Surname O'Feril - Meaning and Origin
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O'Feril: What does the surname O'Feril mean?
The surname O'Feril is an Irish surname originally associated with County Clare in Ireland. It is derived from the native Irish surname O'Fearghail, which translates to ‘son of Fearghal’. Variations of the surname include O'Ferrell, O'Farrell, Ferrell, and Farrell.
The Gaelic origins of the surname O'Feril indicate that it was originally a Gaelic Clan and held a high social status in Ireland. Clan Fearghail was part of the Dal gCais, a Gaelic clan who ruled the area of Thomond in County Clare. It was one of the most powerful dynasties in ancient Ireland and held sway over the country for three centuries.
The modern O'Feril surname can trace its roots back to the 12th Century when the O'Fearghail family was dispersed following the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. It is likely that the surname was carried by those dispersing families as they migrated throughout Ireland and eventually settled in different parts of the world.
Today, there are still O'Feril families in Ireland, but the surname is more commonly found in the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. It is a reminder of the proud and rich history of Irish surnames and of the strong and resilient spirit of its people who, despite difficult circumstances, were able to continue to identify themselves by names reflecting their Gaelic heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Feril: Where does the name O'Feril come from?
The last name O'Feril is most commonly found in countires where a large number of immigrants from one of the historic domains of this Gaelic clan settled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In particular, the surname is most popular today in the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland.
In the United States and Canada, O'Feril families are primarily concentrated on the East Coast and in the southern states, with a smattering of them appearing in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. California, New York, Texas and Massachusetts are each home to several dozen O'Ferils, many of whom are descended from Irish forebears.
In Australia, native O'Ferils are relatively rare, but there are substantial numbers of people bearing this name who can trace their roots to Ireland. Similarly, the United Kingdom features both early settlers and more recently-arrived O'Ferils, while Ireland is home to a substantial population who continue to hold this historic name dear.
Overall, the last name O'Feril is most common in countries with significant Irish immigrant populations, where it is often a reflection of strong cultural ties and of the family's proud Celtic heritage.
Variations of the surname O'Feril
The surname O’Feril is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name “Ó Fearghail” which is derived from the word “fear”, meaning “man”. The O’Ferils are an old Irish clan that can be found in the County Galway in the West of Ireland.
Variant spellings of O’Feril include O’Farrell, O’Ferrall, O’Farrell, O’Farrelly, and O’Ferrill, as well as variants such as Farelle, Farrello, Ferall, Ferallen, Ferale, Ferrall, Ferrallen, Ferrill, and Ferris.
Surnames related to O’Feril include the Gaelic names Ó Fearghail, Ó Fearghaile, Mac Giolla Phádraig, and Mac Giolla Phádraig. Also related are the surnames Farrell, Ferris, Ferrell, Ferrelly, and Forristal, as well as variants such as Farrelly, Ferally, Ferrill, Ferrisa, Fiala, Fila, and Giffley.
O’Feril is also associated with septs of the O’Farrell Clan, including the Coillte Fearghail, Mac Fearghaill, and the Cinel Fearghail. The O’Ferils were closely associated with the McMahon Clan and were loyal to the O’Connor Kingdom of Connacht.
In Scotland, the spelling Macpheral is also an anglicized form of the Gaelic MacFhearghail.
Over the years, the O’Feril surname has spread around the globe and can be found in places such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name O'Feril
- Kevin O’Feril: American figure skater.
- Don O’Feril: American football coach and athletic director.
- Brianna O’Feril: American singer-songwriter, actress, and producer.
- John O’Feril: Irish politician and nationalist.
- Shane O'Feril: British military professional, cyclist, and adventurer.
- Joe O’Feril: American nature photographer and writer.
- Ruthie O’Feril: Irish actress, known for appearances in popular shows and films.
- Brian O’Feril: American actor and stuntman, best known for his roles in television shows.
- Lila O'Feril: Austrian artist and landscape painter.
- Cole O’Feril: American professional soccer player.