| Whelan, along with its common variant Phelan, comes from the Irish O’Faolain, from a diminutive of faol, ‘wolf’. Taken together, the two names come among the fifty most numerous in Ireland. The family originated in the ancient kingdom of Decies, part of the modern county of Waterford, where they were rulers up to the Norman invasion. From this centre the surname has now spread to the adjoining counties of Kilkenny, Cork, Wexford and further north, Carlow. It is also to be found throughout the country, however. The best known modern bearer of the name was Sean o Faolain, the novelist and short story writer, whose writing career spanned six decades. His family name was originally Whelan. His daughter Julia is also a distinguished novelist. | ||
From MacBain's Dictionary - Section 17 |
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Last updated on 12th January 1997 |
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