Surname Plunkett - Meaning and Origin

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O. Plunkett

Plunkett: What does the surname Plunkett mean?

The surname Plunkett is of Irish origin and is predominantly found in the region of Ireland. The name has historical roots, deriving from the Old Gaelic "Pluingceid", meaning the "descendant of the ruddy one". The term "ruddy" traditionally implies a person with a healthy, reddish complexion, possibly suggesting the initial carrier of the surname was notably healthy or of strong stature. This name has been borne by several historical figures, including Saint Oliver Plunkett who was the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland in the 17th century. Therefore, the Plunkett surname not only offers a cultural connection to Irish ancestries but also suggests a historical association with religious leadership within Ireland.

Plunkett: Where does the name Plunkett come from?

The last name Plunkett is most commonly associated with Ireland and the Irish diaspora. In Ireland, the Plunketts are mainly found in the counties of Louth, Meath, Westmeath, and Dublin. In 2019, a report from Forebears estimated that there were over 10,000 people living in the Republic of Ireland with the last name Plunkett.

The name Plunkett is also found around the world due to the Irish diaspora that occurred during the 19th century. In 1900, many Irish families, including the Plunketts, emigrated to the United States in search of a better life. The US was the most popular destination for Irish emigrants and, as of 2019, the US has the second highest population of Plunketts in the world.

Plunketts can be found in Canada, Australia, and a variety of other countries. Some families chose to remain in their adopted countries while others travelled to find a new home. In recent years, the population of Plunketts in the United Kingdom has increased due to immigration from Ireland and other countries.

Overall, the last name Plunkett is scattered throughout the world, mainly in countries with strong Irish influence. It is estimated that over 20,000 people are currently living with this surname.

Variations of the surname Plunkett

The surname Plunkett can have many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spelling variant is Plunket. However, other interesting variants abound. Plonkett, Plunkard, Plonket, Plunkeet, Plunkee, and Plonkey are all possibilities. These variants might have been derived from the Irish spelling, Pluincéad, which is pronounced something like “ploon-kayeth”. Additional surnames of the same origin include Plunkett-O’Toole, Plunkett-Kelly, Plunkett-McGowen, and Plunkett-Adams.

Plunketts may have derived from two Gaelic names, “Pluncaid” and “Plomcaich”. The term “Pluncaid” originates from the Irish “pluincWould”, which translates to “stockade”. Plomcaich, on the other hand, transliterates to “son of the hawk”. It is believed that Plunketts descended from a royal line of O’Neill family, of the English Norman Surname Clan Plunkett.

The Plunkett surname originated in predominantly in counties Dublin, Meath, Wexford, and, to a lesser extent, Westmeath in Leinster, and in County Antrim and County Londonderry in Ulster. Additionally, the surname and variants of the same origin have been found throughout Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Evidence suggests that they settled in these regions in the 1600’s and 1700’s.

In total, there are many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Plunkett. The various spellings show the complexity and interplay of different languages, cultures, and dialects of the past.

Famous people with the name Plunkett

• Aled Plunkett: former professional cricketer for Glamorgan, England and Wales.
• Carl Plunkett: former professional footballer who played for Fulham, Reading and Plymouth Argyle amongst others.
• Christopher Plunkett: former professional boxer, fought for European and Commonwealth light welterweight titles.
• David Plunkett: former professional footballer, played for West Ham United, Watford, Cambridge United and Chester City.
• Denis Plunkett: former professional footballer, played for Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City.
• Eoin Plunkett: Irish poet, short story writer and novelist.
• John Plunkett: former professional footballer, played for Watford, Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry City and Portsmouth.
• Liam Plunkett: English cricketer, current squad member of the England cricket team.
• Michael Plunkett: American professional basketball player, formerly of the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets.
• Steve Plunkett: Canadian musician and founding member of rock band, Autograph.

Other surnames

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