Many of the Irish surnames that are now common throughout the Western world have Gaelic origins. The Irish Gaelic form of the name Freghill is Ó Firgil, which later became Ó Frigil; the name means "man of valor."
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Early Origins of the Freghill family
The surname Freghill was first found in County Donegal (Irish: Dún na nGall), northwest Ireland in the province of Ulster, sometimes referred to as County Tyrconnel, where they held a family seat from very ancient times. The O'Firghil were descended from Eoghan, brother of St. Columcille. They were hereditary co-arbs of Kilmacrenan in County Donegal.
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Early History of the Freghill family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Freghill research. Another 55 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1203, 1299, 1538 and 1573 are included under the topic Early Freghill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Freghill Spelling Variations
The recording of names in Ireland in the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best due to competing dialects and languages, and the general illiteracy of the population. Research into the name Freghill revealed many spelling variations, including Friel, Freel, O'Friel, O'Freel, Freiel, O'Freiel, Frehill and many more.
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Early Notables of the Freghill family
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Freghill Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Freghill family
Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the late 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape such hunger and disease. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Freghill: Morris and Catherine O'Freiel (also spelled O'Friel) who settled in Augusta County, Virginia in 1740; William Friel landed in America in 1709 with his wife, son, and daughter.
Ireland
