Cairney is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Gemma Cairney (b. 1985), radio presenter (BBC Radio 1)Harry Cairney (b. 1961), Scottish footballer (Airdrie, Stenhousemuir, Brechin City)Jim Cairney (b. 1931), Scottish footballer (York City)Joe Cairney (1956–2009), Scottish footballer (Airdrie, Kilmarnock)John Cairney (b. 1930), Scottish actorJohn Cairney (anatomist) (1898–1966), New Zealand doctor and writerPaul Cairney (b. 1987), Scottish footballer (Partick Thistle, Hibernian, Kilmarnock)Tom Cairney (b. 1991), Scottish footballer (Hull City, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham)