O'Leary surname: meaning and origin
O'Leary means descendant of Laoghaire, a name often explained as calf-keeper. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Cork (Muskerry).
| Irish form | Ó Laoghaire |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Laoghaire, a name often explained as calf-keeper |
| Home region | Cork (Muskerry) (Munster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Leary |
History of the O'Leary name
The O'Learys held land around Inchigeelagh in west Cork, and the name is common across Munster.
More surnames from Munster
- Barryde Barra · from Barry
- O'BrienÓ Briain · descendant of Brian
- CahillÓ Cathail · descendant of Cathal
- O'CallaghanÓ Ceallacháin · descendant of Ceallachán
- McCarthyMac Cárthaigh · son of Cárthach
- CaseyÓ Cathasaigh · descendant of Cathasach
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname O'Leary mean?
O'Leary (Irish: Ó Laoghaire) means descendant of Laoghaire, a name often explained as calf-keeper.
What is the Irish spelling of O'Leary?
The Irish-language form of O'Leary is Ó Laoghaire.
Where is the surname O'Leary from?
O'Leary is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Cork (Muskerry) in Munster.
What are other spellings of O'Leary?
Related spellings and forms include Leary.