Surname Kelleher - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling My Celtic Roots: Unearthing the Journey of the Kelleher Surname through an iGENEA DNA Test
An insightful journey into my ancestral past, facilitated by the iGENEA DNA test, revealed intriguing insights about the Kelleher surname in my lineage. The test, through its advanced biogenetic analysis, unveiled Celtic connections and migration patterns that dance across centuries and continents. From the tribes of ancient Europe to the rolling green hills of Ireland, my history has been pieced together in a compelling narrative of survival, movement, and evolution.
O. Kelleher
read moreKelleher: What does the surname Kelleher mean?
The surname Kelleher is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "O Ceileachair" which means "companion dear." The name, in its native form, was first recorded in the 10th century and is traditionally associated with County Cork in the southwestern part of Ireland. The O'Kelleher family was a prominent force within the local politics and the military, especially during the Middle Ages. It is a very popular name in Ireland, particularly in counties Cork and Kerry. There are numerous variations in the spelling of Kelleher, including Kelliher, Keliher, and Collougher among others. Despite the geographical dispersal and linguistic changes over centuries, the name Kelleher continues to carry its original sense of affection and camaraderie. Today, people with the surname Kelleher can be found around the world, a mark of the global Irish diaspora.
Order DNA origin analysisKelleher: Where does the name Kelleher come from?
The surname Kelleher is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O Ceileachair", which translates to "companion dear". The surname has its roots in County Cork, in the southern part of Ireland, where the Kelleher family was historically a part of the Eoghanacht, some of the leading septs (clans) of Munster, one of the provinces in Ireland.
Today, the surname Kelleher is still common in Ireland, especially in the province of Munster and in the counties of Cork and Kerry. The name has also spread globally through Irish emigration. It is prevalent in countries with significant Irish diaspora populations, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. Despite its spread, the surname is still most commonly found in Ireland. Variations of the name, due to regional dialects and transliteration, include Kelliher, Kellegher, and Kelliher, among others.
Variations of the surname Kelleher
The surname Kelleher is of Irish origin and derives from the Gaelic "O' Ceileachair", which means "companion dear". The surname has many variants and alternative spellings due to transliteration from Gaelic to English, regional dialects and anglicization.
Some common variants and spellings of Kelleher include: Kelliher, O'Kelleher, Kelley, Kellecher, O’Ceileachair, Kellaher, Kellegher, Kellagher, and Kelliher. Many with this surname have also anglicized it to other forms like Keller or Kelly.
In Ireland, these surnames are primarily found in County Cork and County Kerry. The prefix 'O' in 'O'Ceileachair', which means 'descendant of', was gradually dropped due to English rule and its reinstatement is infrequent today.
It's important to note that variations in surnames could also arise due to clerical errors, changes made by the family for personal or political reasons, or to denote a particular branch of a family. Furthermore, different branches of a family might use different spellings.
It’s also worth mentioning that even though two people might have the last name Kelleher, it does not necessarily mean they share the same lineage or ancestral heritage. So, although surnames provide hints into a person's ancestry, they don't always offer a definitive familial connection.
Famous people with the name Kelleher
- Margaret Kelleher: an Irish academic and scholar of Irish Culture and Literature.
- Risteárd Kelleher: an Irish lawyer and politician, currently serving as the Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform.
- Terry Kelleher: an Irish actor best known for appearing in musicals and plays including The Irish Repertory Theatre's productions of Guys and Dolls and The Wizard of Oz.
- Terry Kelleher: a former American basketball player who played in the NBA from 1979-1993.
- Mike Kelleher: an American former major league baseball outfielder who played for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1982 and 1983.
- Joe Kelleher: a former Irish footballer who played as a midfielder for Limerick, Cork City and Bohs.
- Brian Kelleher: an American mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division of the UFC.
- Jody Kelleher: an Australian entrepreneur and co-founder of Pacific Equity.
- Catriona Kelleher: an Irish art historian and author whose work focuses on the investigation of affective and material aspects of the history of" Image-Making from the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles
- Mary Kelleher: an American youtuber and makeup artist with over 220,000 subscribers.