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Irish Surname - Hurley

Origin of the Irish surname Hurley

The Irish surname Hurley originates from the Gaelic name Ó hUirthile, which means "descendant of Uirthile." The Uirthile name is derived from the Old Irish word "urthuile," meaning "overflowing tide" or "sea tide." The Hurley surname is predominantly found in the southern region of Ireland, particularly in the counties of Cork, Tipperary, and Limerick. Hurleys can also be found around the world, most notably in the United States, Canada, England, and Australia.

According to statistics, the Hurley surname ranks as the 97th most common surname in Ireland, with approximately 10,000 individuals bearing the name. In the United States, it is the 2,437th most common surname, with about 12,500 individuals.

Interesting People with the Surname Hurley

Liz Hurley is a British actress and model best known for her role in the 1997 film "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery." She has also appeared in numerous other films and television series and served as a spokesperson for Estée Lauder. See more information on Liz Hurley
Denis Hurley was an Irish rugby player who represented the Munster Rugby team and the Ireland national rugby team. He played as a fullback or wing and enjoyed a successful career, winning several titles and awards.
Michael Hurley is an American folk singer, guitarist, and artist. He has been active since the 1960s, releasing numerous albums and becoming an influential figure in the folk music scene.
Bobby Hurley is a former American basketball player and current head coach of the Arizona State University men's basketball team. He played as a point guard in the NBA and was a two-time NCAA champion while attending Duke University.

Variations of the Irish Surname Hurley

Hurley: This is the most common variation of the Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic name Ó hUirthile.
Herlihy: Another variation of the Hurley surname, mainly found in the County Cork region of Ireland.
Herley: A less common variation of the Hurley surname, it can be found in some parts of Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.
O'Hurley: This variation includes the Gaelic prefix "Ó," which means "descendant of," emphasising the ancestral origin of the name.

Coat of Arms and Motto of the Irish Surname Hurley

The Hurley coat of arms features a blue shield with a silver lion rampant, holding a gold cross in its front paws. Above the lion, there are three gold crosses, each with a red dot in the center. The crest features a gold lion rampant holding a gold cross between its front paws, similar to the lion on the shield.

The Hurley family motto is "Pro Deo et Patria," which translates to "For God and Country" in English and reflects the values and beliefs held by the Hurley family 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.