Surname Doheney - Meaning and Origin

Doheney: What does the surname Doheney mean?

The last name Doheney is of Irish origin and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Dubháin, which means "descendant of Dubhán". The personal name Dubhán is derived from the Gaelic term "dubh" meaning black or dark, often used to denote a darker-haired or dark-complexioned person, combined with a diminutive suffix. The name therefore carries the implication of "little dark one". There are several different spelling variations of this surname including Doohan, Dooan, Dowen, and Doheny, among others. It is prevalent in the Munster region of southwestern Ireland, particularly in County Kerry and County Limerick. Although the meaning of Doheney and its variants can be associated with physical characteristics, it is important to remember individual family histories and migrations can greatly impact the interpretation and use of a surname.

Doheney: Where does the name Doheney come from?

The last name Doheney is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Dubháin". It was first found in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. The name translates to "descendant of Dubhán", with "Dubhán" being a diminutive form of "dubh", meaning "black" or “dark”. Thus, its literal meaning could be interpreted as "little black/dark one".

There are several spelling variations for this surname. For many English-speaking centuries, the exact spelling, pronunciation, and meaning of Irish names were often lost or distorted, due to a lack of standardization in early records. Hence, Doheney is often seen as Doheny, Doughan, Dougan, Dowan, Dowen, etc.

Today, the surname Doheney is still predominantly found among the Irish diaspora. It has spread with Irish emigration and is common in countries with substantial Irish immigrant communities, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Despite its dispersal, the largest concentration of individuals with the Doheney surname is, unsurprisingly, still in Ireland, particularly in the Munster region.

Please note that the popularity and distribution of certain surnames can vary and change over time due to various socio-cultural and migratory factors.

Variations of the surname Doheney

The surname Doheney originates from Ireland and is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Dubháin, which means "descendant of Dubhán". Dubhán loosely translates to “little dark one”.

Variations and spelling alternatives of this surname include: Doheny, Dohoney, Dohony, Dougheny, Doughney, Douhany, Duheny, Duheney, Dohenie, Dohenie, Duhany, Duheny, and Duhony. It may also appear as O'Doheny or O'Dohoney, as the 'Ó' prefix in Irish names is often translated as 'O' in English and represents "descendant of".

Furthermore, the Anglicization of Irish names during the 17th and 18th centuries due to British rule has led to multiple spelling variations on records; hence, the original Gaelic spelling may not be the most through lineage records. For example, alternate phonetic translations might also appear as Doheny, Dooney, Downey, Dunny, and Dunney to name a few.

These variants represent the same original continental Celtic surname and share the same roots in Irish history, reflecting the linguistic and cultural changes over time.

Famous people with the name Doheney

• Edward Laurence Doheny: A highly influential figure in the American oil industry, Doheny was responsible for establishing large-scale petroleum production in California and Mexico.
• Ned Doheny: Ned Doheny is the stage name of an American singer-songwriter associated with the folk rock and soft rock genres. He has significant popularity within the L.A. rock scene and has collaborated with many notable musicians.
• Edward Laurence Doheny Jr.: Son of Edward Laurence Doheny, was an American socialite and a prominent heir to his family's oil business. He was also involved in a famously publicized murder case.
• Lucy Doheny Battson: The daughter of Edward L. Doheny, Lucy was also an American socialite and philanthropist, mostly remembered for her exceptional art collection.
• Estelle Doheny: The wife of Ned Doheny Sr., Estelle was an influential philanthropist in Los Angeles, known particularly for her book collection.
• Patrick Doheny: An Irish cricketer who played in the 1990s and has represented his country in various international competitions.
• Samantha Doheny: An American actress known for her roles in "The Price of Everything" and "How to Get the Man's Foot Outta Your Ass."

Other surnames

Doheny