Family origins

Hi there,

My maiden name is O'Callaghan, what I would like to know is where it came from.....most relatives who could remember my grandfathers roots are now dead.....Cork always is the choice when we speak about the older generations....I have doubts over this.....can anyone help...if so I can give info that I have....names, DOB's etc.


Thanks

The O'Callaghans were originally from Co. Cork, so if your family say they came from there, then it's probably right. Ours did. The name comes from Ceallachain of Cashel, who was King of Munster in the 10th century, or more specifically from a grandson (not the eldest) of the same name who started to use it as a surname. The direct line from the king leads you to the Macarthys instead. The lands owned by the O'Callaghans were to the West of Cork City, but the chief of the clan was forcibly moved to Co. Clare by Cromwell, and when that line died out in Co. Clare the chieftainship passed to a Spanish branch of the O'Callaghans, believe it or not. However, ordinary members of the clan (like us) may have taken the O'Callaghan name without necessarily being blood relatives. Our branch were ordinary sailors for generations. There's 100,000 O'Callaghans in Co. Cork!