Raftery is a surname originating in Ireland, predominantly in the County Mayo

County Mayo

County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...

, County Galway

County Galway

County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...

 and County Roscommon

County Roscommon

County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county...

 area. Many Rafterys resettled over the years, out side of Ireland, predominately to America in the 19th and 20th centuries, but also to Australia and Great Britian. Famous Rafterys include Antoine Ó Raifteiri

Antoine Ó Raifteiri

Antoine Ó Raifteiri was an Irish language poet who is often called the last of the wandering bards.-Biography:...

 (Anthony Raftery) (blind Irish language poet), John Raftery, Bill Raftery

Bill Raftery

Bill Raftery is an American basketball analyst and play-by-play announcer and former college basketball coach.-High School:...

 (ESPN

ESPN

Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....

Presenter) and Ryan Raftery.

Crest

The Raftery "Coat of Arms" or "Family Crest" is a Black Eagle with wings spread, emblazoned on a white Ermine spotted pelt with a gold Fess (Warrior belt) emblazoned with two red fish. All parts of the Family crest are symbolic. The following is what the different symbols mean on the Raftery Family crest according to the ancient art of heraldry.

White- Peace and Serenity

Black- Constancy or grief

Red- Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity

Yellow or Gold-Generosity and elevation of the mind

Eagle- Nobility, strength, bravery, and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious

Eagle with spread wings- Protection

Fish- Of Regal origin, one of high nature

Ermine spots- Mark of Dignity

Horizontal Belt- Military belt or girdle of honor; represents readiness to serve the public