Surname Cosgrach - Meaning and Origin

Cosgrach: What does the surname Cosgrach mean?

The last name Cosgrach is an anglicised form of Gaelic origin, meaning 'victory point'. It is derived from the Irish roots 'coisich' (victory) and 'griachail' (point).

The surname Cosgrach has been recorded in a variety of different areas in Ireland. During the 12th century, the surname was found in areas of Meath county. Later, in the 17th century, records show the surname occurring in Mayo and Sligo counties. The surname has also been recorded in Scotland, where it was an anglicised form of the surname MacCosgrach, from the northern Highlands.

The literal meaning of the last name Cosgrach is 'victory point', and it suggests a history of battle and victory. It perhaps speaks to a family of brave and resilient warriors, who were victorious when the odds were against them. It might be assumed that members of a family with this last name would still possess a similar valiant spirit, and may even be blessed with luck in times of adversity.

The last name Cosgrach is a marvelous reminder of the strength and perseverance of the Irish people, and is sure to capture anyone's curiosity and imagination.

Cosgrach: Where does the name Cosgrach come from?

The last name Cosgrach is not particularly common today, but is found mainly in areas where Irish heritage is strong. Cosgrach is an Irish patronymic surname derived from the Gaelic ó Coisgreach, meaning "descendant of Coisgreach." It originates from the Old Norse personal name "Ketilríkr," which is derived from the words for a kettle and power or ruler. The coat of arms associated with the family has an eagle displayed on an embattled field, its beak and claws proper.

The surname is especially common in Connacht- the western province of Ireland- where it is most likely to be found today, but it is not unheard of in Counties Dublin, Donegal, Clare or Tipperary. Outside of Ireland, Cosgrach can be found in Canada, the United States, Scotland, and England.

Cosgrach was the last name of an 18th-century poet and writer, Frances Cosgrach, and the Irish-American Navy admiral, David Cosgrach. The name is not overwhelming in numbers compared to other more popular Irish surnames, such as Murphy, Walsh, and Kelly.

As for other Irish communities, Cosgrach is a name that crops up from time to time, particularly within family surnames, indicating a proud Irish heritage in those families who have chosen to share their stories by continuing the surname.

Variations of the surname Cosgrach

The surname Cosgrach is an anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó Cosgraigh. It is believed to have emerged from a personal name composed of elements meaning ‘victory’ (cos) and ‘love’ (gra). Historically, the name was associated with the Connemara area of County Galway and there are other variants and spellings of the name.

Coserry and Cosgry are two variants of Cosgrach, with each arising from a different dialect spoken in the Connemara area. Similarly, Cosgry and Cosgrye may also be considered alternative spellings of the surname. Mac, MacCarerry, MacCostry, and MacCoskerry are some of the surnames derived from the same root names.

The patronymic names derived from the variant spellings of Cosgrach include Ó Coisirí, Ó Cosgriú, Ó Coisgry, Ó Coiscriú, Ó Ciosgraí, Ó Ciusgry, and Ó Ciosgriú. The dinghies, however, are not commonly used variants of the surname.

The anglicized version of the Cosgrach surname is Cosgrave. It is a popular spelling used in the UK and other English speaking countries. In some of these countries, other variants such as Cossgrove and Cosgrove are also used.

Cosgrave, Cosgry, Cosgrye, Mac, MacCarerry, MacCostry, MacCoskerry, Ó Coisirí, Ó Cosgriú, Ó Coisgry, Ó Coiscriú, Ó Ciosgraí, Ó Ciusgry, Ó Ciosgriú, Cosgrove, Cossgrove, are all variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Cosgrach.

Famous people with the name Cosgrach

• Gianna Cosgrach: Gianna is a Chicago-based voice artist.
• Andrea Cosgrach: Andrea is a multi-award winning Spanish and English language radio personality.
• Christopher Cosgrach: Christopher is an American film and television actor, best known for his roles in "Dexter" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit".
• Claire Cosgrach: Claire is a singer/songwriter/producer from Ireland.
• Mark Cosgrach: Mark is a former professional basketball player.
• Harry Cosgrach: Harry is an Australian comedian and television presenter.
• Nick Cosgrach: Nick is an American fashion designer, chef and philanthropist.
• Anna Cosgrach: Anna is a former professional ice skater, who competed on the U.S. National Figure Skating team.
• Patrick Cosgrach: Patrick is an Irish-born professional golfer and golf club designer.
• Sarah Cosgrach: Sarah is an American photographer, specializing in fashion and portrait photography.

Other surnames

CosgraveCosgraye