Surname Gallagher - Meaning and Origin

A Journey Through Generations: A Review of iGENEA DNA Test and Exploring the Gallagher Heritage

iGENEA DNA test offers an exciting journey to the roots. The review shares an engrossing experience with the test, shedding light on the ancient origins of Gallagher, insights into potential health predispositions, and the chance to connect with a larger genetic family worldwide.

H. Gallagher

Gallagher: What does the surname Gallagher mean?

The last name Gallagher is of Irish origin, deriving from the Irish surname Ó Gallchobhair or Ó Gallchóir, meaning "descendant of the foreign help." The prefix Ó signifies 'grandson' or 'descendant,' while Gallchobhair or Gallchóir combines two Gaelic words: ‘gall’ meaning 'stranger' or 'foreigner' and ‘cobhair’ meaning 'help' or 'support.' Hence, the original bearers of this surname were likely known for providing aid or support to foreigners or outsiders. It is a prevalent name in the county of Donegal, Ireland, where the Gallagher clan originated. Today, it is a common surname across Ireland and within Irish diaspora communities worldwide. It's also well-known in popular culture, particularly in music and entertainment.

Gallagher: Where does the name Gallagher come from?

The surname Gallagher originates from Ireland and is an anglicized version of the Gaelic "O Gallchobhair" or "O Gallchobhoir," meaning "descendant of the foreign help." The word "gallchobhar" itself is a combination of two elements: "gall" meaning "stranger" and "cabhair" meaning "help". This name first surfaced in the 5th Century and historically, the Gallagher clan was primarily concentrated in County Donegal in the northern part of the country.

Today, Gallagher remains a common surname in Ireland, but due to the Irish diaspora, it has also spread throughout the world especially in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It is particularly prevalent in places where there have been substantial Irish immigrant communities. The Gallagher name is recognized globally thanks to notable people like musicians Liam and Noel Gallagher of the band Oasis.

Variations of the surname Gallagher

The surname Gallagher originates from the Irish surname Ó Gallchobhair or Ó Gallchóir, meaning "descendant of the foreign helper". Besides Gallagher, it can also be spelled as Gallacher, Gallager, and Galagher.

Minor spelling variations such as Gallahera, Gallaher, Gelagher, Gilligher or Gallaugher can also be found due to the influence of region and phonetic transcription from the original Gaelic spelling.

The surname has also been anglicized in various forms like Gallaughers, Gallougher or even Gallahue.

Each variation of spellings captures the different nuances of pronunciation and dialectal influences over centuries and across various regions in Ireland and beyond. There are several persons with this surname or its variations currently residing in the Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

Famous people with the name Gallagher

• Liam Gallagher: English singer and songwriter, famously known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Oasis.
• Noel Gallagher: Liam's older brother, also a former member of Oasis, where he served as the lead guitarist and songwriter.
• Rory Gallagher: Irish blues-rock multi-instrumentalist famous during the 1960s and 70s.
• Peter Gallagher: American actor, singer, and writer known for roles in "The O.C." and "American Beauty."
• Kirsten Gallagher: American actress known for her roles in "Under Siege" and "The Player."
• David Gallagher: American actor prominent in the TV series "7th Heaven" and the "Kingdom Hearts" video game series.
• Megan Gallagher: American theatre and television actress.
• Gallagher: American comedian known for smashing watermelons as part of his act.
• Tess Gallagher: American author, poet, and essayist.
• Katie Gallagher: American fashion designer.
• Jack Gallagher: British professional wrestler currently with WWE.
• Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr.: Also known as Gallagher, an American comedian known for his prop comedy.
• Brendan Gallagher: Canadian professional hockey player.
• Shaun Gallagher: Philosopher working on nature of self and social cognition.
• Frank Gallagher: Fictional Character from the television show, Shameless.

Other surnames

GallagharGallaghur