Thankfully local genealogist and historian Brian Mitchell has the answer having sorted the Dohertys from the McLaughlins, and the Gallaghers from the Kellys, in his book ‘The Top 300 Surnames of Derry-Londonderry’, published by Clearfield in Baltimore in the United States.
The book is based on the 1989 Foyle Community Directory, which lists 1,860 unique surnames in Derry City.
Brian looked at the number of entries and ranked the surnames in order of mentions. Where is yours in the list?
![36. O'Neill. Irish: Tracing their descent from Eoghan, son of the 5th century High King of Ireland, Niall of the Nine Hostages, this sept has one of the oldest surnames in Ireland. It has been in continuous use since King Domhnall in the 10th century adopted the name of his grandfather Niall Glúndubh [Black Knee] mac Aodha. The senior branch of this sept, the O'Neill's of Tyrone, were frequently High Kings of Ireland and in the 16th century they were the leaders of Gaelic resistance to English attempts to pacify Ireland. A junior branch established themselves in the 14th century and from their seat at Shane's Castle became known as the Clandeboy O'Neills. O'Neill was the 36th ranked surname in Derry in 1989. Pictured are The Undertones, including guitarists and vocalists John and Damian O'Neill.](https://www.derryjournal.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjM0ZjgwODc1LTk5ZDktNDA5MS1hZjliLTVjZmZjYzA0Yjg3NDo2Zjc1NmEzNy00NWJmLTQzZGYtOGJiOC0xNDQxOTgyYmIxZTk=.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=640)
5. 36. O'Neill.
36. O'Neill. Irish: Tracing their descent from Eoghan, son of the 5th century High King of Ireland, Niall of the Nine Hostages, this sept has one of the oldest surnames in Ireland. It has been in continuous use since King Domhnall in the 10th century adopted the name of his grandfather Niall Glúndubh [Black Knee] mac Aodha. The senior branch of this sept, the O'Neill's of Tyrone, were frequently High Kings of Ireland and in the 16th century they were the leaders of Gaelic resistance to English attempts to pacify Ireland. A junior branch established themselves in the 14th century and from their seat at Shane's Castle became known as the Clandeboy O'Neills. O'Neill was the 36th ranked surname in Derry in 1989. Pictured are The Undertones, including guitarists and vocalists John and Damian O'Neill. Photo: Archive
6. 35. Devine.
35. Devine. Irish: Tracing their descent from the 10th century king of the ancient kingdom of Oriel the Devines were a leading County Fermanagh sept until their power was checked by the O'Neills and the Maguires in the 15th century. Devine was ranked 35th in 1989 with 50 mentions. Pictured is Jenna Devine of Devine Scents. Photo: Archive
7. 34. Millar/Miller.
34. Millar/Miller. English and Scottish: As every manor or estate had its miller this occupational surname sprang up all over England and Scotland. Millar is usually regarded as the Scottish spelling of the name. Millar/Miller ranked 34th in 1989 with 51 entries. Pictured is the Venerable Robert Miller. Photo: Keith Moore
8. 33. McCafferty.
33. McCafferty. Irish: Meaning son of the horse rider this sept originated in County Donegal as a branch of the O'Donnells. The name has become confused with McCaffrey, a sept which traces its decent from Donn Carrach Maguire, King of Fermanagh, who died in 1302. (Brian Mitchell). McCafferty ranked 33rd in 1989 with 52 mentions. Pictured is the legendary late Derry musician and teacher James McCafferty. Photo: Archive