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If you wish to know about Irish last names with meanings, you need to travel back to historical times. The original names in Ireland are long and interesting. For example, have you heard about Muckanaghederdauhaulia? Well, it is the name of an Irish town. Isn’t it fascinating? Family names in Ireland are equally fascinating. However, most traditional names now have an anglicized version that is shortened and more commonly used.
Read the post to know about some unique Irish surnames, their meanings, and the history behind them.
Key Pointers
- Irish last names hold cultural and historical importance, showcasing ties to ancestry and regions.
- Some surnames such as Fitzpatrick and Brannon signify ‘a son of,’ with Fitzpatrick meaning ‘son of Patrick’ and Brannon meaning ‘son of Bran.’
- Other names like Angus and Guinness connote strength and power, while Fannon and Finn indicate fairness, reflecting Irish traits.
- Lastly, Kennedy, Kelly, or Sullivan are clan-based surnames, indicating lineage from distinct Gaelic clans.
A Background To Irish Surnames
Irish people did not have a surname until the 10th century when certain classes and occupations started adopting patronyms as surnames. Surnames beginning with either mac (now Mc), meaning ‘son of,’ or Uá/Ó, meaning ‘grandson of,’ slowly became the norm. For instance, O’Cleirigh (now O’Clery), possibly the oldest Irish surname, meant ‘grandson of a clerk,’ and mac Colum meant ‘son of Colum.’
The nobility started adopting surnames in the 1100s, and it spread to the common folk by the 1500s. Anglo-French influences seeped into the Irish language with the Norman conquest, bringing surnames like Power and Burke. Many people also adopted Anglicized versions of their traditional Irish surnames in the 1500s.
Irish surnames can be broadly classified into occupational, descriptive, and patronymic. Occupational surnames such as Scully (‘scholar’), Tighe (‘poet’), and Clarke (‘cleric’) describe one’s ancestor’s job title. Patronyms, such as Callaghan (‘descendant of Ceallachan’) and Murray (‘descendant of Muireadhach’), derive from one’s ancestor’s names, and descriptive surnames refer to one’s ancestor’s physical appearance, such as Finn (‘white’), Duffy (‘dark’), and Flann (‘scarlet’). Besides these, Irish surnames take inspiration from nature and natural elements, the Irish landscape, and Biblical figures.
Common Irish Surnames Or Family Names
1. Ahearn
Ahearn is the anglicized form of ‘Ó hEachthighearna’ meaning ‘descendant of Eichthighearn.’ The name Eichthighearn is derived from a Gaelic word and refers to ‘Horse Lord.’
2. Angus
This Irish surname is derived from the word ‘Aonghus’ and means ‘one strength.’
3. Barry
Barry is an Anglicized form of ‘Ó Beargha’ or ‘Ó Báire’ referring to ‘descendant of Beargh’ or ‘descendant of Baire’ respectively. Beargha refers to ‘spear-like’ and Baire means ‘fair-haired.’
4. Beirne
It is the anglicized form of ‘O’Byrne’ meaning ‘descendant of Bran.’ In the Irish language, Bran refers to ‘a raven.’
5. Bell
Bell is one of the most common Irish last names, derived from the Old English word ‘Belle.’
6. Berne
This surname is a variant of ‘Beirne’ or ‘O’Byrne’ referring to a ‘descendant of Bran.’ It means ‘a raven’ in Irish.
7. Boyle
Boyle is an anglicized form of ‘O’Boyle’ derived from the Gaelic term ‘O’Baoighill’ referring to the ‘descendant of Baoigheall.’ The word Baoigheall comes from the Irish word ‘geall’ that means ‘pledge’ or ‘promise.’
Trivia8. Braden
It is an anglicized form of Irish ‘Ó Bradain’ meaning ‘descendant of Bradan.’ This word refers to a ‘salmon’ in Irish.
9. Brady
Brady is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Brádaigh’ referring to the ‘descendant of Bradach.’ This name is derived from a Gaelic term which means ‘large-chested.’
10. Brannon
Brannon is a patronymic Irish surname referring to ‘Son of Bran.’ The word Bran means ‘raven’ in Irish.
11. Brennan
Here, Braonan refers to ‘raindrop’ or ‘moisture.’
12. Brogan
Brogan is an occupational Irish surname referring to a ‘shoe-maker.’
