meany

Meany is a surname that appears in English-speaking countries. It is most commonly found in the United States and Ireland, and is sometimes considered a variant spelling of Meaney, an Irish-origin name. As a family name, Meany has been borne by individuals in a variety of professional fields.

One of the most prominent bearers of the name was George Meany, an American labor leader who led major national unions and, after the 1955 merger of the AFL and CIO, headed the AFL-CIO. Through his leadership, the federation became a central voice in U.S. labor politics during the mid-20th century.

Beyond George Meany, people with the surname have been active in education, government, and business, though none have achieved the same level of national recognition. In contemporary usage, Meany appears in historical records, genealogical references, and media as a surname rather than a standalone term.

See also Meaney, a related surname with similar origins.