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Last Name Omara

What is the origin of the last name Omara?

The last name "O'Mara" has Irish origins. It is an anglicized form of the original Irish surname Ó Mára, which means "descendant of Mára." The name Mára is derived from the Gaelic word "mór," meaning "great" or "noble." The O'Mara clan originates from County Limerick and County Clare in Ireland.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Omara

The meaning and origin of the last name Omara

The surname O'Mara is of Irish origin and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó Maoil Mhara, which translates to "descendant of the devotee of the sea." The name is derived from two Gaelic elements: "Ó" meaning "descendant of" and "Maoil Mhara" meaning "a devotee of the sea." The sea held significant importance in Irish culture, symbolizing both the source of life and the gateway to the spiritual realm. The O'Maras were likely originally associated with maritime activities or held a deep reverence for the sea. The O'Mara clan is believed to have originated from County Clare in western Ireland. They were a prominent sept (clan) within the larger Dál gCais tribal grouping, which traced its ancestry back to the legendary King Cormac Cas of Munster. Over time, the O'Maras spread throughout Ireland and their descendants can be found today both in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Omara

The last name Omara is fairly uncommon and has a limited geographical distribution. It originates from Ireland, specifically from the county of Clare. The name is of Gaelic origin, derived from the personal name 'Omar,' which means "mariner" or "man of the sea." Over time, individuals with the last name Omara migrated and dispersed to different parts of the world, resulting in a scattered distribution. Today, you may find individuals with the surname Omara in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, it is important to note that the name is still relatively rare in these locations. Due to its Gaelic origins, it is possible that individuals with the last name Omara can also be found in other areas with Irish diaspora populations. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Omara is limited but diverse, reflecting the historical movement of Irish populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Omara

The last name "Omara" may have several variations and spellings, reflecting the diverse ways it has been recorded throughout history. These variations can be attributed to factors such as migration, phonetic interpretation, or the adoption of new naming conventions. Some possible variations of the name Omara include O'Mara, O Mara, O Maraigh, O'Marah, Omeara, O Maraigh, Omarey, O'Maire, O Muirgheasa, and Umara. These variations often incorporate different combinations of apostrophes, spaces, or changes in the positioning of certain letters. Additionally, regional accents or dialects may contribute to further differences in the pronunciation or spelling of the name. Such variations are not uncommon and are testament to the dynamic nature of surnames. One should always consider these variations while researching or tracing their genealogy to ensure comprehensive exploration of their family history.

Famous people with the last name Omara

One of the notable figures with the last name Omara is Fergal O'Mara, an accomplished Irish marathon runner. Born in 1951, O'Mara gained recognition for his remarkable achievements on the international stage. He represented Ireland in major competitions, including the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games, throughout the 1970s and 1980s. O'Mara's most memorable triumph came in 1983 when he won the Dublin Marathon, finishing in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 45 seconds, setting a new Irish national record. His dedication to the sport and impressive performances established him as one of Ireland's finest long-distance runners. Fergal O'Mara's accomplishments not only brought him personal success but also inspired generations of athletes to strive for excellence in the world of marathon running.

Genealogical research on the last name Omara

The genealogical research on the last name Omara reveals a rich history rooted in Ireland. The name Omara is an anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó Máire, meaning "descendant of Máire." The Ó Máire family was part of the Uí Bhriain clan, which was one of the most powerful and influential families in ancient Ireland. The surname Omara can be traced back to County Clare, where the Ó Máire family held significant land holdings and played active roles in local politics and society. Over time, some members of the Omara family migrated to different parts of Ireland and even abroad, particularly during times of economic hardship and the Irish diaspora. Today, descendants of the Omara family can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The Omara name carries a strong sense of Irish identity and serves as a reminder of the family's ancestral roots.

Sources & References

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 : 11 April 2025

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