What does the surname Byrne mean?

The surname Byrne means "Descendant of Brion, meaning noble or high-born.". It is of Irish origin.

How common is the Byrne surname?

There are approximately 160,000 people with the surname Byrne in the United States.

Are there Byrne soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 629 soldiers with the Byrne surname appear in Civil War records.

Byrne

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Brion, meaning noble or high-born.

Etymology

Derived from the Irish Ó Broin, from the personal name Brion. The surname is particularly associated with County Wicklow in Leinster.

About the Byrne Surname

Byrne is one of Ireland's most common surnames, with roots in the Wicklow Mountains. The O'Byrne clan maintained independence longer than most Irish families, resisting English conquest into the 17th century.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 160,000 bearers in the United States #280 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily found in County Wicklow and surrounding areas in Leinster, Ireland.

Byrne Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

Betty Byrne

C.U. Byrne

Janet Byrne

Joe Byrne

Speaker

John Byrne

Special Assistant to Attorney General

P.J. Byrne

Quick Facts

Origin: Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Estimated Bearers: 160,000

War Records

629 soldiers with the Byrne surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →