Background: Farrell, with and without the prefix O, is a well known name in many parts of the country and it stands thirty-fifty in the statistical returns showing the hundred commonest names in Ireland. It is estimated that there are over thirteen thousand of the name in Ireland: the great majority of these were born in Leinster, mainly in Co. Longford and the surrounding areas. This is as might be expected for the great O Fearghaill (O'Farrell or O'Ferrall) sept was of Annaly in Col Longford. The chief to the sept, known as Lord of Annaly, resided at Longphuirt Ui Fhearghaill (I.e. O'Farrell's fortress), hence the name of the town and county. So important were they that references to them in the "annals of the Four Masters" occupy more than seven columns of the index to that monumental work.
Variations: O'Farrell, Farrell, O'Ferall, Ferall, Ferrell, O'Ferrell, Farrelly, Fraleigh, Frawley, Frahill.
More Info: http://heraldry.celticradio.net/search.php?id=153
Discussion of this family is welcomed.
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O'Farrell