13. Brown
It denotes the brown complexion of the skin or brown hair color.
Did you know?14. Buckley
Buckley is derived from ‘Ó Buachalla’ that refers to ‘descendant of Buachaill.’ This is a nickname, which evolved as an Irish surname and means ‘cowherd’ or ‘servant.’
15. Burke
It is derived from an Old English word ‘Burgh.’ The Irish family name refers to a ‘fortress’ or ‘castle.’
16. Burns
Burns is a spelling variant of ‘O’Byrne’ or ‘Ó Broin.’ This Irish surname refers to a ‘descendant of Bran’ where Bran refers to a ‘raven.’
17. Butler
It is derived from the word ‘butiller.’ Butler is an occupational Irish surname referring to ‘wine-steward.’
18. Callaghan
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Ceallacháin’ referring to the ‘descendant of Ceallachan.’ The name ‘Ceallachan’ is derived from an old Irish term ‘Ceallach,’ which means ‘bright-headed.’
19. Campbell
This surname likely originated in Scotland and later migrated to Ireland. It is derived from Scottish Gaelic words referring to ‘crooked mouth’ or ‘wry-mouthed.’
20. Caomhánach
Caomhánach is an Irish surname that refers to the ‘students or disciples of Saint Caomhan.’
21. Carey
Carey is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Ciardha’ meaning the ‘descendant of Ciardha.’ Here, ‘Ciardha’ comes from the Old Irish word ‘ciar,’ which means ‘black’ or ‘dark.’
22. Carmody
Carmody is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Cearmada’ that refers to the ‘descendant of Cearmaid.’ The word ‘Cearmaid’ comes from Old Irish and is probably a combination of ‘ciar’ (black) and ‘madra’ (dog), thus meaning a ‘black dog.’
23. Carran
A spelling variant of Curran, this Irish surname is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Corraidhin’ referring to ‘descendant of Corraidhin.’ The word Corraidhin is derived from ‘Corradh’ which means ‘little spear.’
24. Carroll
This Irish surname is an anglicized form of ‘Cearbhal’ that means ‘hacking with a weapon.’
Trivia25. Cary
Cary is a spelling variant of ‘Carey’ and refers to the ‘descendant of Ciardha.’ ‘Ciardha’ means ‘black’ or ‘dark.’
26. Casey
Casey is the anglicized form of ‘ÓCathasaigh’ referring to the ‘descendant of Cathasach.’, Cathasach is an Old Irish word for ‘vigilant.’
27. Cassidy
It is derived from the anglicized form of ‘Ó Caiside,’ referring to ‘descendant of Caiside.’ This Irish surname means ‘curly-haired.’
28. Cavan
Cavan is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Caoimhain,’ meaning the ‘descendant of Caomhan.’ ‘Caomhan’ was the name of an Irish saint who lived in the 6th century.
29. Cavey
Cavey is an anglicized form of ‘Mac Daibheid’ referring to the ‘son of Daibhi’ or ‘son of David.’ David means ‘beloved’ in Hebrew.
30. Clarke
This surname is an anglicized form of‘ÓCléirigh’, which means a ‘clergy’ or ‘priest.’
31. Clery
Clery is a spelling variant of ‘Cleary,’ which is a spelling variant of ‘Clarke.’ It means a ‘clergy’ or ‘priest.’
32. Coghlan
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Cochláin.’ Cochlán is derived from the Irish term ‘cochall’ referring to a ‘cape’ or ‘hood.’
33. Coleman
Coleman is a spelling variant of ‘Colman’ or ‘Colm,’ which are derived from the names of several Irish Saints.
34. Collins
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Coileáin’ referring to the ‘descendant of Coilean.’ This name is derived from a Gaelic word ‘Cailean’ which means ‘whelp’ or a ‘young dog.’
Did you know?35. Connolly
It is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Conghalaigh’ that refers to ‘descendant of Conghalach.’ Conghalach was a nickname for ‘someone as valiant as a wolf’ and later evolved as a last name in Ireland.
36. Connor
It is derived from‘Ó Conchobhair’ referring to the ‘descendant of Conchobhar.’ The word ‘Conchobhar’ comes from Old Irish and means a ‘wolf’ or a ‘hound dog.’
37. Cooney
This Irish name is derived ‘Ó Cuana,’ which refers to the ‘descendant of Cuana.’ Cuana is an Old Irish word that could refer to ‘handsome’ or ‘elegant.’
