Surname O'Dochartaigh - Meaning and Origin
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O'Dochartaigh: What does the surname O'Dochartaigh mean?
The last name O'Dochartaigh is an old Irish name that originates from the clan-name Ó Dochartaigh, which in turn comes from the Gaelic word dochartach, meaning “obstinate.” This was likely a reference to the independent spirit and strong will of the members of the clan. The name is part of the Uí Néill dynasty, one of the most powerful dynasties of Medieval Ireland, and the Ó Dochartaigh clan held extensive territories in County Donegal, Ireland. The name has been historically associated with the old kingdom of Tír Conaill.
The presence of the O’Dochartaigh clan in the Tír Conaill kingdom lasted until the beginning of the 1600s. The clan was eventually displaced by the O’Donnell clan in 1608 and since then, many members of the O'Dochartaigh clan have taken on the O'Donnell surname. To this day, descendants of the O'Dochartaigh clan still remain in County Donegal.
The O’Dochartaigh clan has certainly made its mark on Irish history. The family is known for their strong connection to their homeland and traditions, as well as their loyalty and independent spirit. Members of the clan have built a reputation for being brave and steadfast, which is possibly a result of their determined spirit and their fierce commitment to protecting their land.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Dochartaigh: Where does the name O'Dochartaigh come from?
The last name O'Dochartaigh is most commonly found amongst people of Irish descent, particularly those from the Connacht county of Mayo. This is because the O'Dochartaigh clan has been native to the area for centuries, and many of the descendants of the original clan members still remain there.
The O'Dochartaigh's were a powerful clan who ruled extensively over the plains of Erris in Mayo during the early medieval era. At the height of their power in the 11th Century, they were believed to have ruled over the whole of Mayo and much of neighbouring Galway, making them one of the biggest clans in the region.
Throughout the centuries, several members of the family emigrated to the United States, Canada and elsewhere, taking the O'Dochartaigh surname with them. Today the surname can be found scattered around the world, but is particularly common in North America, particularly in Oklahoma where a large portion of the Irish American population are of O'Dochartaigh descent.
Back in Ireland, the O'Dochartaigh surname is mostly confined to the county of Mayo, with pockets of the name found in neighbouring Galway and Sligo counties also. While the clan is no longer as powerful as it was in centuries past, its name is still important to many of the people of Mayo, and its legacy lives on through its many present day bearers.
Variations of the surname O'Dochartaigh
O'Dochartaigh is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name O Dochartaigh, and is the most common anglicized surname for the Gaelic Sept of the northern Ui Tuirtri (O'Doherty) clan. It is also spelt as O'Docherty, O'Daugherty, O Dochartaigh, and Doherty.
The root of the surname O'Dochartaigh is Dallacht (Dallachta), an old Irish word meaning 'boldness'. The O'Dohertys were chiefs of the Baronies of Inishowen in County Donegal and came to power under the chieftainship of Donal O Neill of Tyrone. The O'Dohertys held their territory until 1608 when the family was decimated as part of the Ulster Plantation. Many of the family members emigrated or were removed during the Ulster Plantation and their name migrated to other parts of the world.
In Scotland, the variation on the O'Dochartaigh surname is Dochty, and is an old Scottish version of the surname used by the Clan Chattan, a Scottish tribe from Metaluna County.
In America, the variations of the O'Dochartaigh surname became Docherty, Doherty, Dougherty, Doughty, and Daugherty.
In Australia, the O'Dochartaigh name is anglicized and the variations are Doherty, Doughty, and Dougherty.
It will be seen that the surnames O'Dochartaigh and its variants are similar not only in form, but in origin. This shows a connection between the Irish and Scottish clans of O'Doherty, Clan Chattan, and the branches of their surnames, scattered around the world.
Famous people with the name O'Dochartaigh
- Niamh O’Dochartaigh: Irish debut novelist who wrote Aisling and The Irish Revolution
- Barry O’Dochartaigh: Irish bike courier and actor, known for Dublin Murders
- Niall O’Dochartaigh: Irish-American space scientist and professor
- Alan O’Dochartaigh: Irish founder of Voice of the People, a forum for public discussion
- Seamus O’Dochartaigh: Irish retired Gaelic footballer and manager of the year
- Veronica O’Dochartaigh: Irish politician and former TD in Donegal South-West
- Caroline O’Dochartaigh: Irish environmental health officer for Dublin City Council
- John O’Dochartaigh: Irish amateur historian, best known for his works on the Irish Land War
- Mark O’Dochartaigh: Irish jockey and former Grand National champion
- Fiona O’Dochartaigh: Irish television and radio presenter, best known as a sports journalist