AHERNE Aherne is an anglicisation of O Eachthianna, from Eachthiarna, meaning lord of horses and is also found in the variants Heran and Hearne. Eachthiarna was a relatively common personal name in Gaelic society, borne by, for instance a brother of Brian Boru. The surname originated, in fact, in the sept or tribe of Brian, the Dal gCais, and has always been strongl associated with their homeland in Co Clare. The family territory was in the southeast of the county, around Sixmilebridge, up to the end of the Middle Ages, when they migrated south and east, to counties Cork, Limerick and Waterford. To this day, Ahernes are most numerous in counties Cork and Waterford. The arms of the family include three herons, in an obvious pun on the name. for more click here
