Surname O'Gar - Meaning and Origin
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O'Gar: What does the surname O'Gar mean?
The last name O'Gar is a surname of Irish origin. Historically, the surname was used to identify people from the region of Uí Garrchon, a former kingdom in what is now County Sligo in Ireland. According to Irish genealogist Edward Maclysaght, the surname dates back to the 12th Century and may have been descended from O'Gara, the chief of Uí Garrchon who himself may have been descended from the historical Irish royal family the Uí Neill.
The prefix 'O' or 'Ua' in Irish surnames denotes a male descendant of a particular male ancestor. In the case of the surname O’Gar this ancestor could possibly have been Gairbith, the progenitor of the early O’Gara line. The suffix 'ra' on the original form of the name indicates a direct male descendant of the ancestor, and the prefix 'O' places emphasis on this connection.
The earliest records of the O’Gar surname are found in the Irish Civil Records in the mid 1500s. Settlers with the O’Gar surname traveled to other parts of Ireland as well as to Scotland, England, and the United States. Today, the surname O’Gar can still be found in many areas across Ireland, as well as in the UK, the US, and other countries where Irish immigrants have settled.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Gar: Where does the name O'Gar come from?
The last name O'Gar is most commonly found in counties in Ireland, particularly in the midlands in counties such as Offaly and Longford. The name is derived from the Irish name Ua Giolla Garraí meaning ‘descendant of Giolla Garraí’, referring to a personal name. The surname is still fairly common in Ireland, particularly in counties Offaly and Longford.
The name O'Gar can be found all throughout the Irish diaspora, particularly in Britain, Canada, Australia and the United States. It is more widely spread abroad than in Ireland, as emigration between the 18th and 20th centuries saw millions leave the country in search of a better life.
In the United States, it is believed the O'Gar name is most commonly found in the Midwest, particularly in states like Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The first record of the family name in the United States was that of Bartholomew O'Gar, who left Ireland in 1851 and settled in Wisconsin.
In Australia, the name O'Gar is most commonly found in the state of Melbourne and in the Northern Territory, where it was first recorded in 1842. In the Canada, there are records of the surname dating all the way back to the early 19th century when Irish immigrants arrived in British Columbia and other parts of the country.
Though the last name O'Gar remains popular in Ireland, it is also found around the world, particularly in places with large Irish diasporas.
Variations of the surname O'Gar
The surname O'Gar can be alternatively spelled O'Gara or O'Garr. This is an Irish surname with its particular origin in County Sligo.
The family name is of dynasty and royal standing in Ireland, first associated with the O'Gara clan who were descended from Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair, King of Connaught in Eastern Ireland. This was about two hundred years before the Norman invasion in the twelfth century.
Variants of the surname would be O'Garr, O'Gara, Geary, Geery, Gahary, Gaughan, Gaghan, Gahan, Gahagan, Gearan, Geeran, Georan, Gearen, Gerum or Garvy.
Surnames of the same origin are Garty, Gurhy, Gara, Gare, Gerhy, Garra, Garay, Garrie, Gorry, Gorny, Geraghty, Gorrye, Gerie, Gorway, Gornay, Gahary, Gaughan, Gaghan, Gahan, Gahagan, Gearan, Geeran, Georan, Gearen, and Gerum.
Common spelling errors are Garay, Geraghty, and Garra.
Families with the name O'Gar are regularly found in Sligo, Galway, Mayo, and Dublin. In addition to Ireland, this name can also be found in Northern Ireland and Scotland, as well as in countries including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Famous people with the name O'Gar
- John O'Gar: former professional NFL player.
- Megan O'Gar: Model and winner of the 2014 Miss Universe Ireland.
- Madison O'Gar: Author of the 2011 Bestseller, “A Seagull’s Oblivion”.
- Peter O'Gar: Guinness World Record Holder for longest time spent playing the bagpipes.
- Steven O'Gar: Lead guitarist for the band XEilis.
- Gavin O'Gar: Actor best known for his role as Bill in the 2015 film, “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”.
- William O'Gar: Professional jockey turned horse trainer.
- Shannon O'Gar: Brass virtuoso and lead trumpeter for the Royal UK Orchestra.
- Liam O'Gar: Member of the popular Irish-American folk group The O’Gar Brothers.
- Tristan O'Gar: Corporate executive and Vice President of the O’Gar Group of Companies.