Fionnagán is a personal name that is likely composed of the elements:
* "fionn": meaning "fair" or "white"
* "gán": possibly related to a word meaning "little" or "young"
Therefore, the surname Finucane literally translates to "descendant of the fair young one".
Variations and Related Surnames:
* Finnegan is a common Anglicized spelling of the same name.
* Fionnagáin is the original Gaelic form, while other variations include Ó Fionnagáin, Mac Fionnagáin, and O'Finnegan.
Historical Significance:
The Finucane surname is associated with the County Cork region in Ireland. The name became prominent in Irish history through notable individuals like:
* Brian Finucane: A prominent barrister and politician, who was assassinated by loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland in 1989.
* The Finucane family: Known for their involvement in the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.
The Finucane surname is still common in Ireland and amongst people of Irish descent worldwide.