Armstrong (surname)
Armstrong is a surname of Scottish borders origin. It derives from a Middle English nickname which meant someone with strong arms. In Ireland the name was adopted as an Anglicization of two Gaelic names from Ulster: Mac Thréinfhir (meaning 'son of the strong man') and Ó Labhradha Tréan (meaning 'strong O'Lavery'). Clan Armstrong is a clan from the border area between England and Scotland. The Scottish Armstrong is reputed to have been originally bestowed by "an antient (sic) king of Scotland" upon "Fairbairn, his armour-bearer" following an act of strength in battle.
From the name Ó Labhradha Tréan (meaning 'strong O'Lavery' and sometimes written in AngloIrish as "Tréanlámagh") the following surnames survive: "Trainor", Traynor", O'Lavery", "O'Laverty", "McLavery", "McLaverty", MacLavery" and "MacLaverty". Although the name "Armstrong" is quite common in the Glenavy area of County Antrim in Northern Ireland the other names are to be found within the 9 Ulster Counties and Scotland especially along the west coast.
Read more about Armstrong (surname): Real People, Fictional People
Famous quotes containing the word armstrong:
“But Jonnë had a bright sword by his side,
And it was made of the mettle so free,
That had not the king stept his foot aside,
He had smitten his head from his faire bodde.”
—Unknown. Johnie Armstrong (l. 45–48)