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Irish History & Family Archives

Doherty: family name history

Origin of the Surname The surname Doherty has deep roots in Ireland, where it originated from the Gaelic Ó Dochartaigh clan, one of the most influential families in the region of Inishowen in the northern part of County Donegal. Etymology and Meaning The surname Doherty is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Dochartaigh, which means “descendant of...

Brown: family name history

Origin of the Surname The surname Brown is common throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland. The name has multiple origins, one of which lies in the Gaelic tradition, specifically from the root “Donn,” meaning “brown” or “dark.” Etymology and Meaning The name Brown originated as a nickname for individuals with brown hair or a dark...

O’Connor: family name history

Origin of the Surname The surname O’Connor has its roots in Ireland, originating from the native Gaelic sept of Ó Conchobhair. The name belonged to distinct septs located in different parts of Ireland, including Connacht, Kerry, and Clare. Etymology and Meaning The O’Connor surname is derived from the Gaelic Ó Conchobhair, meaning “descendant of...

McCarthy: family name history

Origin of the Surname The surname McCarthy hails from the rich tapestry of Irish history. It is derived from the Gaelic “Mac Carthaigh,” which translates to “son of Carthach.” Carthach is an old Irish name meaning “loving.” Etymology and Meaning The surname is rooted in the Gaelic Mac Carthaigh. The prefix “Mac”...

Daly: family name history

Origin of the Surname The name Daly has its roots in the old Gaelic Irish clans, where it was originally spelled as Ó Dálaigh, from the Gaelic word “dálach”, which means ‘assembly’. This surname was first borne by a group of families who were hereditary poets and scholars to the Gaelic lords. Etymology and Meaning The surname Daly derives from...

Clarke: family name history

Origin of the Surname The surname Clarke is one of the oldest and most widespread names in Ireland. Its roots go back to ancient times when surnames were first being used in Ireland, around the 10th century. The name has clerical origins, primarily denoting a secretary, clerk, or cleric in religious houses or administrative offices. Etymology and Meaning Derived from...

Brennan: family name history

Origin of the Surname The Brennan surname has roots deeply ingrained in the Irish soil, tracing back to the time of Gaelic tribes in Ireland. Etymology and Meaning The Brennan surname originated from the Gaelic personal name “Braonán”, which is a diminutive form of “braon”. “Braon” translates to “moisture” or...

Campbell: family name history

Origin of the Surname Campbell is a Scottish Gaelic origin surname that made its way into Irish history and heritage. This surname can be traced back to a Scottish clan, Clan Campbell, one of the largest and most powerful clans in the Highlands. Etymology and Meaning The name Campbell is derived from two Gaelic words: “cam” and “béul”...

O’Brien: family name history

Origin of the Surname The O’Brien surname originates from Ireland, where it has been borne by a powerful and historical family. The O’Briens trace their lineage back to Brian Boru, one of the most famous High Kings of Ireland. Etymology and Meaning The surname O’Brien is an Anglicized form of the Irish Ó Briain, meaning “descendant of Brian...