Surname Hurlihy - Meaning and Origin

Hurlihy: What does the surname Hurlihy mean?

The surname Hurlihy is of Irish origin, derived from Gaelic Ó hUirthile, which means "descendant of a man of valor." The original bearer of this surname was likely noted for his bravery or military prowess. The spelling has been Anglicized throughout the years, leading to variations like Hurley, O'Hurley, and other forms. It is primarily associated with the counties of Cork and Kerry in Ireland, where the Hurlihy family held a family seat as chiefs and clan leaders. Despite centuries of British oppression, the surname still carries a strong Irish cultural and historical significance. Today, people with the surname Hurlihy can be found in many countries around the world as a result of the widespread Irish diaspora. It stands as a testament to the courageous and tenacious spirit of the Irish people.

Hurlihy: Where does the name Hurlihy come from?

The last name Hurlihy is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó hUirthile. This name was used as a descriptive term for someone who is long-lasting or perseverant. Hurlihy is a patronymic name, signifying that individuals with this surname are descendants of Ó hUirthile.

Today, Hurlihy is still popularly found in its country of origin, Ireland, particularly in the southern region of the country. Counties of Limerick, Cork, and Kerry retain a high concentration of individuals bearing this last name. However, due to emigration, the Hurlihy surname has been dispersed globally. It can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, where Irish immigrants have settled over the centuries. Though not as common in these countries as in Ireland, it isn't infrequently encountered, especially in areas with a significant Irish diaspora.

Variations of the surname Hurlihy

The surname Hurlihy is of Irish origin and has several variants and spelling adaptations. Some of these include Hurley, Herlihy, O'Hurley, Ó hUrthuile, O'Herlihy, and Hurlow.

Hurlihy is a derivation from the Gaelic "Ó hUrthuile.” The first part, "Ó," signifies "descendant of,” while "hUrthuile" is a personal name based on the elements "húr" (beauty) and "tuile" (flood).

This name was particularly common among the people of County Cork and County Limerick in the southern region of Ireland. In these locations, the name could also be spelled as Horely, Horrily, or Hurling, which are considered Anglicized variations of the original.

It is also important to remember that many Irish names were often changed when immigrants entered English-speaking countries, due to issues around pronunciation and literacy levels at that time. This resulted in numerous variations of the same surname.

Remember, the exact spelling and pronunciation can vary greatly over time and geographic location, so this is by no means a comprehensive list of potential variants for the Hurlihy surname.

Famous people with the name Hurlihy

• Ann Hurlihy: Ann is a popular American actress and writer. She is known for her roles in films such as Dirty Dancing, Clueless, and The Wedding Singer.
• Mike Hurlihy: Mike is an American tv producer and director. He has worked on successful shows such as The Biggest Loser, So You Think You Can Dance, and The Bachelor.
• James Hurlihy: James is an actor best known for his roles in the TV series Kingdom Hospital and the miniseries Carmen Sandiego.
• Patrick Hurlihy: Patrick is a television and film actor in America. He has had guest appearances on shows like Castle, The Sarah Silverman Program, and Royal Pains.
• Jack Hurlihy: Jack is an American This Way up martial artist and actor. He has appeared in multiple films including Gamer and Wrong Turn at Tahoe.
• Tommy Hurlihy: Tommy is an American film editor and director. He is most well-known for his work on films Under Siege, Elvis and Me, and SCTV Network 90.
• John Hurlihy: John is an American actor and writer best known for his roles in films such as Despicable Me 2 and The Starving Games.
• Marli Hurlihy: Marli is a professional dancer and choreographer. She has worked on shows such as High School Musical 2, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and Hannah Montana.
• Harry Hurlihy: Harry is an American cinematographer and director. He is best known for his work on Superbad, The Hangover, and The Other Guys.

Other surnames

Hurliss