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Irish Surname - Galway

Origin of the Irish surname Galway

The surname Galway is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name O Gallchobhair. The name itself has a territorial association, as it means "descendant of the foreign helper," which refers to someone who came from the region of Gall-ghaidhil (land of the foreign Gael) in Scotland. The Galway family was historically associated with County Donegal in the northwest of Ireland. The surname is relatively rare and predominantly found in the regions of Donegal and the surrounding counties.

Interesting People with the Surname Galway

Sir James Galway is an internationally renowned Irish flutist, known for his virtuoso performances and extensive recording career. He has been referred to as "The Man with the Golden Flute" and has performed with many prestigious orchestras and ensembles worldwide.
Lady Jeanne Galway is a distinguished American flutist and the wife of Sir James Galway. She has enjoyed a successful solo career, performing with various orchestras and ensembles, and is also a respected teacher and mentor for young musicians.
Mick Galway is a former Irish rugby union player who played as a lock for the Munster rugby team and the Ireland national team. Galway had an impressive international career, earning 41 caps for Ireland and participating in two Rugby World Cups (1991 and 1995). He is also remembered for his leadership and long-lasting career with Munster, where he played for over 15 years and later served as a coach and team manager.
Mary Galway was an Irish suffragette and trade unionist. She campaigned for women's rights in the early 20th century and was a prominent member of the Irish Women's Suffrage and Local Government Association.

Variations of the Irish Surname Galway

Gallwey: An anglicised version of the original Gaelic surname, which is particularly prevalent in County Cork.
Gallway: Another anglicised variation of the surname found in various parts of Ireland.

Coat of Arms and Motto of the Irish Surname Galway

The coat of arms for the Galway surname features a silver shield with a black chevron, accompanied by three black boars' heads. The crest consists of a boar's head with an arrow piercing it. The family motto, "Fide et Fortitudine," translates to "By Faith and Fortitude" in English, reflecting the values held by the bearers of this surname throughout history.

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.