Irish common last names: Popular Surnames of Ireland

Looking for information on Irish common last names? Explore the rich history and cultural significance behind some of the most prevalent surnames in Ireland, providing a glimpse into the country's diverse heritage.
1. Murphy: This popular surname originates from the Gaelic "Murchadh," meaning "sea warrior" or "sea defender." The Murphy clan is believed to have originated in County Cork and spread throughout Ireland.
2. Kelly: Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Ceallaigh," meaning "descendant of Ceallach," a name associated with strength and vigor. The Kelly family name is prominent in counties such as Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon.
3. O'Brien: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Briain," meaning "descendant of Brian," a powerful name linked to kings and warriors. The O'Brien clan has a long and distinguished history in Ireland, particularly in Munster.
4. Byrne: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Beirn," meaning "descendant of Beirn," a name of unknown meaning. The Byrne family is primarily found in Leinster, particularly in counties such as Wicklow and Wexford.
5. Ryan: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Riain," meaning "descendant of Rian," a name of unknown meaning. The Ryan clan is prominent in Munster, particularly in counties such as Tipperary and Limerick.
6. O'Connell: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Conchobhair," meaning "descendant of Conchobhair," a name associated with leadership and strength. The O'Connell clan is primarily found in Munster, particularly in County Kerry.
7. O'Neill: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Néill," meaning "descendant of Niall," a powerful name linked to kings and warriors. The O'Neill clan has a long and distinguished history in Ireland, particularly in Ulster.
8. Walsh: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Fallamhain," meaning "descendant of Fallamhain," a name of unknown meaning. The Walsh family is primarily found in Leinster, particularly in counties such as Kildare and Carlow.
9. O'Connor: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Conchobhair," meaning "descendant of Conchobhair," a name associated with leadership and strength. The O'Connor clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in counties such as Galway and Mayo.
10. O'Sullivan: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Súilleabháin," meaning "descendant of Súilleabháin," a name of unknown meaning. The O'Sullivan clan is primarily found in Munster, particularly in counties such as Cork and Kerry.
11. Smith: This surname is a common occupational name, meaning "blacksmith." The Smith family name is found throughout Ireland, though it is particularly prevalent in Ulster.
12. Davis: This surname is an Anglicized version of the Welsh surname "Davies," meaning "son of David." The Davis family name is found throughout Ireland, though it is particularly prevalent in Leinster.
13. Brennan: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Braonáin," meaning "descendant of Braonán," a name meaning "little raven." The Brennan clan is primarily found in Leinster, particularly in counties such as Laois and Offaly.
14. Nolan: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Nualláin," meaning "descendant of Nuallán," a name meaning "bright" or "famous." The Nolan family is primarily found in Leinster, particularly in counties such as Kildare and Westmeath.
15. McDonagh: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Mac Dónaill," meaning "son of Donal," a name meaning "dark" or "world ruler." The McDonagh clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in counties such as Galway and Roscommon.
16. Maguire: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Mac Uidhir," meaning "son of Uidhir," a name of unknown meaning. The Maguire clan is primarily found in Ulster, particularly in County Fermanagh.
17. McDermott: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Mac Diarmada," meaning "son of Diarmaid," a name meaning "exalted" or "powerful." The McDermott clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in counties such as Sligo and Leitrim.
18. Flynn: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Floinn," meaning "descendant of Floinn," a name meaning "red" or "ruddy." The Flynn clan is primarily found in Leinster, particularly in counties such as Dublin and Kildare.
19. Doyle: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Dubhghaill," meaning "descendant of Dubhghaill," a name meaning "dark foreigner." The Doyle family is primarily found in Leinster, particularly in counties such as Carlow and Wicklow.
20. Gallagher: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Gallchóir," meaning "descendant of Gallchóir," a name meaning "foreigner." The Gallagher clan is primarily found in Ulster, particularly in counties such as Donegal and Derry.
21. O'Reilly: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Raghallaigh," meaning "descendant of Raghallach," a name of unknown meaning. The O'Reilly clan is primarily found in Ulster, particularly in County Cavan.
22. Reilly: This surname is a variation of "O'Reilly."
23. O'Toole: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Tuathail," meaning "descendant of Tuathail," a name meaning "leader" or "king." The O'Toole clan is primarily found in Leinster, particularly in County Wicklow.
24. O'Shaughnessy: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Seaghdha," meaning "descendant of Seaghdha," a name meaning "victorious" or "strong." The O'Shaughnessy clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in counties such as Galway and Mayo.
25. O'Rourke: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Ruairc," meaning "descendant of Ruairc," a name meaning "red" or "ruddy." The O'Rourke clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in County Leitrim.
26. O'Malley: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Máille," meaning "descendant of Máille," a name meaning "commander" or "chieftain." The O'Malley clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in County Galway.
27. O'Hara: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó hEára," meaning "descendant of hEára," a name meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." The O'Hara clan is primarily found in Ulster, particularly in counties such as Fermanagh and Cavan.
28. O'Carroll: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Cearbhaill," meaning "descendant of Cearbhaill," a name meaning "dark-haired" or "dark complexioned." The O'Carroll clan is primarily found in Leinster, particularly in counties such as Laois and Offaly.
29. O'Doherty: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Dochartaigh," meaning "descendant of Dochartaigh," a name meaning "warrior" or "fighter." The O'Doherty clan is primarily found in Ulster, particularly in County Donegal.
30. O'Callaghan: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Collagháin," meaning "descendant of Collaghán," a name of unknown meaning. The O'Callaghan clan is primarily found in Munster, particularly in counties such as Cork and Kerry.
31. O'Hanrahan: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó hAnrachain," meaning "descendant of hAnrachain," a name meaning "ruler" or "chieftain." The O'Hanrahan clan is primarily found in Munster, particularly in County Tipperary.
32. O'Meara: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Méara," meaning "descendant of Méara," a name meaning "great" or "noble." The O'Meara clan is primarily found in Munster, particularly in counties such as Tipperary and Limerick.
33. O'Connor: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Conchobhair," meaning "descendant of Conchobhair," a name associated with leadership and strength. The O'Connor clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in counties such as Galway and Mayo.
34. O'Malley: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Máille," meaning "descendant of Máille," a name meaning "commander" or "chieftain." The O'Malley clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in County Galway.
35. O'Grady: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Grádaigh," meaning "descendant of Grádaigh," a name meaning "love" or "affection." The O'Grady clan is primarily found in Munster, particularly in counties such as Limerick and Tipperary.
36. O'Shaughnessy: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Seaghdha," meaning "descendant of Seaghdha," a name meaning "victorious" or "strong." The O'Shaughnessy clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in counties such as Galway and Mayo.
37. O'Donohue: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Donnchadha," meaning "descendant of Donnchadh," a name meaning "dark" or "world ruler." The O'Donohue clan is primarily found in Munster, particularly in counties such as Kerry and Cork.
38. O'Dowd: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Dubhda," meaning "descendant of Dubhda," a name meaning "dark" or "black." The O'Dowd clan is primarily found in Connacht, particularly in counties such as Sligo and Mayo.
39. O'Dea: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Deaghaidh," meaning "descendant of Deaghaidh," a name of unknown meaning. The O'Dea clan is primarily found in Munster, particularly in counties such as Clare and Galway.
40. O'Brien: This surname originates from the Gaelic "Ó Briain," meaning "descendant of Brian," a powerful name linked to kings and warriors. The O'Brien clan has a long and distinguished history in Ireland, particularly in Munster.