Summary

The surname O'Rourke is of Irish origin and is associated with the O'Rourke clan, one of the oldest and most prominent Gaelic noble families. They were historically based in the province of Connacht and played significant roles in Irish history. The O'Rourke surname signifies 'descendant of Ruarc,' which means 'red-haired' in Gaelic.
There are
16457
Orourkes in the USA
Orourke is the
2213rd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Orourke

BetoO'Rourke

Beto O'Rourke is an American politician and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He gained national attention during his 2018 campaign for the U.S. Senate in Texas.

RyanO'Rourke

Ryan O'Rourke is a professional baseball pitcher who has played for the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets in Major League Baseball.

KirstenO'Rourke

Kirsten O'Rourke is an Australian actress known for her roles in television shows such as 'Neighbours' and 'The Saddle Club.'

P.J.O'Rourke

P.J. O'Rourke is an American political satirist and journalist known for his humorous and provocative commentary on various political and cultural issues.

MarkO'Rourke

Mark O'Rourke is an Irish sculptor known for his abstract and figurative sculptures made from materials such as bronze, stone, and wood.

CarolineO'Rourke

Caroline O'Rourke is an Irish singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. She has released several albums and toured internationally.

PatrickO'Rourke

Patrick O'Rourke is a Canadian journalist and technology writer who has covered the gaming industry and technology news for various publications.

GraceO'Rourke

Grace O'Rourke is an Irish dancer and choreographer who has won multiple titles and awards for her performances in traditional Irish dance competitions.

SeanO'Rourke

Sean O'Rourke is an Irish journalist and radio presenter who has hosted several talk shows and current affairs programs on RTÉ Radio 1.

SiobhanO'Rourke

Siobhan O'Rourke is an Australian author known for her novels and short stories that explore themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage.

Orourke Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'O'Rourke' is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name 'Ó Ruairc,' which means 'descendant of Ruarc.' Ruarc was a personal name, derived from the Old Norse name 'Hróðrekr' meaning 'famous ruler.' The O'Rourkes were a Gaelic Irish clan that originated in County Leitrim and later spread to other parts of Ireland.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'O'Rourke' is primarily found in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities around the world. It is especially common in County Leitrim, where the O'Rourke clan originated.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'O'Rourke' include 'O'Rourk,' 'O'Rourcke,' 'Rourke,' 'Rourk,' 'Rourcke,' 'Rurke,' 'Rorke,' 'O'Rourin,' and 'O'Rourken.' These variations often result from different spelling conventions or anglicizations of the original Gaelic name.
Migration and ImmigrationMany people with the surname 'O'Rourke' emigrated from Ireland during periods of economic hardship, such as the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. They settled in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where they became part of Irish communities and contributed to the cultural and economic development of their new homelands.