Irish Gaelic Surnames: A Comprehensive Guide

Delving into the world of Irish Gaelic surnames reveals a rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition. These surnames, often passed down through generations, provide a window into the lives and origins of the Irish people. Explore the captivating meanings and origins behind these evocative names.
1. **Ó Briain:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," this surname is a common one in Ireland, often associated with the legendary King Brian Boru.
2. **Ó Neill:** Meaning "descendant of Niall," this surname is another prominent one in Ireland, with the Ó Neill clan being one of the most powerful in the country.
3. **Ó Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Connor dynasty, known for their prominence in Irish history.
4. **Ó Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallaigh," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Reilly clan, a prominent force in the ancient Irish kingdom of Breifne.
5. **Ó Callaghan:** Meaning "descendant of Callaghan," this surname is linked to a prominent Irish clan with a long and distinguished history.
6. **Ó Doherty:** Meaning "descendant of Docherty," this surname is associated with the O'Doherty clan, known for their strong presence in County Donegal.
7. **Ó Sullivan:** Meaning "descendant of Suibhne," this surname is associated with the O'Sullivan clan, a prominent group in the south of Ireland.
8. **Ó Malley:** Meaning "descendant of Maol Muire," this surname is linked to the O'Malley clan, a powerful family known for their seafaring prowess.
9. **Ó Grady:** Meaning "descendant of Gráinne," this surname is associated with the O'Grady clan, a prominent group in County Limerick.
10. **Ó Maolchonáin:** Meaning "descendant of Maolchonaire," this surname is linked to the O'Maolconaire clan, a group known for their historical prominence in the County Galway area.
11. **Ó'Cearbhaill:** Meaning "descendant of Cearbhall," this surname is associated with the O'Cearbhaill clan, a powerful group with a long history in Ireland.
12. **Ó'Clery:** Meaning "descendant of Cléirigh," this surname is associated with the O'Clery clan, a family known for their contributions to Irish literature and history.
13. **Ó'Hanrahan:** Meaning "descendant of Hanrahan," this surname is linked to the O'Hanrahan clan, a group prominent in County Tipperary.
14. **Ó'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," this surname is one of the most common in Ireland, often associated with the legendary King Brian Boru.
15. **Ó'Driscoll:** Meaning "descendant of Diarmaid," this surname is associated with the O'Driscoll clan, a group with a strong presence in County Cork.
16. **Ó'Flaherty:** Meaning "descendant of Flaithbheartach," this surname is linked to the O'Flaherty clan, a powerful family known for their historical prominence in County Galway.
17. **Ó'Kelly:** Meaning "descendant of Ceallach," this surname is associated with the O'Kelly clan, a prominent group in County Galway.
18. **Ó'Loughlin:** Meaning "descendant of Lochlainn," this surname is linked to the O'Loughlin clan, a powerful family known for their historical prominence in County Meath.
19. **Ó'Nolan:** Meaning "descendant of Nualláin," this surname is associated with the O'Nolan clan, a group known for their strong presence in County Offaly.
20. **Ó'Murchadha:** Meaning "descendant of Murchad," this surname is linked to the O'Murchadha clan, a powerful family known for their historical prominence in County Cork.
21. **Ó'Rourke:** Meaning "descendant of Ruairc," this surname is associated with the O'Rourke clan, a group known for their strong presence in County Leitrim.
22. **Ó'Shaughnessy:** Meaning "descendant of Seán Ó Seaghaidh," this surname is linked to the O'Shaughnessy clan, a prominent group in County Galway.
23. **Ó'Toole:** Meaning "descendant of Tuathal," this surname is associated with the O'Toole clan, a group known for their strong presence in County Wicklow.
24. **Ó'Donnell:** Meaning "descendant of Donnchadh," this surname is linked to the O'Donnell clan, a powerful family known for their historical prominence in County Donegal.
25. **Ó'Dwyer:** Meaning "descendant of Dubhghall," this surname is associated with the O'Dwyer clan, a group known for their strong presence in County Tipperary.
26. **Ó'Higgins:** Meaning "descendant of Aodh," this surname is linked to the O'Higgins clan, a prominent group in County Kildare.
27. **Ó'Meara:** Meaning "descendant of Amhlaoibh," this surname is associated with the O'Meara clan, a group known for their strong presence in County Tipperary.
28. **Ó'Neill:** Meaning "descendant of Niall," this surname is another prominent one in Ireland, with the Ó Neill clan being one of the most powerful in the country.
29. **Ó'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Connor dynasty, known for their prominence in Irish history.
30. **Ó'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallaigh," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Reilly clan, a prominent force in the ancient Irish kingdom of Breifne.
31. **Ó'Callaghan:** Meaning "descendant of Callaghan," this surname is linked to a prominent Irish clan with a long and distinguished history.
32. **Ó'Doherty:** Meaning "descendant of Docherty," this surname is associated with the O'Doherty clan, known for their strong presence in County Donegal.
33. **Ó'Sullivan:** Meaning "descendant of Suibhne," this surname is associated with the O'Sullivan clan, a prominent group in the south of Ireland.
34. **Ó'Malley:** Meaning "descendant of Maol Muire," this surname is linked to the O'Malley clan, a powerful family known for their seafaring prowess.
35. **Ó'Grady:** Meaning "descendant of Gráinne," this surname is associated with the O'Grady clan, a prominent group in County Limerick.
36. **Ó'Maolchonáin:** Meaning "descendant of Maolchonaire," this surname is linked to the O'Maolconaire clan, a group known for their historical prominence in the County Galway area.
37. **Ó'Cearbhaill:** Meaning "descendant of Cearbhall," this surname is associated with the O'Cearbhaill clan, a powerful group with a long history in Ireland.
38. **Ó'Clery:** Meaning "descendant of Cléirigh," this surname is associated with the O'Clery clan, a family known for their contributions to Irish literature and history.
39. **Ó'Hanrahan:** Meaning "descendant of Hanrahan," this surname is linked to the O'Hanrahan clan, a group prominent in County Tipperary.
40. **Ó'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," this surname is one of the most common in Ireland, often associated with the legendary King Brian Boru.