38. Corcoran
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Corcráin’ meaning the ‘descendant of Corcran.’ Corcran is derived from the Gaelic word ‘corcair’ or ‘corcra,’ which means ‘purple.’
39. Coughlan
This Irish surname is derived from the anglicized version of ‘Ó Cochláin’ that means the ‘descendant of Cochlan.’ It is derived from the Gaelic word ‘cochall’ which means ‘cape’ or ‘hood.’
40. Cullen
The anglicized form of ‘Ó Cuilinn’ refers to the ‘descendant of Cuileann.’ Cuileann translates to ‘holly’ which is a type of a plant.
41. Cunningham
It is an anglicized form of the name ‘Ó Cuinneagáin’ that means the ‘descendant of Cuinneagán.’ The word ‘Cuinneagán’ likely originates from the Old Irish word ‘conn’ meaning a ‘chief’ or ‘leader.’
42. Curran
Curran is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Corraidhín’ that refers to a ‘descendant of Corraidhin.’ Corraidhín means a ‘little spear.’
43. Daly
It is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Dálaigh’ referring to ‘descendant of Dalach.’ The name ‘Dalach’ is derived from ‘Dal’ meaning ‘assembly.’
44. Daugherty
This last name is derived from the anglicized form of ‘Ó Dochartaigh’ meaning the ‘descendant of Dochartach.’ ‘Dochartach’ means ‘obstructive’ or ‘dangerous.’
45. Davin
Davin is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Damháin’ referring to the ‘descendant of Damhan’ which means ‘fawn’ or ‘stag’ or an ‘ox’ in Gaelic.
46. Deasun
Deasun is derived from ‘Deasmhumhain’ referring to ‘South Munster’ – a region in Ireland.
47. Desmond
It is another variant of ‘Deasun’ or ‘Deasmhumhain’ and is a topographical last name.
48. Delaney
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Dubhshláine’ that means the ‘descendant of Dubhshlaine.’ It is a combination of two Old Irish words ‘dubh’ meaning ‘black’ and ‘slan’ meaning ‘defiance.’
49. Dempsey
Dempsey is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Díomasaigh’ referring to the ‘descendant of Diomasach.’ ‘Diomasach’ means ‘proud.’
50. Devlin
The anglicized form of ‘Ó Doibhilin’ means a ‘descendant of Doibhilin.’ It is derived from a Gaelic term which means ‘unlucky.’
51. Doherty
A spelling variant of ‘Daugherty,’ this Irish surname is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Dochartaigh’ meaning the ‘descendant of Dochartach.’ Dochartach refers to ‘obstructive’ or ‘dangerous.’
52. Dolan
Dolan is derived from the anglicized form of ‘Ó Dubhshláin’ that means the ‘descendant of Dubhshlaine.’ This name combines two Old Irish words ‘dubh’ meaning ‘black and ‘slan’ meaning defiance.
53. Donaghue
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Donnchadha’ referring to the ‘descendant of Donnchadh.’ The name ‘Donnchadh’ is derived from a Gaelic term that means ‘brown battle.’
54. Donne
This last name likely originated in Scotland and is derived from the Gaelic word ‘Dunn’ or ‘Donn’ meaning ‘brown.’
55. Donnell
Donnel is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Domhnaill.’ It means a ‘descendant of Domhnall,’ and ‘Domhnall’ refers to ‘ruler of the world’ in Gaelic.
56. Donnelly
This Irish surname is the anglicized form of Ó Donnghaile that refers to a ‘descendant of Donnghal.’ Donnghal meaning ‘brown valor.’
57. Donovan
Donovan is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Donndubháin’ meaning ‘descendant of Donndubhan.’ The word ‘Donndubhan’ means ‘dark brown’ or ‘noble.’
58. Doran
This Irish surname is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Deoráin’ meaning a ‘descendant of Deoradhan.’ Deoradhan refers to ‘exile’ or ‘wanderer.’
59. Doyle
Doyle is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Dubhghaill’ referring to a ‘descendant of Dubhghall’.‘Dubhgall.’ It refers to ‘dark stranger.’
60. Driscoll
This Irish last name is the anglicized form of ‘Ó hEidirsceóil’ that refers to the ‘descendant of the messenger.’
61. Duane
Duane is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Dubháin’ referring to the ‘descendant of Dubhan.’ ‘Dubhan’ is derived from ‘dubh’ that means ‘dark’ or ‘black.’
62. Duffy
It is derived from ‘Ó Dubhthaigh’ meaning the ’descendant of Dubhthach.’ This name comes from the Irish word ‘dubh,’ which refers to ‘dark’ or ‘black.’
63. Dunn
It is either derived from ‘dunn’ the Old English word for ‘dark’ or from ‘donn’ the Gaelic word for ‘brown.’
64. Durnin
It comes from ‘Ó Doirnáin’ meaning ‘descendant of Doirnin.’ This name means ‘little fist.’
65. Ennis
Ennis is derived from the Gaelic word ‘Inis’ which refers to an ‘island.’
66. Fannon
The name Fannon refers to ‘Ó Fionnáin’ which means a ‘descendant of Fionn.’ ‘Fionn’ refers to ‘fair’ or ‘white’ in Old Irish.
67. Farrell
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Fearghail’ referring to the ‘descendant of Fearghal.’ ‘Fearghal’ means ‘man of valor.’
Trivia68. Ferguson
This patronymic Irish surname refers to the ‘son of Fearghas.’ Fearghas translates to ‘man of vigor.’
69. Finn
It is derived from the Old Irish word ‘Finn’ meaning ‘fair’ or ‘white.’
70. Finnegan
Finnegan is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Fionnagáin’ referring to the ‘descendant of Fionnagán.’ ‘Fionnagan’ is a variant of ‘Fionn,’ which comes from ‘Finn’ the Old Irish word for ‘fair’ or ‘white.’
71. Fitzgerald
It is a patronymic Irish surname meaning ‘son of Gerald.’ The name ‘Gerald’ means ‘rule of the spear.’
72. Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick is a patronymic Irish last name referring to the ‘son of Patrick’. ‘Patrick’ is derived from the Latin name ‘Patricius’ that means ‘nobleman.’
73. Fitzsimmons
It refers to the ‘son of Simon.’ ‘Simon’ means ‘he has heard’ in Hebrew.’
74. Flanagan
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Flannagáin’ that refers to the ‘descendant of Flannagán.’ The name ‘Flannagan’ means ‘reddish’ or ‘scarlet.’
75. Flynn
This name is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Floinn’ referring to a ‘descendant of Flann.’ The name ‘Flann’ refers to ‘reddish’ or ‘scarlet’ in Gaelic.
76. Foley
Foley is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Foghladha’ that means the ‘descendant of Foghlaidh.’ ‘Foghlaidh’ refers to a ‘pirate’ or ‘plunderer.’
77. Friel
Friel is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Frighil’ meaning ‘descendant of Fearghal.’ ‘Feraghal’ refers to a ‘man of valor.’
78. Fylan
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Faoláin’ referring to the ‘descendant of Faolan.’ The name ‘Faolan’ is derived from the Gaelic word ‘Fael’ and means ‘little wolf.’
79. Gallagher
Gallagher is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Gallchobhair’ meaning a ‘descendant of Gallchobhar.’ ‘Gallchobhar’ is a combination of two Irish words ‘gall’ meaning ‘stranger’ and ‘cabhair’ meaning ‘help.’
80. Gorman
It is an anglicized version of ‘Ó Gormáin’ referring to a ‘descendant of Gorman.’ ‘Gorman’ means ‘little blue one.’
81. Griffin
It is an anglicized version of the Irish name ‘Ó Gríobhtha’ meaning the ‘descendant of Gríobhtha.’ The name ‘Griobhtha’ comes from ‘Griobh,’ which is the Irish name for Griffin – a mythical creature with the body of a lion but head and wings of an eagle.
82. Guinness
It is derived from the surname ‘McGuinness.’ McGuinness is the anglicized form of ‘Mag Aonghuis’ meaning ‘son of Aonghus.’ Aonghus means ‘one strength.’
83. Hayes
Hayes is the anglicized form of ‘Ó hAodha’ referring to the ‘descendant of Aodh.’ The name Aodh comes from the Old Irish word ‘Aed,’ which means ‘fire.’
84. Healy
It is the anglicized form of ‘O’Healy’ referring to a ‘descendant of the claimant.’
