Gore is an English place-name surname that rose to prominence among the landed families of the west of Ireland.
Where does the Gore name come from?
Gore is a locative surname of English origin, from the old word “gore,” meaning a triangular or wedge-shaped piece of land. It was a name for someone who lived by such a strip of ground, and it was carried to Ireland by settler families.
Gore in Ireland
The name became established among the gentry, particularly in the north-west, in counties Sligo and Donegal. The family is well known through the Gore-Booths of Lissadell in County Sligo, a house later famous for its connections to Constance Markievicz and to W. B. Yeats. As a documented Anglo-Irish name, Gore is found today in Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- Gore comes from a word meaning a wedge-shaped piece of land.
- It is a locative surname of English origin.
- The family became established in counties Sligo and Donegal.
- The Gore-Booths of Lissadell were a well-known branch.
- The name survives today in Ireland and across the diaspora.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Gough, Grattan, and Barry.
Carry the Gore name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Gore collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gore an Irish surname?
Gore is of English origin and became a settled Anglo-Irish gentry name, especially in counties Sligo and Donegal.
What does Gore mean?
It comes from the old word “gore,” meaning a triangular or wedge-shaped piece of land.
Is there a Gore family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Gore products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.