Summary
The surname O'Leary is of Irish origin, often spelled with an apostrophe before the 'O'. It derives from the Gaelic name 'Ó Laoghaire', meaning 'descendant of Laoghaire'. This surname has a rich history associated with County Cork in Ireland, where the O'Leary clan originated. They were known for their bravery and leadership during various Irish uprisings and rebellions throughout history.There are
22329
Olearys in the USAOleary is the
1607th
most common last name in the USAHistorical figures and celebrities called Oleary
DenisO'Leary
Denis O'Leary is an Irish actor, comedian, and writer known for his roles in TV shows like 'Rescue Me' and movies like 'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs'.MollyO'Leary
Molly O'Leary is a fictional character in the Irish folk song 'Mrs. O'Leary's Cow' which tells the tale of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.TimothyO'Leary
Timothy O'Leary is an American psychologist and writer known for his work in the field of psychedelic drugs and his association with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.CatherineO'Leary
Catherine O'Leary is a historical figure associated with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. She was falsely blamed for starting the fire with her cow's kicked-over lantern.RyanO'Leary
Ryan O'Leary is a professional baseball player who has played for various teams in the Major League Baseball, including the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics.DeborahO'Lary
Deborah O'Lary is a renowned American artist known for her painting and photography work, which often explores themes of nature and spirituality.ThomasLeary
Thomas Leary is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his work on movies like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'Being John Malkovich.'FionaLary
Fiona Lary is an Australian singer-songwriter and actress known for her hit songs like 'Big Girls Don't Cry' and her role in the TV show 'Neighbours'.DavidLawrence
David Lawrence is an American composer and music director known for his work on TV shows like 'American Horror Story' and 'Heroes'.JohnMcLary
John McLary is an American entrepreneur and real estate developer who is known for his successful property development projects across the country.Oleary Genealogy
OriginsThe surname 'O'Leary' is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name 'Ó Laoghaire', meaning 'descendant of Laoghaire.' Laoghaire was a personal name that means 'calf-herder.'
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'O'Leary' is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in County Clare and County Cork. However, due to Irish migration, it can also be found in significant numbers in the United States, Canada, and other countries with a large Irish diaspora.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'O'Leary' include 'O'Leery', 'Leary', 'O'Lary', 'Lary', 'Claire', 'Claery', 'Cleary', 'Lawrence', and 'McLary'. These variations can be attributed to spelling variations, Anglicization, and regional dialects.
Migration and ImmigrationDuring the Great Famine in Ireland in the mid-19th century, many people with the surname 'O'Leary' emigrated from Ireland to escape poverty and hunger. They settled in various countries, particularly the United States, where they contributed to the Irish diaspora and the development of Irish-American communities.