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Sign up freeO'Leary Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the O'Leary Surname
The O'Leary surname is deeply rooted in Irish history, originating from the Gaelic "Ó Laoghaire," which means "descendant of Laoghaire." This name is traditionally interpreted as "keeper of the calves" or "calf herder." Historically, the O'Leary family was associated with a prominent lineage in County Cork, Ireland, where they served as chieftains in the ancient kingdom of Munster. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the O'Leary name have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, military service, literature, and religion, both in Ireland and internationally.
The O'Leary family tree has a rich history that reflects their important role in Irish society. From their origins in the early Middle Ages on the southwest coast of Ireland, the O'Learys established themselves as hereditary lords in the region of Rosscarbery. By the 12th century, they were recognized as hereditary wardens of St. Fachtna's monastery and the School of Ross. Despite facing challenges such as the Cromwellian confiscations and the Williamite War in Ireland, the O'Learys managed to maintain their presence in County Cork, with Carrignacurra Castle standing as a testament to their enduring legacy.
YourRoots data highlights the O'Leary family's early presence in Ireland, with the surname first documented in the early 16th century. This aligns with historical records indicating the spread of the O'Leary name across various Irish counties during the 17th century, marking the establishment of diverse family branches. These historical insights complement the YourRoots dataset, which illustrates how the O'Leary surname evolved through intermarriages and contributions to local economies, particularly in agriculture and artisan trades.
In conclusion, the O'Leary genealogy offers a fascinating glimpse into a family that has played a significant role in Irish history. The YourRoots dataset provides valuable insights for researchers and family historians, confirming the global spread of the O'Leary family tree and offering a comprehensive resource for those tracing their O'Leary ancestry and exploring the rich tapestry of their heritage.
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JOJulia F SULLIVAN O'LearyBirth: 1854 – 1915 Demers, New Hampshire, USA or VermontDeath: 1854 – 1915 Lewiston, Androscoggin, Maine, USAFather: Daniel Dominici O'LearyMother: Johanna "Hanna" O'LEARY CroninReliability Score: AJOJulia F SULLIVAN O'LearyBirth: 1854 – 1915 Demers, New Hampshire, USA or VermontDeath: 1854 – 1915 Lewiston, Androscoggin, Maine, USAFather: Daniel Dominici O'LearyMother: Johanna "Hanna" O'LEARY CroninReliability Score: A
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JOJeremiah Aloysius O'LearyBirth: 1900 – 1969 Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USADeath: 1900 – 1969 Washington, D.C.Father: William Jeremiah O'LearyMother: Margaret E. SullivanReliability Score: AJOJeremiah Aloysius O'LearyBirth: 1900 – 1969 Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USADeath: 1900 – 1969 Washington, D.C.Father: William Jeremiah O'LearyMother: Margaret E. SullivanReliability Score: A
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POPatrick O'LearyBirth: 1803 – 1876 Killarney, Kerry, IrelandDeath: 1803 – 1876 Balrothery, IrelandFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: N/APOPatrick O'LearyBirth: 1803 – 1876 Killarney, Kerry, IrelandDeath: 1803 – 1876 Balrothery, IrelandFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: N/A
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MOMary Kathleen O'LearyBirth: 1921 – 2006 District of ColumbiaDeath: 1921 – 2006 Silver Spring, Montgomery, Maryland, USAFather: Jeremiah Aloysius O'LearyMother: Kathleen M. TobinReliability Score: BMOMary Kathleen O'LearyBirth: 1921 – 2006 District of ColumbiaDeath: 1921 – 2006 Silver Spring, Montgomery, Maryland, USAFather: Jeremiah Aloysius O'LearyMother: Kathleen M. TobinReliability Score: B
