Byrne Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Byrne surname: its meaning, its roots in Ireland, and its heraldry.
Origin of the Byrne name
Byrne, also spelled O'Byrne and Burns, comes from the Gaelic Ó Broin, "descendant of Bran", meaning "raven". The O'Byrnes were kings in north Leinster until the Anglo-Normans pushed them into the Wicklow mountains, where they resisted English rule for centuries. Byrne remains among the most common surnames in Ireland, especially in Dublin and Wicklow.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Byrne name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Byrne name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, England and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Byrne family history
The researched Byrne pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Byrne coat of arms.
Byrne name FAQ
What does the Byrne name mean?
Descendant of Bran, "raven". Common variants include O'Byrne, Byrnes, Burns.
Where does the Byrne surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.
Is there a Byrne coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Byrne crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Byrne coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).