MAHER
Maher
Etymology Maher is a surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the Irish name "Meachair," meaning "hospitable" or "kindly." The name is commonly found in Ireland and originates from the ancient Gaelic clans.
History The Maher surname has a long history tracing back to ancient Celtic times in Ireland. The Mahers were an influential Gaelic sept in various regions of the country, particularly in counties Tipperary and Kilkenny. The family was known for its involvement in local politics, agriculture, and trade.
During the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, the Mahers managed to maintain their landholdings and gradually integrated into the Anglo-Norman society. Over the centuries, many Mahers spread across Ireland, establishing themselves as landowners, merchants, and scholars.
In more recent history, significant numbers of Mahers emigrated from Ireland to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, contributing to the global Irish diaspora.
Notable Individuals
- Brendan Maher (b. 1989): Irish hurler, known for his successful career with the Tipperary senior hurling team.
- Bill Maher (b. 1956): American comedian, political commentator, and television host, of Irish descent with Maher being his family name.
- Samantha Maher (b. 1990): British historian and genealogist, notable for her work on tracing Irish ancestry.
Trivia In Ireland, Maher is a relatively common surname, particularly in the counties of Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Laois.
There are approximately 10,457 people named Maher in the UK. That makes it the 889th most common surname in Britain. Around 161 in a million people in Britain are named Maher.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Thomas
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Joanne
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.