O'Doherty surname: meaning and origin

O'Doherty means descendant of Dochartach, a name meaning obstructive or hurtful (the sense is debated). It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Donegal (Inishowen).

Irish formÓ Dochartaigh
Meaningdescendant of Dochartach, a name meaning obstructive or hurtful (the sense is debated)
Home regionDonegal (Inishowen) (Ulster)
OriginGaelic
VariantsDoherty, Daugherty, Dougherty

History of the O'Doherty name

The O'Dohertys were lords of Inishowen in Donegal. The name is spelled many ways, including Doherty, Dougherty and Daugherty.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname O'Doherty mean?

O'Doherty (Irish: Ó Dochartaigh) means descendant of Dochartach, a name meaning obstructive or hurtful (the sense is debated).

What is the Irish spelling of O'Doherty?

The Irish-language form of O'Doherty is Ó Dochartaigh.

Where is the surname O'Doherty from?

O'Doherty is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Donegal (Inishowen) in Ulster.

What are other spellings of O'Doherty?

Related spellings and forms include Doherty, Daugherty, Dougherty.

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