Tierney

Tierney is a surname of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Tighearnaigh, meaning "descendant of Tighearna," with Tighearna (or Tighearnaigh) derived from tiarna, meaning "lord" or "chieftain." The name historically appears in the west of Ireland, particularly in Connacht, with early bearers in counties Galway, Roscommon, and Mayo. Over the centuries, bearers of the name emigrated to North America, Britain, and other regions, spreading the surname to various communities.

Variants of the name appear in records as Tierney, Tiernay, Tierny, and occasionally Tyrny or Tyrnay, reflecting Anglicization and regional spelling differences. The name is primarily used as a surname, though in rare cases it may appear as a given name.

In modern times, Tierney remains a relatively common Irish surname in the diaspora, with notable communities in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Genealogical research often traces Tierney lines back to Gaelic clan groups historically associated with the Connacht region. The name continues to be found among people of Irish descent worldwide, reflecting historical migrations and the enduring legacy of Gaelic naming practices.