Surname O'Kirby - Meaning and Origin
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O'Kirby: What does the surname O'Kirby mean?
The last name O'Kirby is an Anglicised version of the Gaelic language surname O Ciardha, from the Irish word ciardha, meaning "Dark haired". The family originating from areas populated by the Irish such as Kerry, Galway, Mayo, and Wicklow, although members of the O'Kirby family could also be found in parts of northern England. Historically, the O'Kirby family were a powerful clan who excelled in the arts and sciences. They were believed to have descended from Kenneth "Kirby O'Kirby" who was part of the grand assembly of the Kingdom of Meath in 895AD.
The O'Kirby family were renowned for their accomplishments and bravery. In 1250, the uterine brothers, Cornelius and Hugh O’Kirby, as well as their father, played a major role in guarding Drogheda from its enemies. In the 1700s, the O'Kirby family could be found in England as well as Ireland, and in contemporary times, they are found in both countries, as well as in the United States.
As an ancestor of the O'Kirby family is known to have done a fair bit for education and learning in Ireland, it could be assumed that the O'Kirby family has a strong sense of pride and concern for knowledge. The family is undoubtedly a strong presence in history, with many of its members having contributed significantly to the fields of politics, economics, art, and literature.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Kirby: Where does the name O'Kirby come from?
The surname O’Kirby is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is present in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.
In addition to the British Isles, the O’Kirby surname can also be found in other parts of Europe, including Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.
O’Kirby is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic surname O Ciardha, derived from the Irish Ó Ciarda meaning “son of Ciarda” or “light-hearted”. There were a number of unrelated families with this name in Ireland, mainly located in the provinces of Ulster, Munster, and Connacht.
In recent years, the O'Kirby surname has become increasingly common in the United States, particularly on the East and West coasts as well as in the Midwest. The surname has also spread to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The O'Kirby surname is also found in relatively small numbers in other parts of the world such as South Africa, Brazil, and India. This historically Irish surname has traveled around the globe.
The name O’Kirby is a recognizable surname today, particularly in the countries of the British Isles and some parts of the United States. It can also be encountered in a handful of other countries across the world. Its historic Irish roots, however, remain intact, connecting the bearer of the surname to a past that has been shared across multiple cultures, countries, and continents.
Variations of the surname O'Kirby
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname O'Kirby include: Kirby, Kerby, Kyrby, Kilby, Kirbey, O'Kirby, O'Kyrby, O'Kilby, O'Kerby, O'Kirbey.
The surname O'Kirby almost certainly originates from an Irish origin and a Gaelic name of which there are several forms. The root of the name is 'O’Ceirb’ which means 'descendant of Ceirb', with Ceirb being an Old Gaelic name.
The spelling and pronunciation of the root name changed over time resulting in a number of spellings of the name. A branch of the O'Kirby's moved to England possibly as early as the 12th century, and the spelling of the name changed to what it is known as today.
The variation of spellings associated with the surname O'Kirby are Kirby, Kerby, Kyrby, Kilby, Kirbey. A prefix of O has also been added to some of the spellings to retain the Irish connection, and the variants such as O'Kirby, O'Kyrby, O'Kilby and O'Kerby have come to be used in modern times.
No matter the spelling each of these variants, spellings and surnames are of the same origin all derived from the Old Gaelic root name O’Ceirb.
Famous people with the name O'Kirby
- Michael O'Kirby: Australian High Court Justice between 1975 and 1993 as well as a prominent academic and barrister.
- Lucius O'Kirby: an American entrepreneur, dairy industry pioneer, and philanthropist.
- Thomas O'Kirby: British inventor and industrialist, having founded Thomas O'Kirby & Co which produced ammunition for the British Army during the First and Second World Wars.
- Kurt O'Kirby: award-winning journalist, television producer, director, editor, and podcast producer.
- George O'Kirby: English actor best known for his roles in the TV series Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
- Alan O'Kirby: English rugby union international who capped 18 times for his country.
- John O'Kirby: Irish republican and Sinn Féin politician who was an Member of Parliament for Londonderry from 1918-1922.
- Colm O'Kirby: Irish footballer who plays for Bray Wanderers as a goalkeeper.
- O'Kirby Robinson: American district court judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Moray O'Kirby: Australian Olympic long jumper who competed at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.