The Irish surname Lyons, also found in Scotland and England has two distinct origins. Firstly it can be an Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Laighin meaning “descendant of Laighean,” a byname meaning “spear, or javelin.” In this form it is found in counties Kerry and Galway on Ireland’s west coast. When found in county Cork and other regions it is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Liatháin, a personal name from a diminutive of liath meaning “gray.” When found in England and Scotland  it is an habitational name from the city of Lyon in south central France, and was introduced following the Norman invasion of the 11th Century. Castlelyons  is a small village in East County Cork and is the ancient barony of the Lyons family.

 

LYONS RAISED FAMILY CREST RING