Summary

The surname Sweeney is of Irish origin and has a rich history. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Suibhne, meaning 'son of Suibhne'. The Sweeney clan was prominent in County Donegal in Ireland. They were known for their bravery and skill in battle. Throughout history, many Sweeney descendants have migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
There are
52410
Sweeneys in the USA
Sweeney is the
651st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Sweeney

JohnSweeney

John Sweeney is a British trade union leader who served as the General Secretary of the UK Labour Party from 1994 to 2003.

MaggieSweeney

Maggie Sweeney is an American dancer known for her work in Broadway productions, including 'West Side Story' and 'Chicago'.

PeterSweeney

Peter Sweeney is an Irish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for teams like Millwall and Stoke City.

DominicSweeney

Dominic Sweeney is a Scottish former professional rugby player who represented Scotland at the international level.

NoraSweeney

Nora Sweeney is an American lawyer and author who specializes in immigration law and has written books on the topic of immigration.

JimmySweeney

Jimmy Sweeney is an Irish former professional boxer who was a two-time ABA heavyweight champion and had a successful career in the 1970s.

SarahSweeney

Sarah Sweeney is an American artist known for her mixed media works that explore themes of identity and cultural heritage.

SeanSweeney

Sean Sweeney is an American environmental activist and professor who has been involved in advocating for renewable energy and sustainable development.

TomSweeney

Tom Sweeney is an American football coach who has worked with various college football teams, including the University of Miami and the University of Delaware.

KatieSweeney

Katie Sweeney is an Irish journalist and television presenter who has worked for RTÉ, covering news and current affairs.

Sweeney Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Sweeney' is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Suibhne meaning 'descendant of Suibhne'. Suibhne was a Gaelic personal name, possibly derived from the word 'súthain' meaning 'peaceful'. The surname is commonly found in Ireland, particularly in County Donegal.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Sweeney' is most commonly found in Ireland, with a significant presence in County Donegal, where it originated. There are also smaller populations of Sweeneys in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Sweeney' include 'McSweeney', 'MacSweeney', 'Swinney', 'Sweeny', 'Sweaney', 'Swayne', 'Sweny', 'Swaney', 'Swanay', and 'Swaine'. These variations reflect regional and dialectal differences in the Gaelic language.
Migration and ImmigrationMany Sweeneys emigrated from Ireland during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century, seeking better opportunities in countries like the United States and Canada. Today, there are significant Irish diaspora populations of Sweeneys in these countries.