This rare and interesting name is of medieval Irish origin, an anglicization of the Gaelic O'Naraigh, or O'Naradhaigh, a descendant of Narach, a byname meaning "Modest". In Connacht it is one of the more numerous surnames, especially in counties Mayo or Roscommon, but apart from the metropolitan area of Dublin, the only county outside Connacht in which it is numerous is County Louth. One, Edmond O'Nary, of Clongreagh, County Roscommon, is mentioned in the 16th Century Composition Book of Connacht as a man of importance, and Rev Cornelius Narey (1658-1738) author of many works, was born in County Kildare. The earliest recording of this name in London is at the christening of Sarah Narey, on March 23rd 1789, at St. Anne's, Soho, Westminster. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Father Nicholas O'Naraighe, which was dated 1504. Order of Friars Minor, (Provincial), Dublin, during the reign of 1485 - 1513. Ireland Ruled by Garret Mor Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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