"descendant of the victorious one"
Origin: Irish
Language: Irish
Bohannon
Pronunciation: [ b-AHH-uhn-ahn ]
Does Bohannon flow with your last name?
A rugged Irish surname-name with Celtic victorious roots
Irish
American
Scottish
Strong
Vintage
Bold
Earthy
Unique
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"small victorious one"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the AMC series Hell on Wheels protagonist Cullen Bohannon (2011–2016) — could be a selling point for fans
The Story of Bohannon
Bohannon is an Anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Buadhacháin, meaning 'descendant of Buadhachán,' where buadhach means 'victorious' and the diminutive suffix -án gives it the meaning 'small victorious one.' Like many Irish surnames used as given names in America, it carries a strong sense of heritage and Celtic identity. The surname tradition of using family names as first names is particularly strong in the American South.
Bohannon gained visibility through the AMC Western series Hell on Wheels (2011–2016), where Anson Mount played the complex protagonist Cullen Bohannon. As a given name it is rare but fits squarely within the trend of using strong Irish/Scottish surnames as rugged first names.
In Irish-American communities, surname names like Bohannon honor family heritage and ancestral connections to Ireland. The name fits the broader American tradition of Celtic surname-as-given-name.
Historical Record
Bohannon first appeared in US Social Security records in 2014.
Over 148 babies have been named Bohannon in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bohannon is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #6,238 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The surname Ó Buadhacháin is mainly found in County Mayo and Connacht in Ireland
- Bohannon fits the hot trend of Irish/Scottish surnames used as given names, alongside Sullivan, Callahan, and Finnegan
Bohannon in Other Languages
Irish
Buadhachán
Welsh
Bohannon
Scottish Gaelic
Bohannon
Popularity Over Time
#6,238
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Bohannon
H
Hamilton Bohannon
Musician
1942
American musician and drummer known for his funk and disco recordings in the 1970s
C
Cullen Bohannon Fictional
Other
Fictional protagonist of the AMC Western series Hell on Wheels (2011–2016), played by Anson Mount — a former Confederate...
Fictional protagonist of the AMC Western series Hell on Wheels (2011–2016), played by Anson Mount — a former Confederate soldier seeking revenge
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Compare Bohannon with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #6,238
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Bo
Bohan
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Bohannon
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bohannon
What does the name Bohannon mean?
"descendant of the victorious one" (from Irish). "small victorious one" (from Old Irish). Bohannon is an Anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Buadhacháin, meaning 'descendant of Buadhachán,' where buadhach means 'victorious' and the diminutive suffix -án gives it the meaning 'small victorious one.' Like many Irish surnames used as given names in America, it carries a strong sense of heritage and Celtic identity. The surname tradition of using family names as first names is particularly strong in the American South.
What is the origin of the name Bohannon?
Bohannon has Irish, Old Irish, American, and Scottish origins. In Irish, it means "descendant of the victorious one". In Old Irish, it means "small victorious one".
Is Bohannon a boy or girl name?
Bohannon is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Bohannon?
Bohannon is pronounced b-AHH-uhn-ahn.
How popular is the name Bohannon?
Bohannon is currently ranked #6238 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Bohannon?
Common nicknames for Bohannon include Bohan.
What are good middle names for Bohannon?
Popular middle name pairings include Bohannon James, Bohannon Patrick, Bohannon Lee, Bohannon Cole, Bohannon Reid, and Bohannon Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Bohannon?
Names that pair well with Bohannon as siblings include Cormac, Declan, Saoirse, Brigid, Sullivan, Rourke, Finley, and Clancy.
How many syllables does Bohannon have?
Bohannon has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Bohannon a common or rare name?
Bohannon is an uncommon name, ranked #6238 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Bohannon
Bohannon is a boy name with Irish, American, and Scottish origins . The name means "descendant of the victorious one" in Irish .
Bohannon is currently ranked #6,238 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Bohannon has 3 syllables and is pronounced b-AHH-uhn-ahn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Bohannon include Bo and Bohan. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis