Flynn

Flynn is an anglicized form of an old Irish clan name Ó Floinn (descendent of Flann) whereby Flann developed as a nickname, from the Gaelic meaning “reddish, ruddy” in reference to a person’s hair or complexion. The name was most famously borne by a late 9th century / early 10th century Irish king, Flann Sinna (Eng: Flynn of Shannon); a descended of the southern Uí Néill sept. Flann became King of Mide (central Ireland) and was later appointed as High King of Ireland (King of Tara) during a period of Irish history variously marked by both alliances and plundering/hostage taking among the various kingdoms, as well as the destructive presence of Viking raiders and colonizers. Flann’s father, Máel Sechnaill, had successfully defended his territory against the King of Osraige and later forced the kingdom Munster into submission, as well. He then turned his sights to the kingdoms of Ulaid to the north, Connacht to the east and Leinster to the south. As a result, Máel Sechnaill was referred to as “king of all Ireland” at his death. His son, Flann Sinna, became self-styled “king of all Ireland” shortly after his father’s death. Most of the opposition came from the southern Uí Néill’s kinsmen to the north; typically the High King of Tara title would alternate between the Uí Néills to the south and then to then to the north. Flann Sinna ended up succeeding his northern cousin rather than his own father, but not without some of that Irish bloodshed first. Flynn and O’Flynn remain popular surnames in Ireland today and only recently has Flynn come into usage as a masculine given name; in fact, Flynn is a very popular boy’s name among English speakers down under in the Southern Hemisphere, i.e., Australia and New Zealand.