Raftery
Raftery is a surname originating in Ireland, predominantly in the County Mayo, County Galway and County Roscommon area.[1] Many Rafterys resettled outside Ireland over the years, predominately to America in the 19th and 20th centuries, but also to Australia and Great Britain. The original Gaelic form of Raftery was O Raithbheartaigh, which was modified to O Raifeartaigh. The surname is derived from the words rath bheartach meaning prosperity wielder.[2]
Crest
The Raftery coat of arms or family crest is a black eagle with wings spread, emblazoned on a white ermine spotted pelt with a gold fess (warrior belt) emblazoned with two red fish. All parts of the family crest are symbolic. The following is what the different symbols mean on the Raftery family crest according to the ancient art of heraldry.
- White - peace and serenity
- Black - constancy or grief
- Red - warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity
- Yellow or gold - generosity and elevation of the mind
- Eagle - nobility, strength, bravery, and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious
- Eagle with spread wings - protection
- Fish - of regal origin, one of high nature
- Ermine spots - mark of dignity
- Horizontal belt - military belt or girdle of honor; represents readiness to serve the public
- Motto: "Deal with it" (Gaelic: Déileáil leis é)
Famous Rafterys
- Adrian Raftery (born 1955), Irish and American statistician and sociologist
- Adrian Raftery (author) (born 1971), Australian author, journalist, businessman and lecturer
- Andrew Raftery (born 1962), American contemporary printmaker, painter and arts educator
- Antoine Ó Raifteiri (Anthony Raftery) (blind Irish language poet)
- Barry Raftery (1944–2010), Irish archaeologist and Celtic scholar
- Bill Raftery (disambiguation), several people with this name, including:
- Bill Raftery (born 1943), American basketball analyst and former college basketball coach
- Mary Raftery (1957–2012), Irish investigative journalist, filmmaker and writer
- Pat Raftery (disambiguation), several people with this name
- Peter Raftery (1929–1996), High Commissioner to Botswana
- Tom Raftery (born 1933), Irish politician
- Tom Raftery (baseball) (1881–1954), American baseball player
- W. C. Raftery (1887–1965), American football, basketball and baseball coach
References
- ↑ "Surname Database: Raftery Last Name Origin". The Internet Surname Database. Retrieved 2016-06-15.
- ↑ "Raftery Family Crest, Coat of Arms, Name History and Name Meaning". HouseOfNames. Retrieved 2016-06-15.