Surname O'Hanratty - Meaning and Origin

O'Hanratty: What does the surname O'Hanratty mean?

The last name O’Hanratty is an Irish surname derived from the second name of the O’Hanratty family, Ó hAnrachtaigh. The Gaelic root of the surname, Anrachtaigh, is a variation of the name hAnradhach and is composed of two separate parts; the first part, hAnradh, is derived from words which translate to "noble" and "rule", while the second part, ach, was derived from the word “chieftain”. This combination of words, noble rule of a chieftain, provides insight into the familial origins of the name.

Traditionally, the O’Hanratty family was a well-off and respected clan, originally from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. The family was widely known for its prowess and skills in the arts of warfare, and is believed to have descended from the high kings of Tara. In terms of physical markers, they were of medium height and build, typically with fair skin and red or auburn colored hair; they were also known for their bright blue eyes.

The O'Hanratty family has since migrated around the world, and spread to countries such as the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. Members of the family continue to value their proud Irish heritage, and take pride in their distinguised last name.

O'Hanratty: Where does the name O'Hanratty come from?

The last name O'Hanratty is commonly found in Ireland today, particularly in the south and east of the country. Records show that the O'Hanrattys are mainly located in the provinces of Leinster, Munster, and Connaught. The name is derived from the Irish Ó hServerain, which means descendant of Serverain.

The O’Hanrattys have a long and storied history, with evidence of the first recorded O’Hanrattys found in the 1500’s. They are said to have origin in the old kingdom of Ossory, which is now located in the Irish counties of Laois, Carlow, and Kilkenny.

Located primarily in eastern Ireland, the O’Hanrattys can be found in the towns and cities of Kilkenny, Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford amongst other smaller towns and villages.

The most common occupation for O’Hanrattys today is farming and agriculture. Many of the towns they reside in are either agricultural or related to the industry in some way. The O’Hanrattys are also often found in trades and other service industry roles in their local area.

The most notable O’Hanratty is Francis O’Hanratty, who was the first to represent Ireland in the Olympics in 1900.

In general, those with the surname O’Hanratty are well established in Ireland today, most of them residing in the eastern and southern reaches of the country. Despite the many changes throughout the centuries, O’Hanrattys remain a proud and widespread family across the land.

Variations of the surname O'Hanratty

The O'Hanratty surname has several variations in spelling and variants. Some of these include the following: Hanrath, Hanrahan, Hanrahan, Hanratty, O'Hanrath, O'Hanrahan, O'Hanratty, O'Hanrahan.

The surname O'Hanratty derives from the surname Ó hAinrithigh, a name composed of two elements. The first element "oin"comes from the name of an ancient Irish god, Óen, and means "lord." The second element, "rithigh",means "king". Together, these elements create a name that could translate as "king/lord of the gods."

O'Hanratty is the anglicised version of the surname, with the "Ó" prefix dropped. The variety in spelling is likely due to the advent of Anglicisation, which saw many Irish Gaelic names Anglicised into a more English form.

The other surnames which have its origins in the O'Hanratty surname are Hanrath, Hanrahan, Hanratty, O'Hanrath, O'Hanrahan, and O'Hanratty. All these surnames come from the same source, but the spelling variations in each one will depend on personal preference, rather than a set spelling.

The different variations in spelling, variants, and surname forms of O'Hanratty can also come about through chance circumstance.Sometimes a name would be spelled a certain way on official paperwork, and this spelling was then used as the settled form of the name for generations to come. It's also possible that a different form of the surname is adopted as a surname by another branch of the family.

The O'Hanrattys have a long history in Ireland, with records of the name being found as far back as the 16th century. The different variants of this name each carry their own story and unique character, offering valuable insight into the lives and cultural influences of the people who bore the name in the centuries since.

Famous people with the name O'Hanratty

• David O'Hanratty: retired Irish professional footballer who represented the Republic of Ireland in 14 international matches and the Northern Ireland in 12.
• Will O'Hanratty: American Olympic athlete who competed in the hammer throw at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis.
• Fergal O'Hanratty: an Irish Gaelic Football player, who has represented Cavan at senior level.
• Rosaleen O'Hanratty: American stage, television, and film actress.
• David O'Hanratty: an Irish sports reporter and presenter for RTÉ Television.
• Peter O'Hanratty: a retired Irish sportsman who competed in Hurling and Irish long distance running.
• Seamus O'Hanratty: an Irish soccer player, who plays as a striker for Bohemians in the League of Ireland First Division.
• Seán O'Hanratty: a Republic of Ireland international footballer who played professionally in the Football League for Brighton & Hove Albion.
• Eamon O'Hanratty: a former Irish Rugby Union international,
• Charles O'Hanratty: a former professional American football player who was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 5th round of the 1973 NFL Draft.

Other surnames

O'Hanraty