Cooney

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 History

The 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 Bearers

• Adam Cooney, Australian rules footballer
• Americal Chedister (born Cooney), American actress
• Andrew Cooney, Irish Republican
• The Cooney Sisters (Anne, Eileen, and Elizabeth/Lily), Irish Republicans and members of Cumann na mBan
• Barbara Cooney, children's book author and illustrator

• Origin: Irish
• Meaning: Descendant of Cuana ("handsome, elegant")
• Type: Surname
• Primary region: County Tyrone; later County Galway, County Clare, County Mayo, Dublin