There were two distinct septs, or clans, of the Healys. The first of these derived their name from the Irish eilidhe, meaning claimant, and were based around Lough Arrow in Co. Sligo. The other and very different sept, which was centred on the barony of Muskerry in Co. Cork, derived its name from Ó hEalaighthe, meaning ingenious. Their name was sometimes anglicised as Healihy.

One outstanding place associated with the name is Knocklofty House, just outside Clonmel in Co. Tipperary. This great mansion, built in the 18th century, was home of the Hely Hutchinsons, who had close links with both the Bank of Ireland and Guinness. They were also the Earls of Donoughmore.

Another spot connected with the Healy name is the Healy Pass on the Beara peninsula in west Cork. It is perhaps the most magnificent and desolate scenic drive in Ireland, built in the 1920s at the insistence of Tim Healy, who wanted to create employment in the district.