Clan Commane Ó Comáin

Patronage of Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland through Clans of Ireland

A True Gaelic Name Rooted in Early Irish History

The surname Ó Comáin is one of the oldest Gaelic names in Ireland, with origins tracing back over 1,700 years. Derived from the Gaelic personal name Comán, meaning noble or communion, the name reflects a lineage associated with both leadership and spiritual significance in early Irish society.

Historical records show notable figures such as Suibne mac Comáin (658 AD) and Giolla Commáin (991 AD), demonstrating that the name was already established in medieval Ireland. The Ó'Comáin clan was historically linked to Tulach Commain and held territories in County Clare and County Galway, where they were known as influential Gaelic chiefs.

The Loss of Ancestral Lands in the Anglo-Norman Invasion

In the 13th century, the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland marked the downfall of many Gaelic clans, including Ó'Comáin. As the forces of Strongbow (Richard de Clare) expanded Norman rule across Ireland, native Irish chieftains faced displacement, with land confiscations, forced resettlements, and war breaking the traditional Gaelic order.

The Ó'Comáin clan lost their ancestral lands during this period, and many members were forced to migrate into Connacht and Munster, seeking refuge under remaining Gaelic strongholds. Some integrated with the Norman-Irish ruling class, adopting new spellings such as Comyn, while others retained the original Gaelic identity. Despite centuries of hardship, the Ó'Comáin name endured, preserving its status as a truly authentic Gaelic surname.

A Legacy That Endures

Unlike many surnames that emerged later due to Norman or English influence, Ó'Comáin is a pure Gaelic name with deep roots in early Irish history. It represents not only noble ancestry but also the resilience of the Gaelic people, who have safeguarded their identity through centuries of colonisation and anglicisation.

If you carry one of the Ó'Comáin surname variants, you are part of a distinguished lineage that has survived for over 1,700 years.

📧 Join the Clan

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse