Surname O'Doherty - Meaning and Origin
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O'Doherty: What does the surname O'Doherty mean?
The O'Doherty surname originates from ancient Irish Gaelic origins. It is derived from the old Gaelic name 'O'Dochartaigh', which translates to descendant of Dochartach. This name has a variety of different spellings, including Doherty, McHugh, and O'Doharty.
The historical name belonged to the ruling dynasty of Tyrconnell, a region in the north of Ireland, which was ruled by the O'Doherty clan for over five centuries. During this period, the clan was famous for its warring prowess, and they fought in several major battles.
The O'Doherty clan is also associated with the patronymic surname, meaning their name was passed down from father to son through the generations. This practice continues to this day, with many people bearing the name. As a result, the name O'Doherty has been found scattered throughout the British Isles, particularly in Ireland, where its biggest concentration is in County Donegal.
The O'Doherty family motto is 'Virtus sola nobilitas est', which translates to 'Virtue is the only nobility'. This illustrates the familial importance placed on honour and integrity, describe characteristics still very much alive in modern members of the O'Doherty clan.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Doherty: Where does the name O'Doherty come from?
The last name O'Doherty is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in County Donegal. There, the O'Doherty clan has many towns and villages that are closely associated with them, such as Burt, Clonmany, Carndonagh, Muff, Culdaff, and Buncrana. Although the family is well known for its large presence in the area, they can be found in other parts of Ireland, Britain, and the United States as well.
In nineteenth century Ireland, many O'Dohertys emigrated to the United States and Canada in search of economic opportunities. As a result, today there are O'Dohertys in locations all over the world. The United States Census from 2000 shows that there were more than 6,000 people bearing the O'Doherty surname living in the United States alone, with highly concentrated populations located in the Northern states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.
Today, the O'Doherty name is just as common in Ireland as it ever was, and still very strong in Donegal, where it has been for the last 400 years. Furthermore, due to the family's extensive diaspora, there are still O'Dohertys scattered all over the globe, all of whom proudly carry the surname and continue to contribute to the proud legacy of the family.
Variations of the surname O'Doherty
The O'Doherty surname is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name ‘O Dochartaigh’. The surname is derived from the Gaelic word ‘dochartach’ meaning hurtful.
The different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the O'Doherty surname are Doherty, Docherty, Dogherty, O'Dummy, Doctrhy, Doughtery, Dagherty, Dogerty, Daugherty,and Dogrity.
The surname is still commonly found in Ireland, especially in County Donegal. The Irish spelling of the surname is O'Dochartaigh, but some descendants have adopted other spellings, such as O'Doherty, O'Docherty, O'Dogherty, and O'Dockerty.
In Scotland, the same surname appears as Doherty, Dogherty, Docherty, and Doughtery. This is because Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic share many characteristics and spellings.
In North America, the O'Doherty surname has been altered to Dougherty and Daugherty, while in Australia, it is sometimes spelled as Dogherty or Dagherty.
The O'Doherty surname is renowned in Ireland. The most famous bearer is Caomhghin O'Dochartaigh, modern day Poet Laureate of Ireland. Other famous Dohertys include Robert B. Doherty, an American Aviation engineer and Congressional Gold Medal recipient, and Lawrence O'Doherty, an Australian World War II veteran who was posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross medal.
Famous people with the name O'Doherty
- Paddy O'Doherty: Irish folk singer
- Gabriel O'Doherty: Irish painter
- Max O'Doherty: Australian rugby league player
- Kevin O'Doherty: Irish political activist
- Jack O'Doherty: Irish comedian
- Maya O'Doherty: American stage and film actress
- Colm O'Doherty: Irish Gaelic football manager
- Siobhan O'Doherty: Irish housing consultant
- Keith O'Doherty: Canadian radio broadcaster
- Owen O'Doherty: Irish boxer
- Cian O'Doherty: Irish rugby union player
- Scott O'Doherty: Australian cricketer
- Loel O'Doherty: American author and barbershop quartet singer
- Mark O'Doherty: Irish artist
- Liam O'Doherty: New Zealand professional rugby league footballer