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Irish Surname - Davitt

Origin of the Irish Surname Davitt

The Irish surname Davitt has its origins in the Gaelic name Mac Daibheid, which means "son of David." The name David is derived from the Hebrew name (Dawid), which means "beloved". The main area associated with the Davitt surname in Ireland is the province of Connacht, specifically in County Mayo.

As Irish emigrants settled in different countries, the surname Davitt spread around the world. Today, Davitt descendants can be found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Although exact statistics are not readily available, the Davitt surname and its variations are relatively uncommon compared to other Irish surnames.

Michael Davitt (1846-1906)

Michael Davitt was an Irish Republican, social campaigner, and journalist who played a significant role in Irish history. Born in County Mayo, Ireland, Davitt's family was evicted from their home during the Great Famine, and they eventually immigrated to England.

Davitt joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) and, after being arrested for arms smuggling, spent seven years in prison. Following his release, he became a prominent advocate for land reform in Ireland. In 1879, he founded the Irish National Land League, which aimed to secure fair rent, free sale, and fixity of tenure for Irish tenants. The Land League played a crucial role in achieving land reform through its protests and campaigns, ultimately leading to the enactment of various Land Acts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Michael Davitt also pursued a career as a journalist and traveled extensively, reporting on various international issues. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for several constituencies in the 1890s. Davitt's work and dedication to the cause of Irish tenant farmers and social justice continue to be remembered and celebrated in Ireland today.

Variations of the Irish Surname Davitt

Coat of Arms and Motto of the Irish Surname Davitt

There is limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for the Irish surname Davitt. As with many Irish surnames, it is possible that individual branches of the Davitt family may have had their own unique coat of arms and motto. However, a universally recognised coat of arms and motto for the Davitt surname has not been documented.

Please Note

There is often limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for an Irish surname. Sometimes there are many variations, sometimes none, we have compiled a representative, but by no means exhaustive, selection. Please visit our Coat of Arms and Motto page for more information.

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