indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from occupation)
Usage Irish, Irish (Anglicized)
Meaning & History
shortened Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac An Ghalloglaigh from galloglach "foreign warrior" or "galloglass". Galloglasses were a class of mercenary warriors retained by Irish chieftains. This was formerly a Donegal surname but is now found mainly in central Ireland. It has sometimes been "translated" as English since gall "foreigner" was used to refer to English settlers in Ireland.