| ![Show Contents]() O'Toohy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of O'ToohyWhat does the name O'Toohy mean? The original Gaelic versions of today's Irish names demonstrate a proud, ancient past. The original Gaelic form of the name O'Toohy is Ó Tuathaigh, which is derived from tuathach, which means ruler. Early Origins of the O'Toohy familyThe surname O'Toohy 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'Toohy familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Toohy research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1593 and 1958 are included under the topic Early O'Toohy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. O'Toohy Spelling VariationsMany spelling variations of the surname O'Toohy can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were 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'Toohy familyMore information is included under the topic Early O'Toohy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the O'Toohy familyDeath 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'Toohy: 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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