Origin of the O'Reilly Clan Name

O'Reilly

The name O’Reilly comes from the irish ÓRaghallaigh and are descendant from Raghallach originating in Cavan and Longford which was once known as the Kingdom of Breffny. Today still Reilly is still strong in these areas. In the 17th Century a large number of O’Reillys immigrated to France but they still hold a strong connection to Ireland.

O'Reilly Clan Name of Ireland

Raghallach who was a brave O’Reilly was slain along with Brian Boru at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. He was of cut from the same cloth as the O’Rourkes and so was of the same line as the O’Connors of Connacht.

O’Reillys through history have the status as being smart at financial matters.

Variations of the name include Reilly, Riley, O’Reilley, O’Reily, O’Riely, Reel among many others.

On the crest the hand is an important celtic symbol.