Surname Gorey - Meaning and Origin
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Gorey: What does the surname Gorey mean?
The surname Gorey is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O Goirmleadhaigh." The prefix "O" means "descendant of," while "Goirmleadhaigh" is a personal name referring to a noble or illustrious individual. Thus, the name Gorey could translate to "descendant of the illustrious one." Over time, the surname has been anglicized and simplified to its present form. As with many surnames pulled from geographic locations or personal traits, Gorey might have identified families hailing from a particular area or described a notable ancestor. The name might have also lost or gained different connotations throughout history depending on its bearers. Notable people with this last name include renowned author and illustrator Edward Gorey. Today, individuals with the last name Gorey likely have ancestral ties to Ireland, particularly in regions where the surname was most common. However, over generations and migration, the surname can be found in many parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisGorey: Where does the name Gorey come from?
The last name Gorey is believed to have originated from Ireland. It is an anglicised version of the Gaelic name "O Goirmleadhaigh". The surname may be derived from the words "goraim", meaning "I heat", or "gorm", meaning "blue". Therefore, it may have been an occupational name for a blacksmith or a nickname for someone who often wore blue.
During the 19th century, many Irish people emigrated to escape poverty, leading to the distribution of the Gorey surname in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Today, the name Gorey is common in these countries due to this emigration. Also, it is particularly prevalent in County Wexford, Ireland, where the town of Gorey is located, suggesting a geographical connection with the surname. The surname is also prevalent elsewhere in Ireland, and its history is deeply intertwined with Irish history. The name Gorey is not one of the most common surnames, but it is unique and has a rich historical background. It is important to note that the distribution of the Gorey surname may vary and may not be limited to the locations mentioned here.
Variations of the surname Gorey
The surname Gorey originated from Gaelic culture and is primarily found in Ireland. It was first seen in County Donegal where they held a family seat from ancient times. Some theories suggest that the surname may have derived from the Old English word "Gara", which means a triangular piece of land.
The surname has been spelled in different ways throughout history, many of which are still being used today. Gorey can be identified by many variant spellings which include Gorry, Gorie, Gorrie, Gory, McGorry, McGorie, McGorrie, and McGory among others. These variations often resulted from a phonetic rendition of the name by a scribe or government official who recorded the name as he heard it pronounced.
Some alternative spellings, particularly in other countries influenced by different languages, might include Gorei, Gorea, or even Gaurey. Additionally, due to the influence of common first names, there could be mix-ups leading to variations such as Corey or Corry.
The Gorey surnames branched out to the New World and can be found in abundance in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is relatively common in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York in the US.
In Ireland, the surname Gorry is often identified with the Irish name Ó Goire, which is also anglicized as Guiry. It's worth noting that while these names may be similar and sometimes interchanged, they may not necessarily come from the same root and could represent separate family lines.
Famous people with the name Gorey
- Edward Gorey: He was an American writer and artist well-known for his illustrated books. His characteristic pen-and-ink drawings often depict vaguely unsettling narrative scenes in Victorian and Edwardian settings.
- Adam Gorey: Although not as famous as Edward, Adam Gorey is a name known in the world of music. He is an emerging electronic musician who is making a name for himself in the industry.
- Mike Gorey: He is an Irish former hurler who played as a left wing-back for the Wexford senior team in Ireland. His fame is mostly localized to Ireland.
- Michael Gorey: An Australian journalist who has worked for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and other well-known Australian media outlets. He is not widely recognized outside the world of Australian journalism. Please note that while these individuals have achieved some level of renown in their respective fields, the name 'Gorey' is not as globally recognized compared to names such as 'Smith' or 'Johnson'.