Surname Ardagh - Meaning and Origin
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Ardagh: What does the surname Ardagh mean?
The surname Ardagh is an anglicised version of the Irish Ó hIarfhlaith, which translated from Irish Gaelic means "descendant of Iarfhlaith." The name Iarfhlaith itself derived from the Old Irish name "iar" and "flaith," meaning "west" and "prince or lord" respectively.
Throughout Irish history, the Ardaghs belonged to an influential and powerful family, descended from king Niall of the Nine Hostages. From this prestigious ancestry, the Ardaghs owned and held sway over a large portion of County Cork in the barony of Muskerry.
The Ardaghs were a prominent family in Irish politics, participating in commerce, owning and running a variety of businesses across the country. Known for their bravery and strength in battle, members of the Ardagh family took part in the Irish Rebellion of 1798, fighting against British forces for independence.
Beyond Ireland, the prominent Ardagh name can be found in many countries across the world, from Argentina to the United States. Whether through immigration, military service, or even mission trips, members of the Ardagh family have spread their legacy across the seas.
Although the name Ardagh is not as prominent as it once was, its stirring past of heroes and battles remain strong to this day. As a proud member of an important family in Irish history, the legacy of Ardagh lives on.
Order DNA origin analysisArdagh: Where does the name Ardagh come from?
The last name Ardagh is most common today in Ireland. It is an anglicized version of the Irish name Ó Ardgha - which is derived from the Gaelic word “Ardach” meaning “high”, “noble”, or “right”. The surname is most common in the counties of Connacht and Munster on the island.
The largest concentration of the Ardagh family can be found in the city of Limerick. During the 17th century, the family was a powerful presence within the city - and by the middle of the eighteenth century, the Ardaghs were the most powerful family in Limerick.
In addition to Ireland, the Ardagh name can be found in Scotland, Britain, and many other countries. Emigration from Ireland in the 1800s dispersed the Ardagh surname to far flung places around the world - from Australia and Canada, to the United States.
In the United States, the surname Ardagh is especially popular in the New England states, especially in Massachusetts and Connecticut. This is likely due to the massive influx of Irish immigrants to the United States during the 19th century.
Regardless of where the surname is found, all branches of the Ardagh family are connected to the ancient Irish clan. The surname Ardagh is still very common in Ireland, and many bearers of the name have returned to the Emerald Isle to enjoy the beauty of the ancestral home.
Variations of the surname Ardagh
The surname Ardagh (often spelled Ardagh) is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Redhacháin, which translates to English as "descendants of Redhachan.” Redhachan was the name of a legendary 12th century Irish chief whose father was Ui Dhonnchadha, of the Corco Mruadh dynasty.
Variants of this surname include Ardaghy, Ardaighe, Ardah, Ardee, Redahy, Redahigh, Redaugh, Redaughy, Reddahy, Reddahigh, Reddaugh, Reddaughy, Redeh, Redeigh, Redhey, Redhigh, Redigh, Redoy, Redoigh, Redoighy, Rehdoe, Redoe, Redoy, Redoigh, Redoighey, Redey, Redie, Redhie, Redí, and Redíogh.
This particular surname is popular around the counties Cork, Tipperary, Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Galway in Ireland. It can also be found in Australia, Canada and the United States.
In Scotland, Ardagh is spelled Orrach and is associated with the name of Clan MacLellan. The Orrach spelling is also used by those of Irish origin who have lived in Scotland for some time.
The Ardagh and Ardaghy spellings can also be found in regions in Germany, such as Berlin, Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein. In the United States, the Ardagh spelling is the most commonly encountered. In the rest of the world, Ardagh is mostly encountered as a first name.
Famous people with the name Ardagh
- Maggie Ardagh: a professional surfer from Australia.
- Gerry Ardagh: an Irish singer-songwriter.
- Dan Ardagh: an American musician and composer.
- Steve Ardagh: an American entrepreneur and executive.
- Michael Ardagh: an Irish long jumper and hurdler.
- Erin Ardagh: a Canadian stage actress.
- Eva Ardagh: a British artist and fashion illustrator.
- Declan Ardagh: an Irish order of Premonstratensians canon.
- John Ardagh: British journalist, author, and radio presenter.
- David Ardagh: a British actor, comedian, and writer.