How common is the Gaffney surname?

There are approximately 8,000 people with the surname Gaffney in the United States.

Are there Gaffney soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 341 soldiers with the Gaffney surname appear in Civil War records.

Gaffney

Q: What does the surname Gaffney mean?

The surname Gaffney means "Descendant of Gamhna, a personal name possibly meaning 'calf' or related to the Gaelic word for young animal.". It is of Irish origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Gamhna, a personal name possibly meaning 'calf' or related to the Gaelic word for young animal.

Etymology

Derived from the Irish Ó Gamhna, where 'Ó' indicates descent and 'Gamhna' is a personal name of uncertain but likely animal-related origin. The surname was anglicized from its Irish form during the medieval period.

About the Gaffney Surname

An Irish patronymic surname with roots in medieval Gaelic naming traditions. The name has maintained strong presence in Ireland and Irish diaspora communities.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 8,000 bearers in the United States #1,263 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily found in Ireland, particularly in County Tipperary and surrounding regions.

Gaffney Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Gaffney Surname

J.A. Gaffney

Quick Facts

Origin: Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 13th century Ireland
Estimated Bearers: 8,000

War Records

341 soldiers with the Gaffney surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →