Surname Derrah - Meaning and Origin
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Derrah: What does the surname Derrah mean?
The last name Derrah is not common and doesn't seem to have a universally recognized meaning. It could possibly be of Irish origin, as it closely resembles "Derra," which is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Doirighe," meaning "descendant of Doirighe." The personal name "Doirighe" is derived from "doire," meaning "oak-tree." However, given the changes that names often undergo due to migration and localization, the meaning could differ greatly depending upon the cultural and geographical context. It is also possible that the name Derrah is a variant of the surname "Derraugh" or "Darragh," both of which have Irish origins. Please consult a professional genealogist or undertake a comprehensive genealogical research for accurate information about the Derrah surname.
Order DNA origin analysisDerrah: Where does the name Derrah come from?
The surname Derrah is believed to have Irish origins. It is a variant of the Irish surname O’Doherty, which originated from the Gaelic O'Dochartaigh clan, meaning "descendant of Dochartach". "Dochartach" roughly translates to "hurtful" or "obstructive" in English.
Today, Derrah is not a common surname and is found in relatively small numbers across the world. However, it tends to be slightly more prevalent in the United States and Canada, especially in regions with significant populations of Irish descent. Despite its relatively low frequency, individuals with this surname can certainly be found scattered internationally.
Variations of the surname Derrah
The surname Derrah can have various spellings and variants, reflecting both geographic origin and transliteration methods. The common forms of the surname include Derra, Dera, Derah, Dehra, and Deera. These variations can be due to regional accents and dialects, where the pronunciation of the name varies.
Another possible variant includes altering the ending to reflect marital or familial status, such as Derrahs or Derras.
There is also a possibility of different surnames having the same origin if they came from the same root, such as the German surname Derr, which might share similar origins.
It is important to note, however, that surname origins can be complex and multi-layered, reflecting historical migration, occupation, and even personal characteristics. Therefore, establishing absolute equivalences between different surnames can be challenging. In some cases, names that appear very differently might share a common root, and vice versa.
The surname Derrah, like many surnames, can be subjected to a wide range of spelling alterations over time and geographic space. Therefore, a definitive list of all possible variants would be nearly impossible to compile. In general, variants and spellings of the surname Derrah reflect linguistic, geographic, and historical influences.
Famous people with the name Derrah
Thomas Derrah was a well-known American stage actor. He was acclaimed for his performances in productions by the American Repertory Theater, a company he was associated with since its founding in 1980. Some of his notable roles included performances in "Angels in America," "Waiting for Godot," and "European Repertory." He also appeared in numerous films and on television. He passed away in 2017.