| ![Show Contents]() O'Twohig History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of O'TwohigWhat does the name O'Twohig mean? The original Gaelic versions of today's Irish names demonstrate a proud, ancient past. The original Gaelic form of the name O'Twohig is Ó Tuathaigh, which is derived from tuathach, which means ruler. Early Origins of the O'Twohig familyThe surname O'Twohig was first found in County Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat as a clann, and their chief was known as O'Tuathaigh (meaning ruler). They were amongst the many tribes of western Ireland, septs of the Hy Niall who were descended from King Niall of the Nine Hostages. King Niall was perhaps the most famous of all Irish Kings being responsible for harassing the Roman departure from England at the foot of the Alps. Early History of the O'Twohig familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Twohig research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1593 and 1958 are included under the topic Early O'Twohig History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. O'Twohig Spelling VariationsBefore 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'Twohig family name. Variations found include Tuohy, Tuohey, Touhy, Touhey, Tooey, Tooy, Towey, Towy, Twoey, Twoy, Twohig, Toohey, Toohy,O'Tuohy, O'Tuohey, O'Touhy, O'Touhey, O'Tooey, O'Tooy, O'Towey, O'Towy, O'Twoey, O'Twoy, O'Twohig, O'Toohey and many more. Early Notables of the O'Twohig familyMore information is included under the topic Early O'Twohig Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the O'Twohig familyThe 19th century saw a great wave of Irish families leaving Ireland for the distant shores of North America and Australia. These families often left their homeland hungry, penniless, and destitute due to the policies of England. Those Irish immigrants that survived the long sea passage initially settled on the eastern seaboard of the continent. Some, however, moved north to a then infant Canada as United Empire Loyalists after ironically serving with the English in the American War of Independence. Others that remained in America later joined the westward migration in search of land. The greatest influx of Irish immigrants, though, came to North America during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. Thousands left Ireland at this time for North America, and those who arrived were immediately put to work building railroads, coal mines, bridges, and canals. In fact, the foundations of today's powerful nations of the United States and Canada were to a larger degree built by the Irish. Archival documents indicate that members of the O'Twohig family relocated to North American shores quite early: Edward and John Towey who landed in Pennsylvania in 1868 and 1878 respectively; Patrick Tohey settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1847. The family also branched to Cumberland, New South Wales, Australia, where a Gentleman, John Thomas Toohey resided..
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