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

Are you researching your Irish ancestry? Or simply curious about the origins of some of the most common Irish surnames? This comprehensive list explores the meanings behind 40 of the most prevalent Irish family names, offering insights into their historical roots and cultural significance. Whether you're looking for the meaning of your own last name or simply want to delve into the fascinating world of Irish genealogy, this resource provides a wealth of information.
1. **Murphy:** Descendant of Murchad, meaning "sea warrior"
2. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong, noble"
3. **Kelly:** Descendant of Ceallach, meaning "bright, brilliant"
4. **Ryan:** Descendant of Rían, meaning "king"
5. **Walsh:** Descendant of Uaithne, meaning "descendant of"
6. **McCarthy:** Descendant of Carthach, meaning "loving"
7. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "desire"
8. **Davis:** Descendant of David, meaning "beloved"
9. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall, meaning "champion"
10. **Smith:** A person who worked with metal, particularly iron
11. **Williams:** Descendant of William, meaning "resolute protector"
12. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallach, meaning "fierce"
13. **O'Sullivan:** Descendant of Suibhne, meaning "handsome"
14. **O'Donnell:** Descendant of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler"
15. **Burke:** Descendant of Brian Boru, meaning "strong, noble"
16. **Fitzgerald:** Descendant of Gerald, meaning "ruler with a spear"
17. **Nolan:** Descendant of Nuallán, meaning "champion"
18. **Doyle:** Descendant of Dubhghall, meaning "black foreigner"
19. **O'Malley:** Descendant of Máel-Muad, meaning "chief of the bald"
20. **Power:** Descendant of Pádraic, meaning "nobleman"
21. **Byrne:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong, noble"
22. **Lynch:** Descendant of Lonán, meaning "little wolf"
23. **O'Shaughnessy:** Descendant of Óg, meaning "youthful"
24. **O'Toole:** Descendant of Ó Dálaigh, meaning "descendant of the pilgrim"
25. **Doherty:** Descendant of Doire, meaning "oak tree"
26. **O'Rourke:** Descendant of Ruairc, meaning "red king"
27. **O'Hanlon:** Descendant of Amhalgadh, meaning "noble warrior"
28. **Higgins:** Descendant of Hugh, meaning "mind, intellect"
29. **O'Flaherty:** Descendant of Flaithbheartach, meaning "princely"
30. **O'Callaghan:** Descendant of Cellach, meaning "bright, brilliant"
31. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong, noble"
32. **O'Carroll:** Descendant of Cathal, meaning "valiant"
33. **O'Shea:** Descendant of Seaán, meaning "God is gracious"
34. **O'Hara:** Descendant of Áthairne, meaning "a place of thorns"
35. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "desire"
36. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong, noble"
37. **MacMahon:** Descendant of Maolmhóir, meaning "servant of Mary"
38. **O'Grady:** Descendant of Gráinne, meaning "beautiful"
39. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall, meaning "champion"
40. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "desire"