Flinn Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Flinn come from? What does the surname Flinn mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Flinn and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Flinn Origin: What does the last name Flinn mean?
The Flinn surname has a strong connection to Northern Ireland, specifically County Antrim, where the O'Flinn rulers were prominent within Gaelic Ireland's medieval over-kingdom of Ulaid. The name is believed to have originated from Fiachra Tort, a descendant of the Irish king Colla Uais, who claimed territory in the 4th century A.D. According to YourRoots data, the surname Flinn first appeared in records from Northern Ireland in the early 16th century, remaining closely associated with the region throughout the 16th to 18th centuries.
YourRoots data also shows that the Flinn surname has spread globally over the centuries, with significant records found in the United States by the 20th century. Today, the Flinn surname remains prominent in the United States and is also present in various countries, including Northern Ireland. This surname reflects a long history tied to the Ui Tuirtre chiefs and their lineage in County Antrim, showcasing a heritage that has transcended time and borders.
Flinn Last Name History: Where did the last name Flinn come from?
Origin of Flinn Surname: Where does the last name Flinn originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Flinn first appeared in records from Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Flinn spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Flinn: What does the Flinn surname history look like in the early days?
The Flinn surname remained closely associated with Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) from the 16th to 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Flinn family records in the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Flinn surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Flinn surname grew significantly in the United States. The Flinn surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Northern Ireland (United Kingdom).
Explore Flinn last name heritage and Flinn surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Flinn Surame?
Kelly Flinn
Kelly Flinn (December 23, 1970 - ) made history as the first female B-52 pilot in the United States Air Force. Her career was cut short in 1997 when she was discharged for an adulterous affair with a married man, disobeying orders, and lying under oath. The scandal received widespread media attention and sparked a national debate on military conduct. Despite the controversy, Flinn later became a commercial pilot and penned a book about her experiences. Her case shed light on gender dynamics and the challenges faced by women in the military.
Alex Flinn
Alexandra Flinn (born October 23, 1966) is an American writer known for her novels for young adults. She has had multiple books appear on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists and has been translated into over twenty languages. Flinn's modernized versions of classic fairy tales have garnered her a strong following among readers. Born in Long Island, New York, she draws inspiration from her own experiences, including struggles with making friends in her youth. Flinn's popular works include "Breathing Underwater," "Beastly," and "A Kiss in Time." With a background in law and vocal performance, she transitioned to full-time writing after the success of her third book.
William Flinn
William Flinn (May 26, 1851 – 1924) was a powerful political boss and construction magnate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Along with Christopher Magee, he controlled the Republican Party machine in the city during the late 19th century. Flinn started as a ward boss and rose to hold various political offices, including in the State House and State Senate. His construction firm, Booth & Flinn, won major contracts in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, building tunnels and bridges. Despite facing allegations of corruption, Flinn's influence waned in the late 1890s. He was a family man with seven children and continued his business ventures until his passing.
Kathleen Flinn
Kathleen Flinn (June 1, 1967 - ) is an American writer, journalist, and chef best known for her bestselling book, The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry. Born in Michigan, Flinn attended the famed Paris culinary school Le Cordon Bleu, chronicling her experience in her debut book. She has since published two more books, including a culinary memoir about growing up in Michigan. Flinn's work has been featured in numerous publications worldwide, and she has earned awards for her writing. Her popularity even extends to Japan, where her books have been translated and became bestsellers. A multi-talented individual, Flinn has made a significant impact in the literary and culinary world.
Denny Martin Flinn
Denny Martin Flinn (December 21, 1947 – August 24, 2007) was an American writer, choreographer, and actor known for his work on Broadway and in Hollywood. He co-wrote the screenplay for *Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country* and wrote several mystery novels. Flinn's diverse career also included choreographing for film and television. He authored books on screenwriting and acting, showcasing his expertise in the entertainment industry. Despite his untimely death from cancer, Flinn's contributions to the arts continue to be celebrated.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.