Surname O'Garra - Meaning and Origin
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O'Garra: What does the surname O'Garra mean?
The Irish surname O'Garra is an anglicized form of the Gaelic O'Gathaidhe. It is a patronymic surname meaning "descendant of Gathaidhe", with Gathaidhe being the given name of the original bearer of the name. Gathaidhe is derived from the Gaelic word "gath", meaning "209e202a8written law".
The O'Garra's are believed to have originated in what is now modern-day County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. Historically, the name is associated with the O'Garra's, a Gaelic-speaking sept of the Maguire clan. The Maguires were a powerful ruling family in the region, ruling over much of Fermanagh and Tyrone, and also parts of Armagh and Cavan.
The O'Garra's were found to be living in County Fermanagh as far back as the 12th century and also in adjacent Counties Cavan and Meath. They were a powerful family, and were known to be involved in various conflicts in the area during the medieval period. During the 17th century they fairly quickly spread out to other parts of Ireland, such as Dublin.
In modern times, the name is still associated with County Fermanagh, while there has also been some emigration of the O'Garra family to other parts of the world.
The O'Garra name is still retained today, and points to the legacy and influence of an ancient family. It is an enduring reminder of the power and legacy of the Irish Gaelic clans and chiefdoms who once governed much of Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Garra: Where does the name O'Garra come from?
The last name O'Garra is most commonly found in Ireland today. This surname originated from an ancient Gaelic phrase "O Gadhra" which is translated to mean "son of Garra".
Garra was an old Irish term for ferocity, strength, or bravery. This is why it was so sought after as a family name in Ireland - signifying great strength and lineage. It was most prevalent in County Galway and County Mayo, where families bearing the O'Garra surname lived for hundreds of years.
Today, O'Garra is still frequently seen on roadsigns and in local businesses in these areas. The surname is also being adopted by people of Irish descent throughout the world, particularly in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
In modern times, the Irish tend to spell the name "O'Gara" or "O'Garrea". However, it is still pronounced the same - O-Garra.
The Murphy and Kelly families of Ireland are well known around the world, but the family of O’Garra are remembered in Ireland for their strength and for their proud heritage. Since medieval times, the family have spread out throughout the globe, leaving the mark of the O’Garra in their legacy.
Variations of the surname O'Garra
The surname O'Garra is an Anglicized version of an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó Gairbhith or Ó Gairbheith. The original Gaelic form of the surname translates to "descendant of Garbh" or "descendant of Garbheith." The latter translates as "rough man" from the Irish words "garbh" (rough) and "duith" (man).
Variants of the surname O'Garra include O'Garrah, O'Garah, O'Gerra, Gara, Garra, Garro, Garah, Gerro, Garrah, Garrey, Garry and Garragh.
Spellings of the surname O'Garra include O'Garra, O Garrah, OGarrah, O Garah, OGerra, OGarrah, Garra, Garro, Garah, Gerro, Garry, Garrett, and Garragh.
Surnames of the same origin include Gorman, O'Gorman, Gormley, and Gormley.
The variants and spellings of the surname O'Garra attest to its Irish origins and its evolution over time. It is an old Irish surname, many of which are still popular today.
Famous people with the name O'Garra
- Sean O'Garra, professional soccer player for the Las Vegas Lights.
- Tim O'Garra, two-time winner of 'Best in Show' at the Detroit Dog Show.
- Mark O'Garra, entrepreneur and organic food manufacturer.
- Brian O'Garra, Broadway performer and dancer.
- Maureen O'Garra, Irish politician and former TD for Mayo.
- Tricia O'Garra, British-American singer-songwriter.
- Michael O'Garra, Grammy-winning jazz pianist.
- Claire O'Garra, visual artist and expert in watercolor painting.
- Jack O'Garra, diesel mechanic, founder of the popular 'Diesel Garage' in Australia.
- Addy O'Garra, professional swimmer on the U.S. Olympic team.