Last Name Conaty

The surname Conaty (also spelled Connolly, Connelly, or O'Connolly) is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Irish name Ó Conaill or Ó Conaillte, which translates as "descendant of Conall" or "descendant of the champion." Conall was a legendary figure in Irish mythology, known for his bravery and heroism. The name was common among Gaelic families in Ireland, particularly those from County Mayo and County Cork. As English influence increased in Ireland during the Middle Ages, many families anglicized their names to conform with English naming conventions. This is how the surname Conaty came into existence.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Conaty

The meaning and origin of the last name Conaty

The surname Conaty is an Anglicized form of the Irish name "Ó Conghaítha" or "Mac Conghatha." Both are Gaelic names derived from the personal name Congathach, which is composed of the elements "congat," meaning "wisdom," and "-ach," indicating "small." The surname emerged among two different Irish septs, one in County Clare and the other in County Cork. The Clare Conatys were chiefs of the district of Hy-Many, now known as Thomond, while the Cork Conatys were descendants of Conghathach Mór, a famous warrior who lived around the 10th century A.D. The surname subsequently became anglicized to Conaty during the Anglo-Norman period in Ireland, as the English sought to simplify and standardize Gaelic names for administrative purposes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Conaty

The surname Conaty is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Cork and Tipperary, where it originates from the Irish "O'Conaity" or "Mac Conaoi," which translates to "descendant of Conall." Over time, due to emigration primarily during the Great Famine in the 19th century, a significant number of people with the surname Conaty can now be found in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The name has also spread to other parts of the world through further migration, though it remains most concentrated in the aforementioned regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Conaty

The surname Conaty exhibits several variations and spellings worldwide. These include Connaughty, Connity, Conneati, Conahey, Conaghty, Conahy, Conaty-Sweeney, Conaty-Connolly, and possibly others. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic changes over time, or regional dialects. For example, the Gaelic form of "Conahey" is "Mac an tSaoi," which translates as "Son of the Poet." The Conaty family is of Irish origin and has been historically associated with counties such as Tipperary and Cork in Ireland. It is also found among Irish immigrants in other parts of the world, particularly North America, where variations may have developed due to local pronunciation or assimilation into different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Conaty

Notable individuals bearing the surname Conaty include John J. Conaty, an American prelate who served as the Bishop of Nashville from 1973 to 2004. He was known for his work in social justice and interfaith dialogue. In the entertainment industry, Jack Conaty is a renowned television executive, having worked on shows like "Gilmore Girls," "The Office," and "Parks and Recreation." On the musical front, Mary Anne Conaty is a well-known Canadian jazz singer-songwriter, recognized for her unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Lastly, there's Kevin J. Conaty, an American screenwriter, producer, and director, best known for his work on "How I Met Your Mother" and "2 Broke Girls." These individuals demonstrate a wide range of achievements across various fields, from religion to entertainment and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Conaty

The Conaty surname is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Conaithigh" meaning descendant of Conath, a personal name composed of the elements "con," meaning hound, and "ath," for ford or river crossing. It was primarily found in the counties of Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon in Ireland, where it was mainly associated with the Catholic faith.

The earliest recorded bearer of the name was Conan O'Conaty, a chieftain who lived in the 15th century. The O'Connati clan were part of the Connachta tribe, which dominated western Ireland during the Middle Ages. During the 17th and 18th centuries, many Conatys emigrated to Britain and America due to religious persecution and economic hardships.

In America, the surname can be traced back to James Conaty, who arrived in Virginia in 1654. Another early settler was Michael Conaty, who came to Massachusetts around the same time. In more recent times, notable Conatys include John Patrick Conaty, an American actor and singer known for his roles on Broadway, and Kirsten Conaty, a Canadian actress and comedian.

Thus, the Conaty surname has a rich history dating back to medieval Ireland, with many branches spreading across Europe and America over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 13 June 2025

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