Surname Keaghry - Meaning and Origin

Keaghry: What does the surname Keaghry mean?

The last name Keaghry is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word 'caomh', meaning 'gentle'. This name is believed to be derived from the ancient Irish clan of Uí Caomh, a powerful and influential group of influential leaders and rulers during the Medieval period.

Keaghry is found most commonly in County Cork, Ireland, in what is now referred to as the Munster region. This initial stronghold of the clan was located in the southwest of Ireland and extended southwards to present day County Kerry.

A number of prominent people have shared this surname including Pádraig Keaghry, an Irish nationalist, journalist, and politician who founded the Irish newspaper, The Nation in 1842. He was an active member of the Irish Republican movement, and was a key figure in the eventual Irish Independence from the United Kingdom.

Other notable figures with the Keaghry surname include Dr. Robert Keaghry, an 18th century apothecary in Cork City who wrote the influential medical treatise, "The New Apothecary's Vade Mecum", which discussed a number of medical topics and treatments of the day.

For many years the Keaghry name has been closely associated with Cork and the Munster region. The depth of culture, history and pride in this area of the country is something the Keaghry family continues to honor to this day.

Keaghry: Where does the name Keaghry come from?

The last name Keaghry is a variant of the Irish Gaelic name "O' Céirigh". It appears to be most common in the United States and Canada, particularly in states with large Irish immigrant populations such as Massachusetts, New York, and Ontario. There is also a lesser presence in other countries, including Australia, Germany, and France. Its spelling may have evolved over time, and today it is often seen spelled as Keaghry, Keaghery, or Keagery.

In the United States, the last name Keaghry traces back to Irish immigrants who left their homeland in the mid-1800s and settled in the cities and towns of the eastern seaboard. From there the name has been passed down through the generations, taking root in other parts of the country. Its most common current geographic concentrations include Boston, New York City and the surrounding counties, and Chicago.

The most recent census statistics show that the number of people named Keaghry in the United States is increasing steadily, though still comparatively low in terms of overall population numbers. This may signify a new wave of Irish immigration in recent decades — or simply individuals with the last name Keaghry marrying into other families.

Despite its relative rarity, the last name Keaghry still carries the stamp of pride and heritage that comes with its Irish roots. As such, the name is likely to keep being passed down through generations — a reminder of the strong bond between Irish Americans and their ancestral homeland.

Variations of the surname Keaghry

The Keaghry surname is an old Irish surname or variant of the surname Cahill. It is most commonly spelled as K-e-a-g-h-r-y, but there are several other variants that are seen throughout Irish genealogical records. These variants include C-a-h-i-l-l and K-e-a-h-e-a-r-y.

The Keaghry surname is derived from the Irish O’Ceallaigh, which means “descendants of Ceallach.” The name Ceallach means “warrior” and was a popular given name among the ancient Irish.

In Ireland the Keaghry surname is still found clustered in some parts of County Roscommon, though it occurs all around Ireland and is spread in family lines which may have come from other parts of the country.

In addition to the Keaghry surname, the name may be found in various alternate spellings. Some of these alternate spellings include Cahell, Keheaer, Kellaigh, Kellegha, Kellaigh, Cahill, Kelligh, Keavee, and Kaell.

The variants of the Keaghry surname are widespread throughout the world due to the participating of individuals with this surname in global migration. The surname is now found in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Europe, and Asia.

Famous people with the name Keaghry

• Siobhan Keogh: An award-winning journalist, editor, and podcast host from New Zealand.
• David Keogh: A British political activist who was prosecuted for an alleged breach of the Official Secrets Act 1989.
• David Keogh: An Irish footballer who has won league medals, cup medals, and has represented Ireland.
• Mary Jo Keogh: An American judge and politician who served on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for over 20 years.
• Gayleagh Keogh: An American Renissance Opera singer who has been dubbed “the Yodeling Diva” due to her unique vocal style.
• Brian Keogh: An elite level Irish golfer whose list of wins and awards includes being named Ireland’s 1997 Amateur Golfer of the Year.
• Tomás Keogh: An Irish actor, writer, poet, and musician who served as artistic director of the Ha’penny Theatre in Dublin.
• Helene Keogh: A professional Irish artist and sculptor from Dublin who has exhibited her work in galleries around the world.
• Michael Keogh: A co-founder of the Irish band the Cranberry Saw Us.
• Emer Keogh: An award-winning Irish singer from Dublin, whose unique voice has been compared to that of Emmylou Harris.

Other surnames

KeaghoKeaghoe