Surname O'Driscoll - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
O'Driscoll: What does the surname O'Driscoll mean?
The last name O'Driscoll is an Irish name, derived from the Gaelic Ó hEidirsceóil, which means "descendant of Eidirsceóil". Eidirsceóil was an ancient Irish warrior, whose descendants adopted the name in recognition of his brave deeds.
The O'Driscoll surname is known to be one of the most common Irish surnames, with its roots stretching back hundreds of years. It has been used by families throughout the country and is now found throughout the world as many people have emigrated and spread the name far and wide.
Today, the O'Driscoll clan is known as a proud and strong clan, one that cherishes its heritage. They are committed to preserving their proud history and traditions. Their Coat of Arms reflects the clans dedication to family and loyalty, featuring mottos such as “Quat bet que”, meaning "what is better than this" and "Loyalty and devotion".
The motto of the clan is Lubos ex corde, which translates to “love from the heart”. This emphasizes the value of family and highlights the importance of loyalty and honor within the clan.
The O’Driscoll clan continues to thrive today, with members actively engaged in the preservation of their history and culture. This reflects the dedication and commitment of the clan to their heritage and shows that the pride and strength of the O’Driscoll name will live on.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Driscoll: Where does the name O'Driscoll come from?
The last name O’Driscoll is a very popular last name which can be found across a broad spectrum of countries. Originally, the name was connected to the ancient Irish kingdom of Corcu Loígde, located in what is now present day Cork and Kerry and the Irish province of Munster. O’Driscoll’s are thought to descend from the ancient O’Driscoll Clan chiefs, which is evident in the current distribution of the last name across the world. The O’Driscoll surname can be found with diverse frequency in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and throughout European countries, including Ireland.
In the United States, more specifically, the last name O’Driscoll is highly concentrated in states such as New York, Massachusetts, and California. According to a 2000 census, the highest rates of 10 per 1,000 households were in major metropolitan areas such as Boston and Philadelphia, as well as in sparsely populated rural areas in Maine. The surname is also found in significant numbers elsewhere in the US, particularly in New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Florida.
In addition to the US, O’Driscoll’s are found in significant numbers throughout the United Kingdom and in several other countries including Australia, Canada, and Ireland. Despite dormancy in the homeland, the last name is still highly visible in several countries and there continues to be a thriving O’Driscoll presence around the world.
Variations of the surname O'Driscoll
The Irish surname O'Driscoll is derived from the native Gaelic Ó hEidirsceoil Sept, which sometimes originated from a phrase meaning 'interpreter of the Faith'. The Ó Eidirsceoil surname originated in Cork and Kerry during the ninth and tenth centuries.
Variants of the O'Driscoll surname include Ó Drisceoil, O'Drisceoil, O'Driskill, O'Driscol, O'Driskil, O'Driskell, Driscoll, Driskol, Driscol, Driskell, Driskill, Driskal, and Driskel.
Various offshoot surnames have developed from the O'Driscoll name over time. McDriscoll, McDriscole, and Driskoll are some of the variations derived from the O'Driscoll name.
The family originally hailed from prominent locations in Cork and Kerry. This was typically near or in the city of Cork, where a majority of O'Driscoll's still live.
In some cases, O'Driscoll is sometimes mistaken for a different English word, Discoll. Discoll is also a valid surname, but it is unrelated to O'Driscoll.
The various spellings and surnames of O'Driscoll make it easy to find the various members of the O'Driscoll family and trace them back to Ireland.
Famous people with the name O'Driscoll
- Brian O'Driscoll: Former professional rugby player from Ireland who is widely considered one of the best players in rugby history. He is a former captain of the Ireland rugby team and the British & Irish Lions.
- Rory O'Driscoll: Successful venture capitalist who worked with the firm Bessemer Venture Partners.
- Joseph O'Driscoll: Irish poet and playwright, best known for his plays The Middle Daughter and The Clearing.
- Emer O’Driscoll: Irish journalist and writer.
- Monica O’Driscoll: Irish autistic activist and writer.
- Terry O’Driscoll: Irish musician and composer.
- Leo O’Driscoll: Irish folk and traditional musicologist.
- Siobhán O’Driscoll: Irish folk singer and harpist from Cork.
- Nuala O’Driscoll: Irish traditional folk singer and songwriter.
- Fergus O’Driscoll: Irish actor who graduated from the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin.