Surnames in Irish: A Guide to Common Irish Last Names

Curious about the fascinating world of Irish surnames? Exploring these names offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and history of Ireland. From ancient Gaelic origins to modern adaptations, Irish surnames tell stories of families, clans, and the landscapes they called home. Let's delve into the captivating realm of these distinctive names.
1. **Ó Briain:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," this surname is derived from the legendary Irish High King Brian Boru. It is one of the most common Irish surnames and signifies a proud lineage.
2. **Murphy:** Originating from the Gaelic "Murchadh," meaning "sea warrior," Murphy is a widespread surname throughout Ireland, particularly in the south.
3. **Kelly:** With roots in the Gaelic "Ó Ceallaigh," meaning "descendant of the churchman," Kelly represents a connection to religious figures and communities.
4. **O'Connell:** Tracing back to the Gaelic "Ó Conchobhair," meaning "descendant of Conchobhair," this surname carries a strong sense of Irish history and leadership.
5. **O'Neill:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Néill," meaning "descendant of Niall," O'Neill is a prominent surname associated with the powerful O'Neill dynasty, prominent in Ulster.
6. **Ryan:** Originating from the Gaelic "Ó Riain," meaning "descendant of Rian," Ryan is a common Irish surname with a strong connection to the county of Tipperary.
7. **Walsh:** With roots in the Gaelic "Ó Faoileáin," meaning "descendant of the wolf," Walsh carries a sense of strength and resilience.
8. **O'Sullivan:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Súilleabháin," meaning "descendant of Súilleabháin," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Sullivan clan, prominent in Munster.
9. **O'Brien:** Similar to Ó Briain, this surname also signifies "descendant of Brian," a prominent name in Irish history.
10. **McCarthy:** Originating from the Gaelic "Mac Carthaigh," meaning "son of Carthach," McCarthy is a common Irish surname with connections to the powerful McCarthy clan in Munster.
11. **O'Connor:** Similar to O'Connell, this surname signifies "descendant of Conchobhair," a prominent name in Irish history.
12. **Nolan:** With roots in the Gaelic "Ó Nualláin," meaning "descendant of Nuallán," Nolan is a common Irish surname with a connection to the county of Laois.
13. **O'Reilly:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Raghallaigh," meaning "descendant of Raghallach," O'Reilly is a prominent surname associated with the powerful O'Reilly clan, prominent in Ulster.
14. **Flynn:** Originating from the Gaelic "Ó Floinn," meaning "descendant of Flann," Flynn is a common Irish surname with a strong connection to the county of Galway.
15. **O'Doherty:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Dochartaigh," meaning "descendant of Dochartach," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Doherty clan, prominent in Donegal.
16. **Smith:** A surname with English origins, Smith is common in Ireland and represents a historical occupation, indicating a person who worked with metal.
17. **Fitzgerald:** Of Norman origin, Fitzgerald means "son of Gerald," a name prominent in Irish history.
18. **O'Malley:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Máille," meaning "descendant of Máille," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Malley clan, prominent in Connacht.
19. **Doyle:** With roots in the Gaelic "Ó Dubhghaill," meaning "descendant of the dark stranger," Doyle carries a sense of mystery and intrigue.
20. **Power:** Originating from the Gaelic "Ó Buachalla," meaning "descendant of the herdsman," Power is a common Irish surname with a connection to the county of Waterford.
21. **Clarke:** A surname with English origins, Clarke is common in Ireland and represents a historical occupation, indicating a person who worked as a scribe or scholar.
22. **O'Shaughnessy:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Séaghdha," meaning "descendant of Séaghdha," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Shaughnessy clan, prominent in Connacht.
23. **Healy:** With roots in the Gaelic "Ó hÉalaí," meaning "descendant of Éal," Healy is a common Irish surname with a connection to the county of Cork.
24. **O'Rourke:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Ruairc," meaning "descendant of Ruairc," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Rourke clan, prominent in Connacht.
25. **O'Toole:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Tuathail," meaning "descendant of Tuathail," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Toole clan, prominent in Leinster.
26. **O'Hara:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó hEára," meaning "descendant of Eára," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Hara clan, prominent in Connacht.
27. **O'Donoghue:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Donnchú," meaning "descendant of Donnchú," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Donoghue clan, prominent in Munster.
28. **O'Malley:** Similar to the previous entry, this surname also signifies "descendant of Máille," a prominent name in Irish history.
29. **O'Brien:** Similar to the previous entry, this surname also signifies "descendant of Brian," a prominent name in Irish history.
30. **O'Connor:** Similar to the previous entry, this surname also signifies "descendant of Conchobhair," a prominent name in Irish history.
31. **McMahon:** Originating from the Gaelic "Mac Maoláin," meaning "son of Maolán," McMahon is a common Irish surname with connections to the powerful McMahon clan in Ulster.
32. **O'Higgins:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó hEachain," meaning "descendant of Eachain," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Higgins clan, prominent in Leinster.
33. **O'Connell:** Similar to the previous entry, this surname also signifies "descendant of Conchobhair," a prominent name in Irish history.
34. **O'Reilly:** Similar to the previous entry, this surname also signifies "descendant of Raghallach," a prominent name in Irish history.
35. **O'Toole:** Similar to the previous entry, this surname also signifies "descendant of Tuathail," a prominent name in Irish history.
36. **O'Hara:** Similar to the previous entry, this surname also signifies "descendant of Eára," a prominent name in Irish history.
37. **O'Driscoll:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Drísceoil," meaning "descendant of Drísceoil," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Driscoll clan, prominent in Munster.
38. **O'Callaghan:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Cadhlaigháin," meaning "descendant of Cadhlaigháin," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Callaghan clan, prominent in Munster.
39. **O'Flanagan:** Derived from the Gaelic "Ó Flanagáin," meaning "descendant of Flanagáin," this surname is associated with the powerful O'Flanagan clan, prominent in Munster.
40. **O'Reilly:** Similar to the previous entry, this surname also signifies "descendant of Raghallach," a prominent name in Irish history.