Find out how popular the first name Gallagher has been for the last 42 years (from 1982 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gallagher by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Gallagher is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Gallagher.

The history of the first name Gallagher

The given name Gallagher has its roots in the Irish Gaelic language and culture. It is derived from the Old Irish words "gallóglach," meaning "foreign warrior" or "foreign soldier." The name gained prominence during the medieval period, particularly in Ireland and parts of Scotland.

In the 9th and 10th centuries, the term "gallóglach" referred to Norse-Gaelic warrior mercenaries who served Irish kings and chieftains. These professional soldiers played a significant role in the military conflicts and power struggles of the time. As a result, the name Gallagher became associated with strength, bravery, and martial prowess.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gallagher can be found in the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. The annals mention a notable figure named Gallagher Ó Néill, who lived in the late 14th century and served as the Chief of Clanaboy, a powerful Irish clan.

Throughout history, several individuals with the name Gallagher have made their mark in various fields. One such notable figure was Rory Gallagher (1948-1995), an Irish blues and rock musician who gained international acclaim for his virtuosic guitar playing and songwriting skills. His influential albums include "Irish Tour '74" and "Calling Card."

Another prominent figure was Edward Gallagher (1834-1909), an Irish-American military officer who served in the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his gallantry during the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862.

In the literary realm, John Gallagher (1919-1980) was an American writer and playwright. He is best known for his play "Moonchildren," which premiered on Broadway in 1972 and explored themes of disillusionment and societal upheaval in the aftermath of the 1960s counterculture movement.

The name Gallagher has also been associated with the world of sports. Noel Gallagher (1873-1943) was an Irish hurler who played for the Tipperary senior team and won multiple All-Ireland championships in the early 20th century, cementing his place as one of the greats in the sport.

Finally, Brendan Gallagher (born 1992) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his tenacity and scoring ability, he has represented Canada at various international tournaments, including the World Junior Championships.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gallagher was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gallagher, please contact us.

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