← All names

Tierney

Girl / Boy name · 31 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Tierney: 31 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 5 births in 2019.

Tierney is an Irish and Scottish surname-turned-first-name, derived from the Gaelic Ó Tíghearnaigh, meaning "descendant of Tíghearnach," which itself comes from tighearna, meaning "lord" or "master." The name carries a sense of leadership and nobility, rooted in ancient clan titles. A notable bearer is Tierney Sutton, the acclaimed American jazz singer known for her interpretive depth and collaborations with musicians like Al Jarreau. You might also think of Gene Tierney, the classic Hollywood actress, though she used it as a surname. Tierney shares its etymological root with the Irish place name Tierney, a townland in County Galway. A charming variant is Tierny, though Tierney remains the most familiar spelling. In modern Scotland, the name is rare but steadily used, often chosen for its melodic, two-syllable flow and strong, quietly elegant feel.