GILHOOLEY
Gilhooley
Gilhooley is a surname of Irish origin, often found among individuals of Irish descent in the United Kingdom. The name is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Giolla Chúille," which means "devotee of St. Comhghall."
Origin and History:
The Gilhooley surname is primarily associated with County Mayo in Ireland. It is believed to trace its roots back to ancient Gaelic culture and the early Celtic settlers in Ireland. Over time, individuals bearing the name migrated to other parts of Ireland and, eventually, to the United Kingdom.
Distribution:
While not one of the most common surnames, Gilhooley can still be found in various regions across the United Kingdom, particularly in areas with a significant Irish population or historical Irish influence.
Notable Individuals:
- Patrick Gilhooley: A prominent figure in British politics during the mid-20th century, known for his advocacy of workers' rights and social reform.
- Siobhan Gilhooley: A talented artist and sculptor based in London, renowned for her innovative approach to contemporary art.
Variants:
The Gilhooley surname may have variations in spelling, such as Gilhooly or Gilhuly, reflecting regional dialects and anglicisations over time.
References:
- "Irish Surnames and Their Meanings" by Edward MacLysaght, Dublin, 1985.
- "The Origins of Irish Surnames" by Tomas O Flannghaile, Cork University Press, 2002.
The Gilhooley surname carries a sense of Irish heritage and identity, making it a cherished part of the diverse tapestry of British surnames.
There are approximately 628 people named Gilhooley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Gilhooley.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Andrew
- Brian
- David
- Gordon
- James
- John
- Michael
- Niall
- Patrick
- Paul
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Angela
- Anne
- Denise
- Diane
- Jacqueline
- June
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Nicole
- Patricia
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Wendy
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.