Irish Common Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the meaning behind your Irish surname? This comprehensive list details the origins and significance of some of the most common Irish last names, offering insights into their history and cultural context. Discover the rich tapestry of Irish heritage woven into these surnames, exploring their connections to ancient Gaelic traditions, geographical locations, and notable figures.
1. **Murphy:** "sea warrior" or "descendant of Murchad"
2. **Kelly:** "bright" or "handsome"
3. **Ryan:** "little king" or "descendant of Rían"
4. **O'Brien:** "descendant of Brian"
5. **O'Neill:** "descendant of Niall"
6. **O'Connor:** "descendant of Conchobhar"
7. **Walsh:** "strong" or "powerful"
8. **Smith:** "blacksmith"
9. **Davis:** "son of David"
10. **Nolan:** "champion" or "hero"
11. **O'Reilly:** "descendant of Raghallach"
12. **Doyle:** "black" or "dark"
13. **O'Donnell:** "descendant of Domhnall"
14. **O'Sullivan:** "descendant of Suibhne"
15. **O'Callaghan:** "descendant of Cellachán"
16. **Burke:** "red" or "fiery"
17. **Flynn:** "son of Flann"
18. **McCarthy:** "descendant of Carthach"
19. **O'Shea:** "descendant of Seán"
20. **McMahon:** "descendant of Mághnús"
21. **Power:** "mighty" or "powerful"
22. **Kennedy:** "fiery head" or "descendant of Cináed"
23. **O'Toole:** "descendant of Tuathal"
24. **O'Rourke:** "descendant of Ruaidhrí"
25. **O'Malley:** "descendant of Máel-Muire"
26. **Higgins:** "son of Hugh"
27. **Brennan:** "descendant of Bran"
28. **Lynch:** "descendant of Lochlainn"
29. **Quinn:** "descendant of Conn"
30. **O'Grady:** "descendant of Gráinne"
31. **O'Hara:** "descendant of Áedh"
32. **Fitzpatrick:** "son of Patrick"
33. **O'Doherty:** "descendant of Doirche"
34. **McGovern:** "descendant of Gobhnait"
35. **O'Dwyer:** "descendant of Dubhghall"
36. **O'Hanrahan:** "descendant of Anraí"
37. **McGuire:** "descendant of Muircheartach"
38. **O'Brien:** "descendant of Brian"
39. **O'Connell:** "descendant of Conchobhar"
40. **O'Carroll:** "descendant of Cathal"