Irish Gaelic Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the rich history and meaning behind Irish Gaelic last names? This comprehensive guide explores a vast collection of surnames with their detailed meanings, offering insights into the fascinating cultural tapestry of Ireland. From ancient origins to modern variations, discover the stories embedded within each name and delve deeper into the heritage of Irish Gaelic surnames.
1. **Ó Briain:** Descendant of Brian, a popular name meaning "strong" or "noble."

2. **Ó Ceallaigh:** Descendant of Ceallach, meaning "bright" or "handsome."

3. **Ó Conchúir:** Descendant of Conchúir, meaning "lover of hounds."

4. **Ó Dálaigh:** Descendant of Dála, a personal name meaning "assembly" or "meeting."

5. **Ó Domhnaill:** Descendant of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler" or "world master."

6. **Ó Duibhir:** Descendant of Dubh, meaning "dark" or "black."

7. **Ó Faoláin:** Descendant of Faolán, meaning "wolf cub."

8. **Ó Fearghail:** Descendant of Fearghal, meaning "man of strength."

9. **Ó Flaitheartaigh:** Descendant of Flaithbheartach, meaning "lordly," "noble," or "prince."

10. **Ó Gallchóir:** Descendant of Gallchóir, meaning "foreigner" or "stranger," often referring to Norse or Viking ancestry.

11. **Ó Gráda:** Descendant of Gráda, meaning "love" or "grace."

12. **Ó hAodha:** Descendant of Aodh, meaning "fire" or "fiery."

13. **Ó hEochaidh:** Descendant of Eochaidh, meaning "horse" or "warrior."

14. **Ó hIcí:** Descendant of Ící, meaning "brave" or "valiant."

15. **Ó Laoghaire:** Descendant of Laoghaire, meaning "calf" or "young bull."

16. **Ó Lochlainn:** Descendant of Lochlainn, meaning "from Lochlann," referring to Scandinavia.

17. **Ó Maolchonaire:** Descendant of Maolchonaire, meaning "bald head."

18. **Ó Maoláin:** Descendant of Maolán, meaning "bald" or "shaven."

19. **Ó Mathghamhna:** Descendant of Mathghamhn, meaning "bear-like" or "strong."

20. **Ó Meachair:** Descendant of Meachair, meaning "descendant of the hawk."

21. **Ó Murchadha:** Descendant of Murchadh, meaning "sea warrior."

22. **Ó Néill:** Descendant of Niall, a common name meaning "champion" or "warrior."

23. **Ó Raghallaigh:** Descendant of Raghallach, meaning "violent" or "fierce."

24. **Ó Riada:** Descendant of Ríada, a legendary figure credited with founding the kingdom of Dalriada in Scotland.

25. **Ó Séaghdha:** Descendant of Séaghdha, meaning "victorious" or "conquering."

26. **Ó Súilleabháin:** Descendant of Súilleabháin, meaning "black-eyed" or "dark-eyed."

27. **Ó Tuathail:** Descendant of Tuathal, meaning "people" or "nation."

28. **Ó Ua Conchubhair:** Descendant of Conchubhair, meaning "lover of hounds."

29. **Mac an Bhaird:** Son of the bard, a hereditary profession of poetry and storytelling.

30. **Mac an Bhaird:** Son of the smith, a skilled craftsman who worked with metal.

31. **Mac an Bháird:** Son of the farmer, a common occupation in rural Ireland.

32. **Mac an Ghoill:** Son of the foreigner, often referring to Norse or Viking ancestry.

33. **Mac an tSaoir:** Son of the carpenter, another skilled trade in Irish society.

34. **Mac Donnachaidh:** Son of Donnchadh, meaning "dark brown" or "brown."

35. **Mac Gearailt:** Son of Gerald, a name of Anglo-Norman origin.

36. **Mac Giolla Easpaig:** Son of the bishop, indicating a lineage associated with the church.

37. **Mac Giolla Riabhaich:** Son of the gray wolf, a name referring to courage and strength.

38. **Mac Giolla Saera:** Son of the freedman, indicating a lineage that was previously enslaved.

39. **Mac Liam:** Son of Liam, meaning "strong-willed" or "determined."

40. **Mac Ruaidhrí:** Son of Ruaidhrí, meaning "red" or "fiery."

41. **Ní Mhurchú:** Daughter of Murchadh, meaning "sea warrior."

42. **Ní Shúilleabháin:** Daughter of Súilleabháin, meaning "black-eyed" or "dark-eyed."

43. **Ní Thuathail:** Daughter of Tuathal, meaning "people" or "nation."

44. **Ní Ua Conchubhair:** Daughter of Conchubhair, meaning "lover of hounds."

45. **Ó Cadhla:** Descendant of Cadhla, meaning "graceful" or "beautiful."

46. **Ó Cathasaigh:** Descendant of Cathasach, meaning "fiery" or "warlike."

47. **Ó Cíosóig:** Descendant of Cíosóg, meaning "little rent" or "small tribute."

48. **Ó Clérigh:** Descendant of Clérigh, meaning "clerk" or "scribe."

49. **Ó Coileáin:** Descendant of Coileán, meaning "hound" or "wolf cub."

50. **Ó Conchobhair:** Descendant of Conchubhair, meaning "lover of hounds."