Raftery Surname

The surname Raftery is a fascinating name with a rich history and widespread distribution across the globe. This article will delve into the origins, variations, and significance of the surname Raftery, as well as exploring its prevalence in different countries.

Origins of the Surname Raftery

The surname Raftery is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name O'Raftery or O'Raithbheartaigh, meaning "son of the ploughman." The name is believed to have originated in County Galway in western Ireland, where the Raftery family has a long and distinguished history.

Like many Irish surnames, Raftery comes from a clan or sept system, where individuals were identified by their family or tribal affiliation. The Raftery clan was known for their agricultural skills and hard work, hence the association with the ploughman in their surname.

Variations of the Surname Raftery

Over the centuries, the surname Raftery has undergone various spelling variations, depending on local dialects and pronunciations. Some common variations of the name include Rafter, Rafferty, and Refferty. These variations often reflect the phonetic differences in how the name was pronounced in different regions.

Despite the different spellings, these variations all stem from the same Gaelic root and have similar meanings related to the original O'Raftery surname. Today, individuals with any of these variations may still be part of the broader Raftery family clan.

Significance of the Surname Raftery

The surname Raftery holds significance not only as a symbol of Irish heritage and ancestry but also as a representation of hard work and perseverance. The ploughman, after whom the name is derived, is a symbol of the essential role of agriculture and farming in Irish society.

Through their dedication to the land and their craft, the Raftery family and their descendants have contributed to the prosperity and sustainability of their communities. The surname Raftery serves as a reminder of the importance of working the land and caring for the environment.

Prevalence of the Surname Raftery

United States (US)

In the United States, the surname Raftery is relatively common, with an estimated incidence of 2,640 individuals bearing the name. Irish immigrants brought the name to the US in the 19th and 20th centuries, where it has continued to be passed down through generations.

Ireland (IE)

Unsurprisingly, the surname Raftery has a significant presence in Ireland, with 963 individuals sharing the name. In their homeland, the Raftery family has deep roots and has made enduring contributions to Irish culture and society.

United Kingdom - England (GB-ENG)

In England, the surname Raftery is less common compared to Ireland and the US, with an incidence of 832 individuals. The name may have been introduced to England through Irish migration or historical connections between the two countries.

Australia (AU)

Down under in Australia, there are 380 individuals with the surname Raftery. Irish settlers and immigrants have played a significant role in shaping Australian society, and the Raftery name is a testament to this legacy.

Canada (CA)

In Canada, the surname Raftery is less common, with 78 individuals bearing the name. Canadian history is marked by waves of immigration from various nations, including Ireland, which has contributed to the multicultural fabric of the country.

Other Countries

While the surname Raftery is most prevalent in the US, Ireland, England, Australia, and Canada, there are smaller numbers of individuals with the name in countries such as Argentina, New Zealand, Scotland, Switzerland, Wales, South Africa, the UAE, the Dominican Republic, the Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, Andorra, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Spain, France, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, and others.

This global spread of the Raftery surname reflects the migration patterns of the Irish diaspora and the enduring connections between Irish heritage and other cultures around the world.

The surname Raftery in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same happens when it comes to Raftery, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated that it is a surname that may be present in the majority of the nations for the world. In the same way there are countries by which definitely the density of individuals with the surname Raftery is greater than far away.

The map associated with the Raftery surname

View Raftery surname map

The likelihood of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Raftery on the planet, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves on the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to start to see the concrete number of individuals with the surname Raftery, to obtain in this manner the precise information of all of the Raftery that you can currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to know not just where the surname Raftery comes from, but also in what manner the people that are originally area of the household that bears the surname Raftery have relocated and relocated. In the same way, you'll be able to see in which places they have settled and grown up, which explains why if Raftery is our surname, it seems interesting to which other nations associated with the globe it will be possible any particular one of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Raftery worldwide

Raftery Surname

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