Surname Dooley - Meaning and Origin

Dooley: What does the surname Dooley mean?

The last name Dooley is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic term "Dubhshláine" which combines the elements "dubh" meaning "black" or "dark" and "slán" meaning "challenge" or "defiance". So, the surname essentially translates to "dark defiance". This demonstrates a connection to a characteristic or trait expected of or noted in the family's ancestors. However, as with many surnames, it's also possible that it was geographical, relating to a particular location in Ireland. The Dooley surname is quite prevalent in Ireland, especially in the counties of Leix (also known as Laois) and Offaly. Furthermore, it's widespread in the United States due to Irish emigration during the famine of the 1840s.

Dooley: Where does the name Dooley come from?

The surname Dooley is a common Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic O'Dubhlaoich. The name is found throughout the British Isles and in the United States, and is especially common in Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.

In Ireland, County Dublin and County Wexford are home to many with the last name Dooley, while in Scotland, Dooleys can be found in areas such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. The surname is also common across England, particularly in the Midlands, and can be found in scattered locations in Wales.

In the United States, Dooley is a frequently-occurring surname, and many American-born Dooleys are descended from Irish emigrants to the country. New England, with its many Irish settlers, is home to many with this last name. The states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are especially popular amongst Dooleys, though the surname can be found in states as far west as California.

Though many with the surname have likely changed spelling since emigrating from Ireland and Scotland, Dooley continues to be a common surname and a source of pride among those who bear it. The Dooley surname continues to thrive both in the United States and abroad.

Variations of the surname Dooley

The surname Dooley is a common Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name "O'dubhlaoich". The surname is often spelled differently in different countries. In Ireland, the surnames also take upon various spellings such as O'Dooley, O'Doole, Dougherty, Dowley, Dowling, MacDowle and MacDougall. In the United States, the variants are often seen as Dooley, Duly, Duely, Dulay, Doully, Doil, Doing, Duuloe, and Dooley.

The Dooley surname is believed to have originated in County Limerick. The earliest record of Dooley in Ireland dates back to the 1500s, wherein O'dubhlaoich is written as a clan name in a manuscript by the MacFirbises. The MacFirbises were located in the Connaught area of the country, and the Dooley clan was believed to have held the lordships of Magh Adhair and Coillte Mhór.

The Dooley surname is also found in England, Scotland, Canada, and the United States. It is believed to have been introduced in the US and Canada by immigrants who left Ireland in the 1800s, during the period of the Great Famine. They would have taken on various forms of the surname, much like their Irish counter-parts.

Due to the various spellings and variants of the surname Dooley, the family's presence in genealogical records can be difficult to trace. As such, many families may not be aware of their exact origins. With the help of modern genealogical tools, however, many Dooley families are now able to confidently trace their heritage back to the Irish origins of the name.

Famous people with the name Dooley

• Pat Dooley: an American sportswriter and columnist for The Gainesville Sun
• Rachel Dooley: British actress best known for her roles in the films Killer Joe, Fury and Killer Elite
• Daniel Dooley: American actor who appeared in films such as JFK, Young Guns II, and Passenger 57
• Paul Dooley: American actor best known for his roles in Sixteen Candles, Breaking Away and Ferris Bueller's Day Off
• Terrell Dooley: NFL cornerback who played for the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions
• Precious Dooley: American musician, producer, songwriter and singer who has worked with the likes of Ghostface Killah, Erykah Badu, and The Roots
• Ingall Dooley: Scottish footballer who played as a winger for St Johnstone and Partick Thistle Football Clubs
• Ed Dooley: American theater actor, director and designer
• Kate Dooley: Australian Poet Laureate from 2012-2015
• Richard Dooley: Irish footballer who played in the League of Ireland Premier Division from the 1950's to the 1970's

Other surnames

DoolenDoolette