Common Irish Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for common Irish last names? This comprehensive guide explores the origins and meanings of some of the most prevalent surnames found in Ireland. From ancient Gaelic roots to Norman influences, these names offer a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Emerald Isle. Whether you're researching your family tree or simply interested in Irish culture, this list provides a fascinating exploration of common Irish last names.
1. **Murphy:** Meaning "sea warrior" or "descendant of Murchad", a popular Gaelic name. It's one of the most common Irish last names, likely due to its widespread use in various counties.
2. **Kelly:** Meaning "descendant of Ceallach", a Gaelic name that translates to "bright" or "warlike". It's another widely distributed surname, particularly in counties like Galway and Mayo.
3. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian", a powerful Gaelic king who unified Ireland in the 10th century. The O'Briens are a prominent clan with a rich history and strong presence in counties like Clare and Tipperary.
4. **Ryan:** Meaning "descendant of Ríain", a Gaelic name that signifies "little king". It's found throughout Ireland, with notable concentrations in counties like Tipperary and Kilkenny.
5. **Walsh:** Meaning "descendant of Uaithne", a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "vigorous". It's a common surname in counties like Carlow and Waterford, where the Walsh family held significant lands.
6. **O'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhair", a Gaelic name meaning "lover of hounds". It's a prominent clan with a significant presence in counties like Roscommon and Galway, where they served as High Kings of Ireland.
7. **O'Neill:** Meaning "descendant of Niall", a powerful Gaelic king who reigned in the 5th century. They ruled the Northern Province of Ulster and their name is still associated with that region.
8. **O'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallach", a Gaelic name meaning "fiery king". They held power in counties like Cavan and Monaghan and were a dominant clan in the ancient Irish province of Ulster.
9. **O'Sullivan:** Meaning "descendant of Suibhne", a Gaelic name that means "dark" or "swarthy". They are a prominent clan in counties like Kerry and Cork, known for their strong association with the Irish rebellion.
10. **Smith:** An Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Gòbhain", meaning "smith" or "craftsman". It's a common surname across Ireland, reflecting the importance of blacksmithing in historical communities.
11. **McCarthy:** Meaning "son of Carthaigh", a Gaelic name that means "lover of love" or "charioteer". They held significant power in counties like Cork and Kerry, forming a powerful clan with a strong presence in Irish history.
12. **Davis:** An Anglicized form of the Irish surname "Ó Dáibhéid", meaning "son of David", a Biblical name. It's found throughout Ireland, often associated with Anglo-Norman settlers.
13. **Burke:** An Anglicized form of the Norman surname "de Burgh", meaning "from the fort". They came to Ireland with the Norman invasion and established themselves as powerful lords in counties like Galway and Mayo.
14. **Nolan:** Meaning "descendant of Nuallán", a Gaelic name that means "bright" or "shining". It's a common surname in counties like Offaly and Laois, with a strong presence in the Leinster province.
15. **Fitzgerald:** A Norman surname meaning "son of Gerald". The Fitzgeralds were powerful lords in Ireland, with extensive lands in counties like Kildare and Waterford, and a significant role in Irish history.
16. **O'Donnell:** Meaning "descendant of Domhnall", a Gaelic name meaning "world ruler" or "universal king". They were a powerful clan with a significant presence in counties like Donegal and Tyrone, and their name remains associated with the north-west of Ireland.
17. **Power:** An Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Ó'Púdair", meaning "descendant of Púdar". It's a common surname in counties like Waterford and Kilkenny, and has a strong association with the Irish rebellion.
18. **Kennedy:** Meaning "descendant of Cinaed", a Gaelic name that means "fire" or "fiery". They were a prominent clan in counties like Wexford and Wicklow and are known for their involvement in Irish politics.
19. **Doyle:** Meaning "descendant of Dubhghall", a Gaelic name that means "black stranger" or "dark foreigner". It's a common surname in counties like Wicklow and Kildare, with a significant presence in the Leinster province.
