Toughy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
England

Etymology of Toughy

What does the name Toughy mean?

The original Gaelic versions of today's Irish names demonstrate a proud, ancient past. The original Gaelic form of the name Toughy is Ó Tuathaigh, which is derived from tuathach, which means ruler.

Early Origins of the Toughy family

The surname Toughy 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 Toughy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Toughy research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1593 and 1958 are included under the topic Early Toughy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Toughy Spelling Variations

Within the archives researched, many different spelling variations of the surname Toughy were found. These included One reason for the many variations is that scribes and church officials often spelled an individual's name as it sounded. This imprecise method often led to many versions. 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 Toughy family

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

Migration of the Toughy 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 Toughy: 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..