Most Popular Irish Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common surnames in Ireland and their fascinating origins? This comprehensive guide delves into the rich history and etymology behind some of the most popular Irish last names. From ancient Gaelic roots to Norman influences, discover the stories woven into these enduring family names. Whether you're researching your own ancestry or simply fascinated by Irish culture, this list provides a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Irish surnames.
1. **Murphy:** Meaning "sea warrior" or "descendant of Murchad," a common Gaelic name.
2. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a powerful and revered figure in Irish history.
3. **Kelly:** Meaning "descendant of Ceallach," a name associated with strength and leadership.
4. **Ryan:** Meaning "descendant of Ríain," a name with roots in Irish mythology.
5. **Walsh:** Meaning "descendant of Uallachán," a name meaning "proud" or "noble."
6. **O'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," a legendary king of the ancient Irish.
7. **O'Neill:** Meaning "descendant of Niall," a significant figure in Irish history and mythology.
8. **O'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallach," a name associated with leadership and authority.
9. **O'Sullivan:** Meaning "descendant of Súilleabháin," a name with roots in Irish mythology.
10. **Doyle:** Meaning "descendant of Doile," a name meaning "dark" or "black."
11. **Fitzgerald:** Meaning "son of Gerald," a name of Norman origin.
12. **Burke:** Meaning "descendant of Buidhe," a name meaning "yellow" or "golden."
13. **Power:** Meaning "descendant of Poirtéir," a name associated with strength and power.
14. **Nolan:** Meaning "descendant of Nuallán," a name meaning "champion."
15. **O'Donnell:** Meaning "descendant of Donnchadh," a name associated with bravery and leadership.
16. **O'Shaughnessy:** Meaning "descendant of Seán Ó Seachnasaigh," a name meaning "descendant of John the Hag."
17. **McCarthy:** Meaning "son of Carthaigh," a name associated with wisdom and knowledge.
18. **O'Toole:** Meaning "descendant of Tuathail," a name associated with kingship and leadership.
19. **O'Malley:** Meaning "descendant of Máel-mhaedóc," a name meaning "devotee of Maedoc."
20. **Quinn:** Meaning "descendant of Coinín," a name meaning "little dog."
21. **O'Rourke:** Meaning "descendant of Ruairc," a name associated with kingship and leadership.
22. **Cunningham:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," a name associated with leadership and bravery.
23. **Lynch:** Meaning "descendant of Lonán," a name associated with strength and leadership.
24. **McMahon:** Meaning "son of Máighnén," a name associated with strength and leadership.
25. **McGovern:** Meaning "son of Gobharnán," a name meaning "smith."
26. **O'Callaghan:** Meaning "descendant of Cellachán," a name meaning "strife" or "battle."
27. **McGrath:** Meaning "son of Gráinne," a name associated with beauty and strength.
28. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a powerful and revered figure in Irish history.
29. **Healy:** Meaning "descendant of Ó hÉalaí," a name associated with healing and medicine.
30. **O'Mara:** Meaning "descendant of Mára," a name associated with strength and leadership.
31. **O'Hanlon:** Meaning "descendant of Ó hAnluain," a name meaning "descendant of Owen."
32. **O'Hara:** Meaning "descendant of Ó hAodha," a name associated with fire and passion.
33. **Higgins:** Meaning "descendant of Ó hUiginn," a name associated with music and poetry.
34. **O'Dwyer:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Dubhthaigh," a name meaning "dark."
35. **O'Neill:** Meaning "descendant of Niall," a significant figure in Irish history and mythology.
36. **O'Flaherty:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Flaithbheartaigh," a name meaning "descendant of the noble."
37. **Keating:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Céitinn," a name associated with writing and literature.
38. **O'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallach," a name associated with leadership and authority.
39. **O'Shea:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Séaghdha," a name meaning "descendant of the hawk."
40. **O'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," a legendary king of the ancient Irish.