Tarpy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Tarpy

What does the name Tarpy mean?

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

Early Origins of the Tarpy family

The surname 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 Tarpy family

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

Tarpy Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Tarpy family name include Torpey, Tarpey, O'Tarpey and others.

Early Notables of the Tarpy family

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

Tarpy migration to the United States +

Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Tarpy to North America:

Tarpy Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Michael Tarpy, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1864

Tarpy migration to Australia +

Tarpy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. David Tarpy who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Clara" on 19th March 1857, arriving in Western Australia, Australia 1

The 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

Sources +

Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 11th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/clara