Derived from the Gaelic O’Cruadhlaoich, Crowley has been a common surname in Ireland since the 11th century. Formed from the words cruadh meaning hardy and loach meaning hero, Crowley exists in many variations of the original Gaelic spelling, among them Crowley, Crowly, O’Crowley, Croaley and Croawley. The first to bear this name was Diarmuid an Cruadhlaoch, a MacDermot of … [Read more...] about Roots: The Extraordinary Crowleys
Roots
Roots: The Casey Clan
Casey, from the Irish O’Cathasaigh, is a common surname in Ireland originally meaning “vigilant” or “watchful.” At least six different septs of the name existed in early Ireland as both O’Casey and MacCasey. These septs were each very significant rulers in their locations, primarily in Munster counties. The O’Caseys of west Dublin were the Lords of the Suathni. Another line of … [Read more...] about Roots: The Casey Clan
Roots: The Famous Flynns
Flynn, or O Floinn in Irish, is high on the list of the most popular names in Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name Flann, which, when applied to a person, connotes a ruddy complexion. The name can be traced throughout Ireland, but is more frequently found in the south around Cork and Waterford and in the north in Counties Roscommon, Leitrim and Cavan. The … [Read more...] about Roots: The Famous Flynns
Roots: The Mighty Mahers
The Irish surname Maher, appearing also as O’Meagher, Meagher, O’Maher and Mahir, originated in County Tipperary. The name stems from the surname O’Meachair, a derivation of the word “meachar” meaning hospitable. Over fifty percent of Mahers can trace their family history back to County Tipperary, where the ancient clan held control of the territory near Roscrea at the foot of … [Read more...] about Roots: The Mighty Mahers
The Marvelous McDonaghs
By Maeve Molloy, Editorial Assistant
McDonagh is one of the rarer surnames of Ireland, but exists also as MacDonagh, MacDonough, Donogh, and Donagh. The modern forms of the name are derived from Mac Donnchadha, which originates from the first name Donnchadh, a compound of "donn" meaning brown, plus "cath," a battle. Often translated as "brown one," Donnchadh was a common first name in ancient times. Given its … [Read more...] about The Marvelous McDonaghs