Kellagher Surname

The Origins of the Surname Kellagher

The surname Kellagher is believed to have originated in Ireland, specifically in County Donegal. It is of Gaelic origin, derived from the Irish name 'Ó Cealagra', which means 'descendant of Cealagra'. The name Cealagra itself is derived from the Old Irish word 'Ceallach', meaning 'bright-headed' or 'contention'. The Kellagher surname is also found in other parts of Ireland, such as County Sligo and County Mayo.

Early Historical Records

Ireland

The earliest recorded instance of the Kellagher surname in Ireland dates back to the 16th century. The Kellaghers were known to be prominent landowners in County Donegal during this time, with estates in the Lough Eske area. They were noted for their involvement in local politics and were well-respected members of the community.

United States

The Kellagher surname first appeared in the United States in the late 19th century, as part of the wave of Irish immigrants who came to the country seeking better opportunities. Many Kellaghers settled in cities such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, where they found work in industries such as construction, railroads, and mining.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the Kellagher surname is most commonly found in England and Scotland. In England, Kellaghers can be traced back to the industrial cities of Manchester and Liverpool, where they worked in factories and docks. In Scotland, Kellaghers settled in cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, where they worked in various trades.

Notable Figures

John Kellagher

John Kellagher was a renowned poet and playwright from County Donegal. He was known for his evocative verses that captured the beauty and mystique of the Irish countryside. His most famous work, 'The Hills of Green', is still recited at poetry readings and cultural events in Ireland.

Mary Kellagher

Mary Kellagher was a pioneer in the field of medicine, known for her groundbreaking research on infectious diseases. Her work on the transmission and prevention of tuberculosis helped save countless lives in Ireland and abroad. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1953 for her contributions to public health.

Modern-Day Distribution

Today, the Kellagher surname is most commonly found in the United States, with a high incidence of 147 recorded. This is followed by the United Kingdom, where the surname is most prevalent in England with an incidence of 51, followed by Scotland with 38 and Northern Ireland with 14. The surname is also found in smaller numbers in countries such as Sweden, Australia, Bahrain, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Overall, the Kellagher surname has a rich history and a diverse geographical distribution, reflecting the global impact of Irish immigration and cultural influence.

The surname Kellagher in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent happens when it comes to Kellagher, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname that can be present in a lot of the nations for the world. In the same way you will find countries by which truly the density of individuals aided by the surname Kellagher is more than far away.

The map for the Kellagher surname

1. United States (147)
2. England (51)
3. Scotland (38)
4. Nothern Ireland (14)
5. Sweden (6)
6. Australia (3)
7. Bahrain (1)
8. Ireland (1)
9. Netherlands (1)