Surname Galwey - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Galwey: What does the surname Galwey mean?
The surname Galwey is of Welsh origin and is thought to derive from the Latin given name Galvidus, which means 'valiant warrior'. The Gaelic form of the surname is 'Galbhuidhe', derived from the phrase "Gall mhuidh" meaning "valiant courage".
The Galwey family originally lived in North Wales and were descended from the Welsh kings of old. The name is also found in the Irish province of Leinster, and there are still some Galweys living there today.
The Galweys were renowned for their strength and courage in battle, and many of them fought in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the names Galwey and Galveys are interchangeable, although both are ultimately derived from the sameroot.
The Galwey name is still present in Wales and has spread to many other countries, mainly through migration. The Galweys have a long and proud tradition of service in the military, including in the British Army.
The Galweys were also well known for their links to the Church and many were clergymen. Famous historical figures with the name include James Galwey, a Welsh soldier and religious writer who was born in 1695, and William Galwey, a British officer who served in World War II.
As a surname, Galwey is a reminder of the proud heritage of daring and courage that has been a part of this family for generations.
Order DNA origin analysisGalwey: Where does the name Galwey come from?
The last name Galwey is common today in many areas, including counties in southwestern Ireland and England. It is especially common in the counties of Cork and Kerry in Ireland, with many members of the Galwey family still residing there. The Galwey name is also found in counties surrounding Cork and Kerry, such as Tipperary, Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford.
The Galwey name is of Irish origin and the origins of the family can be traced to the 5th century AD. It is believed that the earliest members of the Galwey family were members of the Uí Fidgente tribe, historic rulers of the region, although this cannot be conclusively proved.
The Galweys have an interesting history; the family's crest, in which a lion and a ship appear,bear witness to the historic journeys of family members. They are said to have left Ireland as a result of the Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century and moved to Wales, eventually joining Henry III’s court and taking service as mercenaries in France.
Further evidence of the family's travels can be found in modern times; descendants of the Galwey family have relocated to countries all over the globe. The surname is particularly popular in America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with many Galweys having moved to these countries in the 19th and 20th centuries in search of a better life.
Variations of the surname Galwey
The surname Galwey is an anglicised form of an Irish surname, Ó Gealbhaigh – which is derived from the Gaelic word “gealbhach”, meaning “brightness” or “illustriousness”.
The variants of the surname Galwey include: Galvey, Gallwey, Galoway, Galaway, Galway, Gallaways, Galloway, Gallaway and Gilwey. The Welsh spelling is Galwg.
The Ó Gealbhaigh and its variants are associated primarily with County Cork, with other lesser concentrations occurring in Counties Galway and Meath.
Spelling variations may include, but are not limited to, Gailléar, Geallach, Gealach, Galwey, Gallwey, Galvi, Galvy, Gallway, and Gallyway.
The common variants of the surname Galwey have had some interesting alternative spellings, including Galwaye, Galfetie, Gallwye, Golluggie, Galugie, Galvrowe, Gallway, Galawee and Galweigh. Some versions of the name also have been seen with the prefix “Mac” or “Mc” such as MacGolwey and McCalvey.
The name has also been anglicised (or Irishised) to the surnames Gallagher and Callaghan. Over time, the name has also mutated into its most generic forms, such as White and Whyte.
Famous people with the name Galwey
- Tom Galwey: former Irish rugby union player and Munster coach
- undefined: mother of Tom Galwey
- Simon Galwey: brother of Tom Galwey
- Niall Galwey: brother of Tom Galwey
- Paul Galwey: Brother of Tom Galwey
- Wilfred Galwey: Senior diplomat and United Kingdom Ambassador to Ireland
- Desmond O'Donoghue Galwey: Irish Baronet
- Flan Galwey: former Irish rugby union footballer
- Conal Galwey: former Irish rugby union footballer
- Jack Galwey: Irish Gaelic football player
- Lily Galwey: Tuam Handball Star in the 2000s
- Dara Galwey: Irish film actor, producer, director and entrepreneur