Surname Keleher - Meaning and Origin
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Keleher: What does the surname Keleher mean?
The surname Keleher is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O Ceileachair." The name roughly translates to "companion dear" or "loving companion." Different sources also suggest that it could mean "spouse" or "companion," highlighting the importance of family and togetherness in ancient Gaelic and Irish society. This demonstrates that the possessor of the name originates from a line of people who were known for their companionship and love in their communities. Like many Irish surnames, the prefix 'O' indicates "descendant of", suggesting a familial line descending from a significant ancestor called Ceileachair. Such names were used to signify a person’s kinship and community ties, which were of great importance in Gaelic culture. Although the name is found in many parts of Ireland, it is most common in County Cork. Variations of the name include Kelleher, Kelliher, and Kellehar. Keleher, like many surnames, can provide a fascinating glimpse into the history and evolution of a family line.
Order DNA origin analysisKeleher: Where does the name Keleher come from?
The last name Keleher is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "O Ceileachair", which means "companion dear". The surname dates back to the pre-10th century and originates from County Clare, a county located in the western region of Ireland. The Keleher family was a powerful and influential clan during their peak, especially in the areas of County Cork and County Waterford.
Today, the Keleher surname is spread around the world due to immigration and emigration over the centuries. It is most commonly found in countries where large Irish diasporas exist, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, it is still notably common in Ireland, particularly in the southern region where its roots are traced back to.
Variations of the surname Keleher
The surname Keleher is of Irish origin and has several variants, spellings, and surnames that have originated from the same root. Some of these may include Kelleher, Kelliher, Kelleher, O'Kelleher, O'Kelliher, O'Keleher, and similar. The various spellings largely result from variations in pronunciation and Anglicisation over time and in different locations.
The name Keleher is derived from the Gaelic name "O Céileachair," which means "companion dear." The discrepancy in spellings is due to the variations and the phonetic spellings of the name as it was spoken in different dialects in Ireland.
It's also important to note that Irish names were characterized by an astonishing number of spelling variations, mainly due to the rich oral tradition of the Gaelic culture. A person could be born with one spelling, marry with another, and have still another recorded on his headstone.
It should be noted that while some people may still use the "O" prefix in front of their name, it's generally modernized just to 'Keleher' or its variants. The name is largely prevalent in County Cork in Ireland.
Famous people with the name Keleher
- Patrick Keleher: musician from Hyattsville, MD and frontman for Thepickup, well-known in the DC area for their Pop/Rock music.
- Will Keleher: actor who appeared in movies such as Arizona Dream and Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead.
- Brendan Keleher: former professional Canadian Football League (CFL) player for the Montreal Alouettes.
- Cormac Keleher: Irish artist known for his abstract interpretations of medieval stained glass and public art works.
- Simon Keleher: celebrity chef and co-owner of The Townhouse in East London, one of the most renowned gastropubs in the UK.
- Kayla Keleher: English national artistic gymnast who has competed for England in several national and international events.
- Brendan Keleher: successful lawyer and entrepreneur who serves as lawyer to many of Silicon Valley’s top start-ups.
- Katharine Keleher: author of children’s literature, including the popular Tiny Tigress series and Journey’s of a Hero series.
- Matthew Keleher: former basketball player for the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in NCAA Division I play.
- Donovan Keleher: professional rallycross driver who has competed in several international events.