How common is the Leary surname?

There are approximately 35,000 people with the surname Leary in the United States.

Are there Leary soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 672 soldiers with the Leary surname appear in Civil War records.

Leary

Q: What does the surname Leary mean?

The surname Leary means "Wary, cautious, or suspicious; alternatively, a variant of the Irish name Ó Laigheartaigh.". It is of Irish or English origin.

Descriptive

Meaning

Wary, cautious, or suspicious; alternatively, a variant of the Irish name Ó Laigheartaigh.

Etymology

From English 'leary' or 'leery' meaning 'wary' or 'suspicious,' or from Irish Gaelic 'Ó Laigheartaigh' derived from 'laigheartach' meaning 'spear-like.' The Irish origin is more likely for the surname.

About the Leary Surname

A surname of Irish origin, likely derived from a Gaelic personal name, though the English descriptive meaning 'wary' may have influenced its usage. The name is particularly common in Ireland and among Irish-American communities.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 35,000 bearers in the United States #652 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily found in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, with secondary presence in England.

Leary Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Leary Surname

Albert Leary

Quick Facts

Origin: Irish or English
Classification: Descriptive
Earliest Record: Medieval Ireland and England
Estimated Bearers: 35,000

War Records

672 soldiers with the Leary surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →