Whelan surname: meaning and origin
Whelan means descendant of Faolán, meaning little wolf. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Waterford and Kilkenny.
| Irish form | Ó Faoláin |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Faolán, meaning little wolf |
| Home region | Waterford and Kilkenny (Leinster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Phelan, Phalen, Wheelan |
History of the Whelan name
The Whelans or Phelans are a south-east family. Saint Faolán was a seventh-century Irish saint who gave the name its early prominence.
More surnames from Leinster
- BrennanÓ Braonáin · descendant of Braonán
- ByrneÓ Broin · descendant of Bran
- O'CarrollÓ Cearbhaill · descendant of Cearbhall
- CullenÓ Cuilinn · descendant of Cuilean
- DoyleÓ Dubhghaill · dark foreigner
- DunneÓ Duinn · descendant of Donn
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Whelan mean?
Whelan (Irish: Ó Faoláin) means descendant of Faolán, meaning little wolf.
What is the Irish spelling of Whelan?
The Irish-language form of Whelan is Ó Faoláin.
Where is the surname Whelan from?
Whelan is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Waterford and Kilkenny in Leinster.
What are other spellings of Whelan?
Related spellings and forms include Phelan, Phalen, Wheelan.