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Last Name O-reilly

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

The surname O'Reilly is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic O'Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghailligh". The O'Reilly clan originated in County Cavan in Ireland and were powerful chieftains in the region. The name is also sometimes spelled as Reilly or O'Reilley.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name O-reilly

O Reilly is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the native Gaelic O'Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghailligh." The name Raghailligh is believed to come from the Old Norse name Rognvaldr, meaning "powerful warrior." The O Reilly clan originated in County Cavan and County Meath in Ireland, where they were powerful chieftains, known for their prowess in battle and leadership. The clan's ancestral seat was located at Ballymany in County Cavan. The O Reillys played a significant role in Irish history, participating in numerous conflicts and battles throughout the centuries. Today, the surname is one of the most common in Ireland and is also found in significant numbers in the United States, especially among descendants of Irish immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name O-reilly

The last name O'Reilly is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in the provinces of Leinster and Munster. It is one of the most common surnames in Ireland, with a large concentration of O'Reilly families residing in County Cavan, County Meath, and County Dublin. The name O'Reilly is of Gaelic origin, derived from the Irish Ó Raghallaigh, meaning "descendant of Raghailleach." Over the years, many O'Reilly families have emigrated from Ireland to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, leading to a global distribution of the surname. Despite its prevalence in Ireland, the O'Reilly name can also be found scattered throughout the world due to migration patterns and the Irish diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name O-reilly

The last name O'Reilly can be spelled in several different variations, including O'Reilley, O'Riley, O'Reilie, O'Rilley, O'Rely, and O'Ryley. These variations may be the result of different spellings being used in historical records, or they could be individual preferences of different family members. The name is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic O'Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghailleach." The O'Reillys were a powerful Gaelic Irish clan in medieval times, with their territory centered around County Cavan. Today, the name is commonly found in Ireland, the United States, and other English-speaking countries. Regardless of the spelling variation, the name O'Reilly is steeped in Irish history and heritage, and carries a sense of pride and tradition for those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name O-reilly

Some of the most famous individuals with the last name O'Reilly include Bill O'Reilly, an American television host and political commentator known for his show "The O'Reilly Factor"; Ryan O'Reilly, a professional ice hockey player who has won the Stanley Cup and received multiple awards for his performance; and Emily O'Reilly, an Irish journalist and former European Ombudsman. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have achieved a level of recognition and success that has made them well-known figures both nationally and internationally.

Genealogical research on the last name O-reilly

The surname O'Reilly is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name O'Raghaille, meaning "descendant of Raghallach." The O'Reillys were a powerful Gaelic clan that originated in County Cavan in the province of Ulster in Ireland. They were known for their strong leadership and resilience against English occupation in the 16th century. The name O'Reilly spread throughout Ireland and beyond as members of the clan migrated to places like England, Scotland, and the United States. Today, O'Reilly is a fairly common surname, with many prominent individuals bearing the name in various fields such as politics, literature, and sports. Genealogical research on the O'Reilly surname can lead to discovering a rich history of Irish heritage and a lineage that has endured for centuries.

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