Costello

Costello is a surname of Irish origin that is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Oisdealbhaigh," meaning "son of Oisdealbhach." The Costello family is believed to have originated in County Mayo, Ireland, and has a strong historical presence in both Ireland and Great Britain.

Origins and History

The Costello clan were one of the original tribes of Galway and played a prominent role in the history of Ireland. They were known for their involvement in political and military affairs, holding positions of power and influence throughout the centuries. The name Costello is also associated with the O'Kelly clan in Ireland, indicating a shared ancestry.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Costello is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in counties Mayo, Galway, and Sligo. Over time, many individuals with the surname Costello have emigrated to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada. In Britain, the surname has a notable presence, particularly in areas with significant Irish communities.

Notable Individuals

  • Dudley Costello (1803-1865): A British journalist and author known for his contributions to various publications, including The Times.
  • Lou Costello (1906-1959): An American actor and comedian, best known as one half of the comedy duo Abbott and Costello.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants of the Costello surname include Castelow, Castello, and Costallow. These variations reflect the evolution of the name over time and across different regions.

References

  • Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. M. H. Gill & Son, Ltd., 1923.
  • MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. Irish Academic Press, 1985.

There are approximately 9,355 people named Costello in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,005th most common surname in Britain. Around 144 in a million people in Britain are named Costello.

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

  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Thomas

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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