First found in Galway, and county Clare where they held a family seat from ancient times. They were descended from Olioll Olum, King of Munster who reigned about 130 A.D. and descended through a line of Chiefs and Kings to John O'Grady, alias O'Brady, who died in 1332 in the Clann territories of Fassaghmore in the county of Clare. His son, Sir Denis O'Grady alias O'Brady of Fassaghmore was knighted by King Henry VI of England. This great confusion of names continued into the 14th and 15th century and to make matters even more confusing the line frequently reverted from one spelling to the other. The Clann seat became established at Kilballyowen in county Limerick, and the present Chief of the Gradys (or Bradys) is one of the few Chiefs recognized in Ireland. He is Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Vogors de Courcy O'Grady. They were settled in Glenstal Abbey. Many of the name were also found in Cavan.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Bernard Brady who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1868; as did Charles, David, Denis, Edward, Francis, Henry, Hugh, James, John, Mark, Michael, Owen, Patrick, Peter, Philip, Richard, Robert, Sam UEL, Thomas, and William, and many more, all between 1840 and 1870.

Motto Translated: Wounded not conquered.

For more information on the last name O'Grady, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.