Most Popular Irish Last Names: A Guide to Common Irish Surnames

Looking for the most popular Irish last names? This comprehensive guide explores the origins and meanings of some of the most common surnames found in Ireland and around the world. Discover the rich history and cultural significance behind these enduring names, offering insights into the diverse tapestry of Irish heritage.
1. **Murphy:** Meaning "sea warrior" or "descendant of Murchadh," a Gaelic warrior king. This surname is the most common in Ireland and reflects the island's historical ties to the sea and its warrior culture.

2. **Kelly:** Meaning "descendant of Ceallach," a Gaelic king known for his wisdom and bravery. This surname is associated with the O'Kelly clan, prominent in County Galway.

3. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a legendary Gaelic king who united Ireland. This surname reflects the powerful lineage of the O'Brien dynasty, one of the most influential families in Irish history.

4. **Ryan:** Meaning "descendant of Ríon," a Gaelic king known for his strength and leadership. This surname is closely linked to the O'Ryan clan, a prominent family in County Tipperary.

5. **Walsh:** Meaning "foreigner" or "Welshman," this surname suggests a historical connection to the Welsh people. The Walsh family is believed to have settled in Ireland during the Norman invasion.

6. **Power:** Meaning "descendant of Poirtéar," a Gaelic name meaning "doorkeeper" or "gatekeeper." This surname implies a role of protection and authority.

7. **Nolan:** Meaning "champion" or "descendant of Niall," a prominent Gaelic king. This surname signifies strength and leadership.

8. **O'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," a legendary Gaelic king who ruled the province of Connacht. This surname carries a legacy of leadership and power.

9. **O'Neill:** Meaning "descendant of Niall," a Gaelic king who established the Kingdom of Ulster. This surname is associated with the O'Neill dynasty, one of the most powerful families in Irish history.

10. **McCarthy:** Meaning "descendant of Carthach," a Gaelic saint and king. This surname reflects a connection to the powerful McCarthy dynasty, prominent in Munster.

11. **O'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallaigh," a Gaelic name meaning "fiery king." This surname signifies strength and courage.

12. **Doyle:** Meaning "descendant of Dómhnallach," a Gaelic name meaning "black," possibly referring to dark hair or complexion. This surname is associated with the O'Doyle clan, prominent in County Wicklow.

13. **Kennedy:** Meaning "descendant of Cennedigh," a Gaelic name meaning "handsome" or "comely." This surname has strong roots in County Kerry.

14. **O'Sullivan:** Meaning "descendant of Súilleabháin," a Gaelic name meaning "black-eyed." This surname is associated with the O'Sullivan dynasty, a powerful family in Munster.

15. **Fitzgerald:** Meaning "son of Gerald," a Norman-Irish name. This surname reflects the influence of Norman settlers on Irish society.

16. **Byrne:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a Gaelic name meaning "noble" or "strong." This surname is associated with the O'Byrne clan, prominent in County Wicklow.

17. **Brennan:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a Gaelic name meaning "noble" or "strong." This surname is associated with the O'Brennan clan, prominent in County Kilkenny.

18. **O'Callaghan:** Meaning "descendant of Cathal," a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "brave." This surname is associated with the O'Callaghan dynasty, a powerful family in Munster.

19. **Lynch:** Meaning "descendant of Lochlainn," a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "brave." This surname is associated with the O'Lynch clan, prominent in County Galway.

20. **Barrett:** Meaning "descendant of Barrad," a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "brave." This surname is associated with the O'Barrett clan, prominent in County Cork.

21. **O'Malley:** Meaning "descendant of Maolmhuaidh," a Gaelic name meaning "bald head." This surname is associated with the O'Malley dynasty, a powerful family in County Mayo.

22. **O'Shea:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Séaghdha," a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the hawk." This surname is associated with the O'Shea clan, prominent in County Kerry.

23. **O'Toole:** Meaning "descendant of Tuathail," a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "brave." This surname is associated with the O'Toole dynasty, a powerful family in Leinster.

24. **O'Hara:** Meaning "descendant of O'Hara," a Gaelic name meaning "fiery" or "strong." This surname is associated with the O'Hara clan, prominent in County Sligo.

25. **Mahoney:** Meaning "descendant of MacAonghusa," a Gaelic name meaning "son of Angus." This surname is associated with the Mahoney clan, prominent in County Clare.

26. **Healy:** Meaning "descendant of Ó hÉalái," a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the healer." This surname reflects a connection to the medical profession.

27. **O'Donnell:** Meaning "descendant of Domhnall," a Gaelic name meaning "world ruler." This surname is associated with the O'Donnell dynasty, a powerful family in Ulster.

28. **O'Hanlon:** Meaning "descendant of O'Hanlon," a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the wolf." This surname signifies strength and courage.

29. **O'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," a legendary Gaelic king who ruled the province of Connacht. This surname carries a legacy of leadership and power.

30. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a legendary Gaelic king who united Ireland. This surname reflects the powerful lineage of the O'Brien dynasty, one of the most influential families in Irish history.

31. **McGovern:** Meaning "descendant of MacGabhann," a Gaelic name meaning "son of John." This surname is associated with the McGovern clan, prominent in County Fermanagh.

32. **O'Shaughnessy:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Seaghdha," a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the hawk." This surname is associated with the O'Shaughnessy clan, prominent in County Galway.

33. **O'Dowd:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Dubhda," a Gaelic name meaning "black lord." This surname is associated with the O'Dowd clan, prominent in County Sligo.

34. **O'Connell:** Meaning "descendant of Connell," a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the wolf." This surname is associated with the O'Connell clan, prominent in County Kerry.

35. **O'Carroll:** Meaning "descendant of Cathal," a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "brave." This surname is associated with the O'Carroll dynasty, a powerful family in Leinster.

36. **O'Farrell:** Meaning "descendant of Fearghal," a Gaelic name meaning "man of strength." This surname is associated with the O'Farrell clan, prominent in County Longford.

37. **O'Driscoll:** Meaning "descendant of Diarmait," a Gaelic name meaning "god-given." This surname is associated with the O'Driscoll clan, prominent in County Cork.

38. **O'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallaigh," a Gaelic name meaning "fiery king." This surname signifies strength and courage.

39. **O'Flynn:** Meaning "descendant of Flann," a Gaelic name meaning "red." This surname is associated with the O'Flynn clan, prominent in County Galway.

40. **O'Neill:** Meaning "descendant of Niall," a Gaelic king who established the Kingdom of Ulster. This surname is associated with the O'Neill dynasty, one of the most powerful families in Irish history.