Gallagher Clan

Scotland

Gallaghers / Gallachers in Scotland

“Two spellings, one heritage.”
The Gallaghers — or Gallachers, as commonly used in Scotland — have deep links to the country.

Migration Shaped by History

In the 19th century, as the Industrial Revolution accelerated in Scotland, and Ireland experienced extreme hardship, many families from the northwest of Ireland sought work across the water. Many Gallaghers traveled on what was known simply as “the Boat” — the cattle boat from Derry Quay that also carried passengers.

Because many early arrivals were illiterate and spoke Gaelic, Scottish officials often recorded the name as Gallacher (which probably sounds closer to the original Gaelic language version than Gallagher is spoken, at least today). As a result, both Gallagher and Gallacher remain common in Scotland.

Benny Gallagher
Bernard Gallacher Credit: tennisworldusa.org

Gallagher Records in Scotland

Scottish birth and census records from 1855–1901 show Gallaghers settling across nearly all regions of Scotland.

Useful references:

  • Census of Scotland see HERE
  • Civil Registration Records – Scotland see HERE
  • Births, Marriages, Deaths: 1855 – 1921. See MORE
  • Gallagher Births in Scotland 1855–1901 (Table)
  • Gallagher Births in Scotland 1855–1901 (Chart)
  • Gallagher Variants in the 1841 Census
Gallagher variants in Scotland 1841 Census

Name Variants in Scottish Records

Gallagher

Record TypeCount
Census 1841191
Census 1851339
Census 1861317
Census 1871521
Census 1881740
Census 1891994
Census 19011487
Old Parish Records Births & Christenings 1553 – 185417
Old Parish Records Banns & Marriages 1553 – 185450
Statutory Register Births 1855 – 20063057
Statutory Register Marriages 1855 – 19322642
Statutory Register Deaths 1855 – 20064866
Wills & Testaments 1513 – 190110

Gallacher

Record TypeCount
Census 1841558
Census 18511055
Census 18611358
Census 18711903
Census 18812414
Census 18912776
Census 19013660
Old Parish Records Births & Christenings 1553 – 185462
Old Parish Records Banns & Marriages 1553 – 1854335
Statutory Register Births 1855 – 20065152
Statutory Register Marriages 1855 – 19324030
Statutory Register Deaths 1855 – 20068934
Wills & Testaments 1513 – 190130

Gallaher

Record TypeCount
Census 184127
Census 185125
Census 186126
Census 187139
Census 188135
Census 189134
Census 190180
Old Parish Records Births & Christenings 1553 – 18543
Old Parish Records Banns & Marriages 1553 – 18544
Statutory Register Births 1855 – 200677
Statutory Register Marriages 1855 – 1932110
Statutory Register Deaths 1855 – 2006107
Wills & Testaments 1513 – 19011

Galliher

Record TypeCount
Census 18414

Researching Gallagher Families in Scotland

Researchers in Scotland are fortunate: almost all Scottish genealogical records are available online. Through the Scotland’s People website, you can access:

  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage records
  • Death certificates
  • Census entries
  • Parish records
  • Wills and testaments

Scottish records are particularly detailed. For example:

  • Birth & marriage certificates list parents and occupations
  • Scottish death certificates include parents’ names
  • Census records show household members and origins

With only a name and approximate date, you can begin tracing your family without leaving home.

We welcome Gallagher family stories.

If you have Gallagher ancestry, we invite you to share your family story. If you would like to share yours, please contact us

Selected stories may be featured here but they will only be published with the explicit permission of the author.