85. Higgins
Higgins is the anglicized form of ‘Ó hUiginn’ that means ‘descendant of Uiginn.’ Uiginn means a ‘viking.’
86. Hogan
This Irish surname is an anglicized form of ‘Ó hÓgáin’ meaning a ‘descendant of Ogan.’ The name ‘Ogan’ is derived from the Irish word ‘Og’ which means ‘young.’
87. Hughes
It is one of the most popular last names that start with h. It is an anglicized form of ‘Mac Aodha’ referring to ‘son of Aodh.’ The name ‘Aodh’ is derived from ‘Aed,’ an Old Irish word for ‘fire.’
88. Ivers
Ivers is a patronymic surname derived from the Old Norse name ‘Ivarr’ referring to a ‘warrior.’
89. Kane
Kane is the anglicized form of ‘O’Kane’ or ‘O Cathain’ referring to a ‘battle.’
90. Kavanagh
It is derived from the Gaelic name ‘Caomhánach’ referring to ‘students or disciples of Saint Caomhan,’ who was a 6th-century Irish saint.
91. Kearney
Kearney is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Ceithearnaigh’ that refers to a ‘descendant of Ceithearnach.’ ‘Ceithearnach’ is the Middle Irish word for ‘warrior’ or ‘leader of a warrior group.’
92. Kelly
Kelly is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Ceallaig’ that means the ‘descendant of Ceallach.’ The word ‘Ceallach’ refers to ‘bright-headed.’
93. Kennedy
It is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Cinnéidigh’ which means ‘descendant of Cennetig.’ ‘Cennetig’ is an Old Irish word referring to an ‘armored head’ or ‘misshapen head.’
94. Kilduff
Kilduff is the anglicized form of ‘Mac GiollaDhuibh’ referring to the ‘son of the black-haired man.’
95. Lennon
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Leannáin’ meaning a ‘descendant of Leannan.’ Leannan means ‘lover.’
96. Lynch
This Irish surname is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Loingsigh’ that means ‘descendant of Loingseach.’ It is an occupational surname referring to a ‘mariner.’
97. Mac Alastair
It is derived from the Gaelic word ‘McAlister’ referring to a ‘son of Alistair. The name Alistair is derived from ‘Alexander,’ which means ‘defending men.’
98. Mac Amhalghaidh
It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name ‘Mac Amhalghaidh’ referring to ‘son of Amhalghadh.’ ‘Amhalghadh’ is an Old Gaelic word of unknown origin.
99. Mac an Aba
It is the Gaelic form of the name ‘McNab,’ which means ‘son of the abbot.’ Abbot is a person who is the head of a monastery.
100. Mac an Bhaird
This name means ‘son of the bard.’
101. Mac an Ghoill
This Irish last name means ‘son of the foreigner’ or ‘son of the stranger.’ The word ‘Ghoill’ is derived from ‘Gill,’ which means a ‘foreigner’ or ‘stranger.’
102. Mac an tSagairt
This Irish surname means ‘son of the priest.’
103. MacAodha
This is a patronymic Irish surname referring to the ‘son of Aodha.’ ‘Aodha’ is derived from ‘Aed’ – the Old Irish word for ‘fire.’
104. MacAodhagain
It refers to ‘descendant of Aodhagan.’ The word ‘Aodhagan’ is a diminutive version of ‘Aodha’ or ‘Aed.’
105. MacBranain
It means ‘son of Bran’ where ‘Bran’ is the Irish word for ‘raven.’
106. MacBride
It is an anglicized form of ‘Mac GiollaBhrighde’ referring to the ‘son of the servant of Brighid.’ The name ‘Brighid’ is derived from Bridget, meaning the ‘exalted one.’
107. MacCaba
This Irish surname refers to ‘son of Caba’ where ‘Caba’ means ‘cape.’
108. MacCailin
It means ‘son of Cailean’ and ‘Cailean’ refers to a ‘whelp’ or ‘young dog.’
109. MacCarrick
This Irish surname refers to the ‘son of Cucharraige.’ The word Cucharraige is the combination of ‘cu’ meaning a ‘hound’ and ‘carraig’ meaning a ‘rock.’
110. MacCarthy
MacCarthy refers to a ‘son of Carthach’ and Carthach means ‘loving.’
111. MacCleirich
It is a patronymic Irish surname referring to ‘son of a clerk.’
