Have you always thought the surnames Lahey and Leahy were variations of the same name? Think again! Lahey and Leahy originate from two different Gaelic surnames. Lahey, Lahy, Lahiff, Lahiffe, Laffey, and Lahive all originate from the Gaelic surname O Laithimh, which itself is a variant of O Flaithimh. O Flaithimh derives from the Irish word flaitheamh, which means lord or … [Read more...] about Roots: A Look at the Laheys and the Leahys
Heritage
Roots: The Joyce Family
Though not Gaelic and sometimes found in England of non-Irish origin, Joyce may certainly be regarded as a true Irish name, and more particularly a Connacht one. The first Joyce to come to Ireland of whom there is an authentic record was Thomas de Jorse a Welshman, who in 1283 married the daughter of Turiogh O’Brien, Prince of Thomond and went with her to County Galway; there … [Read more...] about Roots: The Joyce Family
Dublin Fair City: A Look at Dublin, Ohio
Cycle along the outer streets of Dublin and farmland and grassy fields are still visible beyond rambling stone walls; drive through the round-abouts into the city and catch a show at the Abbey Theater; end your evening in a snug at the Brazenhead, pint in one hand, and in the other, tickets to the OSU game? Well, you are in Dublin – Ohio, that is. This is not just a case of an … [Read more...] about Dublin Fair City: A Look at Dublin, Ohio
Roots: The Kelly Clan
Kelly is one of the most common Irish names due to the fact that it originates from at least seven different and unrelated ancient clans or septs. One of the major septs is the O’Kellys of Ui Maine or Hy Many in East Galway and South Roscommon. An authentic pedigree of this family exists from earliest times and is contained in the Book of Hy Many, which was written in the 14th … [Read more...] about Roots: The Kelly Clan
Sláinte!: Feasting with the Angels
Pop quiz: what’s the most popular Irish boy’s name? Odds are, the first one that came to mind was Patrick. Wrong. While Saint Patrick is Ireland’s patron, his name comes in at #18. Go ahead, try again. Did you say Sean? If so, you picked #2, and you get extra credit because Sean is also spelled Shane, Shawn, Shuan, Eoin, Ion, and Ian, all of which rank in the top twenty and … [Read more...] about Sláinte!: Feasting with the Angels