Surname Cluskey - Meaning and Origin

Cluskey: What does the surname Cluskey mean?

The last name Cluskey is derived from the Irish surname O'Clúscaigh, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic “O Clúsce” meaning “descendant of Clúsce”. Clúsce is derived from the Old Irish given name Clúscach, which can be translated as “illustrious”.

The surname Cluskey is found mainly in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo in Ireland. The Cluskey name dates back to at least the 10th century in Irish history and first appeared in the Anglo-Norman annals. During the 16th century, the Cluskey family was granted large lands in Co. Leitrim, a part of Connacht in northern Leinster, and their estate passed down through the generations as the leading family had seven sons and five daughters.

The Cluskey surname was later scattered throughout Ireland as a result of the famine in the 19th century. The name is primarily found in Ireland and the United Kingdom, but there are significant numbers of Cluskeys living in North America, Australia and other countries.

Cluskeys have made significant contributions to Irish culture and society, and have held many prominent positions, including: judge, barrister, priest, monk, minister, mayor, and writer. People with the Cluskey surname have also achieved success in athletics, music, and other pursuits.

In Ireland, the surname Cluskey has been associated with modern day pop singer Sinead O'Cluskey and the late American judge Stanley Cluskey. Today, the name is still used and is passed down through families spread throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom, and around the world.

Cluskey: Where does the name Cluskey come from?

The last name Cluskey is seen worldwide today. In Ireland, Cluskey is considered an old Anglo-Norman surname and is commonly found in counties Kerry, Cavan, Mayo, Dublin and Galway.

In the United States, the Cluskey surname is most commonly found along the American East Coast, especially in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Cluskey family records have been found in Philadelphia, Baltimore and other cities in those states dating back to the 1800s.

Cluskey is also commonly found in Canada, especially Ontario and Alberta. Records have been found in the cities of Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary.

In Australia, Cluskey is seen frequently, most notably in the state of New South Wales. Records appear in the major cities of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.

The last name Cluskey is also seen in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Overall, the last name Cluskey can be found in all parts of the world, with the highest concentrations in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe.

Variations of the surname Cluskey

The surname Cluskey has a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Cluskee, Cluska, Cluske, Cluski, Clusky, Clusskey, Culluskey, Clusse, Clupper, and Clapper.

Cluskey is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic surname O Clúsgaigh, which is derived from the Irish term clús meaning “lock, barrier, or closing.” The prefix O indicates the original bearer of the name was a male descendant of the original tribal clan, meaning it is derived from a masculine personal name or ancestor.

The surname is also thought to have multiple origins, including from Anglo-Norman French and from the Middle Low German Kloos, Klüs, or Klees, meaning “key, bolt, or lock.” Additionally, Cluskey may have originated from the Old Norse term klufskeið, which is derived from the words klufs “slight quivering” and keið “lame.”

The surname Cluskey is found mainly in Ireland in the counties of Mayo and Galway, although variants of the name have been found in other countries. Variants of the name are also found in Scotland, where it has been considered a variant of the name Lusk. In the United States, Cluskey is found mainly in the east coast states. Clupper is a variant associated with German immigrants to Pennsylvania, while clapper refers to a longer-term resident of the colonies.

Famous people with the name Cluskey

• Beth Cluskey: Actress, known for BRIGSBY BEAR, CATFOX, TUBBIES: THE MOVIE.
• Ronan Cluskey: Irish contemporary artist
• Trey Cluskey: American singer-songwriter
• Dave Cluskey: Former politician and member of Ireland’s Green Party
• Don Cluskey: American country music singer
• Timothy Cluskey: Actor, known for BRIGSBY BEAR, CATFOX, TUBBIES: THE MOVIE
• T. Hugh Cluskey: American inventor, businessman, and philanthropist
• Catherine Cluskey: Model
• Mark Cluskey: Irish former soccer player
• Brian Cluskey: Actor, known for THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED, THE BOYS ARE BACK, THE HOLLOW CROWN

Other surnames

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