Surname O'Haley - Meaning and Origin
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O'Haley: What does the surname O'Haley mean?
The last name O'Haley is a common Irish surname derived from the Gaelic surname Ó hEalaighthe, which translates to 'descendant of Ealaighthe'. Ealaighthe (or Ealadhach) was a personal name representing a fierce warrior, meaning 'wreaking or causing havoc', and was a popular name among the Irish Celts.
The O'Haleys were one of the great Gaelic clans of ancient Ireland. They can trace their origins back to County Clare, where they were a sept of the O'Brien Clan, who were the rulers of Thomond. The O'Haley families were prominent in the area and were known for both their bravery and hospitality.
The O'Haley family spread into other regions, and today are found throughout Ireland, the UK and the United States, with many members of the family having emigrated due to economic and political strife.
The O'Haleys have a deep cultural heritage and a proud history of resilience. The last name O'Haley can be seen as a symbol of strength and endurance, and is a reminder of the family's long and storied past.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Haley: Where does the name O'Haley come from?
The last name O'Haley is most commonly found among Irish descendants, particularly those from County Kerry, which is located in the Southwest corner of Ireland. According to Ireland's census of 2016, the population of the county was 145,502.
The name is also found in other countries where Irish emigration took place, particularly in the United States, Canada and Australia. According to Ancestry.com, the name O'Haley is most common in the US, with over 6,100 individuals recorded with the name. The largest concentration of the name are in Illinois, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and California.
Canada is also home to a population of O'Haley's with over 800 entries in their 2016 census, while Australia has a smaller concentration of the name, with 651 individuals found in their 2016 census.
In recent years, the name has been more common among the Irish diaspora, as the internet has enabled easier communication and contact with those living in other countries. Additionally, the relaxed travel restrictions, which revolutionised travel, allowed more people to experience different cultures and discover their heritage. As a result, the name O'Haley is found worldwide.
Variations of the surname O'Haley
The surname O’Haley is of Irish origin with a Gaelic historical origin in the region of Sligo. The variants of this surname include O’Haly, O Healy, O Heely, and two spellings of Hailey, which are Haley and Hayley. In addition, this surname can also be used as a variant of the surname Hallahan, or as an Irish form of the French surname Lahey.
Throughout various regions in Ireland, the surname of O’Haley is mostly found in the Northeastern portion of the country. It is used as an Anglicised form of the original Gaelic name of O hEalaighthe, which means descendant of the bright one. The surname has it’s origin from a personal name from the Gaelic word “ealach”, which means envy or jealousy.
In terms of spelling variations, some variants of the surname O’Haley may appear as: O Halay, O Healey, or O Heely. Other spellings of the same surname include: Healy, Hayley, and Haley. It is also sometimes spelt O’Hallahan, which is an Irish form of the French surname Lahey or O’Halloran.
There are many variations of the O’Haley surname found in many areas throughout Ireland. The two most popular variants of the surname are O’Healy and O’Halloran, which are concentrated in Ulster and the neighboring provinces of Leinster and Connacht. The O’Healey spelling of the surname, although rarer, is more common in the south in counties Clare, Cork, and Kerry. The surnames O'Haley and O'Haley are also found in Canada, the United States, and Australia.
Famous people with the name O'Haley
- Finola O'Haley: An English actress known for her work on The Bill, Dublin Murders, and Other Voices.
- Gerry O'Haley: An Irish radio and television presenter who has hosted various shows across RTÉ and BBC.
- Paudge O'Haley: An Irish native and Jockey who was active during the 1960s.
- Madeline O’Haley: A Virginia resident who was a recipient of the Silver Star of Excellence for her philanthropic activities.
- Tommy O'Haley: A professional boxer from Ireland who competed in the light-flyweight division throughout the 1980s.
- Owen O'Haley: Born in 1972, he is an American composer and performer who has collaborated with several major labels.
- Margaret O'Haley: A popular folk singer song-writer from Folkestone, UK.
- John O'Haley: An Irish businessman, Chairman of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, and former CEO of the Science Foundation Ireland.
- Michael O'Haley: A member of the Irish Senate since 2016, representing the Dublin County region.
- Jody O’Haley: An American actress, best known for her performances in the musicals “Little Shop of Horrors” and “West Side Story”.