Surname Lennon - Meaning and Origin

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Discovering one's own heritage with iGENEA's DNA test can lead to a complex mix of emotions and self-realizations. Unfolding a colourful lineage, this experience helped redefine what it means to be a Lennon and unfolded the intricate threads binding one to a vast ancestral history.

N. Lennon

Lennon: What does the surname Lennon mean?

The last name Lennon is of Irish origin, and has several possible meanings. One meaning is that it is derived from the Irish surname O’Lonain, which means 'descendant of Lonan', an old Celtic personal name. Another interpretation is that it denotes those who came from the small town of Lennan in County Clare, Ireland.

The Lennon surname is sometimes associated with the ancient Gaelic tribe of the Dal gCais, which is said to have ruled the Irish kingdom of Thomond in the 10th century AD. This tribe was also known as the Clan of O'Brien which featured the famous Brian Boru as its most renowned chieftan.

More recently, the last name Lennon is most famously associated with the legendary musician and composer John Lennon, of The Beatles. He was an international pop icon known for his peaceful activism who advocated for love and peace between all people. In fact, the popular phrase, "all you need is love" is credited to him.

The Lennon surname is therefore often associated with creativity, peace, and love. It is a name that continues to resonate throughout popular culture today.

Lennon: Where does the name Lennon come from?

The last name Lennon is most commonly found in Ireland and the UK. Even though the English Beatle John Lennon is perhaps the most famous bearer of the name, he was actually of Irish descent; his ancestors originally hailed from County Donegal.

The majority of those bearing the surname Lennon today can be found in the historical home the Island of Ireland. The highest concentration is located in the two countries’ Northern territories, such as in County Londonderry, County Mayo, and Belfast in Northern Ireland, and in Galway, Dublin, and Cork in the Republic of Ireland.

In the United Kingdom, Lennon can be found in the cities of Birmingham and Liverpool; both being significant for the latter city being the birthplace of John Lennon. Outside of Ireland and England, notable Lennon family members can be found in the United States of America, Australia, and Canada, all of which received migrants from both countries in the 19th and 20th centuries due to economic troubles in Ireland.

Finally, the surname is also borne by minority populations in countries like India, owing to the former British Empire posting retired soldiers to its Indian territories during the late 19th century.

Variations of the surname Lennon

The surname Lennon is derived from the Irish name Ó Leannáin meaning "descendant of Leannán" or "little cloak". The given name Leannán is derived from the Irish word "leannán", meaning "lover" or "sweetheart". The surname Lennon has several variants and spellings, including O'Lonnane, O'Lonnin, O'Lonnon, O'Lonening, Lanin and Lannan.

In some cases, Lennon may be under the guise of alternative surnames due to anglicisation during the Great Famine of the mid-1800's. In these cases, Lennon may have been changed to Lemmon, Laman, Lemmonn or Lammon, all of which have similar spellings and meanings to the original name.

The surname Lennon is also found in Scotland, but often with alternate spellings or in connection with clan associations. In Scotland, the surname is found as MacLennan or Macklennan, both derived from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Gille Fhinneinn meaning "son of the fair servant". Another variant of the surname found in Scotland is Lennox, derived from the placename of Levenach, meaning 'the place of the marsh' in Scottish Gaelic.

Overall, the surname Lennon has numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, many of which have different meanings and associations. For example, the name can refer to the 'lover' aspect of the poem belonging to the ancient Irish kings, or the 'fair servant' of Scottish clans.

Famous people with the name Lennon

• John Lennon: The iconic former lead singer of The Beatles, John Lennon is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists of all time. A celebrated songwriter and composer, his influence endures today and his music has been covered in different genres by everyone from U2 to Lady Gaga.
• Julian Lennon: The son of John Lennon, Julian followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career in music. He gained attention in the 1980's with the album Valotte and has released several subsequent albums over the years, including 2017's Everything Changes.
• Sean Lennon: The son of both John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Sean is a multi-instrumentalist and sonwriter. He released his first album Into the Sun in 1998, and has since collaborated with artists such as Cibo Matto and The Flaming Lips while releasing solo material, most recently the 2018 EP I Bet You Will.
• Cynthia Lennon: The first wife of John Lennon, Cynthia Lennon also has musical endeavors of her own. She released her memoir John with the same year of release as her husband's posthumous album Milk and Honey.
• Jack Lennon: A drummer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Jack is the cousin of both John and Julian Lennon. In the early 60s he was the drummer for Bill Harry's Fool on the Hill. He has since collaborated with Julian Lennon, working as keyboardist on his albums Valotte and The Secret Value of Daydreaming.
• Charlotte Lennon: Although primarily known as an activist, Charlotte is also an actress and singer. The daughter of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, she is active in the organization Architects and Planners for Justice in Palestine and is recognised for her coverage of Occupy Wall Street in 2011.
• David Lennon: A comedian and actor, David is the nephew of John Lennon. He is described as a 'manic comedian' and is an improviser at The Groundlings theatre in Los Angeles. Further afield, he has acted in productions such as American Dreams and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
• Julia Baird: The half-sister of John Lennon, Julia is a respected author and journalist. Her books include the critically acclaimed John Lennon: The Life, and the upcoming Imagine This: Growing Up With My Brother John Lennon. She also contributes to major publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Atlantic.

Other surnames

Lennox