112. MacClellan
This Irish surname is a variant of ‘McClelland,’ which is the anglicized form of ‘Mac GiollaFhaolain’ referring to the ‘son of the servant of Faolan.’ Faolan is derived from the Gaelic word ‘fael’ that means ‘little wolf.’
113. MacDhuibhinse
It refers to ‘son of Dhuibhinse’ where ‘Dhuibhinse’ means ‘black island.’
114. Murdock
It is derived from ‘Murchadh,’ which means ‘sea warrior.’
115. Murphy
It is an anglicized version of ‘Ó Murchadha’ referring to ‘descendant of Murchadh.’ Murchadh means ‘sea warrior.’
116. Murray
An anglicized form of ‘Ó Muireadhaigh’ means ‘descendant of Muireadhach.’ Muireadhach is a variant of ‘Muiredach’ referring to ‘lord’ in Irish.
117. Neil
It is derived from the Gaelic word ‘Niall’ that is considered to have multiple meanings, namely ‘champion,’ ‘cloud’ or ‘passionate.’
118. Nolan
It is an anglicized version of ‘Ó Nuallain’ referring to ‘descendant of Nuallan.’ Nuallan means ‘noble’ or ‘famous.’
119. O’Brien
It originates from ‘Ó Briain,’ which means ‘descendant of Brian.’ Brian means ‘high’ or ‘noble.’
120. O’Callaghan
It is derived from ‘Ó Ceallachain’ that means ‘descendant of Ceallachan.’ The word ‘Ceallachan’ refers to ‘bright-headed.’
121. Ó Caoimhain
It means ‘descendant of Caoimhain.’ Caoimhain is derived from ‘Caomhan’ who was an Irish saint from the 6th century.
122. O’Connell
It means ‘descendant of Conall.’ Conall is a Gaelic word for ‘strong wolf.’
123. O’Connor
It is a variant of ‘Ó Conchobhair.’
124. O’Deorain
This Irish surname refers to ‘descendant of Deoradhan.’ Deoradhan means ‘exile’ or ‘wanderer.’
125. O’Donnell
It is the anglicized variant of ‘Ó Domhnaill’ which means ‘descendant of Domhnall.’ Domhnall is the Gaelic version of the phrase ‘ruler of the world.’
126. Ó Dubhthaigh
The name refers to a ‘descendant of Dubhthach.’ Dubhthach is the Old Irish term for the ‘black one’ or ‘someone who is black or dark-skinned.’
127. O Faolain
It refers to a ‘descendant of Faolan.’ Faolan is derived from the Gaelic word ‘fael,’ which means ‘little wolf.’
128. O hicidhe
This Irish surname means ‘descendant of the healer.’
129. O Leary
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Laoghaire’ referring to a ‘descendant of Laoghaire’ or ‘descendant of Loegaire.’ ‘Laoghaire’ or ‘Loegaire’ means a ‘calf-herder.’
130. O Madaidhin
It means ‘descendant of Madaihin.’ The word ‘Madaihin’ originates from ‘madadh’ meaning a ‘dog’ or ‘mastiff’ – a breed of dogs.
131. O’Neill
It is one of the common last names that start with o. This surname refers to ‘descendant of Neil.’ The name Neil comes from ‘Niall,’ a Gaelic word with several meanings, namely ‘cloud,’ ‘champion,’ or ‘passionate.’
132. O’Reilly
It is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Raghailligh’ which means ‘descendant of Raghailligh.’ ‘Raghailligh’ is an Old Irish word of unknown meaning.
133. Orman
Orman is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Ruaidh’ referring to ‘descendant of Ruadh.’ Ruadh is derived from the Gaelic word that means ‘red.’
134. O’Shea
It is the anglicized version of ‘Ó Séaghdha’ meaning a ‘descendant of Seaghdha.’ The name means ‘esteemed’ or the ‘majestic one’ in Gaelic.
135. O’Sioda
This name refers to ‘descendant of Sioda’ where ‘Sioda’ means ‘silk.’
136. Power
This is a locational surname derived from the Old French word ‘Poier’ that likely referred to people who originated from the town called Poix in the Picardy region of France.
137. Quinn
It is an anglicized version of ‘Ó Cuinn’ that means ‘descendant of Conn.’ Conn refers to a ‘chief’ in Gaelic.
