LEARY
Leary
Overview: Leary is a distinguished surname of British and Irish origin. The name is derived from the Old Irish name "Ó Laoghaire" or "Ó Laoghair", meaning 'descendant of Laoghaire'. Laoghaire was a personal name often translated as "calf-herder". The Leary surname is common in Ireland, particularly in the County Cork area. The name has also spread to other parts of the British Isles, North America, and Australia.
History: The Leary family has a long and storied history, with records of the name dating back to ancient times in Ireland. Many Leary families can trace their ancestry to the O'Leary clan, one of the oldest and most renowned Gaelic families in Ireland. The O'Learys were historically associated with the County Cork region and were known for their military prowess.
Distribution: The Leary surname is found predominantly in Ireland, especially in counties such as Cork and Kerry. However, Leary families have also established themselves in England, Scotland, and Wales over the centuries, due to migration and dispersion. In modern times, descendants of the Leary family can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals: The Leary surname is associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One prominent figure is Cornelius O'Leary (1833-1924), an Irish poet and schoolmaster known for his contributions to Irish literature. Another notable Leary is Timothy Leary (1920-1996), an American psychologist and Harvard professor known for his advocacy of psychedelic drugs and countercultural viewpoints.
Legacy: The Leary surname carries with it a rich heritage and a sense of identity for those who bear it. Families with the Leary name often take pride in their Irish and British roots, celebrating their history and traditions. The name has endured over generations, symbolising resilience, strength, and a deep connection to the land and people of Ireland and beyond.
There are approximately 2,851 people named Leary in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,130th most common surname in Britain. Around 44 in a million people in Britain are named Leary.
Surname type: From given name or forename
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
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Carole
- Christine
- Claire
- Deborah
- Emma
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Lairy
- Larey
- Larry
- Lari
- Larie
- Lar
- Lahr
- Lair
- Laris
- Larrey
- Lahri
- Laari
- Leray
- Lear
- Lary
- Larye
- Laryea
- Laurey
- Lauri
- Laury
- Lawey
- Lawry
- Lawy
- Leahry
- Leare
- Learey
- Learie
- Learis
- Learry
- Lears
- Learys
- Leery
- Leory
- Lerey
- Leri
- Lerie
- Lerrey
- Lerry
- Lery
- Leury
- Lewrey
- Lewry
- Leyris
- Loary
- Lorey
- Loreys
- Lory
- Lourey
- Loury
- Lurey
- Lurry
- Lury
- Laer
- Laere
- Larri
- Laughy
- Laureys
- Lauris
- Leaer
- Leares
- Leear
- Leer
- Leerie
- Lehr
- Lehri
- Leir
- Leor
- Lere
- Leris
- Leurie
- Lewrie
- Loar
- Lorys
- Luery
- Lawrey
- Leroy
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.