Surname Lowney - Meaning and Origin

Lowney: What does the surname Lowney mean?

The surname Lowney has Irish origin and it primarily comes from County Cork in Southern Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name "O Luanaigh," which means 'descendant of Luanaigh'. The term "Luanaigh" itself is thought to be a personal byname meaning 'strong warrior'. Therefore, the surname Lowney is believed to carry the connotation of being a descendant of a strong warrior. As with many Irish surnames, the colloquial English spelling has significantly deviated from the Gaelic spelling through various historical clerical records. The surname Lowney, has several variations including O'Lowney, Loney, Looney, and others. Like many surnames, it would have been used to denote families and distinguish individuals who shared the same first name in the ancient clan systems. Today, the surname Lowney can be found around the world as a result of Irish diaspora, although it’s most common in Ireland.

Lowney: Where does the name Lowney come from?

The surname Lowney is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name O Luanaigh, which translates to 'descendant of Luanach'. This name suggests that the family was once renowned for their warrior or champion-like qualities, as 'Luanach' signifies a warrior or a champion. The name is prevalent in County Cork in Southern Ireland, notably in the parish of Kilshannig on the borders of Cork and Kerry.

Lowney families originally held a family seat in County Cork as part of the ancient Kings of Ireland, prior to the Anglo-Norman invasion during the 12th century. Many migrated to different parts of the world during the Great Potato Famine of the mid-19th century.

Today, the Lowney surname is spread across the globe, with significant concentrations in Ireland, the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand. Despite its spread, it remains strongly tied to Irish identity and heritage. It is most common in the United States and Ireland.

Variations of the surname Lowney

The surname Lowney has origins in Ireland and is primarily associated with the southwestern region of the country. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic surname O Luanaigh or O'Lúnaigh, meaning "descendant of Luanach".

Since Irish names were often anglicized when families emigrated to English-speaking countries, there are several alternate spellings and similar surnames that derive from the same origin. These variations include: Lowny, Loney, Lunny, O'Lowney, O'Luanaigh, Laney, and Looney. The spelling Looney is likely most common in English-speaking regions.

The surnames Lunney, Lunnie, and Lunny originate from the Irish surnames O'Luinne, O'Luinigh, or O'Loinigh, but they may also have been confused or interchanged with Lowney in some cases due to their phonetic similarities.

It's essential to note that while these names may be related based on their Irish origins or phonetic similarities, each surname could have unique variations and migration patterns based on individual family histories. It is always recommended to conduct in-depth genealogical research to confirm family connections and surname origins.

Famous people with the name Lowney

• Michael Lowney: a software engineer and entrepreneur who founded the software company Genuitec.
• Harry F. Lowney: an American composer.
• Chris Lowney: a bestselling author and speaker on business, leadership, and values-driven business strategies.
• T. J. Lowney: an award-winning documentary director and producer.
• Gertrude Lowney: a 20th century stunt performer who worked in Hollywood for more than 30 years.
• Paul Lowney: a former Major League Baseball player who played as a catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Victoria Lowney: an American writer and poet.
• Chris Lowney: a former Jesuit and author of the best-selling book "Heroic Leadership".
• Joe Lowney: a professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers.
• Tom Lowney: an American actor, comedian, and musician.

Other surnames

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