DERRY
Derry
The surname Derry is of medieval English origin, derived from the Old English word "deor" meaning dear or beloved. It is classified as a locational surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name hailed from a place called Derry.
Origins
Derry is a name associated with various locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, most notably the city of Derry (often known as Londonderry) in Northern Ireland. The city's name derives from the Irish word "doire," meaning oak grove, and has a long and complex history tied to the Gaelic and Anglo-Norman peoples.
Distribution
Historically, the surname Derry was most prevalent in the British Isles, particularly in Northern Ireland and parts of England. Over time, individuals bearing the name have dispersed to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Bearers
- Aidan Derry (b. 1950) - British musician known for his contributions to folk music.
- Lucy Derry (b. 1985) - British actress renowned for her stage performances.
- Thomas Derry (c. 1630-1704) - A notable English colonial governor in the Caribbean.
Contemporary Usage
In modern times, the surname Derry remains relatively common, albeit not as prevalent as more widespread names. It holds significance for those tracing their ancestry to regions where the name had historical ties or for individuals interested in British surnames and genealogy.
References
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 2,086 people named Derry in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,065th most common surname in Britain. Around 32 in a million people in Britain are named Derry.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Charlotte
- Claire
- Emma
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Linda
- Margaret
- Marion
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Dary
- Dearry
- Deary
- Darey
- Dairy
- Dearie
- Darr
- Dear
- Darry
- Dearey
- Daury
- Dearrie
- Dearr
- Derr
- Derra
- Dairey
- Daray
- Darie
- Daroy
- Darrie
- Darris
- Daryaie
- Deer
- Deerey
- Deerie
- Deery
- Deir
- Deooray
- Der
- Dere
- Derey
- Deri
- Deria
- Derie
- Deris
- Deriu
- Derooy
- Deroy
- Derrey
- Derri
- Derrie
- Derries
- Derrig
- Derrik
- Derrin
- Derris
- Dery
- Derya
- Deryes
- Deury
- Dewry
- Diary
- Diery
- Direy
- Diriye
- Dirr
- Doary
- Doery
- Doorey
- Doory
- Doray
- Dorey
- Dorr
- Dorrey
- Dorry
- Dory
- Doury
- Dowrey
- Dowry
- Draey
- Dray
- Draye
- Drewy
- Drey
- Droy
- Druy
- Drwry
- Dry
- Drye
- Duery
- Duray
- Durey
- Duroy
- Durr
- Durrey
- Durrie
- Durris
- Durry
- Dury
- Duryea
- Duryee
- Durys
- Tairy
- Tarey
- Tarrey
- Tarry
- Tary
- Teary
- Teery
- Terey
- Terray
- Terrey
- Terry
- Tery
- Tiery
- Tirey
- Tiry
- Tooray
- Toory
- Torey
- Torrey
- Torry
- Tory
- Touray
- Tourey
- Toury
- Towrey
- Towry
- Tray
- Treahy
- Treay
- Trehy
- Trey
- Triay
- Trihy
- Troy
- Troya
- Troye
- Try
- Trye
- Tueirey
- Turay
- Turey
- Turrey
- Turry
- Tury
- Turya
- Derriey
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.