Surname Daly - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Daly: What does the surname Daly mean?
The last name Daly is of Irish origin and comes from the Gaelic term "O'Dalaigh," which means "descendant of Dalach." The term "Dalach" itself refers to someone who is present at assemblies or meetings, generally someone who is involved in counseling or providing wisdom. Therefore, the surname Daly can be loosely interpreted to mean "descendant of the counselor" or "descendant of the assembly participant." It is a common surname in Ireland and has variants such as Daley and Daily. Over centuries, families with the Daly surname have spread throughout the world, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisDaly: Where does the name Daly come from?
The last name Daly originates from Ireland, derived from the Gaelic Ó Dálaigh clan, who were prominent in literature and held septs in various parts of the country. The name Ó Dálaigh, translates to "descendant of Dalach", with Dalach meaning "one who is present at assemblies", indicating a role in leadership or decision making.
Today, the surname Daly is very common in Ireland and also prevalent in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, due to heavy Irish immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the U.S., the name is populous in states with significant Irish-American communities such as New York and Massachusetts. Despite its dispersion, the densest concentration of individuals with the Daly surname remains in Ireland, particularly in the regions of Munster and Leinster.
Variations of the surname Daly
The surname Daly originates from the Gaelic surname Ó Dálaigh. The prefix 'Ó' means 'descendant of'. The surname Daly is often anglicized from the Irish surnames Ó Dálaigh and Ó Dhálaigh. The surname is derived from the Old Gaelic word "dálach", meaning "assembly".
There are numerous variants and spellings for the surname Daly. These include Daley, Dayley, Dailey, Dailly, Daily, Dalee, Dally, Dallye, O'Daly, O'Daley, Dawley, Dailey, Dealey, and many more. Each variant may represent a separate branch of the original Ó Dálaigh family, or may simply be a different Anglicization from the Irish.
Moreover, a few variations have been anglicized to completely different names like Daw, Dawe, and Dahl.
However, it is important to note that even though these surnames have the same or similar spelling to Daly, they may not have the same origin as they may be derived from different ancestral names or locations.
In Ireland, the Dalys were a learned family, producing many historians, poets, and musicians. The surname is now common and widespread throughout Ireland, particularly in Munster and Connacht provinces.
Famous people with the name Daly
- Carson Daly: An American television host, radio personality, producer, and television personality, best known for his role in NBC's "The Voice" and "Last Call with Carson Daly".
- John Daly: A professional golfer from the US who has won multiple tournaments on both the PGA Tour and European Tour.
- Tyne Daly: An American actress known for her roles in the TV series "Cagney & Lacey" and "Judging Amy". She's also acted in various theatre productions and films.
- Tim Daly: An American actor and producer best known for his role in the TV series "Private Practice" and "Madam Secretary". He is Tyne Daly's younger brother.
- Jon Daly: An American actor, comedian, writer, producer and director known for his work on "The Kroll Show" and "Big Mouth".
- Tess Daly: An English model and television presenter, notable for co-presenting the BBC One celebrity dancing show "Strictly Come Dancing".
- James Daly: An American actor, best known for his role in TV's "Medical Center".
- James Daly (journalist): An Irish journalist and broadcaster who appeared on "Today with Pat Kenny" and "The Frontline".
- Dominick Daly: A British colonial governor who served in the colonies of Prince Edward Island, Tobago, and South Australia.
- Augustin Daly: A famous American playwright and theatre manager during the late 19th century.