Gaelic sept

Garvey

Ó Gairbhith
Also: O'Garvey

“descendant of Gairbhith, 'rough peace'”

The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.

Quick answers
Is Garvey an Irish name?

Garvey is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Ó Gairbhith.

What does the surname Garvey mean?

Garvey (Irish: Ó Gairbhith) means “descendant of Gairbhith, 'rough peace'”. Origin: Gaelic sept.

Where in Ireland is the surname Garvey from?

The historic homeland of the Garvey name is Armagh, Down, Mayo. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.

What is the Irish for Garvey?

Ó Gairbhith. Related spellings: O'Garvey.

Looking for the Garvey family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting. Tracing Garvey ancestors? The step-by-step guide.

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