Here's a breakdown of some possible meanings:
* From the Irish Gaelic "Ó Cléirigh": This is the most common origin of the name Clancy, meaning "descendant of the cleric" or "clerk".
* From the Irish Gaelic "Cláirneach": This meaning is less common and translates to "one who lives in the boggy meadow".
* From the Irish Gaelic "Clancy": This is a rarer possibility and means "fiery" or "passionate".
In addition:
* Clancy can also be a given name, though less common than its use as a surname.
* Some variations of the spelling, such as "Clanchy" or "Claincy," may have slightly different origins.
In summary:
The meaning of Clancy is primarily related to its Irish Gaelic origin. While "descendant of the cleric" is the most common interpretation, other meanings exist depending on the specific spelling and potential regional variations.