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Pete

I'm just someone who enjoys knowing a little about my local area, and helping others to learn about theirs too.

If you'd like to contribute to this website, please get in touch.

The History of the Keane Family Name

The Keane surname is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic “O Cathain” or “Mac Cathain.” Its Anglo-Norman equivalent is “O’Keane,” which later simplified to “Keane” through Anglicization. Etymology and Meaning “O Cathain” or “Mac Cathain” translates as “descendant of Cathan”...

Martin: family name history

Origin of the Surname The surname Martin has roots in several countries across Europe, but in an Irish context, it predominantly originates from the Gaelic name “Mac Giolla Mhártain” meaning “son of the follower of Martin”. This name was later Anglicised to MacGilmartin and, in most cases, further shortened to Martin. Etymology and Meaning In...

The History of the Kenny Family Name

The Kenny surname has deep roots in the Irish soil, tracing its lineage back to the ancient Gaelic clans. The original Gaelic form of the name is “O’Cionnaith,” which has also been Anglicized as “Kenny.” Etymology and Meaning The Gaelic “O’Cionnaith” can be translated to “descendant of Cionnaith.” The name...

O’Connell: family name history

Origin of the Surname The O’Connell surname originates from the ancient Gaelic clans of Ireland. It was first rendered as Ó Conaill, which comes from the given name Conall, a popular personal name during the Middle Ages. The O’Connells were a dominant family in the southwestern region of Ireland. Etymology and Meaning The surname O’Connell is...

The History of the Graham Family Name

The Graham surname has both English and Scottish origins, and was introduced into Ireland with the Anglo-Norman conquest of the 12th century, and later with the Scottish settlers during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century. Etymology and Meaning The surname Graham originates from the place-name Grantham, located in Lincolnshire, England. Grantham is derived...

The History of the Robinson Family Name

The surname Robinson is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was introduced to Ireland during the Norman invasion in the 12th century, and over time it became absorbed into Irish culture and linguistics. Etymology and Meaning Robinson is a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the name of a father or ancestor. The “son” ending is a common feature of these...

The History of the Hayes Family Name

The Hayes surname has ancient Gaelic roots, primarily tracing back to the Irish clans of Ó hAodha and Ó hÉighigh. These clans held distinct territories in various parts of Ireland. Etymology and Meaning The surname Hayes derives from two Gaelic personal names, “Aodh,” meaning “fire,” often associated with the Celtic god of the sun, and...

The History of the McKenna Family Name

The surname McKenna hails from the historic Irish region of Ulster and has been an integral part of the tapestry of Ireland’s history. The family was initially known as the heads of the Cenel Feradaig, a significant tribe in the Kingdom of Airgíalla (Oriel). Etymology and Meaning McKenna is an Anglicization of the Gaelic “Mac Cionaoith,” translating...

The History of the O’Leary Family Name

The O’Leary surname, of Gaelic origin, belongs to a notable family line steeped in the rich history of Ireland. The O’Learys were once Chiefs of ancient territories in County Cork. Etymology and Meaning The surname O’Leary is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic “Ó Laoghaire,” which means “calf-herder.” The prefix “Ó”...

The History of the O’Donovan Family Name

The O’Donovan surname originates from Ireland, belonging to a noble Gaelic family. The O’Donovans were recognized for their warrior culture and were known as Lords of Clancahill. Etymology and Meaning The surname O’Donovan is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic “Ó Donndubháin,” meaning “descendant of Donndubhán.” The name...