1,980 Global RAFTERY Family Members

RAFTERY Family History

This interesting surname is of Irish origin, and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "O'Reachtaire", from the prefix "O" meaning "descendant of", plus "reacht", decree. The name belongs exclusively to Connacht, and is mainly associated with Co. Mayo. This surname is often confused with Rafferty but in fact is a wholly different name. Raftery shares with Rafferty in that both septs were involved in political and military activities, and cultural events. Church Records list the christenings of Thomas, son of John and Mary Raftery, on October 21st 1821, at St.