O'Keady History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The surname O'Keady comes from the Irish Gaelic Mac Ceadaigh, from an ancient personal name derived from the Gaelic word "cead," meaning "hundred." This name often given to the O'Mores of Leix with whom the MacKeadys were associated. In found in Munster, the name of the Corca Laoidhe sept Ó Meiceidigh, has been corrupted to MacCeidigh or Mac Eidigh, and anglicized as Keady. The name has been recorded as both O'Keady and McKeddy in the Fiants of the sixteenth century.

Early Origins of the O'Keady family

The surname O'Keady was first found in County Leix (Irish: Laois) formerly known as Queen's County, located in central Ireland, in Leinster Province.

Early History of the O'Keady family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Keady research. Another 27 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1635 and 1793 are included under the topic Early O'Keady History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Keady Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacKeady, McKeady, Keady, O'Keady, Keddy, O'Keddy and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Keady family

More information is included under the topic Early O'Keady Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the O'Keady family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Keady, who was naturalized in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1801; Robert Keady and his family, who settled in St. John, New Brunswick between 1833 and 1838.

The O'Keady Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Conlan abu
Motto Translation: Conlan forever.