The spelling of the word "Kelleher" is pronounced as /ˈkɛlihɛr/. It starts with the letter "K" which is pronounced as /k/, followed by "e" and "l" pronounced as /ɛ/ and /l/ respectively. The second syllable begins with a double "l" which is pronounced as /l/ as well. The last three letters "e", "h" and "e" are pronounced as /ɛ/, /h/ and /ɛ/ respectively. Therefore, the spelling of "Kelleher" corresponds to the phonetic transcription /ˈkɛlihɛr/.
Kelleher is a surname of Gaelic origin that has its roots in Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Ceileachair," which means "descendant of Ceileachar." Ceileachar is an ancient personal name that may have originated from the word "ceile," which refers to a companion or partner.
As a surname, Kelleher signifies a belonging or lineage to the Ceileachar family. It is a patronymic name, indicating descent from a particular ancestor. In this case, the ancestor is Ceileachar, and individuals with the surname Kelleher are thought to be the descendants of this person.
Like many other Gaelic surnames, Kelleher has evolved over time and may have various spellings or anglicized versions. Sometimes the prefix "O" is dropped, making it simply "Ceileachair" or "Celiher." Anglicized spellings can include Kelleer, Kellehear, Keleher, and others.
As a given name, Kelleher is less common. It may be used as a first or middle name, often in honor of a family member or as a way to maintain a family connection. However, the usage of Kelleher as a given name is not as prevalent as its use as a surname.
Overall, Kelleher is a surname of Gaelic origin, signifying a family's descent from someone named Ceileachar. It reflects a strong connection to Irish heritage and can be found among individuals who share a common ancestor or family lineage.
The word "Kelleher" is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Céileachair", which translates to "descendant of the companion". The prefix "Ó" means "descendant of", and "Céileachair" is derived from the Irish word "céile", which means "companion" or "mate". Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the name "Ó Céileachair" transformed into "Kelleher" in English. It is a commonly found surname in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities.