Flatlety is the shortened Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Flaithfhileadh, an earlier form of Ó Flaitile ‘descendant of the prince poet’.

There are more Flatleys in USA (about 800) than there are in Ireland (500) or in the UK (about 150). There are many famous members of the family from the infamous Riverdance Michael to the US warship USS Flatley.

The surname is primarily associated with the western region of Ireland, particularly in the counties of Galway and Mayo. The Flatley surname has a rich history and is deeply rooted in Irish culture and heritage.

Our Flatley, while originating in Galway moved to Scotland during the great famine “An gorta mor” in the late 1840s and 50s. Most of the family arrived in and around Glasgow and many of the families lived in Gorbals and Govan, well known for Irish immigrants just off the boat on the Clyde.