Surname Dallagher - Meaning and Origin

Dallagher: What does the surname Dallagher mean?

The last name Dallagher is derived from the Gaelic term 'dail-gearr' which translates to 'short field'. This was a name likely given to a family of farmers who owned or tended to a short strip of farmland, or who were known for growing smaller plots of crops. Historically, the Dallagher surname is believed to have come from County Donegal, Ireland and is associated with the Ulaid tribal group, where it spread throughout the surrounding area during the early 18th century. During this period, the family name changed to its modern spelling 'Dallagher' and spread throughout nearby Ulster and beyond.

The Dallagher family originated as subsistence level farmers and their descendants were generally characterized by hard work and strong traditions. This tradition of hard work and dedication continues through the generations, and today many Dallagher descendants are known for their determination and will to succeed.

The Dallagher surname was initially associated with the Ulaid tribal lands, and like many other Irish families, the Dallagher's began to migrate out of Ireland during the famine and subsequent population boom of the 19th century. This migration took them to places such as Scotland, England, Canada and the United States where they established families and found work as labourers.

Today, the Dallagher name is widespread throughout the world, and although its precise Gaelic history has been lost, the hard-working spirit of its founders lives on in the descendants of this ancient family.

Dallagher: Where does the name Dallagher come from?

The last name Dallagher is most commonly found in Ireland and the UK today. It is believed to have originated in County Donegal in Ireland where nearly three hundred years ago the Irish spelling of the name was "Ó Dubhgaill".

In Ireland, the surname is associated with a small area of northern Donegal where the Ó Dubhaigill name is still present. It is believed that the name was also passed on to the west of Scotland where it is now found in various spellings.

It is confirmed that Dallagher is found alternative spellings in Scotland such as Dalger or Dallager. It is a fairly common surname among people with Irish heritage in Scotland today. The name is also found in large numbers in other countries, including the United States, Australia and Canada, which have a large number of Irish immigrants.

In Ireland, members of the Dallagher family are scattered all over the country and can be found in urban and rural settings. It is recorded that the name is most particularly concentrated around Kerry, Sligo, Dublin, and Mayo.

The name is still present in other countries in its Irish form, most commonly with the prefix O’ or Mc, and is found among those who are descendants of immigrants.

Overall, the last name Dallagher is a relatively common name in Europe and in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where Irish cultural heritage is celebrated. Despite it’s concentration in Donegal in the 1700s, the name now spans the world, bridging the gap between old and new.

Variations of the surname Dallagher

The surname Dallagher is an anglicized version of the old Irish Gaelic surname Ó Dalaigh (meaning descendant of Dalach), or Mac Con Dale (son of Con Dalach). These surnames may also be seen as variants, different spellings, or extended family lines of the same origin.

Variants of the Dallagher surname include the anglicized versions of O'Dellagher, O’Dalagher, Dellagher, Dalagher, Dalleher, and Dallher. These surnames all developed from the original Irish Ó Dalaigh version.

Different spellings include O’Dallagher, O’Dallagher, O’Dallaher, O’Dillagher, O’Dillaher, O’Dallera, O’Dallerah, O’Dalleara, O’Dalleara, O’Dallearah, and O’Dallerah.

Extended family line of Dallagher include MacConDal, McCarthy, McDonnell, Dodellagher, McDallagher, McDallaher, McDonnell, Dallaher, Donagher, O’Dalgleish, Donagher, O’Dealgleish, O’Donnell, O’Donaop, and O’Donagh.

Overall, the surname Dallagher has various variants, different spellings, and other extended family lines from the same Irish Gaelic origin. It can be difficult to determine the exact spelling of these surnames as modern English has often conveyed these archaic Gaelic surnames in phonetic form.

Famous people with the name Dallagher

• Noel Gallagher: British singer and songwriter, formally of Oasis, and founder of the band High Flying Birds.
• Liam Gallagher: British rock musician, former vocalist of the band Oasis and founding member of Beady Eye.
• Casey Dallagher: American actress, known for her roles in TV shows such as NCIS, Private Practice, and State of Affairs.
• Mike Dallagher: Canadian television producer, director, and showrunner, best known for his work on the series History Bites.
• Jessica Dallagher: Australian graphic designer, known for her work on the TV series Neighbours.
• Jamie Dallagher: English actress, known for her role as Emilia Truman in the BBC soap opera Doctors.
• Guy Dallagher: English theatre director, known for his work with the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
• David Dallagher: Scottish artist and illustrator, known for his work in advertising and publishing.
• Andrew Dallagher: British film director, known for his work on films such as American Animals and The Crescent.
• Chris Dallagher: British footballer, formerly of clubs such as Walsall, Bolton Wanderers, and West Bromwich Albion.

Other surnames

Dallaghan