Irish Surname - Gaffney
Origin of the Irish surname Gaffney
The Irish surname Gaffney is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name "Ó Gamhna," which means "descendant of Gamhain." The name Gamhain is derived from "gamh," meaning "calf." The Gaffney surname has its origins primarily in County Cavan, where the family held significant lands and influence during medieval times. Gaffney families can also be found in Counties Longford, Leitrim, and Roscommon.
Interesting People with the Surname Gaffney
- Michael Gaffney was an Irish immigrant to the United States who founded the city of Gaffney, South Carolina, in the 19th century. He was born in 1775 in County Roscommon, Ireland, and arrived in America around 1800. He was a successful businessman and played an essential role in the development of the city that now bears his name.
- Michelle Gaffney is an Irish writer best known for her crime fiction novels set in Dublin. Her work has gained popularity in Ireland and abroad, and she has received praise for her compelling storytelling and well-developed characters.
- Aoife Gaffney is an Irish actress known for her work in theatre, film, and television.
- Kevin Gaffney is an Irish artist and filmmaker known for his work in visual arts, photography, and film. His projects often explore themes of identity, sexuality, and social issues, and his work has been exhibited internationally.
- Eva-Jane Gaffney is an Irish actress known for her work in film, television, and theatre. She has appeared in a variety of productions, including the popular Irish TV series "Red Rock," where she played the character of Claire Hennessy. Eva-Jane has also been involved in a number of stage productions and continues to make her mark in the Irish entertainment industry with her strong performances and dedication to her craft.
Variations of the Irish Surname Gaffney
- Gaffney - The most common variation of the surname.
- Gafney - A phonetic variation of Gaffney, sometimes found in historical records.
- Ó Gamhna - The original Gaelic version of the name.
Coat of Arms and Motto of the Irish Surname Gaffney
The Gaffney coat of arms features a silver shield with a red chevron between three red calves. The crest displays a red calf passant. There is no specific motto associated with the Gaffney surname, but it is possible that individual branches of the family may have developed their own unique motto over time. It is essential to note that a coat of arms is granted to a specific individual and not to a family as a whole; therefore, the right to use a coat of arms is passed down through the male line of a family.
Please Note
There is often limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for an Irish surname. Sometimes there are many variations, sometimes none, we have compiled a representative, but by no means exhaustive, selection. Please visit our Coat of Arms and Motto page for more information.
DNA And Your Irish Roots
- DNA and your Irish Heritage
- DNA, Discovery and Functions
- Types of DNA tests
- DNA testing companies
- Y-chromosome and Father's Ancestral Line
- Mitochondrial DNA and Mother's Ancestral Line
- DNA and Ethnicity
Interesting Irish Connections
