First found in county Tipperary, where they were seated from very ancient times, and were descended from the tribe of Uaithne.

The 19th century brought a massive reduction in Ireland's population. It seemed that during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s the Irish people had two options: starve or immigrate. Those that chose the later frequently headed for the United States, hopeful for land, work, and equality. Those determined for free land joined the migration west; while others stayed behind to live in urban centres and often work in factories. Still others began a transitory life in work camps, building the bridges, canals, railways, and highways so critical to the rapidly development of the growing industrial nation. Early pasenger and immigration lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Lahy: Arthur Lahey settled in Virginia in 1649; Andrew, Dennis, James, Patrick Lahey all landed in Philadelphia Pa. between 1833 and 1868; James, Thomas, and William Lahey settled in Boston Mass. between 1848 and 1849.

Motto Translated: All comes from God.

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