Cleary

Cleary is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "O'Cléirigh," which means "descendant of Cléireach." The name Cléireach itself comes from the Old Irish word "clérig," meaning "cleric" or "priest." Therefore, Cleary literally translates to "son of the priest." The surname Cleary has a rich history in Ireland. It originated in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland, and was first recorded there in the 13th century. The Cleary family was known for its scholarly pursuits, with many members becoming priests or entering other religious professions. This is reflected in the meaning of their surname. Over time, as people migrated from Ireland to other parts of the world, particularly during the Great Famine of the 1840s, the name Cleary became more widespread. Today, it can be found among communities with Irish ancestry across the globe. In some cases, Cleary may also be used as a given name, although it is still quite rare. If you encounter someone named Cleary, they are likely of Irish descent or have Irish ancestors who passed down this unique surname.