Fahey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Ireland 


The Irish name Fahey has a long Gaelic heritage to its credit. The original Gaelic form of the name Fahey is Ó Fathaigh, derived from the word "fothadh," meaning "foundation." 1

Early Origins of the Fahey family

The surname Fahey was first found in Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Early History of the Fahey family

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

Fahey Spelling Variations

Pronunciation, rather than spelling, guided scribes and church officials when recording names during the Middle Ages. This practice often resulted in one person's name being recorded under several different spellings. Numerous spelling variations of the surname Fahey are preserved in these old documents. The various spellings of the name that were found include Fahey, Fahie, Fahy, Fay, O'Fahey, O'Fahy, Vahey and many more.

Early Notables of the Fahey family

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

Fahey World Ranking

In the United States, the name Fahey is the 3,902nd most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 2 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Fahey is ranked the 588th most popular surname with an estimated 78 people with that name. 3 And in New Zealand, the name Fahey is the 844th popular surname with an estimated 864 people with that name. 4


Fahey migration to the United States +

During the 19th century thousands of impoverished Irish families made the long journey to British North America and the United States. These people were leaving a land that had become beset with poverty, lack of opportunity, and hunger. In North America, they hoped to find land, work, and political and religious freedoms. Although the majority of the immigrants that survived the long sea passage did make these discoveries, it was not without much perseverance and hard work: by the mid-19th century land suitable for agriculture was short supply, especially in British North America, in the east; the work available was generally low paying and physically taxing construction or factory work; and the English stereotypes concerning the Irish, although less frequent and vehement, were, nevertheless, present in the land of freedom, liberty, and equality for all men. The largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. Research into passenger and immigration lists has brought forth evidence of the early members of the Fahey family in North America:

Fahey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Fahey migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Fahey Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Fahey migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Fahey Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Fahey migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Fahey Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Fahey (post 1700) +


The Fahey 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: Esperance
Motto Translation: Hope.


Suggested Readings for the name Fahey +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate