O'Fahy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of O'Fahy

What does the name O'Fahy mean?

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

Early Origins of the O'Fahy family

The surname O'Fahy 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 O'Fahy family

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

O'Fahy Spelling Variations

A name was often recorded during the Middle Ages under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer because literacy was rare there was no real push to clearly define any of the languages found in the British Isles at that time. Variations found of the name O'Fahy include Fahey, Fahie, Fahy, Fay, O'Fahey, O'Fahy, Vahey and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Fahy family

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

Migration of the O'Fahy family

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name O'Fahy: Daniel Fahay, who settled in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1860; Peggy Fahee, who settled in New York State in 1846; Daniel, James, John, Michael, and Patrick Fahey, who arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.

The O'Fahy 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.

Sources +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)