The Phelan Family

The name Phelan is synonymous with Whelan, being simply variations in the English spelling of the Gaelic surname O'Faolain (also written O'Faoileain and O'hAolain). Whelan is generally a more common variant than Phelan, although 80% of persons named Phelan come from Counties Waterford and Kilkenny and adjacent areas. (cited indirectly, original source believed to be MacLysaght, Surnames of Ireland)

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