Houlihan - Christian Name Meaning and Pronunciation

Houlihan

Houlihan is a name of Irish origin, stemming from the Gaelic name 'Ó hUallacháin', which means 'descendant of Uallach', where 'Uallach' implies a meaning related to pride or exaltation. Traditionally, it is a surname that has gained some recognition as a given name, primarily for boys, but it can be considered unisex.

The name carries a sense of heritage and rootedness in Irish culture, often associated with familial ties and community. In modern times, it has been adopted as a first name, especially in regions with a rich Irish background. The name is generally perceived positively, evoking a strong connection to one's lineage.

While it is less common as a first name, Houlihan has appeared in popular culture, most notably in the TV series 'M*A*S*H', where the character Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan is a strong and competent nurse, showcasing qualities of leadership and strength.

Basic Information

Gender: Unisex

Sounds Like: HOO-lə-han

Pronunciation Explanation: The emphasis is on the first syllable 'HOO', followed by a quick 'lə', and concluding with 'han'.

Summary and Meaning

Meaning: descendant of Uallach (pride/exaltation)

Origin: The name Houlihan has Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic naming tradition.

Usage: Although primarily used for males, Houlihan is also used as a female name, making it unisex.

Name Number (Chaldean)
33 => 6

Name Number (Pythagorean)
7
Popularity (Global Rank)

Overall: 233639

Boys: 72681

Girls:

Most Popular in
Ireland
Religious and Cultural Significance

Religion: Christian

Background: The name Houlihan is commonly associated with Irish Christians, reflecting the historical and cultural connection to Catholicism in Ireland.

Cultural Significance: In Irish culture, names like Houlihan carry a sense of belonging and identity tied to one's ancestry and clan history.

Historical Significance: Historically, the Houlihan family name carries significant weight in Irish genealogy, often linked to various notable clans and their contributions to society.

Popular Culture

Literature and Mythology: Houlihan is recognized from various literary works referencing Irish culture.

Movies and Television: The character Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan from the TV show 'M*A*S*H' is perhaps the most famous pop culture reference, symbolizing strength and resilience.

Feelings and Perceptions

Perception: The name is viewed positively, often associated with strength, heritage, and a sense of community.

Positive Feelings: Proud, strong, cultural, historic, familial.

Negative Feelings: May be seen as old-fashioned or too formal by some.

Practical Considerations

Ease of Writing and Calling: Houlihan is relatively easy to write and pronounce, though its length (8 letters) can be a bit cumbersome. It is unique and stands out when called.

Common Typos and Misspellings: Houlihan,Houlahan,Huelihan,Houlighan

Common Nicknames: Hoo,Han,Hou


Houlihan Popularity

Houlihan Usage and Popularity By Country

Country Rank (Overall)
Ireland 15205
New Zealand 33723
Australia 51998
United Kingdom 74991
United States 87989
Canada 149654

Houlihan Usage and Popularity By City

City Rank (Overall)
New York 52406
Chicago 26948

Compatibility Analysis

Houlihan

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Famous Persons Named Houlihan

No results found for Houlihan.


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Similar Sounding Names:

O'Sullivan,Hoolihan,Hugh,Houlton

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