Driscoll (surname)

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Driscoll is one derivation of the Irish surname "O'Driscoll". It originates from Cork in the Republic of Ireland where the O'Driscolls were, in ancient times, a powerful clan. Most O'Driscolls and Driscolls live in Ireland, with many more living in the United States, Canada and Australia. Many families have since dropped the 'O' before the name, and now go by the name Driscoll. Most often, this occurred when Irish emigrants went to the United States and dropped the 'O' as, when they were registering on Ellis Island the Americans didn't understand the O'and as many of the Irish were illiterate they didn't notice the mistake. During the great gold rush in California about 1852 and later in Australia from 1853, many Irish emigrated as part of the rush to quick riches. In Australia, Driscoll's have flourished and have spread their Irish Catholic charm as a contribution to a rich, multi-cultural society. Very often, the name Driscoll will appear in credits of films and television shows, or as a name of a character in a show, particularly an Irish character used in a US made program; Eugene O'Neill's Glencairn Plays included an Irish-American sailor named Driscoll, based on a friend of the playwright's. This reflects the depth of integration and influence of Driscoll within a broad Western Society. Many Irish had been discriminated against, so dropping the 'O' was an attempt by immigrant families to blend in.

The Irish for O'Driscoll is Ó hEidirsceoil.

[edit] People surnamed Driscoll

[edit] See also

• Driscoll, Texas
• Driscoll Bridge
• Driscoll House
• Driscoll Island
• Driscoll Catholic High School
• Driscoll's, a producer and distributor of fresh berries

Source: Old Irish-Gaelic Surnames: A Supplement to Ireland's History in Maps <http://www.rootsweb.com/~irlkik/ihm/irenames.htm>