Sweeney surname: meaning and origin
Sweeney means son of Suibhne, a name meaning pleasant or well-going. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Donegal.
| Irish form | Mac Suibhne |
|---|---|
| Meaning | son of Suibhne, a name meaning pleasant or well-going |
| Home region | Donegal (Ulster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | MacSweeney, Sweeny |
History of the Sweeney name
The Mac Suibhne were gallowglass, Gaelic-Scottish mercenaries, who settled in Donegal and Cork. The name is the same as that of the legendary Suibhne Geilt, Mad Sweeney.
More surnames from Ulster
- BoyleÓ Baoighill · descendant of Baoighill
- BradyMac Brádaigh · son of Brádach
- McBrideMac Giolla Bhríde · son of the devotee of Saint Brigid
- ClarkeÓ Cléirigh · descendant of the cleric
- O'DohertyÓ Dochartaigh · descendant of Dochartach
- O'DonnellÓ Dónaill · descendant of Dónall
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Sweeney mean?
Sweeney (Irish: Mac Suibhne) means son of Suibhne, a name meaning pleasant or well-going.
What is the Irish spelling of Sweeney?
The Irish-language form of Sweeney is Mac Suibhne.
Where is the surname Sweeney from?
Sweeney is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Donegal in Ulster.
What are other spellings of Sweeney?
Related spellings and forms include MacSweeney, Sweeny.