Ó Meara is an Irish surname, originally an anglicized variant of Ó Meadhra. The name derives from the Gaelic root meadhar, meaning "merry" or "happy", and signifies "descendant of Meadhra". The given name Meadhra itself connotes a cheerful or bright disposition.Notable bearers of the surname include John Meara (1784–1837), a noted Irish surgeon, and the 20th-century Irish writer and translator Patrick Meara. Meara has historically been associated with County Tipperary, King's County (modern-day Offaly), and parts of Munster.Meaning: Descendant of the merry/happy oneOrigin: Irish GaelicType: Surname (patronymic)Usage regions: Ireland (esp. Munster and Leinster)Variants: O'Meara, Meara