Raftery

Raftery is a surname originating in Ireland, predominantly in the County Mayo, County Galway and County Roscommon area. Many Rafterys resettled over the years, outside of Ireland, 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.

By Dean Hanley