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Show ContentsFlynn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Flynn Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI
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Etymology of Flynn

What does the name Flynn mean?

Today's Irish surnames are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name Flynn originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Floinn, which is derived from the word "flann," which means "ruddy." 1

Early Origins of the Flynn family

The surname Flynn was first found in Tuitre (now Antrim,) where they were Lords of Tuitre. 2 However, the Flynn surname arose independently in several parts of Ireland. Perhaps the oldest line were a Sept of Ó Floin in Armagh, Ulster, where they were a senior branch of Clanna Rury of Ulidia, claiming descent from King Colla Uais, the famed 4th century Irish King, who in turn was descended from the Heremon royal line.

The family claim descent from "Flann ("flann:" Irish blood), meaning "the man with the red complexion:" his son; a quo O'Flainn, and the name of the mountain Sliabh-ui-Fhloinn. Feah O'Flynn; his son; the first of the family that assumed the sirname." 2

Early History of the Flynn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Flynn research. Another 150 words (11 lines of text) covering the year 1255 is included under the topic Early Flynn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Flynn Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Flynn family name include Flynn, O'Flynn, Flinn, Lynn, O'Lynn, O'Linn and many more.

Early Notables of the Flynn family

Prominent amongst the family at this time was

  • Fiacha O'Flynn, Archbishop of Tuam, who traveled to England as an emissary of the Irish Church in 1255...

Flynn World Ranking

In the United States, the name Flynn is the 520th most popular surname with an estimated 54,714 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Flynn is ranked the 707th most popular surname with an estimated 7,514 people with that name. 4 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Flynn is the 121st popular surname with an estimated 298 people with that name. 5 Australia ranks Flynn as 377th with 9,789 people. 6 New Zealand ranks Flynn as 598th with 1,202 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Flynn as 401st with 16,149 people. 8

Flynn migration to the United States +

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name Flynn:

Flynn Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Hugh Flynn, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816 9
  • John, Flynn Jr., who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816 9
  • Joseph Flynn, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816 9
  • Mary Flynn, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816 9
  • Patric Flynn, who landed in New York in 1833 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Flynn Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Martin Flynn, who arrived in Arkansas in 1902 9

Flynn migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Flynn Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Terence Flynn, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749
  • John Flynn, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Sgt. Walter Flynn U.E. who settled in Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 he served in the 74th Regiment 10
Flynn Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • John Flynn, who arrived in Canada in 1812
  • John Flynn, aged 18, who landed in Canada in 1812
  • Pall Flynn, who arrived in Canada in 1812
  • Patt Flynn, aged 16, who landed in Canada in 1812
  • William Flynn, aged 10, who arrived in Canada in 1823
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Flynn migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Flynn Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Mr. William Flynn, (b. 1763), aged 30, Irish convict who was convicted in Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Boddingtons" on 15th February 1793, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
Flynn Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Peter Flynn, (Finn), (b. 1808), aged 26, English soldier who was convicted in Salford, Manchester, England for 14 years for insubordination, transported aboard the "Bengal Merchant" on 27th September 1834, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1875 12
  • Mrs. Bridget Flynn, (b. 1798), aged 39, Irish servant who was convicted in Limerick, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Diamond" on 29th November 1837, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
  • Mr. Batholemew Flynn, (b. 1816), aged 22, Irish labourer who was convicted in Cork, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Elphinstone" on 29th December 1838, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
  • Mr. Michael Flynn, (Flinn), (b. 1798), aged 40, Irish labourer who was convicted in County Offlay (Kings County), Ireland for 7 years for perjury, transported aboard the "Elphinstone" on 29th December 1838, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
  • Mr. Thomas Flynn, English convict who was convicted in London, England for life, transported aboard the "Bengal Merchant" on 24th March 1838, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Flynn migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Flynn Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Roderick Flynn, British settler as part of the 8th Detachment of the Royal New Zealand Fencibles travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Oriental Queen" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 18th September 1849 16
  • Mrs. Susan Flynn, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Oriental Queen" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 18th September 1849 16
  • Mr. James Flynn, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Solent" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 30th July 1857 16
  • Miss Julia Flynn, (b. 1844), aged 18, British general servant travelling from London aboard the ship "Echunga" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 24th December 1862 17
  • Mr. Henry Flynn, (b. 1843), aged 20, Irish farm labourer, from Galway travelling from London aboard the ship "Metropolis" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 16th June 1863 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Flynn (post 1700) +

