Sweeney

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈswiːni/
• Rhymes: -iːni

Etymology 1

Anglicized form of Irish Ó Suibhne, from subha + -ne (pleasant). Compare McSweeney.

Alternative forms

• Sweany, Sweeny, Swinney

Proper noun

Sweeney (plural Sweeneys)

1. A surname from Irish.

Statistics

• According to the 2010 United States Census, Sweeney is the 651^st most common surname in the United States, belonging to 52410 individuals. Sweeney is most common among White (90.6%) individuals.

Further reading

• Hanks, Patrick, editor (2003), “Sweeney”, in Dictionary of American Family Names, volume 3, New York: Oxford University Press, →ISBN.

Etymology 2

From Sweeney Todd, the name of a fictional character.

Proper noun

the Sweeney

1. (Cockney rhyming slang) The Flying Squad, a branch of the London police service.
   • 2018, Gary London, For the Love of Brass:

     It turned out the police wouldn't raid the place until the Monday morning but in the meantime there were drinks to drink and drugs to take. Even Lettsbe and the Sweeney arrived and joined in the celebrations with us.
     The police, however, did hit Jill's address early on Monday morning.

Derived terms

• Swedey