Irish Clan Names: A Guide to Gaelic Heritage

Discover the rich history and captivating meanings behind Irish clan names, a vital part of Gaelic heritage. These names, often passed down through generations, carry within them tales of bravery, resilience, and strong family ties. Explore this comprehensive list to uncover the origins and significance of some of the most iconic Irish clan names, offering a glimpse into the fascinating tapestry of Irish culture.
1. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian Boru, a legendary High King of Ireland.
2. **MacCarthy:** Son of Carthaigh, meaning "lover of love" or "chariot fighter".
3. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary High King of Ireland.
4. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobar, a legendary Irish king associated with the Ulster Cycle.
5. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallach, meaning "fiery king".
6. **O'Donnell:** Descendant of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler".
7. **O'Malley:** Descendant of Máel Muire, meaning "devotee of Mary".
8. **MacMahon:** Son of Máel Muire, meaning "devotee of Mary".
9. **O'Toole:** Descendant of Tuathal, a legendary High King of Ireland.
10. **O'Flaherty:** Descendant of Flaithbheartach, meaning "noble ruler".
11. **O'Moore:** Descendant of Muircheartach, meaning "sea warrior".
12. **O'Carroll:** Descendant of Caroll, meaning "free" or "strong".
13. **MacGuire:** Son of Gearóid, meaning "spearman".
14. **O'Hanlon:** Descendant of Anluan, meaning "noble warrior".
15. **O'Doherty:** Descendant of Doire, meaning "oak tree".
16. **MacDonagh:** Son of Domhnagh, meaning "world ruler".
17. **O'Shaughnessy:** Descendant of Seán Óg, meaning "young John".
18. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong" or "noble".
19. **O'Callaghan:** Descendant of Calgach, meaning "swift" or "fiery".
20. **O'Nolan:** Descendant of Nuallán, meaning "little champion".
21. **O'Daly:** Descendant of Dálaigh, meaning "assembly" or "gathering".
22. **O'Hehir:** Descendant of Aedh, meaning "fire".
23. **MacGowan:** Son of Gobhán, meaning "smith".
24. **O'Rourke:** Descendant of Ruairc, meaning "red king".
25. **MacManus:** Son of Manus, meaning "strong" or "vigorous".
26. **O'Boyle:** Descendant of Baoile, meaning "strong" or "powerful".
27. **O'Driscoll:** Descendant of Diarmaid, meaning "strong" or "fierce".
28. **O'Kelly:** Descendant of Ceallach, meaning "bright" or "radiant".
29. **MacDonnell:** Son of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler".
30. **MacEntee:** Son of Éinrí, meaning "ruler of the house".
31. **O'Rafferty:** Descendant of Raifteire, meaning "traveler".
32. **O'Sullivan:** Descendant of Suibhne, meaning "godly" or "divine".
33. **O'Higgins:** Descendant of Ó hUiginn, meaning "descendant of Hugh".
34. **O'Shea:** Descendant of Ó Seachnasaigh, meaning "descendant of Seán".
35. **O'Farrell:** Descendant of Fearghal, meaning "manly" or "brave".
36. **O'Flynn:** Descendant of Flann, meaning "red" or "ruddy".
37. **MacEoin:** Son of Eoin, meaning "John".
38. **MacDermott:** Son of Diarmaid, meaning "strong" or "fierce".
39. **MacAuliffe:** Son of Aoife, meaning "beautiful" or "radiant".
40. **O'Dowd:** Descendant of Dubhda, meaning "black" or "dark".