Surname O'Garragh - Meaning and Origin
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O'Garragh: What does the surname O'Garragh mean?
The Irish surname O’Garragh is derived from the Gaelic “O’Gairbhith” - meaning “descendant of Garradh”. The name Garradh is from the Irish word “gairbh”, which translates to mean rough or fierce.
The O’Garragh surname is thought to have originated in County Dublin originally, from the indigenous peoples of Ireland. It has since spread and can be found throughout the country and beyond. Many with the O’Garragh surname can be found in British colonies in places such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The O’Garragh name has been associated with many different walks of life. From helping to shape the Irish nation & its culture through political activism, to those who served in the armed forces, and from trade & commerce to the arts. The O’Garragh surname appears to have been acquired by many routes, and the meaning of the name is associated with being courageous and determined.
One of the most widely used O’Garragh family mottos is “Veritas vincit” - meaning “Truth Conquers”. This phrase mirrors the O’Garragh name’s association with truth, strength, and courage.
Overall, the O’Garragh surname is associated with a strong sense of heritage, tradition & loyalty to those of Irish descent. Along with this comes a certain pride for the great achievements of those with the O’Garragh name. The stalwart and determined nature of those bearing the name is still alive and continues to open many doors today.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Garragh: Where does the name O'Garragh come from?
The last name O'Garragh is a relatively uncommon name today, but it has a robust history in Ireland. The O'Garragh surname has been traced back to septs in the Munster province, specifically in Cork, Tipperary, and Waterford.
Historically, the surname was derived from the Irish Gaelic personal name "Géarraidh," and is associated with the "O'Geary" clan. Branches of this clan moved to southern counties, where they became known as "O'Gara" in Leinster, as well as to Scotland, Wales, and England.
Today, the last name O'Garragh is still found in the province of Munster, particularly in Cork and Tipperary; these two counties are the most popular in Ireland for people with the surname. It is also found in smaller numbers around the rest of Ireland, as well as in England, Scotland, and Wales.
In the United States, the surname is uncommon, as it has a much shorter history in the country. An O'Garragh family did briefly move to the US in the 19th century, and a small number of Americans today carry the name.
Overall, the last name O'Garragh is rare today, and much less common than historically. Those who do carry the name are primarily located in the Munster province of Ireland.
Variations of the surname O'Garragh
The surname O'Garragh is derived from the Gaelic expression for "descendant of Garradh" which is an old Irish personal name. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include O'Garra, O'Garrah, O'Gara, Garrah, Garac, Garock, Garrach, Garogh,O'Garric, MacGarragh, McGarragh, and Garra.
The O'Garragh surname is mostly eminent in Ireland, particularly in Galway, where it more traditionally spelled "O'Garra" or "O'Gara". It is also found in Northern Ireland, with the most common spellings being "O'Garra" or "O'Gara". The surname is believed to have been originated by some of the ancient Irish pagan tribes, as they were later adopted as part of the Gaelic Christian culture.
In America, the name has since become anglicized and is spelled in various ways, such as Garrison, Garrah, Garragh, Garrig, Garra, Garrat, Geraghty, and MacGarry. In Britain, the name is primarily found in Scotland. The spelling of the name is more Anglo-Celtic in Britain, and can be spelled Garroch, Garrach, Garrock, Garough, Garric, Garrague, and Garrigue.
Overall, the surname O'Garragh is widespread in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and even some parts of England. The various spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin provide additional insight into the rich history of this surname.
Famous people with the name O'Garragh
- Ciarán O'Garragh: Gaelic footballer and hurler from County Meath, Ireland.
- Christy O'Garragh: Four-time All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship winner from County Tipperary, Ireland.
- Marty O'Garragh: Renowned Irish folk singer and songwriter from County Donegal, Ireland.
- Patrick O'Garragh: Award-winning actor and producer from Dublin, Ireland.
- Saorise O'Garragh: Political activist from Galway, Ireland.
- Aislinn O'Garragh: Irish female folk singer and songwriter from County Meath, Ireland.
- Kevin O'Garragh: Popular Gaelic Football player from County Monaghan, Ireland.
- Niamh O'Garragh: Television presenter from County Wexford, Ireland.
- Barry O'Garragh: Professional footballer from Limerick, Ireland.
- Michael O'Garragh: Professional ice hockey player from Clonmel, Tipperary, Ireland.