Surname Uí Treasaigh - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'U'
Uí Treasaigh: What does the surname Uí Treasaigh mean?
The surname Uí Treasaigh (also known as O’Treacy, O’Tracy, Tracy, Treacey, and Tracey) is an old Irish surname of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish chieftains, known as the Uí Treasaigh, or Uí Treasaighean, who were a dynasty of the Dál gCais people in the Province of Munster. The surname refers specifically to one of the seven distinct septs of the same name, which is related to the ancient Celtic people of the same name.
The name Uí Treasaigh is thought to have been given to the septs because they derived their name and their lands in ancient Ireland from “treasach”, a Gaelic word meaning “warrior”. This is in reference to the long history of the Uí Treasaigh of waging war and protecting the people of their land. The name is also believed to be a derivative of “treasach”, a Gaelic word which means “colt”, and is thought to be a reference to their ancient Celtic horse breeding practices.
The Uí Treasaigh is said to have originated from the County Clare in the late 12th century. Having settled in the locale, they quickly grew in power and strength, ruling the area for centuries. Over the years, the Uí Treasaigh expanded their influence and eventually established domains in what are now the counties of Tipperary, Kerry, and Galway.
Today, the name Uí Treasaigh continues to live on in many parts of Ireland, and amongst the diaspora of Irish living abroad. It is a proud reminder of the legacy of a great ruling family and of the proud ancient heritage of people of Irish descent.
Order DNA origin analysisUí Treasaigh: Where does the name Uí Treasaigh come from?
The last name Uí Treasaigh is relatively common in Ireland today. It is strongly associated with the area of southwestern County Cork and the Duhallow Barony. This is the area that the family, which dates back to the 12th century, originated in. It is widely believed that the forefather of the Uí Treasaigh family was a man named Risteard de Tiressach, a scion of the powerful O’Donovans of the ancient Corcu Laoise.
The name has been in the area since at least the 12th century and remains very common in Cork county today. Several small towns have many Uí Treasaigh families living in them, including Kanturk, Millstreet, Newmarket, and Liscarrol. Lisdoonvarna in County Clare is also home to a significant Uí Treasaigh population. The surname is common amongst the many Irish diaspora, too.
Uí Treasaigh is found in other parts of the world, too, although in much smaller numbers. The surname has been recorded in the United States, in cities such as Boston and New York, where many Irish immigrants settled during the Great Famine. It has also been recorded in Australia, with more recent emigrants settling there after 1800.
In conclusion, the last name Uí Treasaigh is still very common in the area of southwestern County Cork in Ireland today, and is found in areas of the Irish diaspora too, such as the United States and Australia.
Variations of the surname Uí Treasaigh
Uí Treasaigh is an Irish Gaelic surname derived from the Gaelic word "treasach," which means "threshold," making the surname translation "one of the threshold." Variations of this surname include Ó Treasaigh, O'Treasaigh, Ui Treasaigh, and Uí Treasacha.
The O'Treasaigh version of the surname is derived from a variant of the Gaelic Uí Treasaigh, sometimes spelled Ua Treasaigh. This is the ancient form of the surname, indicating noble male lineage. It is found mainly in Ulster, and is associated with the O'Treasaigh sept that hails from the County Antrim in Northern Ireland. This version of the surname is rarely seen today.
The Ui Treasaigh version of the surname is derived from an abbreviated version of the Uí Treasaigh surname, indicating lesser status in the hierarchy of noble families. The Ui Treasaigh variant is especially common in County Kilkenny, Leinster, where it is still used by some extended families.
The Ó Treasaigh version of the surname is derived from a variation of Uí Treasaigh, but the prefix has been slightly changed. It is found in Cork and Kerry areas, indicating extended families in these regions. This form of the surname is less common.
The Uí Treasacha form of the surname is the most common version seen today, and is the plural form of the original Uí Treasaigh surname. This form of the surname mainly originates from County Donegal, where it is still common today.
Famous people with the name Uí Treasaigh
- Daniel O'Treasaigh: Irish-American Gaelic singer and patron of the arts.
- Aodh Uí Treasaigh: Irish Gaelic footballer who represented Ireland in the World Cup.
- Seán Uí Treasaigh: Irish Olympic swimmer who won a bronze medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
- Cathal Uí Treasaigh: Irish professor of history and author of books on the early modern period of Irish history.
- Rónán Uí Treasaigh: Irish actor who appeared in the television series Love/Hate.
- Padraig Uí Treasaigh: Irish sailor and fishing boat captain.
- Mairéad Uí Treasaigh: Irish politician and former Minister of Education.
- Eoghain Uí Treasaigh: Irish traditional musician and composer.
- Conchubhair Uí Treasaigh: Irish poet and folklorist.
- Dónal Uí Treasaigh: Irish playwright and professor of drama.