O'Rourke surname: meaning and origin
O'Rourke means descendant of Ruarc, a name of uncertain meaning. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Leitrim and Cavan (West Breifne).
| Irish form | Ó Ruairc |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Ruarc, a name of uncertain meaning |
| Home region | Leitrim and Cavan (West Breifne) (Connacht) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Rourke, Rork |
History of the O'Rourke name
The O'Rourkes were kings of West Breifne, in Leitrim and Cavan. Tigernán Ua Ruairc is remembered in the story of Diarmait Mac Murchada and the Norman invasion.
More surnames from Connacht
- Burkede Búrca · of the fortress or town
- ConnollyÓ Conghaile · descendant of Conghal
- O'ConnorÓ Conchobhair · descendant of Conchobhar
- EganMac Aodhagáin · son of Aodhagán
- FlanaganÓ Flannagáin · descendant of Flannagán
- HigginsÓ hUiginn · descendant of Uiginn
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname O'Rourke mean?
O'Rourke (Irish: Ó Ruairc) means descendant of Ruarc, a name of uncertain meaning.
What is the Irish spelling of O'Rourke?
The Irish-language form of O'Rourke is Ó Ruairc.
Where is the surname O'Rourke from?
O'Rourke is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Leitrim and Cavan (West Breifne) in Connacht.
What are other spellings of O'Rourke?
Related spellings and forms include Rourke, Rork.