Rare Irish Last Names: A Guide to Unique Surnames

Are you looking for a unique and uncommon Irish last name? Look no further! This comprehensive list features rare Irish surnames, each with its rich history and captivating meaning. From ancient Gaelic origins to Norman influences, these names offer a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Irish heritage. Explore the intriguing stories behind these rare last names, and discover the perfect one to honor your Irish roots.
1. **Aherne:** "Descendant of the strong one" or "son of Aherne."
2. **Ancrum:** A variant of "Ancrum," meaning "valley of the ants."
3. **Bally:** "Town" or "settlement."
4. **Begley:** "Little" or "small," possibly referring to a physical characteristic or location.
5. **Brennan:** "Son of Bran" or "descendant of the raven."
6. **Callan:** "Descendant of Callaghan" or "son of the fair-haired one."
7. **Casey:** "Vigilant" or "watchful."
8. **Connolly:** "Son of Connell" or "descendant of the strong one."
9. **Corcoran:** "Son of Cormac" or "descendant of the ruler."
10. **Costello:** "Son of Costello" or "descendant of the one who has the castle."
11. **Cullen:** "Descendant of Cullen" or "son of the noble one."
12. **Daly:** "Descendant of Dál" or "son of the warrior."
13. **Dolan:** "Descendant of Dolan" or "son of the dark-haired one."
14. **Dunne:** "Son of Donnchadh" or "descendant of the brown warrior."
15. **Egan:** "Son of Eoghain" or "descendant of the fierce one."
16. **Foley:** "Descendant of Foighle" or "son of the faithful one."
17. **Gallagher:** "Descendant of Gallacher" or "son of the stranger."
18. **Gleeson:** "Son of Giolla Íosa" or "servant of Jesus."
19. **Guinan:** "Descendant of Guinne" or "son of the white one."
20. **Hogan:** "Son of Ó hÓgáin" or "descendant of the youthful one."
21. **Kelly:** "Descendant of Ceallach" or "son of the bright one."
22. **Kenny:** "Descendant of Cinnéide" or "son of the handsome one."
23. **Larkin:** "Descendant of Laircín" or "son of the little warrior."
24. **Loughlin:** "Descendant of Lochlainn" or "son of the warrior."
25. **MacCarthaigh:** "Son of Carthaigh" or "descendant of the powerful one."
26. **MacDonagh:** "Son of Donnchadh" or "descendant of the brown warrior."
27. **MacDonnell:** "Son of Domhnall" or "descendant of the ruler."
28. **MacMahon:** "Son of Mághnús" or "descendant of the mighty one."
29. **Mahon:** "Son of Mághnús" or "descendant of the mighty one."
30. **Mangan:** "Descendant of Máighn" or "son of the field."
31. **Markey:** "Descendant of Murchadh" or "son of the sea warrior."
32. **McCarthy:** "Son of Carthaigh" or "descendant of the powerful one."
33. **McCormick:** "Son of Cormac" or "descendant of the ruler."
34. **McGrath:** "Son of Gráinne" or "descendant of the love one."
35. **McGuire:** "Son of Giolla Íosa" or "servant of Jesus."
36. **McMahon:** "Son of Mághnús" or "descendant of the mighty one."
37. **Murphy:** "Son of Murchadh" or "descendant of the sea warrior."
38. **Nolan:** "Descendant of Nuallán" or "son of the champion."
39. **O'Brien:** "Descendant of Brian" or "son of the strong one."
40. **O'Connell:** "Descendant of Connell" or "son of the strong one."
41. **O'Connor:** "Descendant of Conchobhar" or "son of the wolf."
42. **O'Driscoll:** "Descendant of Diarmaid" or "son of the wise one."
43. **O'Hanlon:** "Descendant of Ó hAnluain" or "son of the descendant of the wolf."
44. **O'Neill:** "Descendant of Niall" or "son of the champion."
45. **O'Reilly:** "Descendant of Raghallach" or "son of the strong one."
46. **Ryan:** "Descendant of Ríain" or "son of the king."
47. **Sheehan:** "Son of Seán" or "descendant of John."
48. **Tierney:** "Descendant of Tighearnaigh" or "son of the lord."
49. **Walsh:** "Descendant of Uallachán" or "son of the valiant one."
50. **Whelan:** "Descendant of Fionnlaghán" or "son of the fair-haired one."