All about the name

Tierney

Female

« Tierney is a unique female given name of Irish origin derived from the ancient Gaelic surname O'Tiarnaigh meaning "descendant of Lord". »

#4239 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Tierney is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Gaelic surname O'Tiarnaigh, which means "descendant of Tierna," an old personal name that translates to "lord" or "chief." This surname was once quite common in Ireland, particularly in County Tyrone. The use of Tierney as a given name is relatively modern. It began to be used as a female name in the mid-20th century, perhaps inspired by the popularity of other Irish names like Moira and Siobhan. Today, it is still more commonly found among women than men. Tierney has gained some recognition in popular culture due to its use by a few notable figures. Tierney Sutton is an American jazz singer who has received several Grammy nominations, while Tierney Gearon is an Australian fashion photographer who became famous for his candid street photography. Despite its recent adoption as a given name, Tierney carries the rich history and tradition of Irish surnames. It is a strong, confident-sounding name that stands out without being too unusual or difficult to pronounce. For those interested in Irish culture or simply looking for an uncommon yet appealing name, Tierney may be a suitable choice.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Tierney since 1880

Total births
3,923
Total since 1880
Peak year
1993
172 births
in 2023
34
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-17%
vs previous 5 years