O'Leary Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname O'Leary come from? What does the surname O'Leary mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name O'Leary and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname O'Leary Origin: What does the last name O'Leary mean?
O'Leary is an Irish surname originating from the Gaelic Ó Laoghaire, meaning "descendant of Laoghaire," often interpreted as "keeper of the calves" or "calf herder." Historically associated with a prominent family lineage in County Cork, Ireland, the O'Learys were chieftains in the ancient kingdom of Munster. The name has produced notable individuals in various fields like politics, military service, literature, and religion, both in Ireland and globally. YourRoots data indicates the surname O'Leary first appeared in Irish records around the early 16th century, with a significant global presence by the 20th century, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Smith is an occupational surname rooted in England, tracing back to Anglo-Saxon times and meaning a metalworker. It has become one of the most widespread surnames in the English-speaking world, with a strong presence in the United States among individuals of English, Scottish, Irish, and African American heritage. YourRoots data confirms the surname Smith's presence in the UK since the early 10th century, with significant global expansion in countries like France by the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the Smith surname is found in various countries worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread distribution across different regions and cultures.
O'Leary Last Name History: Where did the last name O'Leary come from?
Origin of O'Leary Surname: Where does the last name O'Leary originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname O'Leary first appeared in records from Ireland around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact O'Leary spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name O'Leary: What does the O'Leary surname history look like in the early days?
The O'Leary surname remained closely associated with Ireland from the 16th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows O'Leary family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the O'Leary surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the O'Leary surname grew significantly in the United States. The O'Leary surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Ireland, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Explore O'Leary last name heritage and O'Leary surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME O'LEARY
Famous People With O'Leary Surame?
Catherine O'Leary
Catherine Donegan O'Leary (March 1827 – July 3, 1895) was an Irish immigrant in Chicago, Illinois, who became infamous for the alleged role her cow played in starting the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Despite being falsely accused, the story of "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" became a popular legend. Her son, James Patrick O'Leary, went on to run a prominent Chicago saloon and gambling hall. Decades after her death, O'Leary was finally exonerated of any wrongdoing, shedding light on the truth behind the historic event.
Olivia O'Leary
Olivia O'Leary (born 1949) is an Irish journalist, writer, and current affairs presenter. Educated at St. Leo's College, Carlow, and University College Dublin, she worked with The Irish Times and as a presenter on various programs for Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) and the BBC. O'Leary has co-authored books, won multiple awards, and received honorary doctorates from UCD and Trinity College Dublin. She is known for her insightful political commentary and broadcasting career, making her a respected figure in Irish media. In 2019, she was admitted as a member of the Royal Irish Academy.
Harriet Wright O'Leary
Harriet Wright O'Leary (Dec 7, 1916 – Dec 22, 1999) was an American teacher and politician known for being the first woman on the Choctaw Tribal Council and running for Principal Chief. Descended from historical figures like Allen Wright and Harriet Mitchell, she made strides in tribal politics and education, advocating for women's roles in governance. O'Leary's legacy as a trailblazer in tribal leadership and community service endures through her groundbreaking achievements and commitment to her heritage.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.
