Irish Last Names: A Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Are you curious about the origins and meanings behind Irish last names? Ireland's rich history and culture are reflected in its surnames, offering a window into the lives of ancestors and the unique characteristics of their families. This comprehensive list explores the fascinating stories behind some of the most common and unique Irish last names, providing insights into their historical significance and the qualities they represent. From traditional Gaelic roots to Anglicized variations, this guide will help you delve deeper into the fascinating world of Irish surnames.
1. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a popular Irish name meaning "strong" or "noble."
2. **Murphy:** From the Gaelic "Murchadh," meaning "sea warrior."
3. **Kelly:** Derived from the Gaelic "Caoileán," meaning "slender" or "handsome."
4. **Ryan:** From the Gaelic "Ríain," meaning "little king."
5. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Connor, meaning "lover of hounds."
6. **Walsh:** From the Gaelic "Uaisleach," meaning "noble" or "gentle."
7. **McCarthy:** Descendant of Carthaigh, meaning "loving."
8. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall, meaning "champion."
9. **Power:** From the Gaelic "Púdar," meaning "strong" or "powerful."
10. **Doyle:** From the Gaelic "Dubhghall," meaning "black stranger."
11. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Ríghle, meaning "king."
12. **O'Sullivan:** Descendant of Suibhne, meaning "good" or "handsome."
13. **Fitzgerald:** From the Norman-French "FitzGerald," meaning "son of Gerald."
14. **O'Donnell:** Descendant of Donnchadh, meaning "dark-haired."
15. **Nolan:** From the Gaelic "Nualán," meaning "little champion."
16. **Kennedy:** From the Gaelic "Cinnéide," meaning "fiery" or "handsome."
17. **O'Shea:** Descendant of Séamus, meaning "supplanter."
18. **Burke:** From the Gaelic "de Burca," meaning "man of the fort."
19. **Quinn:** From the Gaelic "Cúinn," meaning "wolf."
20. **O'Callaghan:** Descendant of Calbhach, meaning "bald."
21. **Lynch:** From the Gaelic "Ó Lionáin," meaning "descendant of the lion."
22. **O'Toole:** Descendant of Tuathail, meaning "warrior."
23. **Doherty:** From the Gaelic "Ó Dochartaigh," meaning "descendant of Dochartach."
24. **Farrell:** From the Gaelic "Fearghall," meaning "brave" or "strong."
25. **O'Malley:** Descendant of Máel Muire, meaning "devotee of Mary."
26. **O'Rourke:** Descendant of Ruairc, meaning "red."
27. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong" or "noble."
28. **O'Hara:** Descendant of Ó hAodha, meaning "descendant of Aodh."
29. **Hickey:** From the Gaelic "Ó hIcí," meaning "descendant of Icí."
30. **Gallagher:** From the Gaelic "Ó Gallchóir," meaning "descendant of Gallchóir."
31. **Healy:** From the Gaelic "Ó hÉalaí," meaning "descendant of Éalaí."
32. **O'Shaughnessy:** Descendant of Seaghán, meaning "God is gracious."
33. **Connolly:** From the Gaelic "Ó Conaill," meaning "descendant of Conall."
34. **O'Doherty:** Descendant of Dochartach, meaning "brave."
35. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Ríghle, meaning "king."
36. **O'Hanlon:** Descendant of Anluan, meaning "vigilant."
37. **O'Flaherty:** Descendant of Flaithbheartach, meaning "noble ruler."
38. **Maher:** From the Gaelic "Mac Maoláin," meaning "son of the bald one."
39. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong" or "noble."
40. **O'Connell:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "lover of hounds."