O'Fin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The Irish surname O'Fin originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Finn, from the word "fionn," which means "fair." 1

Early Origins of the O'Fin family

The surname O'Fin was first found in County Sligo (Irish: Sligeach), in the province of Connacht in Northwestern Ireland, where they held a family seat from ancient times. One of the first records of the name was Aed Ó Finn, an Irish musician who died 1269. His obituary listed him as a master of music and minstrelsy.

Saint and Bishop Finn Barr (d. 623), of Cork, was son of Amergin, of the tribe of Ui Briuin Hatha of Connaught, who were descended from Eochaidh Muidmheadhon, brother of Olioll Olum, king of Munster. 2

Cumine Ailbhe or Finn (657?-669?), was seventh Abbot of Hy, the son of Ernan, son of Fiachna, of the race of Conall Gulban. "The term 'ailbhe' is explained as albus, or fair, in the 'Annals of Ulster,' and more fully in an ancient poem quoted in Reeves's 'Adamnan,' where he is referred to as 'Cumine of fair hair.' " 2

Early History of the O'Fin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Fin research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1020 and 1369 are included under the topic Early O'Fin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Fin Spelling Variations

Before widespread literacy came to Ireland, a name was often recorded under several different variations during the life of its bearer. Accordingly, numerous spelling variations were revealed in the search for the origin of the name O'Fin family name. Variations found include Finn, O'Finn, Maginn, Fynn, O'Fynn and others.

Early Notables of the O'Fin family

Notable among the family name at this time was

Reverend John O'Finn, vicar of Granard in 1369

Migration of the O'Fin family

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name O'Fin: Teage Finn, who arrived at Bristol, RI in 1679; John and Philip Finn, who both came to Virginia in 1698; Hannah Finn, who is on record in Boston in 1744.

Citations +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print