Flanagan (surname)


Flanagan is a common surname with origins in either Ireland or Scotland. It is an Anglicized version of the name Ó Flannagáin. There were at least 3 separate clans in Ireland with no connection. In Irish the name is Ó Flannagáin and many variations exist today. Typically these variations include Flanagan, Flanagin Flanigan, Flannigan, Flannaghan, O'Flanagan, O'Flannagain, Flaniken, Flenigenand and more. All variations, apart from some exceptions can have the prefix of "O" and the name may refer to:

History

The Gaelic name was derived from the word "flann," which means red or ruddy. The chief septs were found in the counties of Roscommon, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Offaly. In Connacht, they were a part of the royal O'Connors and were located near Elphin, in County Roscommon. They were hereditary stewards to the Kings of Connacht. In Scotland, they hail from the counties of Fife, Ayrshire, Perthshire and Berwickshire.
The clan's motto is commonly reported to be the Latin phrase Certavi et Vici, meaning "I have fought and conquered"; this motto is also shared by the Byrne clan.
There is another motto in Latin that is attributed to the Ó Flannagáin Clan, Sept of Kelly, being Fortuna audaces iuvat or 'Fortune Favours the Bold'.

People