Show ContentsFlainn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Today's Irish surnames are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name Flainn originally appeared in Gaelic as O Floinn, which is derived from the word "flann," which means "ruddy."

Early Origins of the Flainn family

The surname Flainn was first found in Tuitre (now Antrim,) where they were Lords of Tuitre. [1] However, the Flainn surname arose independently in several parts of Ireland. Perhaps the oldest line were a Sept of O Floin in Armagh, Ulster, where they were a senior branch of Clanna Rury of Ulidia, claiming descent from King Colla Uais, the famed 4th century Irish King, who in turn was descended from the Heremon royal line.

The family claim descent from "Flann ("flann:" Irish blood), meaning "the man with the red complexion:" his son; a quo O'Flainn, and the name of the mountain Sliabh-ui-Fhloinn. Feah O'Flynn; his son; the first of the family that assumed the sirname." [1]

Early History of the Flainn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Flainn research. Another 150 words (11 lines of text) covering the year 1255 is included under the topic Early Flainn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Flainn Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Flainn were encountered in the archives: Flynn, O'Flynn, Flinn, Lynn, O'Lynn, O'Linn and many more.

Early Notables of the Flainn family

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

Migration of the Flainn family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Flainn name: Barnard Flinn who settled in America in 1762; Andrew Flinn settled in New York State in 1803; the Flinns also settled in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, and in Canada in 1847. The Flynns also settled in the above states from 1772 to 1876..



  1. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)


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