The surname O'Meara (or Ó Máiréadha) is of Irish origin. It derives from the Gaelic name "Mac Máire" which means "son of Mary". In Ireland, surnames often originate from the names of ancestors or occupations and were taken on as a way to distinguish between families. The prefix 'O' (meaning descendant of) is common in Irish surnames. The English spelling variations of this name include O'Meara, O'Mara, O'Marra, among others.
Learn more about the origin of the last name O-meara
The meaning and origin of the last name O-meara
The surname O'Meara is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ó Máiréadha or Ó Maoil Mhearra, which translates to "descendant of Maireadh" or "devotee of Saint Mary," respectively. The name originated in Ireland, specifically among the septs (clans) of County Kerry and Limerick. It is a variant of the more common O'Meara, where the prefix 'O' signifies 'descendant of.' Over time, the Irish Gaelic names underwent Anglicization as a result of English influence following the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. The O'Meara surname is one of many that reflects the rich heritage and history of Ireland.
Geographical distribution of the last name O-meara
The surname O'Meara is predominantly distributed within Ireland, particularly in counties Tipperary, Limerick, and Kerry, reflecting its Gaelic origin. A significant concentration can be found in the Mid-West region, specifically in the cities of Limerick and Nenagh. However, Irish diaspora has dispersed this name across various English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, especially in urban centers with large Irish communities like Boston, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney, and London. Additionally, smaller populations of O'Mearas reside in South Africa, Argentina, and other regions where the Irish immigrated historically.
Variants and spellings of the last name O-meara
The surname O'Meara, originating from Ireland, is a variant of the Gaelic Mac Mhuircheartaigh, which translates to "son of the champion." This name is often anglicized as O'Meara, but it also has several variations due to transcription errors and local dialects. Some of these include: O'Morey, O'Moria, O'Moira, O'Moriarty (in some regions), Omara, O'Marah, O'Mearaigh, O'Mahra, O'Mahera, and O'Meary. Each of these variations shares a common root with the original Gaelic name. The absence or inclusion of an "h" in some variants is due to regional pronunciation differences, while other changes are a result of assimilation during the anglicization process.
Famous people with the last name O-meara
Notable individuals bearing the surname O'Meara include:
1. John O'Meara (1923-2017), an Irish journalist, broadcaster and author who served as a correspondent for The Guardian newspaper in Moscow during the Cold War era.
2. Mark O'Meara (born 1958), a professional golfer from the United States, who won two major championships - The British Open in 1998 and The Masters in 1998.
3. Mary-Louise O'Meara (born 1967), an American actress known for her roles in "Picket Fences," "ER" and the movie "Frequency."
4. Michael O'Meara (1920-2008), a British-American historian, author and journalist, who co-founded the National Review magazine with William F. Buckley Jr.
5. Robert J. O'Meara (born 1934), an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Bishop of Burlington in Vermont from 1987 to 2010.
These individuals have made significant contributions in journalism, sports, acting, and religious leadership across different regions.
Genealogical research on the last name O-meara
The surname O'Meara originates from Ireland and is associated with County Kerry, specifically the Iveragh Peninsula. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic "Ó Madagáin", derived from the given name Madagan or Madden, meaning "brown-skinned" in Old Norse. Over time, various spellings have emerged, such as O'Meadhra, O'Mahady, and Mahoney, reflecting local dialects and scribal errors. The earliest known records show the family living in County Kerry during the Middle Ages, with a notable branch migrating to County Clare in the 17th century. Notable figures bearing this name include James O'Meara, an Irish nationalist leader who fought for independence from Britain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Liam O'Meara, a prominent Irish-American politician and diplomat. The O'Meara clan maintains a strong sense of identity and cultural heritage, with many descendants living both in Ireland and throughout the wider Irish diaspora.
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