O'Riordan

O'Riordan is an Irish surname. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó Ríordáin, meaning "descendant of Ríordán."

Ríordán is a personal name thought to be composed of the elements rí meaning "king" and fhear meaning "man" or fórdán meaning "great poet" or "chieftain poet." Alternatively, some sources suggest Ríordán could be derived from ríogh meaning "royal" and dan meaning "poem" or "song."

The O'Riordans were historically a prominent sept located primarily in County Cork, Ireland, specifically in the area around Macroom. They were a branch of the Eóganacht dynasty, who held sway over much of Munster.

Over time, variations in spelling have emerged, including Riordan, Rearden, and Riordon.

Notable people with the surname O'Riordan include:

• Dolores O'Riordan (1971-2018): Irish singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the band The Cranberries.

The surname is prevalent in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia.