Tory Island, located off the northwest coast of County Donegal, Ireland, is home to a unique and mysterious symbol carved into the rugged landscape: the Tau Cross. The origins of the cross are uncertain, but it is believed to date back to the early Christian period, possibly as early as the 7th century. The cross takes its name from the Greek letter...
The Healy surname originates from Ireland and is particularly associated with the province of Connacht in the west of the country. Etymology and Meaning The surname Healy is derived from the Gaelic name “Ó hÉilidhe,” meaning “descendant of the claimant”. It refers to an ancestor who was a claimant or contender for tribal leadership. Earliest...
The surname Brady finds its origins in Ireland, descending from the Gaelic “Ó Brádaigh”, a patronymic form of the personal name “Brádach”. Etymology and Meaning The personal name Brádach, from which Brady derives, means “spirited” or “thieving”. Thus, the surname Brady translates to “descendant of the spirited...
The surname O’Shea has its roots in Ireland, emerging from the Gaelic form “O Seaghdha,” which translates to “descendant of Seaghdha.” Etymology and Meaning The given name Seaghdha, which serves as the basis for the surname O’Shea, is interpreted as “hawk-like” or “fine,” indicating a person of admirable or...
The Boyle family name finds its origins in the emerald landscapes of Ireland, tracing back to the Irish Gaelic “O’Baoighill,” which indicates “descendant of Baoighill.” Etymology and Meaning The personal name Baoighill, from which the Boyle surname originates, is believed to mean “having profitable pledges” or “vain...
The surname Sweeney has its roots deeply embedded in Irish history, originating from the old Gaelic name “Mac Suibhne.” This name translates to “son of Suibhne,” a personal name meaning “pleasant.” Etymology and Meaning The personal name “Suibhne” from which Sweeney is derived is thought to originate from the Old Irish...
The surname Power is of Irish origin and finds its roots in the old Gaelic name “de Paor”, which was anglicized to “Power.” The name is primarily concentrated in the southeastern part of Ireland, especially in the counties of Waterford and Tipperary. Etymology and Meaning The name “de Paor” is derived from the Gaelic term...
The O’Mahony surname is of Gaelic origin and is traced back to the early medieval period in Ireland. The name derives from the Gaelic form “Ó Mathghamhna,” which later anglicized to O’Mahony. Etymology and Meaning The surname O’Mahony comes from the Gaelic “Mathghamhain,” meaning “bear.” The prefix “Ó”...
The surname McCormick has its roots in Ireland, traced back to the early centuries AD. The name originates from the Gaelic form ‘Mac Cormaic’, which translates to ‘son of Cormac’. Etymology and Meaning The name McCormick is a patronymic one, deriving from the personal name Cormac. Cormac itself is an old and respected Irish name, made up of...
The Kavanagh surname is of Irish origin, deeply rooted in the island’s history. It stems from the Mac Murchadha Caomhánach family, an ancient royal dynasty in Ireland. Their most famous ancestor, Diarmait Mac Murchadha, was the King of Leinster, a historic province in Ireland. Etymology and Meaning The Kavanagh surname descends from the Gaelic...