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DODaniel Joseph O'LearyBirth: 1841 – 1909 Killarney, County Kerry, IrelandDeath: 1841 – 1909 Town of Morrison, Brown, Wisconsin, USAFather: John Jos O'LearyMother: Bessie M. O'LearyReliability Score: N/ADODaniel Joseph O'LearyBirth: 1841 – 1909 Killarney, County Kerry, IrelandDeath: 1841 – 1909 Town of Morrison, Brown, Wisconsin, USAFather: John Jos O'LearyMother: Bessie M. O'LearyReliability Score: N/A
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BOBridget Frances O'LearyBirth: 1871 – 1907 Blenheim, New ZealandDeath: 1871 – 1907 BlenheimFather: Humphrey O'LearyMother: Mary O'SullivanReliability Score: N/ABOBridget Frances O'LearyBirth: 1871 – 1907 Blenheim, New ZealandDeath: 1871 – 1907 BlenheimFather: Humphrey O'LearyMother: Mary O'SullivanReliability Score: N/A
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JOJeremiah Aloysius O'LearyBirth: 1919 – 1993 Washington, D.C.Death: 1919 – 1993 Alexandria, VAFather: Jeremiah Aloysius O'LearyMother: Kathleen M. TobinReliability Score: CJOJeremiah Aloysius O'LearyBirth: 1919 – 1993 Washington, D.C.Death: 1919 – 1993 Alexandria, VAFather: Jeremiah Aloysius O'LearyMother: Kathleen M. TobinReliability Score: C
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JOJeremiah O'LearyBirth: 1836 – 1886 Inchigeelagh, Cork, IrelandDeath: 1836 – 1886 Hopkinton, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USAFather: Daniel Dominici O'LearyMother: Johanna "Hanna" O'LEARY CroninReliability Score: BJOJeremiah O'LearyBirth: 1836 – 1886 Inchigeelagh, Cork, IrelandDeath: 1836 – 1886 Hopkinton, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USAFather: Daniel Dominici O'LearyMother: Johanna "Hanna" O'LEARY CroninReliability Score: B
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COCornelius O'LearyBirth: 1799 – 1872 IrelandDeath: 1799 – 1872 Cork, IrelandFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: N/ACOCornelius O'LearyBirth: 1799 – 1872 IrelandDeath: 1799 – 1872 Cork, IrelandFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: N/A
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JOJohannah O'LearyBirth: 1865 – 1954 Skibbereen, County Cork, IrelandDeath: 1865 – 1954 Elmira, Chemung County, New York, United States of AmericaFather: John 'Johnny' SullivanMother: Abigail "Abbie" SULLIVAN WhooleyReliability Score: BJOJohannah O'LearyBirth: 1865 – 1954 Skibbereen, County Cork, IrelandDeath: 1865 – 1954 Elmira, Chemung County, New York, United States of AmericaFather: John 'Johnny' SullivanMother: Abigail "Abbie" SULLIVAN WhooleyReliability Score: B
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HOHonorah O'LearyBirth: 1838 – 1926 Buttevant, County Cork, IRELANDDeath: 1838 – 1926 Glens Falls New YorkFather: John Joseph O'LearyMother: Mary LeahyReliability Score: CHOHonorah O'LearyBirth: 1838 – 1926 Buttevant, County Cork, IRELANDDeath: 1838 – 1926 Glens Falls New YorkFather: John Joseph O'LearyMother: Mary LeahyReliability Score: C
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NONellie O'LearyBirth: 1894 – 1895 District of ColumbiaDeath: 1894 – 1895 District of ColumbiaFather: William Jeremiah O'LearyMother: Margaret E. SullivanReliability Score: CNONellie O'LearyBirth: 1894 – 1895 District of ColumbiaDeath: 1894 – 1895 District of ColumbiaFather: William Jeremiah O'LearyMother: Margaret E. SullivanReliability Score: C
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TOTimothy F O'learyBirth: 1840 – 1915 Inchigeelagh, CorkDeath: 1840 – 1915 Lewiston, Androscoggin, Maine, USAFather: Daniel Dominici O'LearyMother: Johanna "Hanna" O'LEARY CroninReliability Score: ATOTimothy F O'learyBirth: 1840 – 1915 Inchigeelagh, CorkDeath: 1840 – 1915 Lewiston, Androscoggin, Maine, USAFather: Daniel Dominici O'LearyMother: Johanna "Hanna" O'LEARY CroninReliability Score: A
