Surname Sherry - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling My Past & Building Connections: A Review of the iGENEA DNA Test
Peeling back the layers of time with the iGENEA DNA test helped unravel the ancient roots of the Sherry surname with impressive detail. This fascinating process has also revealed valuable connections across the globe that share the same lineage.
E. Sherry
read moreSherry: What does the surname Sherry mean?
The surname Sherry is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O'Searraigh," which means "descendant of Searrach." The name Searrach translates to "foal" in English, implying that the original bearers of this surname were likely associated with horses in some way. This could suggest a line of horse breeders, warriors renowned for their horsemanship, or even a clan symbolized by a horse. The name Sherry is widespread in Ireland, particularly in counties Kerry, Cork, and Donegal. Despite its roots in Ireland, the diaspora has spread the Sherry surname around the world. Although it's a relatively uncommon name, it can be found in many countries, including the U.K, U.S., Australia, Canada, and beyond.
Order DNA origin analysisSherry: Where does the name Sherry come from?
The surname Sherry is of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of 'Ó Searraigh' which descended from 'Searrach,' a personal name meaning 'foal' in Gaelic. The Sherry family is said to have first settled in County Donegal in northwestern Ireland.
Today, Sherry is still a prevalent surname in Ireland, common in areas such as Dublin and Ulster. It is also a popular surname among the Irish diaspora, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The surname has also crossed cultures and is found among non-Irish communities around the world as well.
Variations of the surname Sherry
The surname Sherry has several variants and related surnames, some of which include Cherry, Sherring, Sherris, Sharratt, Sherratt, Sherriff, Shire, Shires, Shirey, Sirey, Sires, and Share. Sherry itself is a spelling variant and is believed to be derived from any of the following origins: a patronymic surname from 'Shear,' a pet form of the name 'Sheridan,' or a nickname for a person with bright, radiant hair, coming from the Old English word 'scir' which means bright or fair.
The surname may also be a locational surname emanating from a place named Shire. The names Sharratt, Sherratt, etc., could be topographic surnames for individuals living near a bright or open space, again using the Old English word 'scir'.
Lastly, Sherry may have a Jewish origin, representing an Anglicized version of the Jewish family name 'Sher,' which means 'scissors' or 'shears' in Yiddish. Due its numerous possible origins, the Sherry surname is quite widespread and has many spelling variants.
Famous people with the name Sherry
- Michael Sherry, American historian and academic
- Edna Sherry, former Treasurer of the United States
- Amanda Sherry, Scottish original equipment manufacturer race car driver
- Carl Sherry, Canadian professional basketball player
- Jakob Sherry, Australian bass guitarist
- C.J. Sherry, American film and television actress
- Sam Sherry, English cricketer
- David M. Sherry, British marine biologist
- Jerry Sherry, American animation director
- Joe Sherry, American former college basketball coach
- Kenny Sherry, Irish professional footballer
- Mario Sherry, Belgian professional football player
- Mark Sherry, British record producer, remixer, and DJ
- Siobhán Sherry, Irish television and film producer
- Tania Sherry, American actress and retired figure skater
- Wilbur Sherry, American tion in the 1950's.
- William Sherry, American Cinematographer
- Yael Sherry, American professional soccer player
- E. J. Sherry, Archbishop of Melbourne from 1942 to 1950
- Dorothy Amanda Cornelia Sherry-Kramer, philanthropist and Jewish human rights activist