Rafferty History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Ireland 


The original Gaelic form of Rafferty was Ó Raithbheartaigh, which was modified to Ó Raifeartaigh. The surname is derived from the words rath bheartach meaning prosperity wielder.

Early Origins of the Rafferty family

The surname Rafferty was first found in County Donegal (Irish: Dún na nGall), northwest Ireland in the province of Ulster, sometimes referred to as County Tyrconnel.

Early History of the Rafferty family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rafferty research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1090 is included under the topic Early Rafferty History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rafferty Spelling Variations

The recording of names in Ireland in the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. The many regional dialects and the predominate illiteracy would have made common surnames appear unrelated to the scribes of the period. Research into the name Rafferty revealed spelling variations, including Rafferty, O'Rafferty, Raferty, Raffhery, Raffthery, Raftery, Raverty, Roarty and many more.

Early Notables of the Rafferty family

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

Rafferty Ranking

In the United States, the name Rafferty is the 4,018th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 1


Rafferty migration to the United States +

The 19th century saw a great wave of Irish migrating out of their homeland in a great measure due to the oppressive imperial policies of the English government and landowners. Many of these Irish families sailed to North America aboard overcrowded passenger ships. By far, the largest influx of Irish immigrants to North America occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These particular immigrants were instrumental in creation of the United States and Canada as major industrial nations because the many essential elements such as the roadways, canals, bridges, and railways required an enormous quantity of cheap labor, which these poor immigrants provided. Later generations of Irish in these countries also went on to make valuable contributions in such fields as the arts, commerce, politics, and education. Extensive research into immigration and passenger lists has revealed many early immigrants bearing the name Rafferty:

Rafferty Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Rafferty migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rafferty Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Rafferty migration to Australia +

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

Rafferty Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Rafferty 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:

Rafferty Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Rafferty (post 1700) +


Suggested Readings for the name Rafferty +
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