527+ Irish Last Names [With Meanings]

Irish last names are an important aspect of Irish culture and identity, reflecting the country’s rich history and heritage.

In Ireland, surnames are traditionally passed down from the father to the children, and many of them have a deep meaning or connection to a particular place or family history.

Irish last names often have their origins in Gaelic, the native language of Ireland, and they may be influenced by the country’s complex history, including periods of Viking and Norman invasion, as well as English rule.

Today, Irish last names are found all around the world, thanks to the large Irish diaspora that has spread across North America, Australia, and other parts of the globe.

Learning about Irish last names can provide insight into the country’s fascinating history and culture, as well as the ways in which Irish people have maintained their identity and traditions through the centuries.

Let’s take a look 🙂

Common Irish Last Names (Most Common Irish Last Names)

Common Irish Last Names:

• Murphy – derived from the Irish word “ó Murchadha”, meaning “descendant of Murchadh”, a personal name that means “sea warrior”.
• Kelly – derived from the Irish “ó Ceallaigh”, meaning “descendant of Ceallach”, a personal name that means “bright-headed”.
• Sullivan – derived from the Irish “ó Súilleabháin”, meaning “descendant of Súilleabhán”, a personal name that means “little dark-eyed one”.
• O’Brien – derived from the Irish “ó Briain”, meaning “descendant of Brian”, a personal name that means “noble” or “high”.
• Byrne – derived from the Irish “ó Broin”, meaning “descendant of Bran”, a personal name that means “raven”.
• Ryan – derived from the Irish “Ó Riain”, meaning “descendant of Rian”, a personal name that means “little king” or “illustrious”.
• O’Connor – derived from the Irish “ó Conchobhair”, meaning “descendant of Conchobhar”, a personal name that means “hound lover” or “lover of wolves”.
• Walsh – derived from the Irish “Breathnach”, meaning “Welshman” or “foreigner”.
• McCarthy – derived from the Irish “Mac Cárthaigh”, meaning “son of Cárthach”, a personal name that means “loving”.
• Doyle – derived from the Irish “ó Dubhghaill”, meaning “descendant of Dubhghall”, a personal name that means “dark stranger”.

Popular Irish Last Names

Popular Irish Last Names:

• Griffin – derived from the Irish “Ó Gríobhtha”, meaning “descendant of Gríobhtha”, a personal name that means “griffin-like”.
• Kennedy – derived from the Irish “ó Cinnéide”, meaning “descendant of Cinnéide”, a personal name that means “helmet-headed”.
• Murray – derived from the Irish “ó Muireadhaigh”, meaning “descendant of Muireadhach”, a personal name that means “lord” or “master”.
• Fitzgerald – derived from the Norman-French name “FitzGerald”, meaning “son of Gerald”.
• Higgins – derived from the Irish “Ó hUiginn”, meaning “descendant of Uiginn”, a personal name that means “intelligence” or “wisdom”.
• Doherty – derived from the Irish “Ó Dochartaigh”, meaning “descendant of Dochartach”, a personal name that means “hurtful” or “obstructive”.
• Kavanagh – derived from the Irish “Caomhánach”, meaning “descendant of Caomhán”, a personal name that means “comely” or “beloved”.
• Connolly – derived from the Irish “Ó Conghaile”, meaning “descendant of Conghal”, a personal name that means “valorous” or “high-minded”.
• Keane – derived from the Irish “Ó Catháin”, meaning “descendant of Cathán”, a personal name that means “warrior”.
• Brennan – derived from the Irish “Ó Braonáin”, meaning “descendant of Braonán”, a personal name that means “sadness” or “teardrop”.

Rare & Exotic Irish Last Names

Rare & Exotic Irish Last Names:

• MacGiolla Phádraig – derived from the Irish “Mac Giolla Phádraig”, meaning “son of the servant of Patrick”.
• Ó Máille – derived from the Irish “Ó Máille”, meaning “descendant of Máille”, a personal name that means “prince”.
• Mac Con Midhe – derived from the Irish “Mac Con Midhe”, meaning “son of the hound of Meath”.
• Ó Cléirigh – derived from the Irish “Ó Cléirigh”, meaning “descendant of Cléirigh”, a personal name that means “clerk” or “scribe”.
• Ó Loingsigh – derived from the Irish “Ó Loingsigh”, meaning “descendant of Loingsigh”, a personal name that means “sailor” or “mariner”.
• Ó Corráin – derived from the Irish “Ó Corráin”, meaning “descendant of Corrán”, a personal name that means “spear”.
• Ó Gormáin – derived from the Irish “Ó Gormáin”, meaning “descendant of Gormán”, a personal name that means “blue”.
• Ó Bruadair – derived from the Irish “Ó Bruadair”, meaning “descendant of Bruadar”, a personal name that means “dreamer”.
• Mac Giolla Cheara – derived from the Irish “Mac Giolla Cheara”, meaning “son of the servant of Ciar”.
• Mac Cárthaigh Mór – derived from the Irish “Mac Cárthaigh Mór”, meaning “son of the great Cárthach”.

Uncommon & Unique Irish Last Names

Uncommon & Unique Irish Last Names:

• O’Sheehan – derived from the Irish “ó Síothcháin”, meaning “descendant of Síothchán”, a personal name that means “peaceful”.
• O’Tuathail – derived from the Irish “ó Tuathail”, meaning “descendant of Tuathal”, a personal name that means “ruler of the people”.
• Mac Fhionnghaile – derived from the Irish “Mac Fhionnghaile”, meaning “son of the fair stranger”.
• O’Murchu – derived from the Irish “ó Murchú”, meaning “descendant of Murchú”, a personal name that means “sea hound”.
• O’Ceallaigh – derived from the Irish “ó Ceallaigh”, meaning “descendant of Ceallach”, a personal name that means “bright-headed”.
• Mac Aogáin – derived from the Irish “Mac Aogáin”, meaning “son of Aodhagán”, a personal name that means “little Aodh”.
• O’Lonergan – derived from the Irish “ó Longargáin”, meaning “descendant of Longargán”, a personal name that means “fierce valor”.
• Mac Cathmhaoil – derived from the Irish “Mac Cathmhaoil”, meaning “son of Cathmhaoil”, a personal name that means “slender warrior”.
• O’Fionnghaile – derived from the Irish “ó Fionnghaile”, meaning “descendant of Fionnghal”, a personal name that means “fair stranger”.
• Mac Fhiodhbhuidhe – derived from the Irish “Mac Fhiodhbhuidhe”, meaning “son of the wood worker”.

Irish American Last Names

Irish American Last Names:

• Kennedy – derived from the Irish “ó Cinnéide”, meaning “descendant of Cinnéide”, a personal name that means “helmet-headed”.
• O’Neill – derived from the Irish “Ó Néill”, meaning “descendant of Niall”, a personal name that means “champion”.
• Casey – derived from the Irish “Ó Cathasaigh”, meaning “descendant of Cathasaigh”, a personal name that means “vigilant” or “watchful”.
• McCarthy – derived from the Irish “Mac Cárthaigh”, meaning “son of Cárthach”, a personal name that means “loving”.
• Donnelly – derived from the Irish “Ó Donnghaile”, meaning “descendant of Donnghal”, a personal name that means “brown valor”.
• Gallagher – derived from the Irish “Ó Gallchobhair”, meaning “descendant of Gallchobhar”, a personal name that means “foreign help”.
• Kelly – derived from the Irish “ó Ceallaigh”, meaning “descendant of Ceallach”, a personal name that means “bright-headed”.
• Murphy – derived from the Irish “ó Murchadha”, meaning “descendant of Murchadh”, a personal name that means “sea warrior”.
• Quinn – derived from the Irish “Ó Cuinn”, meaning “descendant of Conn”, a personal name that means “wisdom” or “intelligence”.
• O’Brien – derived from the Irish “ó Briain”, meaning “descendant of Brian”, a personal name that means “noble” or “high

Cool Irish Last Names

Cool Irish Last Names:

• Byrne – derived from the Irish “ó Broin”, meaning “descendant of Bran”, a personal name that means “raven”.
• Finnegan – derived from the Irish “Ó Fionnagáin”, meaning “descendant of Fionnagán”, a personal name that means “fair-headed”.
• Nolan – derived from the Irish “Ó Nualláin”, meaning “descendant of Nuallán”, a personal name that means “famous” or “renowned”.
• Delaney – derived from the Irish “Ó Dubhshláine”, meaning “descendant of Dubhshláine”, a personal name that means “dark hero”.
• McEvoy – derived from the Irish “Mac Amhaoibh”, meaning “son of Amhaoibh”, a personal name that means “pleasant”.
• Dempsey – derived from the Irish “Ó Díomasaigh”, meaning “descendant of Díomasach”, a personal name that means “proud”.
• O’Malley – derived from the Irish “Ó Máille”, meaning “descendant of Máille”, a personal name that means “prince”.
• Enright – derived from the Irish “Ó hAnraghtaigh”, meaning “descendant of Anraghtach”, a personal name that means “unfortunate”.
• Connelly – derived from the Irish “Ó Conghaile”, meaning “descendant of Conghal”, a personal name that means “valorous” or “high-minded”.
• Moriarty – derived from the Irish “Ó Muircheartaigh”, meaning “descendant of Muircheartach”, a personal name that means “lord of the sea”.

Lists of Irish Last Names

Lists of Irish Last Names:

• Darcy
• O’Shea
• Larkin
• Kinsella
• MacNally
• Flanagan
• Gorman
• O’Kane
• Maguire
• MacMahon

Rich Irish Last Names

Rich Irish Last Names:

• De Burgh – an Anglo-Norman family that played a significant role in Irish history and held extensive lands and titles.
• Butler – an Anglo-Norman family that became one of the most prominent in Ireland, holding titles such as the Earls of Ormond and the Dukes of Ormonde.
• Fitzgerald – an Anglo-Norman family that played a significant role in Irish history and held titles such as the Earls of Kildare and the Dukes of Leinster.
• O’Brien – a Gaelic Irish family that held the title of High King of Ireland and were among the most powerful in the country for centuries.
• O’Reilly – a Gaelic Irish family that held significant lands and titles in medieval Ireland, including the Kingdom of East Breifne.
• McMahon – a Gaelic Irish family that held the title of Lords of Clann Chuiléin and were prominent in the region of County Clare.
• O’Neill – a Gaelic Irish family that held the title of High King of Ireland and were one of the most powerful dynasties in the country for centuries.
• De Vere – an Anglo-Norman family that held extensive lands in Ireland and were one of the most powerful families in the country during the medieval period.
• Nugent – an Anglo-Norman family that held extensive lands in Ireland and were one of the most prominent families in the country during the medieval and early modern periods.

Old Irish Last Names

Old Irish Last Names:

• Mac Giolla Phádraig – derived from the Irish “Mac Giolla Phádraig”, meaning “son of the servant of Patrick”.
• O’Donnell – derived from the Irish “Ó Domhnaill”, meaning “descendant of Domhnall”, a personal name that means “world ruler”.
• O’Connor – derived from the Irish “ó Conchobhair”, meaning “descendant of Conchobhar”, a personal name that means “hound lover” or “lover of wolves”.
• O’Flaherty – derived from the Irish “Ó Flaithbheartaigh”, meaning “descendant of Flaithbheartach”, a personal name that means “generous”.
• O’Malley – derived from the Irish “Ó Máille”, meaning “descendant of Máille”, a personal name that means “prince”.
• MacCarthy – derived from the Irish “Mac Cárthaigh”, meaning “son of Cárthach”, a personal name that means “loving”.
• O’Rourke – derived from the Irish “Ó Ruairc”, meaning “descendant of Ruairc”, a personal name that means “red king”.
• O’Grady – derived from the Irish “Ó Grádaigh”, meaning “descendant of Gráda”, a personal name that means “noble”.
• O’Meara – derived from the Irish “Ó Meadhra”, meaning “descendant of Meadhair”, a personal name that means “mirthful”.
• O’Donovan – derived from the Irish “Ó Donndubháin”, meaning “descendant of Donndubhán”, a personal name that means “brown-haired warrior”.

Long Irish Last Names

Long Irish Last Names:

• Fitzsimmons – derived from the Norman-French name “FitzSimon”, meaning “son of Simon”.
• McElroy – derived from the Irish “Mac Giolla Rua”, meaning “son of the red-haired servant”.
• Fitzpatrick – derived from the Norman-French name “FitzPatrick”, meaning “son of Patrick”.
• McLaughlin – derived from the Irish “Mac Lochlainn”, meaning “son of Lochlainn”, a personal name that means “Viking”.
• Fitzgibbons – derived from the Norman-French name “FitzGibbon”, meaning “son of Gilbert”.
• McSweeney – derived from the Irish “Mac Suibhne”, meaning “son of Suibhne”, a personal name that means “pleasant”.
• Fitzhenry – derived from the Norman-French name “FitzHenry”, meaning “son of Henry”.
• McAllister – derived from the Irish “Mac Alasdair”, meaning “son of Alasdair”, a personal name that means “defender of mankind”.
• Fitzmaurice – derived from the Norman-French name “FitzMaurice”, meaning “son of Maurice”.
• McCormick – derived from the Irish “Mac Cormaic”, meaning “son of Cormac”, a personal name that means “charioteer”.

Girl Irish Last Names [Female]

Girl Irish Last Names [Female]:

• Ni Mhurchú – derived from the Irish “Ni Mhurchú”, meaning “daughter of Murchú”, a personal name that means “sea hound”.
• Ni Sheaghdha – derived from the Irish “Ni Sheaghdha”, meaning “daughter of Seaghdha”, a personal name that means “admirable”.
• Ni Chonaill – derived from the Irish “Ni Chonaill”, meaning “daughter of Conall”, a personal name that means “strong as a wolf”.
• Ni Mhaille – derived from the Irish “Ni Mhaille”, meaning “daughter of Máille”, a personal name that means “prince”.
• Ni Dhomhnaill – derived from the Irish “Ni Dhomhnaill”, meaning “daughter of Domhnall”, a personal name that means “world ruler”.
• Ni Chatháin – derived from the Irish “Ni Chatháin”, meaning “daughter of Cathán”, a personal name that means “warrior”.
• Ni Laoghaire – derived from the Irish “Ni Laoghaire”, meaning “daughter of Laoghaire”, a personal name that means “calf-herd”.
• Ni Fhionnghaile – derived from the Irish “Ni Fhionnghaile”, meaning “daughter of Fionnghal”, a personal name that means “fair stranger”.
• Ni Mháille – derived from the Irish “Ni Mháille”, meaning “daughter of Máille”, a personal name that means “prince”.
• Ni Chonchubhair – derived from the Irish “Ni Chonchubhair”, meaning “daughter of Conchubhar”, a personal name that means “hound lover” or “lover of wolves”.

Men’s Irish Last Names [Male]

Men’s Irish Last Names [Male]:

• Mac Aodhagáin – derived from the Irish “Mac Aodhagáin”, meaning “son of Aodhagán”, a personal name that means “little Aodh”.
• Mac Dubhghaill – derived from the Irish “Mac Dubhghaill”, meaning “son of the dark stranger”.
• Mac Cionnaith – derived from the Irish “Mac Cionnaith”, meaning “son of Cionnaith”, a personal name that means “wise warrior”.
• Mac Fhearadhaigh – derived from the Irish “Mac Fhearadhaigh”, meaning “son of Fearadhach”, a personal name that means “man of valor”.
• Mac Domhnaill – derived from the Irish “Mac Domhnaill”, meaning “son of Domhnall”, a personal name that means “world ruler”.
• Mac Muiris – derived from the Irish “Mac Muiris”, meaning “son of Muiris”, a personal name that means “dark-skinned” or “Moorish”.
• Mac Uidhir – derived from the Irish “Mac Uidhir”, meaning “son of Uidhir”, a personal name that means “raging”.
• Mac Cearnaigh – derived from the Irish “Mac Cearnaigh”, meaning “son of Cearnach”, a personal name that means “victorious”.
• Mac Gormáin – derived from the Irish “Mac Gormáin”, meaning “son of Gormán”, a personal name that means “blue”.
• Mac Eochaidh – derived from the Irish “Mac Eochaidh”, meaning “son of Eochaidh”, a personal name that means “horseman”.

Famous Irish Last Names

Famous Irish Last Names:

• Joyce – James Joyce was an Irish novelist and poet known for his modernist works, such as “Ulysses” and “Finnegans Wake”.
• Yeats – William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet and playwright who was one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature.
• Wilde – Oscar Wilde was an Irish writer and poet known for his witty and satirical works, such as “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray”.
• Heaney – Seamus Heaney was an Irish poet and playwright who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995.
• Beckett – Samuel Beckett was an Irish novelist, playwright, and poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1969.
• Shaw – George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright and critic who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925.
• Swift – Jonathan Swift was an Irish writer and cleric known for his satirical works, such as “Gulliver’s Travels” and “A Modest Proposal”.
• Burke – Edmund Burke was an Irish statesman and philosopher who is considered one of the fathers of modern conservatism.
• Collins – Michael Collins was an Irish revolutionary leader who played a key role in the Irish War of Independence.
• Pearse – Patrick Pearse was an Irish teacher, barrister, poet, and political activist who was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916.

Irish Last Names That Start With A

Irish Last Names That Start With A:

• Adams – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Adaim” meaning “son of Adam”
• Allen – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó h-Ailín,” meaning “descendant of Ailín”
• Anderson – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Aindriú,” meaning “son of Andrew”
• Armstrong – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Thréinfhir,” meaning “son of the strong man”

Irish Last Names That Start With B

Irish Last Names That Start With B:

• Bailey – derived from the Norman surname “bailli,” meaning “steward”
• Baker – derived from the Gaelic surname “ó Báicéir,” meaning “baker”
• Barrett – derived from the Gaelic surname “Baróid,” meaning “spear”
• Barry – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Beargha,” meaning “descendant of Beargh”
• Beckett – derived from the Old Norse name “Becki,” meaning “stream”
• Bell – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Giolla Mhaoil,” meaning “son of the servant of the bald one”
• Bergin – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Béirgin,” meaning “descendant of Béirgin”
• Blake – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Bláthmhaic,” meaning “descendant of Bláthmhac”
• Brady – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Brádaigh,” meaning “descendant of Brádach”
• Brennan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Braonáin,” meaning “descendant of Braonán”
• Burke – derived from the Gaelic surname “de Búrca,” meaning “of the fort”
• Butler – derived from the Norman surname “le Boteler,” meaning “the butler”
• Byrne – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Broin,” meaning “descendant of Bran”

Irish Last Names That Start With C

Irish Last Names That Start With C:

• Campbell – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Cába,” meaning “son of the crooked mouth”
• Carey – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Ciardha,” meaning “descendant of Ciardha”
• Carroll – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Cearbhaill,” meaning “descendant of Cearbhall”
• Casey – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Cathasaigh,” meaning “descendant of Cathasach”
• Cassidy – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Casaide,” meaning “descendant of Casaide”
• Clarke – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Cléirigh,” meaning “descendant of Cléirigh”
• Coleman – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Colmáin,” meaning “descendant of Colmán”
• Collins – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Coileáin,” meaning “descendant of Coileán”
• Connolly – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Conghaile,” meaning “descendant of Conghal”
• Conroy – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Conraoi,” meaning “descendant of Conroy”

Irish Last Names That Start With D

Irish Last Names That Start With D:

• Daly – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Dálaigh,” meaning “descendant of Dálaigh”
• Daniels – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Domhnaill,” meaning “descendant of Domhnall”
• Davis – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Támhais,” meaning “son of Thomas”
• Deegan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Duibhgeannáin,” meaning “descendant of Duibhgeannán”
• Delaney – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Dubhshláine,” meaning “descendant of Dubhshláine”
• Dempsey – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Díomasaigh,” meaning “descendant of Díomasach”
• Devine – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Daimhín,” meaning “descendant of Daimhín”
• Dillon – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Duilleáin,” meaning “descendant of Duilleán”
• Dixon – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Diúisg,” meaning “son of Duiseach”
• Donnelly – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Donnghaile,” meaning “descendant of Donnghal”
• Donovan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Donnabháin,” meaning “descendant of Donnabhán”

Irish Last Names That Start With E

Irish Last Names That Start With E:

• Egan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Aodhagáin,” meaning “son of Aodhagán”
• Ennis – derived from the Gaelic surname “Inis,” meaning “island”
• Evans – derived from the Welsh surname “Ifan,” meaning “John”
• Everitt – derived from the Old English surname “Eoforheard,” meaning “brave as a wild boar”
• Ewing – derived from the Scottish surname “Eoghan,” meaning “born of the yew tree”

Irish Last Names That Start With F

Irish Last Names That Start With F:

• Farrell – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Fearghail,” meaning “descendant of Fearghal”
• Feeney – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Fiannaidh,” meaning “descendant of Fiannadh”
• Ferguson – derived from the Scottish surname “MacFhearghuis,” meaning “son of Fergus”
• Finnegan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Fionnagáin,” meaning “descendant of Fionnagán”
• Fitzpatrick – derived from the Norman surname “Fitzpatrick,” meaning “son of Patrick”
• Flanagan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Flanagan,” meaning “descendant of Flanagan”
• Fleming – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Flannghaile,” meaning “descendant of Flannghal”
• Flynn – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Floinn,” meaning “descendant of Flann”
• Foley – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Foghladha,” meaning “descendant of Foghlaidh”
• Forde – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Fuartháin,” meaning “descendant of Fuarthán”

Irish Last Names That Start With G

Irish Last Names That Start With G:

• Gallagher – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Gallchobhair,” meaning “descendant of Gallchobhar”
• Gannon – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Gamhna,” meaning “descendant of Gamhnach”
• Garvey – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Gairbhí,” meaning “descendant of Gairbhí”
• Geary – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Gadhra,” meaning “descendant of Gadhra”
• Gibbons – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Gibbín,” meaning “descendant of Gibbhín”
• Gilmore – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Giolla Mhuire,” meaning “son of the servant of Mary”
• Gorman – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Gormáin,” meaning “descendant of Gormán”
• Grady – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Grádaigh,” meaning “descendant of Grádaigh”
• Graham – derived from the Scottish surname “Graeme,” meaning “gravelly homestead”
• Griffin – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Gríobhtha,” meaning “descendant of Gríobhtha”

Irish Last Names That Start With H

Irish Last Names That Start With H:

• Hagan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó hÁgáin,” meaning “descendant of Ágán”
• Haley – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó hEalaighthe,” meaning “descendant of Ealaighthe”
• Halloran – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó hAllmhuráin,” meaning “descendant of Allmhurán”
• Hamilton – derived from the Scottish surname “Hambleton,” meaning “home on the hill”
• Hanley – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó hÁinle,” meaning “descendant of Áinle”
• Harrington – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó hArrachtáin,” meaning “descendant of Arrachtán”
• Hart – derived from the Old English surname “heort,” meaning “stag”
• Hayes – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó hAodha,” meaning “descendant of Aodh”
• Healy – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó hÉilí,” meaning “descendant of Éilí”
• Hennessy – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó hAonghusa,” meaning “descendant of Aonghus”

Irish Last Names That Start With I

Irish Last Names That Start With I:

• Irwin – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Giolla Eóin,” meaning “son of the servant of Eóin”
• Ivory – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó hUabhair,” meaning “descendant of Uabhar”

Irish Last Names That Start With J

Irish Last Names That Start With J:

• None found.

Irish Last Names That Start With K

Irish Last Names That Start With K:

• Kavanagh – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Caoimhín,” meaning “descendant of Caoimhín”
• Keane – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Catháin,” meaning “descendant of Cathán”
• Kearney – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Cearnaigh,” meaning “descendant of Cearnaigh”
• Kelly – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Ceallaigh,” meaning “descendant of Ceallach”
• Kennedy – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Ceannéidigh,” meaning “descendant of Ceannéidigh”
• Kenny – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Cionnaith,” meaning “descendant of Cionnaith”
• Kerr – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Thoirdealbhaigh,” meaning “son of Thoirdealbhach”
• Killeen – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Cillín,” meaning “descendant of Cillín”
• King – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac an Rí,” meaning “son of the king”
• Kirby – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Ciarmhaic,” meaning “descendant of Ciarmhac”

Irish Last Names That Start With L

Irish Last Names That Start With L:

• Larkin – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Lorcáin,” meaning “descendant of Lorcán”
• Lawless – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Leathlobhair,” meaning “descendant of Leathlobhair”
• Leahy – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Laochdha,” meaning “descendant of Laochdha”
• Lennon – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Leannáin,” meaning “descendant of Leannán”
• Lohan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Leocháin,” meaning “descendant of Leochán”
• Long – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Longáin,” meaning “descendant of Longán”
• Lynch – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Loingsigh,” meaning “descendant of Loingseach”
• Lyons – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Laighin,” meaning “descendant of Laighin”
• Lysaght – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Léis,” meaning “descendant of Léis”
• Lyster – derived from the Norman surname “Lyster,” meaning “one who works in a dyer’s shop”

Irish Last Names That Start With M

Irish Last Names That Start With M:

• MacCarthy – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Cárthaigh,” meaning “son of Cárthach”
• MacDonnell – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Dónaill,” meaning “son of Dónall”
• MacGill – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Giolla Mhichíl,” meaning “son of the servant of St. Michael”
• MacIntyre – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac an tSaoir,” meaning “son of the carpenter”
• MacKenna – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac Cionaoith,” meaning “son of Cionaoith”
• Madden – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Madáin,” meaning “descendant of Madán”
• Maguire – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mag Uidhir,” meaning “son of Odhar”
• Mahoney – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Mathghamhna,” meaning “descendant of Mathghamhain”
• Malone – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Maoil Eoin,” meaning “descendant of the servant of John”
• Mannion – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Mainnín,” meaning “descendant of Mainnín”
• McGregor – 🙂

Irish Last Names That Start With N

Irish Last Names That Start With N:

• Nagle – derived from the Gaelic surname “Mac an Fhailgigh,” meaning “son of the descendant of the hunter”
• Naughton – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Neachtain,” meaning “descendant of Neachtain”
• Neill – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Néill,” meaning “descendant of Niall”
• Nolan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Nualláin,” meaning “descendant of Nuallán”
• Noonan – derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Nuanáin,” meaning “descendant of Nuanán”
• Norton – derived from the Old English surname “Northtūn,” meaning “north farmstead”
• Nugent – derived from the Norman surname “Nogent,” meaning “new settlement”

Irish Last Names That Start With O

Irish Last Names That Start With O:

• O’Brien – means “descendant of Brian” and is one of the most common Irish surnames
• O’Connor – means “descendant of Conchobhar” and is the name of one of Ireland’s most prominent families
• O’Donnell – means “descendant of Domhnall” and was the name of an ancient ruling family in Ireland
• O’Grady – means “descendant of Gráda” and is associated with the province of Munster
• O’Keefe – means “descendant of Caoimhghín” and is associated with the county of Cork
• O’Malley – means “descendant of Máel” and is associated with the western coast of Ireland
• O’Reilly – means “descendant of Raghaillach” and is associated with the county of Cavan
• O’Sullivan – means “descendant of Súileabhán” and is associated with the county of Kerry
• O’Neill – means “descendant of Niall” and was the name of an ancient ruling family in Ireland
• O’Callaghan – means “descendant of Ceallacháin” and is associated with the county of Cork

Irish Last Names That Start With P

Irish Last Names That Start With P:

• Phelan – means “wolf” and is associated with the province of Leinster
• Power – means “descendant of the poor” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Preston – means “priest’s town” and is associated with the county of Meath
• Purcell – means “porcelain” and is associated with the county of Tipperary
• Pender – means “chief” and is associated with the county of Offaly
• Prior – means “prior” and is associated with the county of Waterford
• Peppard – means “person from Pierrepont” and is associated with the county of Kilkenny
• Prendergast – means “leader of the clergy” and is associated with the county of Wexford
• Plunkett – means “descendant of Pluingcead” and is associated with the province of Leinster
• Phibbs – means “descendant of Phib” and is associated with the province of Connacht

Irish Last Names That Start With Q

Irish Last Names That Start With Q:

• Quigley – means “descendant of Coigleach” and is associated with the province of Ulster
• Quinlan – means “graceful little one” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Quirk – means “eccentric person” and is associated with the province of Munster

Irish Last Names That Start With R

Irish Last Names That Start With R:

• Ryan – means “little king” and is one of the most common Irish surnames
• Reilly – means “valiant” and is associated with the county of Cavan
• Rooney – means “descendant of Rúadhán” and is associated with the province of Ulster
• Riley – means “descendant of Raghailleach” and is associated with the province of Connacht
• Redmond – means “wise protector” and is associated with the county of Wexford
• Regan – means “little king” and is associated with the province of Connacht
• Roche – means “red-haired” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Rafferty – means “prosperity” and is associated with the province of Ulster
• Russell – means “little red one” and is associated with the county of Galway
• Rourke – means “fierce one”

Irish Last Names That Start With S

Irish Last Names That Start With S:

• Sullivan – means “dark-eyed one” and is one of the most common Irish surnames
• Smith – means “metal worker” and is a common surname throughout the world
• Scott – means “from Scotland” and is associated with the province of Ulster
• Sheehan – means “peaceful one” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Scanlon – means “contention” and is associated with the province of Connacht
• Sweeney – means “little hero” and is associated with the province of Ulster
• Sheridan – means “wild man” and is associated with the province of Leinster
• Sexton – means “church officer” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Stinson – means “son of Stephen” and is associated with the province of Ulster
• Spellman – means “prosperity” and is associated with the province of Munster

Irish Last Names That Start With T

Irish Last Names That Start With T:

• Thompson – means “son of Thom” and is a common surname throughout the world
• Taylor – means “tailor” and is a common surname throughout the world
• Tracey – means “war-like” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Tierney – means “lord” and is associated with the province of Connacht
• Tobin – means “descendant of Tadhgán” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Tully – means “peaceful” and is associated with the province of Connacht
• Twomey – means “descendant of Tuamaidhe” and is associated with the county of Cork
• Traynor – means “noble one” and is associated with the province of Ulster
• Timmons – means “descendant of Tadhg” and is associated with the province of Leinster
• Tighe – means “poet” and is associated with the province of Connacht

Irish Last Names That Start With U

Irish Last Names That Start With U:

• Ulrich – means “noble leader” and is a common surname throughout the world
• Upton – means “upper town” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Urell – means “from Ireland” and is associated with the province of Leinster
• Usher – means “doorkeeper” and is associated with the province of Ulster
• Underwood – means “dweller in the woods”
• Uí Mhórdha – means “descendant of Mórda” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Uí Néill – means “descendant of Niall” and was the name of an ancient ruling family in Ireland
• Uí Fhlaithimh – means “descendant of Flaitheamh” and is associated with the province of Leinster
• Uí Dhomhnaill – means “descendant of Domhnall” and was the name of an ancient ruling family in Ireland
• Uí Cheallaigh – means “descendant of Ceallach” and is associated with the province of Connacht

Irish Last Names That Start With V

Irish Last Names That Start With V:

• Vaughan – means “small” or “little” and is associated with the province of Munster
• Vance – means “dweller by the marsh” and is a common surname throughout the world
• Vernon – means “alder tree” and is a common surname throughout the world
• Valentine – means “strength” or “health” and is a common surname throughout the world
• Vickers – means “caretaker” or “overseer”

Irish Last Names That Start With W

Irish Last Names That Start With W:

• Walsh – means “descendant of Breathnach” and is one of the most common Irish surnames
• Ward – means “watchman” and is associated with the province of Ulster
• Whelan – means “descendant of Faolán” and is associated with the province of Leinster
• Woods – means “person who lives in or near a wood”
• Wade – means “ford”
• Warren – means “park keeper” or “watchman”
• Wallace – means “foreigner” or “Welshman”
• Winters – means “person who works during the winter”
• Wilkins – means “son of William”
• Watson – means “son of Walter”

Irish Last Names That Start With X

Irish Last Names That Start With X:

• Xavier – means “bright” or “splendid”

Irish Last Names That Start With Y

Irish Last Names That Start With Y:

• Young – means “young person”
• Yeats – means “gate” or “path” and is associated with the province of Connacht
• York – means “dweller at the farm of the yew trees” and is a common surname throughout the world

Irish Last Names That Start With Z

Irish Last Names That Start With Z:

• Zane – means “God is gracious”
• Ziegler – means “brick maker”
• Zimmerman – means “carpenter”

FAQs – Irish Last Names

What is the meaning behind Irish last names?

Irish last names often have deep roots in the country’s history and culture.

They can be derived from personal names, nicknames, occupations, and locations, among other things.

What are some common Irish last names?

Some common Irish last names include Murphy, Kelly, O’Brien, Gallagher, Byrne, and Quinn.

What are some rare and exotic Irish last names?

Some rare and exotic Irish last names include Mac Giolla Phádraig, O’Donoghue, McElroy, Fitzsimmons, and McSweeney.

What are some cool Irish last names?

Some cool Irish last names include Finnegan, Delaney, McEvoy, Dempsey, and Enright.

Can Irish last names be used as first names?

Yes, it is common for Irish last names to be used as first names.

For example, the name Ryan is a common first name that originated as an Irish last name.

What are some rich Irish last names?

Some rich Irish last names include De Burgh, Butler, Fitzgerald, and O’Brien.

What are some old Irish last names?

Some old Irish last names include O’Connor, O’Flaherty, O’Malley, and MacCarthy.

What are some long Irish last names?

Some long Irish last names include Fitzsimmons, McElroy, Fitzpatrick, McLaughlin, Fitzgibbons, and McSweeney.

What are some famous Irish last names?

Some famous Irish last names include Joyce, Yeats, Wilde, Beckett, and Shaw.

How are Irish last names passed down?

Irish last names are typically passed down from the father to his children.

However, in some cases, such as when the father does not have a last name, the mother’s last name may be used instead.

Conclusion – Irish Last Names

Irish last names are a fascinating part of the country’s history and culture.

They can reveal much about a person’s ancestry, as well as their personal characteristics and qualities.

From common last names like Murphy and Kelly to rare and exotic names like Mac Giolla Phádraig and McSweeney, Irish last names come in a wide variety of forms.

Additionally, many famous individuals throughout history have had Irish last names, including writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, as well as political figures like Michael Collins and Edmund Burke.

Overall, the study of Irish last names provides a unique glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse society.

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