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Last Name O-hare

What is the origin of the last name O-hare?

The surname O'Hare is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Ó hÉara, meaning "descendant of Éarach." Éarach was a personal name derived from éar (boar). This Irish surname was originally taken by descendants of a man named Éarach. The 'O' prefix is an abbreviation of the word 'Ó', which in old Gaelic means descendant or grandson. The O'Hares were a prominent sept in Ireland, particularly in Counties Meath and Westmeath. Over time, the name was anglicized to O'Hare, and it is now commonly found among Irish descendants around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name O-hare

The meaning and origin of the last name O-hare

The surname O'Hare is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ó hÉara, derived from the Gaelic "O' hEathra" or "Mac Eathra," which means "descendant/son of Eathra." Eathra is a personal name of uncertain origin, but it may be related to the Old Norse "Árthur," meaning "rich" or "noble." The O'Hare clan was traditionally associated with County Tyrone in Northern Ireland and County Roscommon in the Republic of Ireland. The Anglicized form, O'Hare, became prevalent as a result of English colonization and the assimilation of Irish surnames during the Middle Ages. It is now a common surname found not only in Ireland but also among Irish diaspora communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name O-hare

The surname O'Hare is predominantly found in Ireland, with the highest concentrations in County Meath and Dublin, reflecting its Irish Celtic origins. Traditionally associated with the Gaelic clan O'hEara, which translates to "descendants of the stony one," it has been Anglicized to O'Hare over time. Although primarily an Irish name, the distribution of O'Hare has expanded beyond Ireland due to emigration, particularly during the Great Famine in the 19th century and later in the 20th century. Significant populations of O'Hares can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, where many Irish immigrants settled. The name has also been adopted by individuals who are not of Irish descent but appreciate its rich history and cultural significance.

Variants and spellings of the last name O-hare

The surname O'Hare, originating from Ireland, is a variant of the Gaelic Ó hÉara which means "descendant of Eara". In English, it is often anglicized as O'Hara, but can also appear as O'Her, O'Heir, and O'Haer. Another variation is Mac Eara, which has been anglicized as McEar, McEher, or McHaer. These variations are due to the process of anglicization, where Irish names were modified to suit English conventions for spelling and pronunciation. It's also common to find O'Hare contracted to just Hare, although this may not be considered a traditional Gaelic form of the name.

Famous people with the last name O-hare

The O'Hare surname has produced notable individuals in various fields. One of the most renowned is Richard J. O'Hare, a decorated United States Navy officer who served during World War II and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Okinawa. Another prominent figure is Maureen O'Hara, an Irish-American actress known as the "Queen of Technicolor" for her work in classic Hollywood films such as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Miracle on 34th Street," and "How Green Was My Valley." Lastly, Orville O'Hare was a United States Representative from Illinois, serving from 1957 to 1963. He is perhaps best known for having the Chicago International Airport named in his honor due to his significant role in its development.

Genealogical research on the last name O-hare

The surname O'Hare is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ó hÉara, which originated from County Tyrone and later spread to other regions in Ireland, particularly Counties Donegal, Monaghan, and Meath. It is derived from the Gaelic word "eachar," meaning a steward or overseer. The O'Hare clan was traditionally associated with the Fitzgeralds (the Earls of Kildare) as their stewards, hence the frequent association between these two names in Irish history. The surname was anglicized to O'Hara and later to the modern form O'Hare during the 17th century as a result of English colonization and the implementation of new naming conventions. Notable individuals with this surname include William J. O'Hare, a U.S. Senator from Maine, and Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor best known for his role in Peaky Blinders.

Last name distribution maps

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About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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The last name O'Hara is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó hEaghra, which means "descendant of Eaghra". Eaghra was a personal name that means "bitter" or "sh...