Greene is a name found in Ireland with both an English and a Gaelic story behind it.
Where does the Greene name come from?
Greene is, in origin, a topographic surname of English origin — for someone who lived by the village green or a grassy place. In Ireland it also served as an anglicised form of several Gaelic names, such as those based on uaithne (green) or Ó hUaine, brought over by translation. Both strands are woven into the Irish record.
Greene in Ireland
The name became part of the long-settled population through both routes and is found across many parts of the country. As a settled name, Greene is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Greer, Grove, and Barry.
Carry the Greene name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Greene collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Greene an Irish surname?
Greene is found in Ireland both as an English topographic name and as an anglicised form of several Gaelic names.
What does Greene mean?
As an English name it means one who lived by the village green; the Gaelic strand connects it to names based on the word for green.
Is there a Greene family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Greene products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.