O'DRISCOLL
Also recorded as O Driscoll, O' Driscoll, O'driscoll, Odriscoll
O'Driscoll
Origin and Meaning
O'Driscoll is a traditional Irish surname that originated in the County Cork region of southwest Ireland. The name is derived from the Gaelic term "Ó hEidirsceoil," which means "descendant of the interpreter." The O'Driscoll family is associated with the ancient Kingdom of Corcu Loígde and holds a prominent place in Irish history and culture.
History
The O'Driscolls are one of the oldest and most distinguished Gaelic Irish families, with their roots tracing back to the 10th century. They were part of the ruling class of chieftains in the area of West Cork and were known for their maritime prowess and leadership. The O'Driscolls played a significant role in the local politics and economy of County Cork.
Over the centuries, the O'Driscoll clan faced various challenges, including conflicts with other Gaelic families, Norman invaders, and British colonial forces. Despite these challenges, the O'Driscolls maintained their cultural identity and continued to be a prominent presence in the region.
Modern Significance
Today, the surname O'Driscoll is still prevalent in Ireland, particularly in County Cork and other parts of the country. Many descendants of the O'Driscoll family have spread around the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
The O'Driscoll name is often associated with qualities such as strength, resilience, and loyalty. The O'Driscoll family crest, which features symbols like a dolphin and an arm in armour, reflects their historical connections to the sea and warfare.
Overall, the surname O'Driscoll is an integral part of Irish heritage and serves as a reminder of the rich history and culture of the people of County Cork and Ireland as a whole.
There are approximately 3,205 people named O'Driscoll in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,835th most common surname in Britain. Around 49 in a million people in Britain are named O'Driscoll.
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
- Andrew
- Conan
- Daniel
- David
- James
- John
- Lawrence
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Ann
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Joanne
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan