Show ContentsGalaz History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Irish name Galaz has a long Gaelic heritage to its credit. The original Gaelic form of the name Galaz is Ó Gallchobhair, derived from the word "gallchobhar," which means "foreign help."

Early Origins of the Galaz family

The surname Galaz was first found in County Donegal (Irish: Dún na nGall), northwest Ireland in the province of Ulster, sometimes referred to as County Tyrconnel, but claim descent from a warrior named "Gallchobhar" and held lands in the baronies of Raphoe and Tir Hugh. They held a castle at Ballyshannon and at one time also held the castle of Lifford.

The Sept's chiefs were the traditional Marshals in the O'Donnells' military forces from the 14th to 16th centuries. The main branch of the family was based at Ballybeit and Ballynaglack.

Early History of the Galaz family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Galaz research. Another 55 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1545, 1547, 1725 and 1751 are included under the topic Early Galaz History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Galaz Spelling Variations

The recording of names in Ireland during the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. Since the general population did not know how to read or write, they could only specify how their names should be recorded orally. Research into the name Galaz revealed spelling variations, including Gallagher, Gallacher, Gallaugher, Gallaughor, Gallager and many more.

Early Notables of the Galaz family

Notable among the family name at this time was Bishop Redmund O'Gallagher, The Diocese of Killala, who was imprisoned and banished from the diocese on fraudulent charges; Redmond O'Gallagher, who was appointed Bishop of Killala by Pope Paul III in 1545; and Art O'Gallagher, Papal...
Another 45 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Galaz Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Galaz Ranking

In the United States, the name Galaz is the 15,511st most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. [1]

Migration of the Galaz family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Galaz name: Charles, David, Francis, James, John, Michael, and Thomas Galagher who arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1865.



  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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