Towey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
England

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

Early Origins of the Towey family

The surname Towey 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 Towey family

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

Towey Spelling Variations

People who were accounted for by scribes and church officials often had their name recorded many different ways because pronunciation was the only guide those scribes and church officials had to go by. This resulted in the problem of one person's name being recorded under several different variations, creating the illusion of more than one person. Among the many spelling variations of the surname Towey that are preserved in archival documents are 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 Towey family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was

Towey of Galway

Towey migration to the United States +

Death 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 Towey:

Towey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Edward and John Towey who landed in Pennsylvania in 1868 and 1878 respectively
Andrew Towey, aged 19, who landed in America from Westmeath, in 1893

Towey Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Eddie Towey, aged 12, who landed in America from Ballaghadem, Ireland, in 1908
Bridget Towey, aged 21, who settled in America from Kilkelly, Ireland, in 1912
Catherin Towey, aged 19, who immigrated to the United States from Carracastle, Ireland, in 1920
Agnes Towey, aged 33, who landed in America from Radcliffe, England, in 1920
Bea Towey, aged 18, who landed in America from Crenane, Ireland, in 1920
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Towey migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Towey Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mr. Thomas Towey, aged 2 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Broom" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Towey (post 1700) +

Cal Joseph Towey (b. 1990), American professional baseball player who played in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Miami Marlins organizations
Harry James "Jim" Towey, Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (2002 to 2006)
John Madden Towey (b. 1940), American actor, known for Amerika (1987), Fearless (1993) and The X Files (1993)
Frank William Towey Jr. (1895-1979), American lawyer and politician, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey (1937-1939)
Gearoid Towey (b. 1977), Irish gold and three-time bronze medalist rower

Citations +

Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 58)