Surname Herlihy - Meaning and Origin
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Herlihy: What does the surname Herlihy mean?
The last name Herlihy is of Irish origin, specifically from the Gaelic name Ó hEarlaigh, which translates to "descendant of Earla". The exact meaning of "Earla" is not entirely clear but it is thought to potentially mean 'earl', 'nobleman', or 'chief'. Therefore, Herlihy could be interpreted as "descendant of the nobleman" or "descendant of the chief". The name is more commonly associated with the southern parts of Ireland, particularly counties Cork and Kerry. While it’s not as widespread these days, there are still pockets of Herlihys found in these areas. Variations of the name include Herley, Earley, and Hurley. It is important to note that meanings and lineage may vary based on different family history and geographical location.
Order DNA origin analysisHerlihy: Where does the name Herlihy come from?
The last name Herlihy is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Ó hIarfhlatha, meaning "descendant of Iarfhlaith," where “Iarfhlaith” combines two elements, “iar,” indicating western or after, and “flaith,” meaning prince. Thus, the name could mean "western prince" or "prince who comes after".
The Herlihy surname originally comes from County Cork in Southern Ireland, where the family had held a family seat as chiefs of the Duthaich Mic Fhlannchadha in Co. Cork since ancient times.
Today, the surname is mainly found in Ireland and countries of the Irish Diaspora, such as the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. However, it remains relatively rare even in these countries. According to the 2010 U.S. census data, it is the 18226th most common surname in the United States. In Ireland, there are about 2,900 people with the Herlihy surname, making it the 210th most common in the country. Despite being more common in Ireland, it is still relatively rare on a global scale.
Variations of the surname Herlihy
The Irish surname Herlihy originates from the Gaelic "O'hIarfhlatha" or "O'Airghiallaigh," meaning 'descendant of a valorous person.' The name is primarily associated with the counties of Cork and Kerry in Ireland.
The surname Herlihy has been spelled in numerous ways throughout history, depending on phonetic interpretations and regional dialects. Variants and alternate spellings of the name include: Herlihey, Herlihee, Hurlihy, Hurlihey, Hurley, O'Herlihy, O'Herlihey, Herlehane, O'Herlahan, and Hurlahan. The change in prefixes over time, such as "O'" or "Mac," indicating son or descendant of, is also a factor in name variations. An additional variation on the name is Ó hIarfhlatha, which can be anglicized to "Earley" or "Early," further demonstrating the diverse spellings of this Irish surname.
Regional pronunciation and Anglicization have also greatly influenced the many variations of Herlihy, resulting in a wide array of spellings found in documents, records, and on gravestones. Each spelling represents an invaluable piece of the puzzle in tracing family histories, and serve to reflect the rich history and heritage of the Herlihy name.
Famous people with the name Herlihy
- Harold Herlihy: Prominent sociologist and professor of sociology at Brown University.
- Katie Herlihy: Professional BMX rider, 2020 recipient of the Baoulet Award.
- Tom Herlihy: American actor, best known for his roles in The Nanny and The Princess Bride.
- Michael Herlihy: Emmy Award-winning production designer and art director.
- James Herlihy: Actor, best remembered for his role in The Miracle Worker.
- Andrew Herlihy: Rugby player, represented the USA in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
- Patrick Herlihy: Actor and film producer, best known for his work on Julie & Julia and The Master.
- Rob Herlihy: Visual effects supervisor, known for his work on Avatar and The Matrix.
- Chris Herlihy: Major General in the United States Marines Corps, honored for his service in the Iraq War.
- Mark Herlihy: Musician and composer, best known as a member of the acoustic-pop band Gigolo Aunts.