Flannagán

Flannagán is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It derives from the personal name Flannacán, which itself is a diminutive of the Old Irish word "flann," meaning "red" or "ruddy." The suffix "-án" denotes a small or young one, so Flannagán literally translates to "little red one" or "young red one." This personal name was borne by several notable figures in early Irish history, contributing to the surname's prevalence.

The surname is particularly common in the western part of Ireland, especially in the provinces of Connacht and Munster. Historically, families bearing the name Flannagán were often associated with leadership roles or specific territories. Like many Irish surnames, it has been anglicized over time, leading to variations such as Flanagan, Flannagan, and others. The distribution of the surname outside of Ireland is largely due to emigration, particularly to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, driven by historical events such as the Great Famine. The Flannagán name continues to be a recognized and widespread surname in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora worldwide.