| ![Show Contents]() Touhy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The original Gaelic versions of today's Irish names demonstrate a proud, ancient past. The original Gaelic form of the name Touhy is Ó Tuathaigh, which is derived from tuathach, which means ruler. Early Origins of the Touhy familyThe surname Touhy was first found in County Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat as a clann, and their chief was known as O'Tuathaigh (meaning ruler). They were amongst the many tribes of western Ireland, septs of the Hy Niall who were descended from King Niall of the Nine Hostages. King Niall was perhaps the most famous of all Irish Kings being responsible for harassing the Roman departure from England at the foot of the Alps. Early History of the Touhy familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Touhy research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1593 and 1958 are included under the topic Early Touhy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Touhy Spelling VariationsBefore widespread literacy came to Ireland, a name was often recorded under several different variations during the life of its bearer. Accordingly, numerous spelling variations were revealed in the search for the origin of the name Touhy family name. Variations found include Tuohy, Tuohey, Touhy, Touhey, Tooey, Tooy, Towey, Towy, Twoey, Twoy, Twohig, Toohey, Toohy,O'Tuohy, O'Tuohey, O'Touhy, O'Touhey, O'Tooey, O'Tooy, O'Towey, O'Towy, O'Twoey, O'Twoy, O'Twohig, O'Toohey and many more. Early Notables of the Touhy familyMore information is included under the topic Early Touhy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
 Touhy migration to the United States | + |
The 19th century saw a great wave of Irish families leaving Ireland for the distant shores of North America and Australia. These families often left their homeland hungry, penniless, and destitute due to the policies of England. Those Irish immigrants that survived the long sea passage initially settled on the eastern seaboard of the continent. Some, however, moved north to a then infant Canada as United Empire Loyalists after ironically serving with the English in the American War of Independence. Others that remained in America later joined the westward migration in search of land. The greatest influx of Irish immigrants, though, came to North America during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. Thousands left Ireland at this time for North America, and those who arrived were immediately put to work building railroads, coal mines, bridges, and canals. In fact, the foundations of today's powerful nations of the United States and Canada were to a larger degree built by the Irish. Archival documents indicate that members of the Touhy family relocated to North American shores quite early:
Touhy Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Jennie Touhy, aged 17, originally from Bonisokane, Ireland, who arrived in New York in 1909 aboard the ship "Majestic (1890)" from Queenstown, Ireland 1
- Annie Touhy, aged 20, who arrived in New York in 1909 aboard the ship "Hamburg" from Naples, Italy 1
- Edward Touhy, aged 30, originally from Crusheen, Ireland, who arrived in New York in 1914 aboard the ship "Cedric" from Queenstown, Ireland 1
- William P. Touhy, aged 35, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Edward L. Doheny, Junior" from Tampico, Mexico 1
- Jeremiah Touhy, aged 24, originally from Killalee, Co. Clare, Ireland, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Baltic" from Queenstown, Ireland 1
| Touhy migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Touhy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Matthew Touhy, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1850 aboard the ship "Sea Queen" 2
- Margaret Touhy, aged 20, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Coromandel" 3
| Contemporary Notables of the name Touhy (post 1700) | + |
- Roger Touhy (1898-1959), American mob boss and prohibition-era bootlegger in Chicago; he was framed for the 1933 faked kidnapping of gangster John "Jake the Barber" Factor and spent 26 years in prison, only to be killed one month after his release
- Patrick L. Touhy (1839-1911), Irish-born, American real estate developer in Chicago, instrumental in the subdividing and development of the Rogers Park section, eponym of Touhy Avenue
- John P. Touhy (1919-1983), American politician, Member of the Illinois House of Representatives (1949-1971)
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Touhy migration to the United States 
Touhy migration to Australia 
Ireland
England
