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Last Name Hurley

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What is the origin of the last name Hurley?

The surname Hurley is of Irish origin and is derived from various places named Hurle in County Tipperary and County Wexford in Ireland. It is believed to be a local name meaning "hurdle," referring to a fence or enclosure made of hurdles, although it may also have been used as a nickname for someone who lived near such a structure. The name was brought to North America by Irish immigrants in the 19th century and has since become widespread in English-speaking countries.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Hurley

The surname Hurley is an Anglicized form of the Irish name O hUráil or O hEircail, derived from the Gaelic personal names Urál or Eirc, respectively meaning "ferocious" and "rock." The name originated among the Irish septs of Hurley in County Tipperary and Galway, Ireland. The surname Hurley is also found in England, likely due to Anglo-Norman invasions or the migration of Irish families during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. In modern times, notable individuals with the surname Hurley include actress Mila Kunis and musician Steve Hurley.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hurley

The surname Hurley is predominantly of Irish origin and has a significant distribution in Ireland, particularly in counties Mayo and Donegal, due to its Gaelic roots which mean "sea-breeze" or "dark-forested land". Outside Ireland, the name is also found in significant numbers among Irish diaspora communities in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., Hurley is most prevalent in states with a high Irish immigrant population such as Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec have the highest concentration of individuals bearing the name. In Australia, it's most common in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. In New Zealand, Hurley is also found predominantly in the North Island. The geographical spread of the surname Hurley reflects the historic movement of Irish immigrants across the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hurley

The surname Hurley has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variations include Hurlee, Hurly, Hurely, Hurlie, Hurlea, Hurlee, and Hurleigh. These variations may arise from the use of different diacritics, alterations in spelling conventions, or regional pronunciation differences. Additionally, some families may have adopted slightly different spellings over generations, leading to further variation. It's essential to note that these variations do not indicate distinct surnames but rather alternate forms of the same name. The origin of the name Hurley is Irish, derived from Ó hUráil, a Gaelic sept that was most prominent in County Donegal.

Famous people with the last name Hurley

Notable individuals bearing the surname Hurley include Ed Asner, an American actor known for his role as Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Lou Grant; Malcolm in the Middle's Phil Hurley, portrayed by Bryan Callen; and John J. Hurley, a prominent 19th-century Irish-American politician who served as Mayor of New York City and as a U.S. Congressman from New York. Additionally, Damon Lindelof, the co-creator of Lost and Watchmen, uses Hurley as his middle name professionally. In the world of sports, hurdler Lolo Jones and NFL player John Abraham also share this surname. Lastly, Richard Hurley, an Irish poet and playwright, has made significant contributions to literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Hurley

The surname Hurley is an Anglicized form of the Irish and Scottish Gaelic names O'hUrtulla and Mac Urtulla, respectively. These original names are derived from "urt" meaning 'fierce' or 'distinctive' and "uilleadh" meaning 'boar-hound.' The name was primarily found in counties Galway and Mayo in Ireland, with some presence in Scotland. The Anglicization of Irish names began during the 16th century due to English colonization, as a means for the English administration to better manage land records by giving the native population standardized surnames. Notable bearers of the Hurley name include American actress and singer Michelle Hurley, Australian rugby league player Scott Hurley, and Irish musician John Hurley. The Hurley family crest features a boar's head on a red background, symbolizing bravery and strength.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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