QUIRKE
Quirke
Overview: Quirke is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O'Cuirc." The name is predominantly found in the province of Munster in Ireland, particularly in the county of Cork.
Origins: The Quirke surname is believed to have originated from an ancient Gaelic clan in Ireland, known as the Ui Fidgenti. Members of this clan were hereditary physicians, renowned for their medical knowledge and skills. The name "O'Cuirc" translates to "descendant of Cuirc," with Cuirc being a personal name of uncertain meaning.
Migration: Over the centuries, individuals bearing the Quirke surname have migrated to other regions, including the United Kingdom. Many Quirke families can now be found across Britain, with notable concentrations in cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Notable Individuals:
- John Quirke (1839-1918): A prominent Irish doctor and philanthropist known for his contributions to public health in Cork.
- Mary Quirke (1902-1975): A respected educator and advocate for women's rights in the Midlands, whose work influenced education policy in the UK.
Variants: Variants of the Quirke surname include Quirk, Quick, and Quirky. These variations may have arisen due to phonetic spelling changes over time or regional dialect influences.
References: O'Hart, John. Irish Pedigrees; or, the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. Dublin, 1881. MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. Dublin, 2015.
There are approximately 1,644 people named Quirke in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,960th most common surname in Britain. Around 25 in a million people in Britain are named Quirke.
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
- Daniel
- David
- Gary
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Angela
- Anne
- Bridget
- Caroline
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Janet
- Joan
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Sharon
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.