The Hurley (or Hurly) surname in Ireland is of Gaelic origin and primarily an anglicized form of two main patronymic names from the province of Munster:
Ó hUrthuile (or Ó hUirthile): Meaning "descendant of Urthuile," where the personal name Urthuile may possibly derive from elements suggesting "great flood" or related terms. This sept was part of the Dál gCais tribal group (associated with the O'Briens), originally based in areas like County Clare, north Tipperary, and Limerick. They were historically notable as chiefs in Thomond (e.g., linked to places like Knocklong Castle) and appear in records as early as the 14th century.
Ó Muirthile: Often anglicized through forms like Murhilla or Murley to Hurley, with meanings sometimes tied to "sea tide" or "sea valor." This group was centered in County Cork (e.g., around west Cork or Kilbrittain).
The majority of modern Irish Hurleys trace back to County Cork and Limerick regions. (Note: The name has separate English habitational roots unrelated to the Irish ones, from places meaning "corner woodland clearing.") Some sources also note occasional links to similar names like Herlihy, but the primary Irish origins stem from these two Gaelic septs.