There are
1747
Rafterys in the USA
Raftery is the
16457th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Raftery

JohnRaftery

John Raftery was an Irish poet and songwriter, known for his compositions in the Gaelic language and his influence on the Irish cultural revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

TomRaftery

Tom Raftery is an Irish entrepreneur and evangelist for clean technology and sustainability. He is the Global VP of Futurist, Innovation & Sustainability at SAP.

MaureenRaftery

Maureen Raftery is an American actress known for her roles in independent films such as 'Moonlight Mile' and 'Aftermath.' She has also worked as a theater director.

SeanRaftery

Sean Raftery is an Australian football player who has represented his country in international competitions. He currently plays for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League.

FionaRaftery

Fiona Raftery is an Irish journalist and news anchor. She has worked for several major news outlets and is known for her coverage of national and international events.

BrendanRaftery

Brendan Raftery is an American actor and playwright known for his work in theater and film. He has appeared in numerous productions and has received critical acclaim for his performances.

MaireadRaftery

Mairead Raftery is an Irish historian and author known for her research on Irish folklore and local history. She has written several books on the subject.

DeclanRaftery

Declan Raftery is an Irish artist and sculptor known for his abstract and contemporary works. His art has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

AislingRaftery

Aisling Raftery is an Irish musician and songwriter. She is the lead vocalist and guitarist for the indie rock band 'The Rafterys'.

LiamRaftery

Liam Raftery is an Irish chef and restaurateur. He owns and operates several successful restaurants known for their innovative and creative cuisine.

Raftery Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Raftery' is of Irish origin and is derived from the Irish Gaelic name 'Ó Raifteirigh', meaning 'descendant of Raifteirigh'. The name Raifteirigh itself is derived from the word 'raiftéir', meaning 'poet' or 'bard'. The Rafterys were traditionally associated with the area of County Galway in Ireland.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Raftery' is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in County Galway where it originated. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities around the world.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Raftery' include 'O'Raftery', 'Rafter', and 'Reaferty'.
Migration and ImmigrationDuring the Great Famine in the mid-19th century, many Rafterys and other Irish people emigrated from Ireland to escape poverty and starvation. They primarily migrated to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom in search of a better life. The Raftery name is now found in significant numbers in these countries due to these historical migration patterns.