Last Name O-kelly

The surname O'Kelly is of Irish origin and comes from the Gaelic name Ó Ceallaigh, which means "descendant of Ceallach". Ceallach was a personal name that means "bright-headed" or "contention". The O'Kellys were an important Gaelic Irish sept that was historically based in the province of Connacht. Today, the O'Kelly surname is one of the most common Irish surnames found both in Ireland and among Irish diaspora populations.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name O-kelly

O'Kelly is an Irish surname meaning "descendant of the bright-headed one" or "descendant of Ceallach," which was a popular personal name in medieval Ireland. The O'Kellys were a powerful Gaelic clan that originated in County Galway but later spread to other parts of Ireland, particularly County Offaly. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "ceallach," meaning "bright-headed" or "contention," reflecting the clan's reputation for being fierce warriors and skilled fighters. The O'Kellys played a significant role in Irish history and were prominent figures in the medieval Gaelic hierarchy. Today, the surname O'Kelly is still common in Ireland and across the world, with many individuals proud to trace their ancestry back to this distinguished clan.

Geographical distribution of the last name O-kelly

The last name O'Kelly has its origins in Ireland and is commonly found among people of Irish descent. It is particularly prevalent in counties such as Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon in the western part of the country. In addition to Ireland, the surname O'Kelly can also be found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where Irish immigrants have settled over the years. In these countries, individuals with the last name O'Kelly are likely to be descendants of Irish immigrants who arrived during periods of mass migration from Ireland. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name O'Kelly is rooted in its Irish origins but extends to various other countries with significant Irish populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name O-kelly

The last name O'Kelly has several variations and spellings, including O'Kelley, O'Kellie, O'Keally, and O'Keely. These variations may have originated from different regions or branches of the O'Kelly family. The surname O'Kelly itself is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "O'Ceallaigh," meaning descendant of Ceallach. The O'Kelly clan is one of the oldest and most distinguished Gaelic families in Ireland, with a long history dating back to the 10th century. Throughout the centuries, the spelling of the surname may have changed due to various factors such as migration, language changes, or recording errors. Despite the different spellings, all variations of the O'Kelly surname still hold the same ancestral roots and rich Irish heritage.

Famous people with the last name O-kelly

Some famous people with the last name O'Kelly include actor and comedian Jack O'Kelly, known for his roles in movies such as "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Accepted." Irish professional golfer Christy O'Kelly is also well-known for his success on the European Tour and has been a prominent figure in the golfing world for many years. Another notable figure with the last name O'Kelly is author and journalist Niall O'Kelly, who has written several critically acclaimed books on various topics including politics and history. These individuals have all made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on those who are familiar with their work.

Genealogical research on the last name O-kelly

The last name O'Kelly is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Ó Ceallaigh, meaning descendant of Ceallach. Ceallach was a personal name that means "bright-headed" or "contentious," indicating a strong and determined individual. The O'Kellys were a powerful Gaelic clan who were descendants of the ancient Kings of Connacht in the western province of Ireland. The clan's territory was centered around the counties of Galway and Roscommon. Over the centuries, the O'Kelly family played a significant role in Irish history, with members holding prominent positions in religious, political, and military spheres. The surname O'Kelly is still fairly common in Ireland and has spread to other parts of the world, particularly in countries with a significant Irish diaspora such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

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