Meaning, origin, history
Phelan is a surname of Irish origin that comes from the Gaelic name "Ó Faoláin". This name means "descendant of Faolán", which is derived from the Old Irish word "faol" meaning "wolf". The Phelans are considered to be one of the thirty-two great septs of Ireland, and their original territory was in County Cork. Over time, the name Phelan has also become used as a given name, particularly in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora around the world. However, it is still more commonly encountered as a surname.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Phelan since 1880
Total births
68
Total since 1880
Peak year
1999
9 births
in 2017
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
↘
vs previous 5 years