Last Name Cleary

The last name Cleary is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Cléirigh," which means "descendant of Cleric." The name Cleric itself refers to a learned scholar or cleric in the ancient Irish church. The Cleary surname is typically found in County Clare and other parts of Western Ireland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cleary

The meaning and origin of the last name Cleary

The surname Cleary has its origins in Ireland and is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Cléirigh, which means "descendant of Cleireach." Cleireach was a personal name derived from the Irish word "cléireach," meaning "clerk" or "scribe." The Ó Cléirigh sept (clan) originated in County Donegal, where they were associated with the important religious center of Clogher, now in Northern Ireland. The name Cleary has been anglicized in various ways over the years, including Clark and Clarke. The family played a significant role in Irish history, particularly through their association with the Annals of the Four Masters, an important historical text produced by several members of the Ó Cléirigh family in the 17th century. Today, the surname Cleary can be found both in Ireland and in countries with Irish diaspora communities, representing a historical connection to the family's ancient Gaelic heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cleary

The last name Cleary has a widespread geographical distribution, mainly found in English-speaking regions such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Ireland, Cleary is a relatively common surname, particularly associated with counties Clare, Tipperary, and Limerick. The name Cleary originated from the Gaelic surname Ó Cléirigh, which means "clerk" or "scribe" in English. In the United Kingdom, Cleary is found across different regions, with concentrations in England, Scotland, and Wales. The name also made its way to the United States during immigration waves in the 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to Cleary becoming a fairly common surname in states like New York, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Similar patterns can be observed in other English-speaking countries, where Cleary can be found among the populations of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with varying distributions based on migration and settlement patterns over the years.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cleary

The last name Cleary may have a few variations and spellings. Some possible variations include Clary, Clarey, Claree, and Cleri. These variations can occur due to handwriting interpretation, regional accents, or simply personal preference. For instance, an individual may choose to use Clary instead of Cleary as a simplified version or as a way to reflect a specific cultural background. Additionally, different spelling variations might have emerged over time as families migrated or as documents were transcribed or translated. Moreover, historical records may feature slight discrepancies, resulting in the varied spellings of the surname Cleary. Despite these variations, these different forms typically share a common origin and can be traced back to the Cleary name. Ultimately, the variations and spellings of the last name Cleary highlight the diversity that can exist within a single surname.

Famous people with the last name Cleary

Kitty Cleary was an acclaimed Australian actress known for her versatile talent and powerful stage performances. She achieved significant success in the 1960s and 1970s, captivating audiences with her remarkable presence and captivating portrayals of complex characters. Cleary thrived as a leading lady in both dramatic and comedic roles, leaving a lasting impact on the Australian theater scene. Jack Cleary, on the other hand, made his name as a distinguished American author and journalist. With an exceptional ability to engage readers, his works brought forth poignant narratives that captured the essence of the human condition. Cleary's thought-provoking articles and influential novels resonated with a wide audience, allowing him to become a recognizable figure in literary circles and beyond. From different corners of the world, Kitty Cleary and Jack Cleary made their respective marks in the realms of performing arts and literature, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire and entertain.

Genealogical research on the last name Cleary

The surname Cleary has its origins in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "Ó Cléirigh." The name is derived from the word "cléirigh," meaning clergy or cleric. The Cleary family can trace its roots back to County Clare, in the west of Ireland. From there, the name spread throughout the country and eventually migrated to other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Cleary family has a rich history, with notable individuals making significant contributions in various fields, including law, politics, and literature. Today, Cleary is a relatively common surname in Ireland and maintains a strong connection to its Irish heritage. Further genealogical research would delve into specific branches of the Cleary family, tracing their lineages, and discovering more about their ancestors and extended relatives.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cleary"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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