Phelan is an Irish surname, one of the two most common anglicisations (the other being Whelan) of the Irish surname Ó Faoláin (which comes from the Irish for "wolf").[1] The name is commonly seen in the south-east of Ireland, particularly counties Waterford and Kilkenny. Other anglicised forms include Felan and Faelan.[2]
One anglicized pronunciation is /ˈfiːlən/, but in some parts of Kilkenny there is also use of /ˈfeɪlən/ (as faolán, the Irish original form, is pronounced [ˈfˠeːlˠaːnˠ]) or even /ˈhweɪlən/ (because the name has the same origin as Whelan).
- ^ "Irish Identity".
- ^ "Whelan coat of arms and family history Phelan coat of arms and family history". www.araltas.com. Retrieved 22 January 2016.