The Irish surname Foley, meaning “descendant of Flann,” has been borne by prominent individuals like John Foley, a philanthropist known for his bronze sculptures in London. Foley Hoag, a law firm established in 1845, has significantly contributed to society. The name also resonates in the film industry, with “Foley artists” creating sound effects. Linguistically, Foley traces its roots to the Gaelic term for “blood ruler,” reflecting a possible connection to ancestral status or lineage.