Leahy (surname)
# Leahy (surname)

Leahy is an Irish surname, originating in Munster, and now found in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Tipperary.

It is usually an anglicised form of the Irish language surname Ó Laochdha ("descendant of $Laochdha"),^{:191}$ which ultimately derives from Old Irish láechda, láech ("warrior-like, pertaining to a warrior") and appears as a personal sobriquet at least as early as the Book of Lismore (circa 1408–11). However, Leahy may also represent an anglicisation of less common names, including Mac Fhlaithimh and Ó Flaithimh, Mac an Leagha, Ó Leathaigh, Ó Liathaigh, Ó Líthe, Ó Laidhe, Ó Laidhigh, Ó Laithimh, Ó'Lathaigh, Ó Laithmhe, Ó Laochdha, Ó Laoi, Ó Laoidhigh, or Ó Laoithe.

Not to be confused with Lahey which means "Ruler" and is a separate family lineage. Other anglicised forms of the name include Leahey, Lahy, Leehy, Leehey, Lahaie, Lahaye, $Lehait,^{:15}^{:188}^{:104–106}$ Claffey, Laffey, and Lee.

## Notable bearers of the name

* Ann Leahy (born 1971), Australian politician
* Bernie Leahy (1908-1978), American footballer.
* Con Leahy (1880–1921), Irish athlete
* Edward Daniel Leahy (1797–1875), Irish painter
* Edward L. Leahy (1886–1953), United States Senator
* Emmett Leahy (1910–1964), American archivist and entrepreneur
* Frank Lahey (1880–1953), surgeon, medical educator, and founder of Boston's Lahey Clinic
* Frank Leahy (1908–1973), American football player and coach, athletics administrator and sports executive
* Georgie Leahy (1938–2017), Irish hurling manager, coach, selector and player
* Grainne Leahy (born 1966), Irish cricketer
* Sir John Leahy (diplomat) (1928–2015), British diplomat
* John Leahy (executive) (born 1950), American businessman, executive at Airbus
* John Leahy (born 1969), former Irish hurler
* John O'Lahy (executed 5 Jul 1581), sailor, and one of the Wexford Martyrs
* Kevin Leahy (disambiguation)
* Kristine Leahy (born 1986), American television host and former sports reporter
* Luke Leahy (born 1992), English footballer
* Margaret Leahy (1902–1967), British actress
* Michael Leahy (disambiguation)
* Patrick Leahy (disambiguation)
* Peter Leahy (born 1952), Chief of the Australian Army
* Sean Leahy (born 1958), Australian cartoonist
* Sir Terry Leahy (born 1956), English businessman
* Tom Leahy (1888–1964), Australian rules footballer
* William D. Leahy (1875–1959), American naval officer and ambassador
* William Harrington Leahy (1904–1986), United States Navy admiral
* William P. Leahy (born 1948), President of Boston College
