Kelleher Surname Meaning & Origin
What the Kelleher last name means, where the surname began and where it was first recorded.
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Meaning and origin of the Kelleher last name
Meaning of the Kelleher last name: descendant of Céileachair ("companion dear"). Kelleher is an anglicized form of Ó Céileachair, from a personal name usually explained as "dear companion" or "one who loves company". The family belonged to the Dál gCais of Clare and claimed kinship with Brian Boru, the high king. In the 14th century they moved south to Cork, where the name is now overwhelmingly concentrated, particularly around Macroom and the Lee valley, and in neighbouring Kerry. Variant spellings include Kelliher and Keleher. Many Kellehers emigrated to the United States, especially to Boston and New England, in the 19th century.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Kelleher name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Kelleher name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, England and Australia; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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Kelleher name FAQ
What does the Kelleher name mean?
Descendant of Céileachair ("companion dear"). Common variants include Kelliher, Keleher, O'Kelleher.
Where does the Kelleher surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, England and Australia.
Is there a Kelleher coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Kelleher crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Kelleher coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).