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COCornelius O'LearyBirth: 1810 – 1888 Kilcummin, Kerry, IrelandDeath: 1810 – 1888 Morrison, Brown County, Wisconsin, USAFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: N/ACOCornelius O'LearyBirth: 1810 – 1888 Kilcummin, Kerry, IrelandDeath: 1810 – 1888 Morrison, Brown County, Wisconsin, USAFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: N/A
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HOHannah O'LearyBirth: 1838 – 1912 Buttevant, County Cork, IRELANDDeath: 1838 – 1912 Mamaroneck, NYFather: John Joseph O'LearyMother: Mary LeahyReliability Score: CHOHannah O'LearyBirth: 1838 – 1912 Buttevant, County Cork, IRELANDDeath: 1838 – 1912 Mamaroneck, NYFather: John Joseph O'LearyMother: Mary LeahyReliability Score: C
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MOMargaret O'LearyBirth: 1846 – 1900 Buttevant, County Cork, IRELANDDeath: 1846 – 1900 lived in Georgetown, MissouriFather: John Joseph O'LearyMother: Mary LeahyReliability Score: CMOMargaret O'LearyBirth: 1846 – 1900 Buttevant, County Cork, IRELANDDeath: 1846 – 1900 lived in Georgetown, MissouriFather: John Joseph O'LearyMother: Mary LeahyReliability Score: C
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DODaniel P. O'LearyBirth: 1852 – 1928 Glens Falls New YorkDeath: 1852 – 1928 Brooklyn, New YorkFather: John Joseph O'LearyMother: Mary LeahyReliability Score: CDODaniel P. O'LearyBirth: 1852 – 1928 Glens Falls New YorkDeath: 1852 – 1928 Brooklyn, New YorkFather: John Joseph O'LearyMother: Mary LeahyReliability Score: C
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JOJohn Jos O'LearyBirth: 1866 – 1963 OntarioDeath: 1866 – 1963 2822 N. 30th PlaceFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: BJOJohn Jos O'LearyBirth: 1866 – 1963 OntarioDeath: 1866 – 1963 2822 N. 30th PlaceFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: B
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JOJames O'LearyBirth: 1790 – 1871 IrelandDeath: 1790 – 1871 Glenmore, Brown, Wisconsin, USAFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: N/AJOJames O'LearyBirth: 1790 – 1871 IrelandDeath: 1790 – 1871 Glenmore, Brown, Wisconsin, USAFather: Cornelius O'LearyMother: Margaret Herlihy O'LearyReliability Score: N/A
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DODaniel O'LearyBirth: 1840 – 1864 Inchigeelagh, CorkDeath: 1840 – 1864 Sydney, New South WalesFather: Daniel Dominici O'LearyMother: Johanna "Hanna" O'LEARY CroninReliability Score: BDODaniel O'LearyBirth: 1840 – 1864 Inchigeelagh, CorkDeath: 1840 – 1864 Sydney, New South WalesFather: Daniel Dominici O'LearyMother: Johanna "Hanna" O'LEARY CroninReliability Score: B
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Tracing Your O'Leary Family Lineage
Origin of the O'Leary Family: Where does the O'Leary surname come from?
The O'Leary surname is rooted in Ireland, with its earliest known appearance documented during the early 16th century. This connection signifies the foundational beginnings of the family tree, providing a glimpse into the genealogical origins that would shape future generations. The name is believed to derive from the native Gaelic "Ó Laoghaire," indicating a lineage associated with a prominent family in Irish history.
Genealogy and Early Family History of O'Leary
Throughout the ensuing centuries, the O'Leary family began to spread across Ireland, particularly concentrated in regions that were pivotal to Irish heritage. During the 17th century, records show that the O'Leary name was prevalent in various Irish counties, marking the establishment of family branches that would carry the surname into subsequent generations. This growth laid the groundwork for a rich genealogical tapestry, as different family lines emerged and diversified over time.
In the 18th century, the O'Leary family continued to expand, with members often linked to agricultural and artisan trades, contributing to the local economies and community life. As family branches developed, they began to intermarry with other prominent Irish families, further intertwining their genealogical narratives. These connections illustrate how the O'Leary surname evolved, reflecting the dynamic nature of family trees in Ireland’s historical context.
