Gaffeney History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Gaffeney

What does the name Gaffeney mean?

The Irish name Gaffeney has a long Gaelic heritage to its credit. The original Gaelic form of the name Gaffeney is "Ó Gamhna." However, the name was also used as an Anglicized form by the septs of Ó Caibheanaigh, Mac Conghamhna, and Mac Carrghamhna.1

Early Origins of the Gaffeney family

The surname Gaffeney was first found in County Roscommon (Irish: Ros Comáin) located in central Ireland in the province of Connacht, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Gaffeney family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gaffeney research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1172 and 1270 are included under the topic Early Gaffeney History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gaffeney Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Gaffeney were encountered in the archives: Gaffney, Gafney, Gaffeney, Gaffeny, Gafferny, Gaffin, Gaffnay, Gaffny, Caulfields, Keveneys and many more.

Early Notables of the Gaffeney family

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

Gaffeney migration to Australia +

Gaffeney Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Joseph Gaffeney, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Lysander" in 1839 2

The Gaffeney 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: God is my leader

Sources +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) LYSANDER 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Lysander.htm