Cooney is a common Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic Ó Cuana, meaning "descendant of Cuana". The personal name Cuana likely signifies "handsome, elegant". The Cooney sept originated in County Tyrone in the 12th century, later spreading westward into the province of Connaught, particularly the townland of Ballycooney in Loughrea barony, County Galway. Over time, the name also became established in County Clare, County Mayo, and Dublin.Etymology and HistoryThe surname Cooney is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Cuana, with the Ó prefix denoting "grandson" or "descendant". Cuana itself is a given name of uncertain origin but conventionally interpreted as "handsome" or "elegant". Variants of the surname include O'Conney, Coony, Coonahan, Coonihan, Coonie, Coonan, Coumey (Coomey), Coney, and Cooihan. Gaelic alternate spellings include Cuana, Coona, O Cuanaic, and O'Cuanaich. Some individuals bearing the surnames Coonifer, Coonihan, and Coumey (mainly from County Cork) have adopted Cooney as an equivalent form.Notable BearersAdam Cooney, Australian rules footballerAmerical Chedister (born Cooney), American actressAndrew Cooney, Irish RepublicanThe Cooney Sisters (Anne, Eileen, and Elizabeth/Lily), Irish Republicans and members of Cumann na mBanBarbara Cooney, children's book author and illustratorOrigin: IrishMeaning: Descendant of Cuana ("handsome, elegant")Type: SurnamePrimary region: County Tyrone; later County Galway, County Clare, County Mayo, Dublin