CLEARY
Cleary
Overview
Cleary is a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name "Ó Cléirigh," meaning "descendant of Cléirigh." The name Cleary is predominantly found in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with a significant concentration in the Irish counties of Clare, Offaly, and Donegal.
Etymology
The name Cleary comes from the Gaelic “Ó Cléirigh,” which in turn derives from the word “cléireach,” meaning clerk or cleric. The original Cléirighs were scholars and historians associated with the monastic tradition in ancient Ireland.
History
The Cleary surname has deep roots in Irish history and can be traced back to the ancient Gaelic tribes of Ireland. The name is closely associated with the O'Clery clan, who were notable for their expertise in storytelling, genealogy, and the recording of historical events.
During the centuries of English rule in Ireland, many Cleary families faced hardship and persecution, contributing to their immigration to other parts of the British Isles and beyond. As a result, the surname Cleary can also be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.
Notable Individuals
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Michael Cleary (1841–1855): Known as the "Boy Firefighter," Cleary was a young Irish hero who died at the age of 14 while attempting to save his family from a fire in Dublin.
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Brendan Cleary (b. 1958): A contemporary British poet and writer known for his evocative works and exploration of themes such as identity, love, and loss.
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Niamh Cleary (b. 1973): An Irish film director and screenwriter recognised for her contributions to the cinema industry, particularly her focus on female-centric narratives.
Variants
Variants of the Cleary surname include O'Clery, McCleary, McClary, and McCleery. These variations reflect the historical evolution and migration patterns of the Cleary family over the centuries.
Legacy
The Cleary surname continues to be passed down through generations, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the Irish people. Today, individuals bearing the surname Cleary can be found in various professions and walks of life, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British society.
There are approximately 6,554 people named Cleary in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,447th most common surname in Britain. Around 101 in a million people in Britain are named Cleary.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Thomas
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Joanne
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Clery
- Clary
- Clarey
- Clar
- Clair
- Clare
- Claire
- Claar
- Clara
- Callery
- Clairy
- Clari
- Caleary
- Clear
- Calery
- Clarie
- Claris
- Clarr
- Clarrey
- Clarry
- Cleare
- Cleares
- Clearey
- Clearie
- Clearo
- Clears
- Cleavery
- Cleer
- Cleery
- Cleir
- Cler
- Clere
- Clerey
- Clerie
- Clerry
- Clorey
- Clory
- Clury
- Colery
- Colleary
- Klary
- Callary
- Claro
- Clarris
- Clavery
- Clayre
- Cleark
- Clearn
- Cleere
- Clero
- Cleur
- Clower
- Clur
- Collary
- Collery
- Colliery
- Coulery
- Cullery
- Klear
- Gallery
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.