O'DOHERTY
Also recorded as O Doherty, O' Doherty, O'doherty, Odoherty
O'Doherty
O'Doherty is an Irish surname that can be traced back to the ancient Gaelic name "Ó Dochartaigh", meaning "descendant of Dochartach", a personal name derived from "dochartach", which translates to "hurtful" or "obstructive" in English. The O'Doherty surname originated in the northern counties of Ireland, particularly in County Donegal.
The O'Doherty clan was historically a powerful family in the region, with ties to the Kingdom of Ailech. They were descendants of Celtic nobility and played significant roles in Irish history. Notably, they were known for their resistance against English rule during the Tudor conquest of Ireland in the 16th century.
Following the Nine Years' War, where the O'Doherty lands were confiscated by the English crown, many members of the clan dispersed throughout Ireland and further afield, including the United Kingdom. As a result, O'Doherty became a recognisable surname in England, Scotland, and other parts of the world where Irish diaspora settled.
Today, the surname O'Doherty is still prevalent mainly in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It carries with it a rich history of resilience, heritage, and cultural significance. Many individuals bearing the O'Doherty name continue to celebrate their Irish roots and ancestral ties through various traditions, events, and gatherings.
There are approximately 1,218 people named O'Doherty in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,363rd most common surname in Britain. Around 19 in a million people in Britain are named O'Doherty.
Surname type: From name of parent
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
- Cian
- Daniel
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Ann
- Anne
- Catherine
- Emma
- Joanne
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sinead