Gara is a Gaelic name of the chieftains of Connacht, most often seen with the O prefix as O’Gara.
Where does the Gara name come from?
Gara is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Ó Gadhra, based on an early personal name. The name belongs to the old Gaelic ruling families of the west of Ireland.
The O’Garas of Coolavin
The O’Garas were lords of Coolavin in County Sligo and held a notable place among the chieftains of Connacht. The family is remembered for its patronage of learning — it was for Fergal O’Gara that the great work of the Annals of the Four Masters was compiled in the seventeenth century. As an old Gaelic name, Gara is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- Gara comes from the Gaelic Ó Gadhra.
- The O’Garas were lords of Coolavin in County Sligo.
- They were chieftains among the families of Connacht.
- The Annals of the Four Masters were compiled for Fergal O’Gara.
- The name survives today in Ireland and across the diaspora.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Gahan, Gibney, and Barry.
Carry the Gara name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — woven blankets, mugs, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Gara collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gara an Irish surname?
Yes — Gara, more often O’Gara, is a Gaelic Irish surname, from Ó Gadhra, the lords of Coolavin in County Sligo.
What does Gara mean?
It comes from the Gaelic Ó Gadhra, based on an early personal name.
Is there a Gara family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Gara products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
