Summary

The surname Dooley is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Ó Dubhlaoich, meaning 'descendant of Dubhlaoch'. It has historic roots in County Cork and County Roscommon in Ireland. The Dooley clan played a significant role in the history of Ireland.
There are
23481
Dooleys in the USA
Dooley is the
1527th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Dooley

TomDooley

Tom Dooley was an American folk musician known for his songs like 'Tom Dooley' and 'Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley.'

MichaelDooley

Michael Dooley was an Irish politician and activist who played a key role in the Irish War of Independence and the establishment of the Irish Free State.

KirkDooley

Kirk Dooley was an American football player and coach, known for his successful coaching career at the college level.

MollyDooley

Molly Dooley was an American suffragist and women's rights activist who fought for equal rights and suffrage for women in the early 20th century.

SeanDooley

Sean Dooley is an Australian ornithologist and author known for his bird-watching adventures and books such as 'The Big Twitch.'

EileenDooley

Eileen Dooley is a Canadian actress known for her roles in television shows like 'Corner Gas' and 'Republic of Doyle.'

PatrickDooley

Patrick Dooley was an Irish playwright and director, known for his works exploring Irish history, culture, and political issues.

JenniferDooley

Jennifer Dooley is an American entrepreneur and businesswoman who co-founded a successful tech startup and is known for her leadership in the tech industry.

FrankDooley

Frank Dooley is a fictional character portrayed by actor Jim Belushi in the film 'K-9', where he plays a police detective partnered with a canine cop.

RosemaryDooley

Rosemary Dooley is an American healthcare executive and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to improving healthcare access and quality.

Dooley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Dooley' is of Irish origin. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name 'Ó Dubhlaoich', which means 'descendant of Dubhlaoch.' Dubhlaoch is a personal name derived from the elements 'dubh' meaning 'black' and 'laoch' meaning 'hero.'
Geographic DistributionThe name 'Dooley' is most commonly found in Ireland, especially in the counties of Tipperary, Galway, Offaly, and Laois. It is also found in significant numbers in the United States, particularly in states with large Irish-American populations.
VariationsVariations of the name 'Dooley' include 'Dowling', 'Daly', 'Doyle', and 'Duffy'. These variations may have different etymological origins but share a common linguistic root.
Migration and ImmigrationMany people with the name 'Dooley' emigrated from Ireland to other countries during periods of Irish emigration, particularly during the Great Famine (1845-1852) and the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). They settled in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.