Surname Farrell - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
iGENEA DNA Test: A Rainbowed Tapestry Within the Surname 'Farrell'
The results from my iGENEA DNA test struck a chord, causing a significant shift in my perspective about my family surname 'Farrell'. These findings connected me with a vast and diverse lineage, shattering previous perceptions and opening a new realm of discovery, inciting a newfound respect for my ancestry and their journey.
X. Farrell
read moreFarrell: What does the surname Farrell mean?
The last name Farrell is of Irish origin. It comes from the Gaelic term "Fearghal" which is a combination of two words: "fear" meaning "man" and "gal" meaning "valor". This means the name Farrell means "man of valor" or "heroic man". It was commonly given as a first name but eventually turned into a surname. It may also hold a geographical indication, referring to a clan or family originally from a place called Farrell in Longford, Ireland. The name is widely spread in Ireland, associated with distinguished families and territories. Despite its strong Irish background, the surname Farrell is commonly found among communities outside of Ireland due to Irish diaspora. Notable people with this surname include actor Colin Farrell and musician Perry Farrell. The meaning reflects bravery or courage, typically associated with the qualities of a warrior or hero, following the ancient storytelling and naming tradition in Gaelic culture.
Order DNA origin analysisFarrell: Where does the name Farrell come from?
The surname Farrell is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic term "fearghal," meaning "valiant" or "courageous." It was initially a given name in Ireland before coming into use as a surname. The Farrell clan was a powerful one renowned for their bravery and fierce resistance during the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. They were primarily based in County Longford.
Today, the Farrell name is prominent both in Ireland and in countries with significant populations of Irish descendants. It is found frequently in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In particular, the surname is prevalent in the regions of Leinster and Ulster in Ireland, with concentrations in counties Longford and Kilkenny. Despite its dispersal, the highest concentration of Farrells remains in Ireland. It is now a common surname which has been adopted by many non-Irish families as well. Additionally, many famous personalities like actor Colin Farrell carry the name, giving it a global recognition.
Variations of the surname Farrell
The surname Farrell is of Irish origin and originated from the Irish name Ó Fearghail, meaning "descendant of Fearghal," a personal name composed of the elements 'fear', meaning 'man', and 'gal', meaning 'valor'.
There are several known variations and spellings of this surname. These alternate spellings include: Farel, Farrel, Ferrell, O'Farrell, Furell, and Phairrill. These variations often arise due to different phonetic translations when the name was anglicized.
It's also important to note that in some cases, people with the surname O'Farrell have dropped the 'O' from their names due to Anglification processes or immigration in different periods of time, thus creating the Farrell surname. On the flip side, some families have chosen to return to their original Irish roots by reintroducing the 'O' in being O'Farrell.
Farrell and its variations can be found predominantly in Ireland, the United States, Britain, Australia, and Canada, resulting from centuries of Irish immigration. While these surnames have evolved over time due to regional accents and literacy levels, they all relate back to the original Irish name, Ó Fearghail.
Famous people with the name Farrell
- Colin Farrell: An Irish actor known for his roles in films like "In Bruges," "Phone Booth," and "Minority Report."
- Will Farrell: An American comedian, actor, producer, and writer who is best known as a cast member of Saturday Night Live and from his leading roles in films like "Anchorman," "Elf," and "Talladega Nights."
- Perry Farrell: An American singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the frontman for the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction.
- Mike Farrell: An American actor, known for his role as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt on the television series "M*A*S*H."
- Terry Farrell: An American actress and fashion model, best known for roles in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Becker."
- Eileen Farrell: An American soprano who had a nearly 60-year-long career performing in concerts, operas, and on radio and television.
- Gail Farrell: An American singer and songwriter, best known for her time as a member of the musical television variety series "The Lawrence Welk Show."
- Nicole Farrell: An actress known for her work on "Hometown Legend" and "CSI: NY."
- Suzanne Farrell: One of the most influential American ballet dancers and founder of the Suzanne Farrell Ballet company at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.