O'MEARA
Also recorded as O Meara, O'meara, Omeara
O'Meara
O'Meara is a distinct Irish surname that may also be found among British families due to historical connections between Ireland and Britain. The name is believed to have originated from the Gaelic phrase "O Meara", which means 'son of Meara'. The Meara, or Mac Meara, clan held ancestral lands in County Tipperary, Ireland, and was historically associated with the noble O'Brien dynasty.
The spread of the O'Meara surname beyond Ireland is often attributed to Irish migration to Britain, particularly during periods of economic hardship or political turmoil. As a result, individuals bearing the surname O'Meara can be found throughout the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in regions with historically significant Irish communities, such as Liverpool, Manchester, and Glasgow.
The O'Meara surname is associated with traits such as resilience, loyalty, and a strong sense of family heritage. Many bearers of the name take pride in their Irish roots and participate in cultural celebrations and events that uphold their ancestral traditions. Over the years, variations of the O'Meara surname have emerged, reflecting different anglicised spellings and adaptations, but the core ancestral lineage remains a source of identity and pride for many families bearing this distinguished surname.
There are approximately 1,822 people named O'Meara in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,543rd most common surname in Britain. Around 28 in a million people in Britain are named O'Meara.
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
- Adam
- Bernard
- David
- Gerard
- James
- John
- Michael
- Mike
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Sean
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Bridget
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Margaret
- Mary
- 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.