138. Regan
Regan is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Ríagáin’ meaning ‘descendant of Riagan.’ The name ‘Riagan’ is derived from ‘Ríodhgach,’ which means ‘impulsive.’
139. Rinne
It is an anglicized form of ‘O Rinn’ referring to ‘descendant of Rinn’ where ‘Rinn’ means a ‘star’ in Irish.
140. Ryan
This Irish surname is an anglicized version of ‘Ó Riain’ meaning ‘descendant of Rian.’ Rian refers to ‘little king.’
141. Scully
Scully is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Scolaidhe’ referring to a ‘descendant of a scholar.’
142. Sheehy
It is an anglicized version of ‘Sítheach’ that means ‘peaceful’ or ‘mysterious’ in Gaelic.
143. Sloan
Sloan is the anglicized form of ‘Sluaghadhan,’ which is an Old Irish word for ‘raid.’
144. Sullivan
It is one of the trendy last names that start with s. It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Súileabháin,’ meaning ‘descendant of Suileabhan.’ The name ‘Suileabhan’ refers to the phrase ‘little dark eye.’
145. Tighe
It is an anglicized form of ‘O Taidhg,’ and the name means ‘poet.’
146. Toole
This Irish surname is the anglicized form of ‘Ó Tuathail’ meaning a ‘descendant of Tuathal.’ Tuathal refers to ‘ruler of the people.’
147. Vincent
It is an anglicized form of ‘Mac Dhuibhinse’ referring to ‘son of Dhuibhinse.’ The word ‘Dhuibhinse’ refers to a ‘black island.’
148. Walsh
This name is derived from the Old English word ‘Waelisc’ that refers to ‘foreigner’ or ‘stranger.’
149. Ward
Ward is the anglicized form of ‘Mac an Bhaird’ that means ‘son of the bard.’
150. Whelan
It is an anglicized form of ‘Ó Faoláin’ referring to ‘descendant of Faolan.’ The name Faolan is derived from ‘fael’ which refers to ‘little wolf.’
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do Irish surnames work?
Irish surnames are mostly patronymic. They may include the prefix “Mc” or “Mac,” which means “son of,” followed by the father’s name. Irish surnames are usually of Gaelic origin and may be inspired by the traits of an individual.
2. When did Irish surnames begin?
Ireland was one of the first European countries to have adopted surnames to differentiate a family’s lineage. Surnames in Ireland began as early as the 900s. While the other European surnames were mostly habitational, Irish surnames prioritized the patronymic system (1).
3. Why do Irish surnames have O?
In Irish, surnames with the prefix “O” often indicate a lineage or family association. The “O” is derived from the Gaelic word “ua,” meaning “descendant” or “grandson.” These O’ surnames began during the 11th century.
4. Are there any unique characteristics of Irish last names compared to other cultures?
Irish surnames include prefixes like “O,” “Mc,” or “Mac” (meaning “grandson” or “son of”), indicating lineage or family connections. Irish surnames often vary due to regional dialects and different spelling conventions. Some Irish last names are associated with specific clans or septs, extended family groups. These associations can provide insights into ancestral ties and connections.
5. How do Irish last names differ between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?
Irish last names can differ between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland due to historical, cultural, and demographic factors. In Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, there may be a significant influence of Scottish and English surnames. In contrast, the Republic of Ireland predominantly features native Irish surnames, reflecting a stronger connection to Gaelic heritage.
6. What is the tradition of using clan names in Irish last names, and is it still practiced today?
The tradition of using clan names in Irish last names dates back to ancient times and is known as the patronymic naming system. This tradition served as a way to identify familial connections and lineages within Irish society. In the second half of the 20th century, modern Irish clan societies were established. Today, these groups exist not only in Ireland but also in numerous other locations worldwide.
Most Irish surnames are derived from their ancestors’ names; however, a few are patronymic or topographic. Many of the surnames in use today are anglicized versions of traditional names that have been shortened. Some of the famous Irish surnames have evolved and spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world. Knowing these surnames can also give you a deeper insight into Irish people and their ancestors.
Infographic: Common Irish Surnames Or Family Names
Just like Irish coffee is famous worldwide, Irish surnames are also popular. If you are interested in Irish culture or even otherwise, we suggest you read the following infographic to learn about popular Irish family names. You can also share them with your friends and family members if they wish to know the same. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Popular Irish Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
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