Surname Derry - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Derry: What does the surname Derry mean?
The surname Derry is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "O'Doirthigh." It means "descendant of the exile" or "descendant of the one who is banished." This could refer to a person who was banished from their clan or community. Another interpretation links the name to a geographical location; Derry is also the name of a city and county in Northern Ireland. The term ‘Derry’ means "oak grove" in Gaelic language. The name could have been given to someone living near an oak grove or someone who originated from Derry. As with many surnames, it may also serve as an indicator of family lineage or ancestral occupation. It is quite common in Northern Ireland and in regions to which Irish people emigrated, such as the United States and Australia.
Order DNA origin analysisDerry: Where does the name Derry come from?
The surname Derry is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Doire," which means "oak grove." The name relates to a person hailing from a place surrounded by oak trees. The surname first surfaced in Counties Monaghan and Londonderry in Northern Ireland.
While the name continues to have significance in Ireland, people with the Derry surname have since spread throughout the world due to migration and the Irish diaspora. The last name Derry is considered most common presently in the United States, according to Forebears' global surname distribution data, with a significant presence also in England and Australia. Canada, South Africa and New Zealand also have a fair share of individuals named Derry. Despite its Irish roots, its incidence in Ireland is relatively lower compared to these countries.
Variations of the surname Derry
The surname Derry has multiple variant spellings which have evolved over time, often as a result of regional dialects and pronunciation. Some of its different spellings include Dery, Derrick, Derricks, Derrek, Derick, D'Eri, Derrico, and D'erico.
It may also be connected to the very common German surname Derr, and the less common Derringer and Derring. If you travel further afield, you might find it transformed into De Rijk in the Netherlands or De Riggi in Italy.
It's also worth mentioning that Derry is not only a surname but can also be a given name. It's of Irish and Gaelic origin, derived from the word "doire" meaning oak grove. It's a unisex name but is more commonly used for boys.
It is also a place name, such as the city of Derry or Londonderry in Northern Ireland, and as such, may have been adopted as a surname by individuals or families from that area, often in the form "O'Derry" or "McDerry" in the tradition of Gaelic patronymics.
Like many surnames, the exact origins and variants of the name Derry are complex and multifaceted, influenced by geography, language, and familial lineage.
Famous people with the name Derry
- Holly Derry: An animator known for her work in the famous video games like Call of Duty: Black Ops and Red Dead Redemption.
- Angela Derry: An actress known for her roles in "As Lyndsey" and "Happy Death Day 2 U".
- Glen Derry: Known as a visual effects supervisor for the Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Inception.
- Adrienne Derry: A famous podcast producer.
- John Derry: An early British jet engine test pilot.
- Bill Derry: A well-known educator and author.
- Ed Derry: A famous director and actor known for his works in "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults".
- Nina Derry: A celebrated Australian actress.
- Paul Derry: An author known for his book "Inside the Room", in which he shares his experiences with organized crime.
- Pete Derry: An actor known for his performances in "30 Rock" and "Law & Order".
- Tom Derry: An ex-professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) during the 1920s and 1930s. These celebrities span from the fields of film, sports, literature, and digital media, showcasing a range of roles within their respective industries.