O'Grady Surname Meaning & Origin
What the O'Grady last name means, where the surname began and where it was first recorded.
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Meaning and origin of the O'Grady last name
Meaning of the O'Grady last name: descendant of Grádaigh ("noble, illustrious"). O'Grady comes from Ó Grádaigh, from grádach, "noble, illustrious". The O'Gradys were a sept of the Dál gCais, the people of Brian Boru, settled in east Clare around Tuamgraney and Scarriff. Later a branch moved to Kilballyowen in County Limerick, where they kept their lands through the troubles of the 17th century. The name is still strongest in Clare and Limerick, and Grady is the usual form in America. The O'Gradys of Tuamgraney were related to the O'Briens, and in the 16th century some of the family used the form Brady. Spellings include Grady and O'Grada. Many O'Gradys emigrated to the United States, England and Australia in the 19th century.
Our historical archives hold much more on the O'Grady name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the O'Grady 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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O'Grady name FAQ
What does the O'Grady name mean?
Descendant of Grádaigh ("noble, illustrious"). Common variants include Grady, Brady, O'Gradie.
Where does the O'Grady surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.
Is there a O'Grady coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single O'Grady crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized O'Grady 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).