings Sigebert of Essex and Peada of the Middle Angles to Christianity. 1

Early History of the Finnen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Finnen research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1659, 1847 and 1901 are included under the topic Early Finnen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Finnen Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Finan, O'Finan, Ofinan, Finane and others.

Early Notables of the Finnen family

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

Finnen migration to the United States +

Finnen Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Miss Bridget Finnen, aged 19, Irish settler who arrived in New York in 1846 aboard the ship "Stephen Whitney"
Mr. Thomas Finnen, aged 27, Irish labourer who arrived in New York in 1846 aboard the ship "Stephen Whitney"

Sources +

Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print