Find out how popular the first name Whalen has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Whalen by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Whalen is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Whalen.

The history of the first name Whalen

The name Whalen is of Irish origin and derives from the Gaelic name "Ó Faoláin," which means "descendant of Faoláin." Faoláin itself is a compound name formed from the Old Irish elements "faol," meaning "wolf," and the diminutive suffix "-án." Therefore, the name Whalen essentially translates to "little wolf."

This name first emerged in the medieval period, with some of the earliest recorded instances dating back to the 12th century. It was particularly prevalent in the Irish provinces of Leinster and Munster, where various septs (branches) of the Ó Faoláin family held lands and positions of power.

One of the earliest known historical figures bearing this name was Cornelius Ó Faoláin, an Irish cleric and poet who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He is credited with composing several religious poems and hymns that were widely circulated during his lifetime.

In the 16th century, Domhnall Ó Faoláin was a notable member of the Ó Faoláin clan. He served as the hereditary Chief Brehon (judge) of Desmond, a prominent territory in the southwestern region of Ireland.

Another prominent figure was Ó Faoláin Dóighre, a 17th-century Irish harpist and composer who was renowned for his mastery of the traditional Irish harp. His compositions were widely performed and appreciated during the era of the Gaelic Renaissance.

Jumping ahead to the 20th century, the name gained wider recognition through the Irish writer and novelist Seán Ó Faoláin (1900-1991). He was a leading figure in the Irish literary scene and is best known for his short story collections and novels that explored the complexities of Irish society and culture.

Finally, the name has been carried on by contemporary figures such as the American actress and writer Megan Whalen Turner (born 1965), known for her acclaimed fantasy novels, including the Queen's Thief series.

While the original Gaelic spelling and pronunciation have been anglicized over time, the name Whalen continues to hold a strong connection to its Irish roots and the cultural heritage of the Ó Faoláin clan.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Whalen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Whalen, please contact us.

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