Meaning and history
Flann is an Irish masculine name and byname meaning “red” or “ruddy,” probably originally referring to hair or complexion. It was borne by medieval Irish kings and scholars, including Flann Sinna, High King of Ireland, and Flann Mainistrech, an eleventh-century poet and historian. The name also became familiar through writer Flann O’Brien, the pen name of Brian O’Nolan. Its meaning is descriptive and distinct from the similar English name Flynn.