Check out your Irish Roots and get help with your genealogy research

Irish Surname - Flatley

Origin of the Irish surname Flatley

The Irish surname Flatley is of Gaelic origin, derived from the name Ó Flaithbheartaigh, which means "descendant of the bright ruler." The surname is primarily associated with the western region of Ireland, particularly in the counties of Galway and Mayo. The Flatley surname has a rich history and is deeply rooted in Irish culture and heritage.

Interesting People with the Surname Flatley

Patrick Flatley - A former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1984 to 1997. Patrick Flatley was born in Toronto, Canada, and played for the New York Islanders and New York Rangers during his career. He is of Irish descent.
Thomas Flatley - An Irish-American entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the Flatley Company, a real estate development and management firm. Born in County Mayo, Ireland, Thomas Flatley immigrated to the United States in 1950 and went on to become one of the wealthiest Irish-Americans in history.
Kathleen Flatley - An accomplished Irish-American author and journalist who has written extensively about Irish culture, history, and the experiences of Irish immigrants in the United States. Kathleen Flatley's work has been published in various newspapers, magazines, and literary journals, making her a respected voice in the Irish-American community.
Michael Flatley is an internationally renowned Irish-American dancer, choreographer, and musician. He was born on July 16, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, to Irish immigrant parents. Flatley is best known for his groundbreaking work in Irish dance shows, such as Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, and Celtic Tiger.

Michael Flatley's innovative style of Irish dance, characterised by rapid leg and foot movements and a more upright posture, helped to popularise the art form worldwide. His performances often incorporate complex choreography, elaborate costumes, and dramatic storylines, creating a visually stunning and engaging experience for audiences.

In addition to his work as a dancer and choreographer, Flatley is an accomplished flutist, having won several All-Ireland titles for his musical skills. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and honors, including an honorary doctorate from the University College Dublin and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for his record-breaking tap dance speed.

Variations of the Irish Surname Flatley

Flatley - The most common variation of the surname, predominantly used in Ireland and the United States.
Flaherty - Another variation of the surname, which is more common in Ireland and has a similar pronunciation.
O'Flatley - A less common variation of the surname, which includes the Irish prefix "Ó," meaning "descendant of."

Coat of Arms and Motto of the Irish Surname Flatley

The Flatley coat of arms features a red shield with a silver lion rampant, a symbol of bravery and strength. Above the shield, there is a helmet adorned with a crest of a silver lion's head erased. The motto associated with the Flatley surname is "Fortis et hospitalis," which translates to "Brave and hospitable."

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.