Irish Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Meanings and Origins

Looking for a unique and meaningful name? Irish last names, steeped in history and tradition, offer a rich tapestry of origins and meanings. From ancient Gaelic roots to Norman influences, these surnames paint a vivid picture of the Emerald Isle's past. This comprehensive list delves into the etymology and significance behind some of the most common and intriguing Irish last names, providing insights into their historical context and cultural relevance.
1. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a powerful and influential Irish king.
2. **Murphy:** Descendant of Murchadh, meaning "sea warrior" or "sea defender".
3. **Kelly:** Descendant of Caoilte, a legendary warrior and poet in Irish mythology.
4. **Ryan:** Descendant of Ríain, meaning "little king" or "kinglet".
5. **Walsh:** Descendant of Uallachán, meaning "proud" or "noble".
6. **O'Connell:** Descendant of Conchobhair, an ancient Irish king.
7. **Burke:** Descendant of Mac William Burke, a Norman family who settled in Ireland.
8. **Fitzgerald:** Descendant of Gerald, a Norman-Irish family name.
9. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary Irish high king.
10. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhair, an ancient Irish king.
11. **Nolan:** Descendant of Nuallán, meaning "champion" or "warrior".
12. **Doyle:** Descendant of Dubhghall, meaning "dark foreigner".
13. **McCarthy:** Descendant of Carthach, meaning "lover" or "beloved".
14. **McMahon:** Descendant of Maolmhór, meaning "bald great".
15. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallach, meaning "very strong".
16. **O'Shaughnessy:** Descendant of Seán Ó Séaghdha, meaning "John son of the blacksmith".
17. **O'Malley:** Descendant of Maolmhór, meaning "bald great".
18. **O'Toole:** Descendant of Tuathal, meaning "people" or "nation".
19. **O'Donovan:** Descendant of Donnchadh, meaning "dark warrior".
20. **O'Carroll:** Descendant of Carroll, meaning "brave" or "strong".
21. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a powerful and influential Irish king.
22. **O'Sullivan:** Descendant of Suibhne, meaning "good, kind".
23. **O'Donnell:** Descendant of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler".
24. **O'Rourke:** Descendant of Ruaidhrí, meaning "red king".
25. **O'Hanrahan:** Descendant of Eoin, meaning "John".
26. **O'Callaghan:** Descendant of Caollachán, meaning "bald".
27. **O'Meara:** Descendant of Meadhbh, meaning "queen".
28. **O'Doherty:** Descendant of Doirthe, meaning "oak".
29. **O'Flaherty:** Descendant of Flaithbheartach, meaning "noble leader".
30. **O'Grady:** Descendant of Gráinne, meaning "beautiful" or "queen".
31. **O'Boyle:** Descendant of Buadhachán, meaning "victorious".
32. **O'Hara:** Descendant of Áth, meaning "ford".
33. **O'Farrell:** Descendant of Fearghal, meaning "brave warrior".
34. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallach, meaning "very strong".
35. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a powerful and influential Irish king.
36. **O'Malley:** Descendant of Maolmhór, meaning "bald great".
37. **O'Connell:** Descendant of Conchobhair, an ancient Irish king.
38. **O'Toole:** Descendant of Tuathal, meaning "people" or "nation".
39. **O'Donovan:** Descendant of Donnchadh, meaning "dark warrior".
40. **O'Carroll:** Descendant of Carroll, meaning "brave" or "strong".