Leary, more fully O'Leary, is one of the great Gaelic names of County Cork.
Where does the Leary name come from?
Leary is an anglicisation of the Gaelic Ó Laoghaire, meaning "descendant of Laoghaire" — a personal name traditionally understood to mean "keeper of calves" or "herdsman." The fuller form O'Leary keeps the original Ó prefix, and both Leary and O'Leary are in everyday use today. The name is purely Gaelic in origin, with no Norman or English root.
The O'Learys of Cork
The O'Learys were a notable sept of the Corca Laoighdhe in the south-west of Ireland, becoming strongly established in County Cork, especially the area around Inchigeelagh and the valley of the River Lee. They held their lands and identity through the centuries and remain closely associated with west Cork to this day. As a settled Cork name, Leary is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Families who carry the Leary name often like to mark it in small, everyday ways. A Leary woven blanket works well as a centerpiece, a Leary heritage mug handles the daily routine, and a Leary garden flag puts the name on display outdoors.
Everything currently made for this name — and anything added later — can be browsed together in the Leary Irish Family Gifts & Heritage.
Did you know?
- The Irish form of Leary is Ó Laoghaire, "descendant of Laoghaire."
- The personal name Laoghaire is often interpreted as "calf-keeper" or "herdsman."
- The O'Learys were a sept of the Corca Laoighdhe in south-west Ireland.
- The family is strongly rooted in County Cork, especially around Inchigeelagh.
- Both Leary and O'Leary are common today, the longer form keeping the original prefix.
Related Irish family names
Frequently asked questions
Is Leary an Irish name?
Yes. Leary is a purely Gaelic Irish surname, an anglicisation of Ó Laoghaire, with deep roots in County Cork.
What is the difference between Leary and O'Leary?
They are the same name; O'Leary keeps the original Ó prefix meaning "descendant of," while Leary drops it. Both are common today.
Where in Ireland does the Leary name come from?
It is most strongly associated with County Cork, particularly the south-west around Inchigeelagh and the River Lee.
Is there a Leary family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions.