answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The original Irish came from what is now northern Spain after the last Ice Age. The Irish Y-DNA is very similar to that of the Basque people. The people of that region are usually dark-haired as many Irish are, light-skinned (when not tanned), and some have blue eyes as well as lighter shades of hair. The Irish seemed to have retained the dark hair but experienced a mutation in the eye color becoming lighter.

As far as the Viking contribution, a study by McEvoy et al detected little trace of Scandinavian ancestry in the Irish male population.

He suggests that Norse colonial settlements may have been largely composed of indigenous Irish. It more complex than Spain+Norway = Ireland.

Previous answer:

the Irish are a mixture of Meditteranean (Spanish in particular) and Scandanavian people (Vikings from Norway) which probably gives rise to the common Irish phenotype of dark hair, pale skin and blue eyes. This combination is not very common in many other countries, I am Irish and have this colouring. People comment on my appearance a lot when I travel and its only then when I realise how unusual it can look. Megan Fox, Patrick Dempsey, Pierce Brosnan, Lauren Graham, Ben Stiller and Mel Gibson are all people of Irish descent who exhibit this characteristic

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

βˆ™ 7mo ago

The combination of blue eyes and black hair is not specifically tied to Irish descent. Eye color and hair color are determined by genetics, so it is possible for individuals of any background to have this combination. In the case of Irish people, a diverse range of eye colors and hair colors can be found due to historical migrations and genetic mixing over time.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago

Roman and Viking ancestry

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do people of Irish descent have blue eyes and black hair?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Anthropology

What kind of color of skin are honduran people?

Honduran people come in a variety of skin tones, just like any other country. They can have light, dark, or medium skin tones, and everything in between. Skin color doesn't define a person's worth or identity, so let's focus on celebrating diversity rather than categorizing people based on their appearance.


What are the color meanings for African colors?

Colors in African culture often hold symbolic meanings. For example, red can symbolize blood, strength, and energy; yellow can represent wealth, fertility, and prosperity; green can signify vegetation, growth, and renewal; and black can symbolize spiritual energy, power, and authority. These meanings may vary between different African cultures and regions.


What type of school uniform is of Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, school uniforms typically consist of a white shirt, usually with blue or black trousers for boys and a blue or black skirt for girls. Some schools may have variations in colors or styles, but the general principle is to have a neat and formal appearance.


Did Iranian people have blonde hair and blue eyes?

While some Iranians may have blonde hair and blue eyes due to genetic diversity, the majority of Iranians have dark hair and eyes. Iran has a diverse population with various ethnic groups, leading to a range of physical features among its people.


Can Jewish people have blonde hair and blue eyes?

A Jew is recognised as anyone who has converted to Judaism or whose mother was Jewish. Thus, many Jews can have blonde hair and blue eyes, either from having converted to Judaism or having ancestors who converted to Judaism. Many Ashkenazic Jews have fair complexions.

Related questions

What does 'Black Irish'mean?

"Black Irish" traditionally refers to Irish people with dark features, possibly stemming from intermixing with Spanish or North African populations. It can also refer to people of Irish descent with darker hair and eyes, distinguishing them from the typical Irish phenotype.


What percentage of black people have blue eyes?

Approximately 3-5% of black people have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic mutation that occurred thousands of years ago. Blue eyes are more commonly found in individuals of European descent.


What is black panther in the Gaelic languages?

In Irish it's "fear gorm" In Irish-Scottish Gaeilge, people of African descent were historically referred to as fir gorum, or blue men. People of this race were described as "blue" rather than as "black" because obviously the Gaelic word for black man meant the devil. This may explain why a particular musical style often associated with an African American influence is called "the blues."


Is Actress Morgan Brittany of an Italian Descent?

Morgan Brittany is of Irish/Italian descent. Thus the dark hair and incredible blue eyes!


What does black Irish look like?

dark hair blue eyes is what an black Irish person looks like


Does anybody knows what Veronica Webb daughters are mixed with?

Veronica's daughters are Leila Rose and Molly Blue. Their father is of Irish descent. Veronica is a mixture of African-American, Caucasian, and Asian. Hope that helps you! Veronica's daughters are Leila Rose and Molly Blue. Their father is of Irish descent. Veronica is a mixture of African-American, Caucasian, and Asian. Hope that helps you!


What does black Irish mean?

There are many theories about the genetic origin of the so-called Black Irish. Some posit that the original inhabitants of Ireland had black hair, blue eyes, and olive skin. The Spanish left their mark; but there were other Mediterranean peoples who may have entered the genetic pool. Don't forget the Romans, who conquered what is now Great Britain not long after the birth of Christ. This is probably the most likely theory, even though the Romans withdrew their presence ca. 410 AD. Nearly four centuries is plenty of time for the two populations to have mingled extensively, and created dark-haired, dark-eyed descendants. The tendency is for the marvelous ginger hair and blue/blue-green eyes to be considered traditional Irish features. But this was apparently not part of the original Irish gene pool; Vikings from Norway brought red and blonde hair and lighter colored eyes. The remains of a Viking city were discovered when excavations began for additions to Dublin's city hall. Some artifacts were removed and cemented in place in the pavement around the area so that the ancient town would e remembered, not destroyed. The photo is of my father, whose grandfather was Irish - both grandfather and father had black hair and blue eyes. My dad got the brown eyes from his mother.


Is it the Scottish or the Irish that have black hair and blue eyes?

Both groups have people with those characteristics. In Scotland the Northwest especially. Many people of European origin will refer to dark brown hair as "black" but true black contains no brown highlights.


Do black people have blue gums?

No.


What do the colours mean on the South African flag?

it means red me blue me and your mum


What nationality of blue eyes?

Blue eyes can be found in people of various nationalities, but they are most commonly associated with individuals of European descent, particularly those from Northern and Eastern Europe.


How do you say sky blue in Irish?

The phrase 'sky blue' would be 'spéirghorm' in Irish.