Heffernan
An Irish surname, likely from an older Gaelic family name connected with a personal byname meaning “little cold one” or a similar descriptive form.
The #5,043 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 44,354 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Heffernan is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is usually explained as coming from an older Irish form related to a personal name or byname, commonly linked in the scholarship to a meaning along the lines of “cold” or “cool.” The modern form reflects anglicization of that Gaelic name, with spellings shifting over time as English clerks tried to represent Irish pronunciation.
History
The name is found especially in Irish records and later became established in English-speaking countries through emigration. Historical spellings vary quite a bit, which is normal for Irish names rendered into English before spelling was standardized. In modern usage it is most strongly associated with Ireland and the Irish diaspora.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The surname has several old spellings, and 19th-century sources often grouped Heffernan with other Irish names that begin with Heff- or Hearn-, reflecting how fluid Irish surname spelling could be before standardization.
From the historical record
“Hartnane, Hertnan, Hertnon; Heffernan. 0 heicci5ei|\n, Ahearn, Aherin, Aherne, Ahem, Hearne, Hearn, etc.”
— Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish names and surnames