Common Irish Last Names: A Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Are you curious about the origins of common Irish last names? This comprehensive list delves into the fascinating history and meanings behind some of the most popular surnames in Ireland. From ancient Gaelic roots to anglicized versions, these names offer a window into the rich cultural tapestry of the Emerald Isle. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the stories behind these enduring family names.
1. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.
2. **Murphy:** Descendant of Murchadh, meaning "sea warrior" or "sea defender".
3. **Kelly:** Descendant of Ceallach, meaning "bright" or "warlike".
4. **Ryan:** Descendant of Rian, meaning "little king" or "kinglet".
5. **Walsh:** Descendant of Uallachán, meaning "strong" or "powerful".
6. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "lover of hounds".
7. **Doyle:** Descendant of Dubhghall, meaning "dark foreigner".
8. **Nolan:** Descendant of Nuallán, meaning "champion" or "warrior".
9. **McCarthy:** Descendant of Carthach, meaning "lover of battle".
10. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall, meaning "champion" or "cloud".
11. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallach, meaning "fiery" or "passionate".
12. **Burke:** Descendant of the Anglo-Norman de Burgh family, meaning "strong fortress".
13. **Fitzgerald:** Son of Gerald, meaning "strong spear".
14. **O'Sullivan:** Descendant of Súilleabháin, meaning "black eye".
15. **O'Donnell:** Descendant of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler".
16. **Lynch:** Descendant of Lochlann, meaning "Norwegian".
17. **Healy:** Descendant of Ó hÉalái, meaning "descendant of the traveler".
18. **O'Malley:** Descendant of Maolmhícheál, meaning "bald Michael".
19. **Kennedy:** Descendant of Cinnéidigh, meaning "handsome".
20. **O'Toole:** Descendant of Tuathail, meaning "strong" or "powerful".
21. **O'Callaghan:** Descendant of Callaghan, meaning "young warrior".
22. **O'Shea:** Descendant of Séaghán, meaning "God is gracious".
23. **Mahoney:** Descendant of Maolmuaidh, meaning "bald servant".
24. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.
25. **McMahon:** Descendant of Máighne, meaning "plain" or "field".
26. **Quinn:** Descendant of Coinín, meaning "rabbit".
27. **O'Shaughnessy:** Descendant of Ó Seathgnaigh, meaning "descendant of Seathgna".
28. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "lover of hounds".
29. **O'Doherty:** Descendant of Dochartaigh, meaning "descendant of Dochartach".
30. **Keane:** Descendant of Caoinín, meaning "little dog".
31. **Gallagher:** Descendant of Gallachóir, meaning "foreigner".
32. **O'Rourke:** Descendant of Ruairc, meaning "red".
33. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.
34. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.
35. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.
36. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.
37. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.
38. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.
39. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.
40. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a prominent figure in Irish mythology and history.