Herley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Herley

What does the name Herley mean?

The Irish name Herley comes from the Gaelic "O hUirthile." Interestingly, the name has also been rendered Cammane, based on a translation for the Irish word for a hurley (stick).

One of the first records of the family was Saint Comman of Ross-Commain (fl. 550). He was "son of Faelchu and descendant of Fiacha Araidhe, of the family of Rudhraighe, and race of Ir, king of Ulster, A.D. 236. In a short time he constructed a monastery, after the temporary fashion of the country, which was soon filled with zealous monks, and was named from him Ross-Commain (Roscommon). " 1

Early Origins of the Herley family

The surname Herley was first found in Limerick (Irish: Luimneach) located in Southwestern Ireland, in the province of Munster, where they held a family seat as Lords and Chiefs of Knockalong Castle in the parish and barony of Knockalong, Costlea, the ruins of which still exist. Irish history was greatly influenced by the Norman invasion of 1172, and thereafter, the surnames of Irish Gaelic clanns and septs and many of the Norman families became almost indistinguishable. This family name was found later in Rath Hurly, another of their ancient castles which is now in ruins in Kilcullane, in Small barony, Kilcullane, a castle they erected in 1464. The sept is descended from the race of Brenan Ban, on the O'Brien line. Later they built another strong castle in the parish of Kilnelonahan, where Dermod O'Hurley, built his fortress. (O'Hart)

Early History of the Herley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Herley research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1377, 1519, 1584, 1700, 1714 and 1992 are included under the topic Early Herley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Herley Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Hurley, Hurlie, O'Hurley, O'Hurlie, Commane and many more.

Early Notables of the Herley family

Dermot O'Hurley (1519-1584), Archbishop of Cashel, horribly tortured for his beliefs, one of the most celebrated of Irish Catholic Martyrs, beatified by Pope John Paul II on 27 September 1992; William Hurley was the master carpenter for Edward III (reign 1327-1377), in charge of...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Herley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Herley migration to the United States +

Herley Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Jacob Herley, who settled in Philadelphia in 1753

Herley migration to Australia +

Herley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Catherine Herley, aged 23, a housemaid, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Oriental,"

Sources +

Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print