The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.
Quick answersIs Foley an Irish name?
Foley is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Ó Foghladha.
What does the surname Foley mean?
Foley (Irish: Ó Foghladha) means “descendant of Foghlaidh — 'the plunderer'”. Origin: Gaelic sept.
Where in Ireland is the surname Foley from?
The historic homeland of the Foley name is Waterford, Kerry, Cork. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.
What is the Irish for Foley?
Ó Foghladha. Related spellings: O'Foley.
Looking for the Foley family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting.
Tracing Foley ancestors? The step-by-step guide.