The last name Orr is a common surname in Scotland and the northern parts of Ireland. It is aid to have originated in the early kingdom of Dal Riada. However, this name has a confused etymology, and has different origins according to different people. Some say it is an anglicized version of the name Iyar, others say it is borrowed from an Old English name Ora, meaning 'edge', or even from the Gaelic term Odhar donn, meaning that of a sallow or brown complexion.
The name is common in Ireland only in the region of Ulster and other adjoining regions. The first documented proof of the name in Ulster is by those who arrived from Scotland along with Sir Hugh Montgomery to settle there on lands surrendered by the O'Neill family, in the year 1606.
The name is common in Ireland only in the region of Ulster and other adjoining regions. The first documented proof of the name in Ulster is by those who arrived from Scotland along with Sir Hugh Montgomery to settle there on lands surrendered by the O'Neill family, in the year 1606.