Surname Loughrey - Meaning and Origin

Loughrey: What does the surname Loughrey mean?

The last name Loughrey is an Anglicized version of the Irish surname O’Lachtnain, (meaning: descendant of Lachtnain). This name was derived from the old Gaelic word “lacht”, meaning “small”. This nickname likely reflected the small stature of the original bearer of this surname centuries ago, or perhaps his place of birth.

The original ancestors of the Loughrey family were likely native to the Irish province of Ulster. In more recent centuries we can trace the Loughrey family to Counties Donegal and Tyrone, particularly in the north-west of Ulster. The family were directly descended from the native Gaelic Irish people, the Uí Eathach who were rulers in this location for centuries.

The various variations of this name can be linked to a single ancient ancestor, Lachtnain, and the resulting surname would have been widely used in both Ireland and Scotland due to the many migrations of the Irish people in the past.

The current locations of people who still carry this surname today are mainly concentrated in Northern Ireland, although there are some families also scattered throughout England, Scotland and in North America, where Irish emigrants settled during the 19th century.

The surname Loughrey is a reminder of the rich Irish-Gaelic heritage and respected origins of this family, one which traces its lineage to a great antiquity and a much different way of life than we are accustomed to today.

Loughrey: Where does the name Loughrey come from?

The surname Loughrey is common throughout the world, appearing in both Europe and the United Kingdom. In Ireland, the surname is particularly common in County Galway and County Cavan. Due to the large number of Irish people who have emigrated to the United States, the Loughrey surname can be found in many places in the US, including New York and Pennsylvania, as well as throughout Canada. In Australia, many descendents of Irish people can be found with the name, as well as in New Zealand and South Africa.

Throughout the United Kingdom, the Loughrey surname is particularly common in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the name is found mainly in the Highlands, while in England, the name is most often found in the northwest of the country and in London.

Though the last name has spread around the world, it remains a familiar face in the small communities of Ireland, and County Galway in particular. To this day, many Irish citizens with the Loughrey surname remain in their home region and have no desire to leave their native land. Though the surname may be found elsewhere, the name is a reminder of the home from which their ancestors bravely set out.

Variations of the surname Loughrey

The surname Loughrey is believed to have originated in Ireland, with many members of the clan still living in the country. Variants of the name include Loughray, Loughreye, Loftray, and Lochry. Spellings include Loughrey, Loughary, Loftray, and Lochrey.

Surnames of the same origin include O’Loughrey, Loughry, Laughery, Locket, Lughry, Lalker, Laichry, Loughvry, Laisher, Luggry, Lugre, Laughry, Loghery, Lawry, Laying, Loggy, and Loughery.

These spellings stem from the Irish surname O’Loughrach, which loosely translates to ‘descendant of Loughrach’. Loughrach was a first name in medieval Ireland, and was derived from the Irish Gaelic phrase luach airgid, meaning ‘price of silver’.

The surname is recorded in several Gaelic texts, including the Annals of the Four Masters and the Annals of Ulster. In an 11th Century document, records indicate that a man by the name of Doqerthoe O’Loughrey, son of the chief of Clan O’Loughrey, died in battle.

The surname O’Loughrey spread throughout the world, to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Emigrants were predominantly Irish, but the family name can also be found in countries such as Scotland and Wales.

Today, there are a number of Loughreys living in all parts of the world. The spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin all reflect the proud legacy of the Irish surname O Loughrey.

Famous people with the name Loughrey

• Matthew Loughrey: photographer known for his work on sunsets and his Irish landscape photography.
• Vincent Loughrey: Irish sculptor whose works include 'The Visit of St. Patrick' and the Shankill Memorial Monument.
• Sean Loughrey: former professional footballer who played for clubs including Derry City and Cardiff City.
• Henry Loughrey: nineteenth-century English professional cricketer who represented Lancashire and Cheshire.
• Corey Loughrey: Northern Irish cricketer who is currently part of the Irish provincial side Warwickshire.
• Will Loughrey: actor known for his roles on films such as 'The Falling' and 'The Double'.
• James Loughrey: Irish comic book artist and illustrator of the graphic novel, 'Macbeth: The Red King'.
• John Loughrey: British artist most famous for his satirical and political cartoons in publications like The Guardian and The Times.
• Bob Loughrey: former Australian rules footballer who played for the Victorian Football League.
• Denise Loughrey: artist, gallery administrator, lecturer, curator and writer based in the United Kingdom.

Other surnames

LoughranLoughrige