Summary

The surname Foley is of Irish origin and is derived from the Irish word "foghlaidh," meaning "plunderer" or "pirate." It has a rich history associated with several notable Irish clans and families.
There are
51865
Foleys in the USA
Foley is the
661st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Foley

MickFoley

Mick Foley, also known by his ring names Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind, is a retired American professional wrestler, actor, author, and comedian. Foley is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

DaveFoley

Dave Foley is a Canadian actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer. He is best known for his work on the sketch comedy show 'The Kids in the Hall' and for his role as Dave Nelson in the sitcom 'NewsRadio'.

FionnulaFlanagan

Fionnula Flanagan is an Irish actress and political activist. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including 'The Others', 'Lost', and 'Waking Ned Devine'. Flanagan has received critical acclaim for her performances and has been nominated for several awards.

MarkFoley

Mark Foley is an American politician and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented Florida's 16th congressional district from 1995 to 2006. Foley is known for his involvement in the page scandal, which led to his resignation from Congress.

HelenFoley

Helen Foley was an American author and educator. She is best known for her children's books, including 'The Patchwork Quilt' and 'Christmas Tree Farm'. Foley's books often explore themes of family, community, and multiculturalism.

TomFoley

Tom Foley was an American politician and lawyer. He served as the 57th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1989 to 1995. Foley was known for his bipartisan leadership and his efforts to promote economic growth and international trade.

MickFoley

Mick Foley, also known by his ring names Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind, is a retired American professional wrestler, actor, author, and comedian. Foley is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

DaveFoley

Dave Foley is a Canadian actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer. He is best known for his work on the sketch comedy show 'The Kids in the Hall' and for his role as Dave Nelson in the sitcom 'NewsRadio'.

FionnulaFlanagan

Fionnula Flanagan is an Irish actress and political activist. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including 'The Others', 'Lost', and 'Waking Ned Devine'. Flanagan has received critical acclaim for her performances and has been nominated for several awards.

MarkFoley

Mark Foley is an American politician and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented Florida's 16th congressional district from 1995 to 2006. Foley is known for his involvement in the page scandal, which led to his resignation from Congress.

Foley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Foley' is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó Foghlú, which means 'descendant of Foghlú', with 'Foghlú' meaning 'pirate' or 'plunderer'. The name was originally associated with the province of Connacht in Ireland.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Foley' is most commonly found in Ireland, especially in the province of Munster, which includes counties like Cork and Limerick. It is also present in other English-speaking countries with Irish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Foley' include 'O'Foley' and 'Fogarty'.
Migration and ImmigrationDuring the Irish diaspora, many individuals with the surname 'Foley' emigrated from Ireland to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. They often sought better opportunities and to escape the difficult economic and political conditions in Ireland.