O'Reilly
“descendant of Raghallach”
The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.
Is O'Reilly an Irish name?
O'Reilly is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Ó Raghallaigh.
What does the surname O'Reilly mean?
O'Reilly (Irish: Ó Raghallaigh) means “descendant of Raghallach”. Origin: Gaelic sept.
Where in Ireland is the surname O'Reilly from?
The historic homeland of the O'Reilly name is Cavan, Meath. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.
What is the Irish for O'Reilly?
Ó Raghallaigh. Related spellings: Reilly, Riley.
Looking for the O'Reilly family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting. Tracing O'Reilly ancestors? The step-by-step guide.
Not your spelling? Try the full A–Z. Know more about the O'Reilly name? Add to the story.