Show ContentsO'Rafferty History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The original Gaelic form of O'Rafferty was Ó Raithbheartaigh, which was modified to Ó Raifeartaigh. The surname is derived from the words rath bheartach meaning prosperity wielder.

Early Origins of the O'Rafferty family

The surname O'Rafferty was first found in County Donegal (Irish: Dún na nGall), northwest Ireland in the province of Ulster, sometimes referred to as County Tyrconnel.

Early History of the O'Rafferty family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Rafferty research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1090 is included under the topic Early O'Rafferty History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Rafferty Spelling Variations

Names during the Middle Ages were often recorded under several different spelling variations during the life of their bearers. Literacy was rare at that time and so how a person's name was recorded was decided by the individual scribe. Variations of the name O'Rafferty include Rafferty, O'Rafferty, Raferty, Raffhery, Raffthery, Raftery, Raverty, Roarty and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Rafferty family

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


Australia O'Rafferty migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

O'Rafferty Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mary O'Rafferty, aged 22, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Grand Trianon"


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