Surname Daragh - Meaning and Origin
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Daragh: What does the surname Daragh mean?
The surname Daragh is an ancient Irish name, deriving from the Gaelic 'dearg', meaning 'red'. It is one of the oldest Irish surnames, appearing as early as the 12th century. Historically, the surname was most popular in County Galway and was initially used as a descriptive name to identify a person by their red hair or complexion. It is still popular in the west of Ireland and Scotland today.
In Gaelic folklore and mythology, the hallmark colour of the deity Dagda is red, and he is often associated with sovereignty and power. Consequently, the Daragh surname has come to symbolise strength and leadership.
The Daragh surname has spread across the world as Irish immigrants emigrated to other countries such as America and New Zealand. Today, people with the surname Daragh are most likely to be found in England, Ireland, America and Australia.
The meaning of the surname has also evolved over the centuries and sometimes connotes the characteristics of someone who is vivacious, independent and passionate about their beliefs. It evokes the essence of a trailblazer who isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd and lead the way.
Order DNA origin analysisDaragh: Where does the name Daragh come from?
The last name Daragh is most commonly found in Ireland, although populations with this surname can be found throughout the world. In Ireland, the surname is especially concentrated in the counties of Munster, particularly Cork and Waterford, and Leinster, particularly Kildare and Wicklow.
Outside of Ireland, Daragh is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is also found to some degree in the United States, particularly in major urban centers such as New York City and Philadelphia, as well as in Canada.
A significant number of people with the last name Daragh can also be found in other English-speaking countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other former British colonies. There are also small populations with the surname in countries with significant Irish diasporas, such as Argentina.
In addition, individuals with the surname Daragh can be found in smaller numbers throughout the world. This includes countries in Europe, including France, Germany, and Spain, as well as countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Overall, the last name Daragh is relatively uncommon, but can be found throughout the world amongst people of Irish descent.
Variations of the surname Daragh
The surname Daragh is an Irish surname and can also be spelled as Darragh, Deragh, Dariagh, Darrach, and Derach. It is derived from the Gaelic words “dearg” or “deargach” which mean “red” or “ruddy” referring to the complexion of the face or hair. The root word of the surname may also be found in other surnames such as Darcy and Doherty. While these other surnames share the same root word as Daragh, they are different surnames.
The origins of the Daragh surname can be traced back to the 11th century High Kings of Ireland. In the mid-twentieth century, the Daragh surname was most common in the counties of Galway, Mayo, and Clare. Today, it is scattered throughout the rest of Ireland as well.
Variant spellings of the Daragh surname are also common. Some of these include Dariagh, Darrah, Darrough, and Doreach. The variations of the Daragh surname come from the Irish pronunciation and spelling of the surname which could have been adapted over the years.
The surnames of the same origin as Daragh are Caragher, Darcy, Doherty, Dore, and Dorrow. These similar surnames share the same root word of “dearg” or “deargach” and may have the same ancestral origins as Daragh.
In summary, the surname Daragh is a prominent Irish surname and is also spelled as Darragh, Deragh, Dariagh, Darrach, and Derach. It originates from the High Kings of Ireland in the 11th century and is popular in parts of Ireland such as Galway, Mayo, and Clare. Similar surnames include Caragher, Darcy, Doherty, Dore, and Dorrow which all share the same root word of “dearg” or “deargach”.
Famous people with the name Daragh
- Sandi Darragh: actress, screenwriter and director, who appeared in such films as Maverick and Liquid Sky.
- Liam Darragh: actor best known for his roles in Don’t Look Back, The Host, and The Possibilities Are Endless.
- Colin Darragh: Award-winning Irish actor known for performances in films such as The Governess and The Definitive Feature.
- Robert Darragh: Retired professional ice hockey player from Canada who played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Briana Darragh: Professional bodybuilder and bikini competitor who placed fourth in the 2010 Bikini International Competition.
- John Darragh: Multi-talented athlete from Ireland who represented his country in field aquatics and swimming.
- Anna Darragh: Notable poet and author whose works include the collections Grassclasp, Autumnal, and The Ponds of Light.
- Morgan Darragh: Pennsylvania-based indie rock musician and live performer. His work has been featured in The East End Film Festival and he has performed on bills with such noted acts as The Notwist and Minus The Bear.
- Seamus Darragh: Award-winning Irish filmmaker best known for critically acclaimed films such as The Boy From Cordelia Street and Unbroken Dreams.
- Callum Darragh: Australian mitochondrial genetics researcher at La Trobe University, author of numerous research papers and articles on the topic.