O'Kirwan Name Meaning, Origin and Heraldry

The spelling O'Kirwan grew out of Kirwan, an Irish surname with a long paper trail. Name scholars give the meaning as “Descendant of Ciardubhán ("dark black")”.

• The O' in front of the name is a particle that was often added to Kirwan in records.
• Before spelling was standardised, one family could appear under several forms.
• You may also find the name written Kirwin and Kerwin.

Heraldry and the O'Kirwan name

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Kirwan surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon. Want more than a summary? See the O'Kirwan family name pack.