Delaney (surname)

The surname Delaney is of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Dubhlainn, meaning "descendant of Dubhlan." The personal name Dubhlan is composed of the elements dubh meaning "black" or "dark" and lán meaning "full." Thus, Dubhlan can be interpreted as "full of blackness" or "darkly complete."

The Delaney family originated in County Laois (Queen's County) in the province of Leinster, Ireland. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Ireland, particularly to Counties Kilkenny and Wexford.

Like many Irish surnames, the spelling of Delaney has variations, including Delany and Delaine. The surname is now found worldwide, particularly in countries with significant Irish diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The surname is also sometimes encountered as a given name, though less frequently.