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