Tracing the O'Leary Family Tree Through the Centuries
The global spread of the O'Leary surname became particularly pronounced in the 19th century, when significant emigration patterns saw many families relocating to the United States. This migration not only increased the prevalence of the O'Leary name in North America but also led to the establishment of vibrant communities where Irish heritage was celebrated. By the early 20th century, the O'Leary family had firmly established itself across various states, contributing to the cultural mosaic of American society.
As the O'Leary name continued to flourish in the 20th and 21st centuries, it became associated with numerous professions and achievements, spanning a range of industries and fields. Families with the O'Leary surname have maintained a strong sense of identity and heritage, often tracing their lineage back to their Irish roots. The ongoing exploration of family trees within the YourRoots database provides a valuable resource for individuals seeking to uncover their own connections to the O'Leary legacy.
Where to Find O'Leary Genealogy Records Today
In the modern centuries, the O'Leary surname is recognized globally, with family lines extending beyond Irish and American borders. The intercontinental presence of the O'Le
Famous People with O'Leary (and Their Family Tree)
Catherine O'Leary
Catherine O'Leary, born Catherine Donegan in March 1827, was an Irish immigrant residing in Chicago, Illinois, who became famously associated with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Despite widespread claims that her cow started the fire by kicking over a lantern, it was later revealed to be a fabrication by reporter Michael Ahern. The fire consumed a large portion of Chicago, leading to significant devastation. Catherine O'Leary's life was overshadowed by these allegations, and she passed away in 1895 from acute pneumonia, reportedly heartbroken from the constant blame.
Catherine O'Leary was married to Patrick O'Leary, and they had three children. Their son, James Patrick O'Leary, became a notable figure in Chicago as a saloon and gambling hall owner.
Olivia O'Leary
Olivia O'Leary, born in 1949, is a distinguished Irish journalist and broadcaster known for her impactful work in current affairs. She made history as the first regular female senior presenter on the BBC's "Newsnight" and has been a prominent voice on RTÉ Radio 1's "Drivetime." O'Leary's career highlights include hosting influential programs such as "Today Tonight," "Questions and Answers," and "Prime Time." Her accolades include three Jacob's Awards and a Sony Award for her BBC Radio 4 program "Between Ourselves." With honorary doctorates from University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, O'Leary's contributions to journalism are widely recognized.
O'Leary was married to Paul Tansey, the former Economics Editor of The Irish Times, with whom she had a daughter, Emily Tansey. She is also a cousin of TV personality and wine expert Oz Clarke.
Harriet Wright O'Leary
Harriet Wright O'Leary was a pioneering American educator and politician, renowned for her trailblazing role as the first woman elected to the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council from 1979 to 1983. She was also the first female candidate for Principal Chief of the Choctaw Nation, breaking gender barriers in Native American politics. Her career highlights include serving as a language arts consultant and advocating for women's roles in governance, which earned her an honorary doctorate from Marycrest College. O'Leary's dedication to education and her significant contributions to the Choctaw community cement her legacy as a notable figure in American history.
Born on December 7, 1916, in Wapanucka, Oklahoma, Harriet Wright O'Leary was the daughter of Bessie Hancock and James Brookes "J.B." Wright. Her family lineage includes influential figures such as Harriet Mitchell and Allen Wright, a former Principal Chief of the Choctaw Republic. O'Leary's ancestry traces back to Mayflower passengers William Brewster and Edward Doty, highlighting a rich American heritage. Her family's deep connections to the Choctaw Nation and American history underpin her lifelong commitment to education and public service.
O'Leary Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname O'Leary is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Ó Laoghaire," meaning "descendant of Laoghaire," which is often interpreted as "keeper of the calves" or "calf herder." Historically, the O'Learys were a prominent family in County Cork, Ireland, serving as chieftains in the ancient kingdom of Munster. Over the centuries, individuals with this surname have gained recognition in diverse fields such as politics, military, literature, and religion, both in Ireland and internationally.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for O'Leary
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the O'Leary family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the O'Leary surname to learn more.
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