O'Tarpy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of O'Tarpy

What does the name O'Tarpy mean?

Today's Irish surnames are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name O'Tarpy originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Tarpaigh, which is derived from the word "tarpach," which means "sturdy."

Early Origins of the O'Tarpy family

The surname O'Tarpy was first found in County Cork (Irish: Corcaigh) the ancient Kingdom of Deis Muin (Desmond), located on the southwest coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, where they were said to be descended from the ancient tribe of Erainn stock into a tribe known as the Corcu Loegde who were pushed into south west Cork area by the Eoganacht. Their neighbors were the O'Sullivans, the O'Mahoneys and the MacArthys.

Early History of the O'Tarpy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Tarpy research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1877 is included under the topic Early O'Tarpy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Tarpy Spelling Variations

Before widespread literacy came to Ireland, a name was often recorded under several different variations during the life of its bearer. Accordingly, numerous spelling variations were revealed in the search for the origin of the name O'Tarpy family name. Variations found include Torpey, Tarpey, O'Tarpey and others.

Early Notables of the O'Tarpy family

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

Migration of the O'Tarpy family

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name O'Tarpy: Patrick Tarpey who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1842; Thomas Tarpey, who came to Philadelphia in 1845; Martin Tarpey, who arrived at Philadelphia in 1869.

The O'Tarpy 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: Firm as a rock