Gallagher surname: meaning and origin

Gallagher means descendant of Gallchobhar, meaning foreign help. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Donegal.

Irish formÓ Gallchobhair
Meaningdescendant of Gallchobhar, meaning foreign help
Home regionDonegal (Ulster)
OriginGaelic
VariantsGallacher, Gallaher

History of the Gallagher name

The Gallaghers were a Donegal family, closely tied to the O'Donnells, and remain one of the most common names in the county.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Gallagher mean?

Gallagher (Irish: Ó Gallchobhair) means descendant of Gallchobhar, meaning foreign help.

What is the Irish spelling of Gallagher?

The Irish-language form of Gallagher is Ó Gallchobhair.

Where is the surname Gallagher from?

Gallagher is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Donegal in Ulster.

What are other spellings of Gallagher?

Related spellings and forms include Gallacher, Gallaher.

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