Ahern

Ahern is a surname of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of several Gaelic names and is most commonly found in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. The exact Gaelic roots are uncertain, but the name is generally linked to Gaelic personal names. Related surnames in use today include O'Hearn and Hearn, which reflect shared origins and spelling variants that arose through Anglicization.

The surname is borne by many families in Ireland and by communities abroad, especially in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, reflecting historical emigration from Ireland. Like many Irish surnames, Ahern has a presence in public life across generations and regions, with individuals pursuing careers in politics, journalism, business, and the arts.

Notable people with the surname include Dermot Ahern, an Irish politician who served as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the mid-2000s. The name is shared by other individuals across public life and professional fields in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.