Foley Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Foley surname: its meaning, its roots in Ireland, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Foley name
Foley usually anglicises Ó Foghladha, "descendant of Foghlaidh", from foghlaidh, "plunderer". The family originated in County Waterford and spread into Cork and Kerry, where the name is still very common. Older records also spell it Fowley. It is widespread in Ireland, England and the United States.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Foley name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Foley name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, England and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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The researched Foley pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Foley coat of arms.
Foley name FAQ
What does the Foley name mean?
Descendant of Foghlaidh ("plunderer"). Common variants include O'Foley, Fohilly, Fowley.
Where does the Foley surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.
Is there a Foley coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Foley crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Foley coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.