Surname deValera - Meaning and Origin
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deValera: What does the surname deValera mean?
The last name deValera is an Irish name of Norman origin. The name itself translates to “of Valera” and first arose in County Galway. It has a long and storied history in Irish politics, most prominently associated with Éamon de Valera, a strong proponent of Irish independence from British rule.
DeValera was a key leader in the Irish War of Independence, serving as President of Dáil Éireann, the Irish government, for much of the 1920s and 1930s. He helped to negotiate the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, which eventually led to the establishment of the Irish Free State as an independent state.
In later years deValera would become a major force in Irish politics, helping to found the first major political party in Ireland, Fianna Fáil. As an independent leader he would go on to serve as the Taoiseach of Ireland (Prime Minister) on three occasions, and spend 17 years in total as head of the Irish government. He was a staunch defender of Irish neutrality during World War II and supported the development of the Republic of Ireland in 1949.
DeValera had a significantly impact on Irish history and for this reason his surname is highly respected. Today, many families in Ireland proudly carry the name deValera in his honour, honouring his contributions to Irish independence and to the Irish nation.
Order DNA origin analysisdeValera: Where does the name deValera come from?
The last name deValera is most commonly found today in Ireland, particularly in the west of the country. It is estimated that around 500 people were born with deValera as their surname during the 2010 censuses, and today the last name is still most densely populated in provinces such as Galway, Limerick and Clare. This is likely due to the historical figure Éamon de Valera, who served as the third President of Ireland and was also the country’s longest-serving head of government.
In Spain, deValera is also an uncommon but longstanding surname. It first appeared in the Iberian Peninsula in the 12th century, though the exact origin is unknown. Today, a substantial number of people with the last name live in the country’s Andalusian regions, particularly in Malaga and Granada.
Outside of Europe, deValera is most commonly found in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. It is likely that the last name first appeared in the Caribbean due to emigration from Spain, as several waves of settlers from the Iberian nation moved to the islands from the 16th century onwards.
Overall, deValera is an uncommon but longstanding surname that has origins in Spain and is today most commonly found in Ireland, Spain and Trinidad and Tobago.
Variations of the surname deValera
The surname deValera is of Irish origin which first appeared in the province of Munster. It comes from the ancient Gaelic O'DeValera, which means descendent of Diarmuid. Variants of the surname deValera include O'Valera, Devlora, Devlra, Dhu Laoire, Devaire, Develera, and Devlora.
Spellings of the surname deValera include DeValera, De Valera, Devlera, Develera, and Devlaire.
Surnames of the same origin as deValera include O'Diarmada, O'Diarmaid, O'Daire, O'Dara, O'Diarada, O'Diarra, and O'Dysert.
DeValera is derived from the Irish Gaelic O'DeValera, which in turn is derived from the ancient Irish Gaelic name Diarmuid. This name is typically seen with the prefixes O' (meaning grandson or male descendant) and Mac (meaning son or male descendant).
The deValera surname is strongly associated with County Cork, Ireland. It is believed that the first O'DeValera family settled in the area during the 13th century, and since then it has become a common name in the region.
Today, the deValera surname is seen throughout the Irish diaspora. It is also seen in other countries, such as the United States, where it is sometimes anglicized as Delore or Devera.
Famous people with the name deValera
- Éamon de Valera (1882–1975): Prime Minister of Ireland (twice) and founder of the Fianna Fáil party; served twelve years as Irish President.
- DeValera Fay (born c. 1960): internationally acclaimed pianist of Irish folk and traditional music.
- Frank de Valera (1894–1919): Irish soldier of the First World War, who was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously in 1921.
- Adrian de Valera (born c. 1987): American sculptor, educator, and public art advocate.
- Evelyn de Valera (born c. 1923): wife of Éamon de Valera, co-founder of the Freddy Gilroy and the Ballyhooligans folk band.
- Germaine de Valera (1931–1993): Irish politician, who served as a Member of Parliament from 1959 to 1993 as a member of Fianna Fáil.
- Ruairí de Valera (born c. 1986): Irish footballer who plays for Galway United.
- Seán de Valera (born c. 1963): Irish-American rock musician, known for founding the band De Valera.
- Dominic de Valera (born c. 1968): film producer in Ireland and Britain.
- Louis de Valera (born c. 1987): Irish cricketer, who plays for Leinster Lightning.