20. **O'Toole:** Meaning "descendant of Tuathal", a Gaelic name meaning "people's king". They were a powerful clan who held sway over the territory of present-day Dublin, and their name remains associated with that region.
21. **Lynch:** Meaning "descendant of Lochlainn", a Gaelic name that means "sea warrior" or "from the lake". It's a common surname in counties like Galway and Mayo, with a strong association with the city of Galway.
22. **O'Shea:** Meaning "descendant of Ó'Séaghdha", a Gaelic name that means "descendant of Séaghdha". It's a common surname in counties like Kerry and Cork, with a strong association with the Irish rebellion.
23. **Moore:** An Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Ó Maoláin", meaning "descendant of Máolán", a name meaning "bald" or "shaven". It's a common surname across Ireland, with notable concentrations in counties like Dublin and Kildare.
24. **Mahoney:** Meaning "descendant of Mághnú", a Gaelic name meaning "mighty" or "strong". It's a common surname in counties like Galway and Clare, with a strong presence in the Connacht province.
25. **Higgins:** An Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Ó hUiginn", meaning "descendant of Uiginn". It's a common surname across Ireland, with notable concentrations in counties like Dublin and Wicklow.
26. **O'Malley:** Meaning "descendant of Máelṁuaid", a Gaelic name that means "servant of the lord". They were a powerful clan in counties like Galway and Mayo, and their name remains associated with the rugged coastline of Connemara.
27. **Brennan:** Meaning "descendant of Bran", a Gaelic name that means "raven" or "crow". It's a common surname in counties like Kilkenny and Tipperary, with a significant presence in the Leinster province.
28. **Healy:** Meaning "descendant of Ó hÉalaí", a Gaelic name that means "descendant of Éalán". It's a common surname in counties like Cork and Kerry, with a strong association with the Irish rebellion.
29. **O'Callaghan:** Meaning "descendant of Cathalán", a Gaelic name meaning "strong battle". They were a powerful clan in counties like Cork and Kerry, with a significant presence in the Munster province.
30. **Byrne:** Meaning "descendant of Brian", a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "vigorous". It's a common surname in counties like Wicklow and Dublin, with a strong presence in the Leinster province.
31. **Daly:** Meaning "descendant of Daolán", a Gaelic name meaning "black" or "dark". It's a common surname in counties like Limerick and Tipperary, with a strong presence in the Munster province.
32. **Connolly:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhair", a Gaelic name meaning "lover of hounds". It's a common surname in counties like Dublin and Mayo, with a significant presence in the Leinster province.
33. **Hayes:** Meaning "descendant of Ó hAodha", a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of Aodh". It's a common surname in counties like Galway and Cork, with a strong presence in the Connacht and Munster provinces.
34. **O'Hanrahan:** Meaning "descendant of Ó hAnrachain", a Gaelic name that means "descendant of Anrachain". It's a common surname in counties like Tipperary and Limerick, with a strong association with the Irish rebellion.
35. **O'Shaughnessy:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Séaghdha", a Gaelic name that means "descendant of Séaghdha". It's a common surname in counties like Galway and Clare, with a strong presence in the Connacht province.
36. **O'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallach", a Gaelic name meaning "fiery king". They held power in counties like Cavan and Monaghan and were a dominant clan in the ancient Irish province of Ulster.
37. **Finn:** Meaning "fair" or "white" in Gaelic, this surname is often associated with the legendary hero Fionn mac Cumhaill. It's found throughout Ireland, particularly in counties like Cork and Galway.
38. **Collins:** An Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Ó Coileáin", meaning "descendant of Coileán". It's a common surname in counties like Cork and Limerick, with a significant presence in the Munster province.
39. **O'Rourke:** Meaning "descendant of Ruairc", a Gaelic name meaning "red" or "ruddy". They were a powerful clan in counties like Leitrim and Sligo, and their name remains associated with the north-west of Ireland.
40. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian", a powerful Gaelic king who unified Ireland in the 10th century. The O'Briens are a prominent clan with a rich history and strong presence in counties like Clare and Tipperary.