Surname O'Hara - Meaning and Origin
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O'Hara: What does the surname O'Hara mean?
The last name O’Hara is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic “O’hEaghra.” The “O” prefix denotes “descendants of,” while the “hEaghra” is a name meaning “desire”. The O’Hara’s may have been descendants of Aodh, an ancient Irish god of the sun, which makes sense as “hEaghra” literally translates to “fiery one” or “one who brings the sun”.
In the 12th century, when surnames were first adopted, the O’Haras were located in County Offally, with branches of the same family scattered throughout Ireland. In the 1600s, during the period of English colonization, the O’Haras were driven out of their lands and scattered around the world. In the twentieth century, immigrants of Irish descent all over the world proudly adopted the name proudly.
The O’Hara family are the “original Irish”, described as daring, passionate, and fiercely independent. They are known for a vivacious and zealous spirit, qualities both celebrated and feared by all who encounter them. They are beloved for their sharp wit, commitment to justice, and gargantuan heart.
The O’Hara family have made remarkable contributions to society, leaving a proud legacy in literature, politics, science, and the arts. One of the most memorable O’Haras is Scarlett O’Hara from the classic American novel Gone with the Wind. She exemplifies the beauty, tenacity, and ferocity of the O’Hara name. This family are to be celebrated and admired for their indelible mark on the world.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Hara: Where does the name O'Hara come from?
The last name O'Hara is primarily of Irish and Scottish origin and is still most commonly found in both countries today. It was first brought to Ireland by the unrelated Norman family deHara in the 11th century, then further spread by migrating families eastward out of County Fermanagh and County Armagh. According to the 2019 Irish Census, the surname is the 32nd most common in Ireland and the 10th most common in Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, the last name is primarily concentrated in the Argyll and Bute region. This may be due to the 14th century colonization of Islay by the family McIlroy of County Antrim, who took possession of the entire island and adopted the surname McAdam O'Hara (or McO'Hara).
The name also has strong familial roots in other countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, where it was often anglicized and adopted following the large waves of Irish emigration, primarily during the 19th century. While these countries still boast a sizable population of O'Haras today, the largest number of O'Hara families is still found in Ireland and Scotland.
Variations of the surname O'Hara
The O'Hara family name is derived from ? hEara, an Irish word for a fierce warrior or someone of high stature. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for this surname are:
O'Hare, O'Harra, O'Hair, O'Haira, O'Herr, O'Hara, Hara, Harah, Harrah, Harre, Harrer, Harrey, Harri, Harrie, Harr, Harlow, Herah, Herrah, Harey, Haro, Harie.
O'Hara is an ancient Irish surname, one of the few ancient Gaelic surnames that have survived for centuries. It's derived from ? hEara, an Old Irish name meaning "Iron", a reference to the ironsmiths and smelters of days gone by. The O'Hara surname was likely used to indicate someone of great skill in this industry. In the Irish language, it is written as O? hEara, meaning "descendant of Iron".
The original Irish spelling of the O'Hara surname was O'hEghra, with the 'h' denoting the placename in county Sligo, where the O'Hara Clan originated. Over time, the name has been adapted and changed in spelling and pronunciation to O'Hare, O'Haira, O'Hara, and other variations.
Many of the same families with the O'Hara surname are found in the United States as well as Ireland, Australia, and other parts of the British Commonwealth. In some cases, the spelling and pronunciation of the O'Hara surname has changed quite dramatically over time, with people adopting new spellings for convenience or to fit in with their new surroundings.
The O'Hara surname has been popularized in modern culture by characters such as Scarlett in "Gone With the Wind" and the popular TV series "Dynasty". It is clear that the O'Hara surname will continue to live on as part of Irish heritage and culture.
Famous people with the name O'Hara
- Maureen O'Hara, Irish-American actress of the 1940s and 1950s.
- John O'Hara, American novelist of the mid-20th century.
- Patrick O'Hara, 19th and early 20th century Irish landscape and portrait painter.
- Fiona O'Hara, Irish sponsored professional footballer.
- Colin O'Hara, British actor and singer.
- Harry O'Hara, American-British Hollywood actor of the 1950s.
- Brian O'Hara, Irish professional boxer from the 1970s.
- John J. O'Hara, American lawyer and jurist of the 20th century.
- Erin O'Hara, American law professor.
- Ruth O'Hara, Chadian actress and singer.
- Art O'Hara, American silent-film actor.
- Tom O'Hara, American long-distance runner of the mid 1960s.
- Julie O'Hara, Canadian screenwriter, television actress and producer.
- Finbar O'Hara, British actor and musician, known for his portrayal of Josiah Trout in the 54-episode television series Heartbeat.
- Caroline O'Hara, British-American actress, writer, television producer and theatre director.
- Angela O'Hara, British actress currently starring in the series Bonkers.
- Barry O'Hara, American actor who has appeared on various TV shows and movies.
- Jerry O'Hara, American poet and fiction writer.
- Sally Hawkins O'Hara, American author of children's literature.
- Michael O'Hara, American former professional baseball pitcher.