Dempsey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Dempsey

What does the name Dempsey mean?

Today’s Irish surnames are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name Dempsey originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Diomasaigh, from the word “diomasach,” which means “proud.” 1

Early Origins of the Dempsey family

The surname Dempsey was first found in King’s County and Queen’s County, where they were traditional Chiefs of Clanmaliere, a territory that lay on both sides of the river Barrow. It contained parts of Geashill and Phillipstown in Kings County and parts of Portnehinch in Queen’s County. They claim descent through the O’Connors of Offaly, specifically the 2nd century Irish King, Cathair Mor. (O’Hart)

According to O’Hart, they claim descent from through the “Connor” Faley pedigree.Dempsey Spelling Variations

Names from the Middle Ages demonstrate many spelling variations. This is because the recording scribe or church official often decided as to how a person’s name was spelt and in what language. Research into the name Dempsey revealed many variations, including Dempsey, O’Dempsey, Dempsy, Dempsay, Dempsie and many more.

Early Notables of the Dempsey family

Sir Terence O’Dempsey, knighted May 1599, by Robert Devereux, earl of Essex, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Terence was created “Baron of Philipstown,” and Viscount Clanmaliere, by patent dated 8th July…