Farrell ~ Ó Fearghail

The Story of the Farrell Name

Farrell is the anglicized form of the Irish Ó Fearghail, meaning “descendant of Fearghal.” The personal name Fearghal combines fear, meaning “man,” with gal, meaning valor or courage, giving the name the traditional sense of “man of valor.”

The Farrell family became particularly associated with County Longford, the ancient territory of Annaly. For centuries, the Ó Fearghail were the ruling family of the region, and their stronghold at Longford was known as Longphort Uí Fhearghail, or “O’Farrell’s fortress.” The name of the county itself preserves the memory of this old stronghold.

The O’Farrells maintained their independence as a Gaelic family for centuries, remaining an important force in the history of the Irish midlands even as English power expanded across Ireland. The family later divided into important branches, traditionally known as O’Farrell Boy and O’Farrell Bane.

Over time, Ó Fearghail became O’Farrell and eventually Farrell in English. Behind the familiar name lies the story of an old Gaelic family whose stronghold gave its name to Longford and whose history is deeply woven into the landscape and story of the Irish midlands.