Find out how popular the first name Healy has been for the last 18 years (from 1995 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Healy by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Healy is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Healy.

The history of the first name Healy

The name Healy has its origins in the Irish Gaelic language and culture, with roots that can be traced back to the early medieval period. It is derived from the Irish word "O'hÉlidhe," which means "descendant of Élidhe." Élidhe was a given name that likely had its origins in the Old Irish word "élud," meaning "to go away" or "to escape."

The name Healy is believed to have first appeared in historical records in the 12th century, when it was associated with a prominent Irish family from County Sligo. This family held significant influence and land holdings in the region during the Middle Ages. The earliest known bearer of the name was Donnchadh Ó hÉlidhe, who lived in the 12th century and was a member of this influential family.

Throughout the centuries, the name Healy has been associated with various notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded examples is Geoffrey Healy, an Irish cleric and scholar who lived in the 13th century and served as the Bishop of Meath from 1230 to 1256.

In the 16th century, Conall Ó hÉlidhe was a renowned Irish poet and historian who lived from approximately 1515 to 1580. He is best known for his works that documented the history and traditions of his native County Sligo.

In the 18th century, James Healy (1703-1789) was an Irish-born artist and engraver who gained recognition for his portraits and landscape paintings. He worked primarily in London and was a member of the Incorporated Society of Artists.

Moving into the 19th century, John Healy (1786-1846) was an Irish-American military officer who served in the War of 1812 and later became a prominent politician in New Hampshire.

Another notable figure was Patrick Healy (1834-1910), an African-American Catholic priest and educator who served as the president of Georgetown University from 1873 to 1882. He was the first African-American to lead a predominantly white university in the United States.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have borne the name Healy, a name with deep roots in Irish culture and a rich tapestry of historical significance.

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 Healy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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