  • Michael Francis Flynn (1947-2023), American science fiction author
  • Daniel Archie "Dan" Flynn (1943-2022), American businessman and rancher from Van, Texas, Member of the Texas House of Representatives (2003-2021)
  • James P. Flynn (1934-2022), American teamster and film actor, reputed member of the famous Winter Hill Gang, he appeared in films including Good Will Hunting, The Cider House Rules and What's the Worst That Could Happen?
  • Thomas W. F. "Tom" Flynn (1955-2021), American author, journalist, novelist, executive director of the Council for Secular Humanism, and editor of its journal Free Inquiry
  • James Robert Flynn FRSNZ (1934-2020), American-born, New Zealand intelligence researcher
  • Mike Flynn (1968-2016), American online editor of the Big Government website at Breitbart News
  • Vincent "Vince" Flynn (1966-2013), American author of political thriller novels, best known for his Mitch Rapp series
  • William Smith Flynn (1885-1966), American politician, the 54th Governor of Rhode Island from 1923 to 1925
  • Edward Joseph Flynn (1891-1953), American politician, Secretary of State of New York 1929–1939
  • Michael Francis Flynn (b. 1947), American statistician and science fiction author
  • ... (Another 22 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Halifax Explosion
  • Mr. Thomas Kenny  Flynn (1837-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 18
  • Mrs. Ellen Kenny  Flynn (1847-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 18
HMS Hood
  • Mr. John T Flynn (b. 1921), English Stoker 2nd Class serving for the Royal Navy from Manchester, Lancashire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 19
Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie)
  • John Patrick Flynn (1967-1988), American Student from Montville, New Jersey, America, who flew aboard the Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, known as the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and died 20
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. John Flynn, American 3rd Class passenger from New York, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 21
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. James Flynn (d. 1912), aged 28, Irish Third Class passenger from Cuilkillew, Mayo who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 22
  • Mr. John Flynn (d. 1912), aged 42, Irish Third Class passenger from Clonbur, Galway who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 22
  • Mr. John Irwin Flynn, aged 36, American First Class passenger from Brooklyn, New York who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping in life boat 5 22
SS Atlantic
  • Bridget Flynn, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • Fletcher Flynn, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • Mr. George Flynn, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • Mrs. Hannah Flynn, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
SS Caribou
  • Mr. James D. Flynn, Newfoundland from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking
USS Indianapolis
  • James Madison Flynn Jr., American crew member on board the ship "USS Indianapolis" when she was on a top secret trip for the first nuclear weapon, she was sunk by Japanese Navy on 30th July 1945, he was one of the many who were killed in the sinking due to exposure, dehydration, saltwater poisoning and shark attacks 23
  • Joseph Ambrose Flynn, American crew member on board the ship "USS Indianapolis" when she was on a top secret trip for the first nuclear weapon, she was sunk by Japanese Navy on 30th July 1945, he was one of the many who were killed in the sinking due to exposure, dehydration, saltwater poisoning and shark attacks 23

Suggested Readings for the name Flynn +

  • The Flynn-Tolchard Families: An Ancestoral Genealogy Including Branches of the Hoskins, Hickok, and Foster Families by Herman Halladay Flynn.
  • Out of Grandfather's Trunk by Elizabeth Blakshear Flinn.
  1. MacLysaght, Edward, Supplement to Irish Families. Baltimore: Genealogical Book Company, 1964. Print.
  2. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)
  3. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  4. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  5. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  6. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  7. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  10. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  11. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/boddingtons
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 7th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bengal-merchant
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/Diamond
  14. Convict Records Australia. Retrieved on 18th March 2022 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elphinstone
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bengal-merchant
  16. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  17. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  18. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
  19. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  20. Pan Am Flight 103's victims: A list of those killed 25 years ago | syracuse.com. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/12/pan_am_flight_103s_victims_a_list_of_those_killed_25_years_ago.html
  21. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  22. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
  23. Final Crew List, retrieved 2021, October 30th Retrieved from https://www.ussindianapolis.com/final-crew

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