Raftery is a surname originating in Ireland, predominantly in County Mayo, County Galway and County Roscommon.[1] Edward MacLysaght observes that 'Raftery, sometimes confused with Rafferty, is quite a different name', originating as 'O'Reachtaire', 'reacht' meaning 'decree'.[2]

Famous Rafterys

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References

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  1. ^ Book of Irish Families, great & small, vol. VI: The Families of County Galway, Ireland, Michael C. O'Laughlin, Irish Genealogical Foundation 1998, p. 149
  2. ^ Irish Families: Their Names, Arms and Origins, Edward MacLysaght, Irish Academic Press, 1985, p. 141