Irish Gypsy Last Names: Exploring the Heritage of the Pavee

Irish Gypsy last names, often referred to as Pavee surnames, hold a rich history interwoven with the vibrant culture of the Irish Traveller community. These names, passed down through generations, often reflect the nomadic lifestyle, ancestral origins, and personal traits of their bearers. Exploring these surnames offers a unique glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the Irish Gypsy community.
1. **Casey:** Meaning "vigilant" or "watchful," possibly derived from the Gaelic word "Caiside."
2. **McDonagh:** Meaning "son of Donogh," a common Irish name meaning "dark brown."
3. **McCarthy:** Meaning "son of Carthaigh," a prominent Irish clan name associated with the Gaelic word "carthach," meaning "love."
4. **Mahoney:** Meaning "son of Maol-íosa," which translates to "servant of Jesus."
5. **Joyce:** A popular Irish surname derived from the Gaelic name "Seán," meaning "God is gracious."
6. **Quinn:** Meaning "descendant of Conn," a legendary Irish king.
7. **Kavanagh:** Meaning "descendant of Cathbha," a legendary Irish warrior.
8. **Kelly:** Meaning "descendant of Ceallach," a common Irish name meaning "bright" or "spirited."
9. **Byrne:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a popular Irish name associated with strength and leadership.
10. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a prominent Irish clan name associated with kingship and power.
11. **Ward:** Derived from the Old English word "weard," meaning "guardian" or "protector."
12. **Nolan:** Meaning "champion" or "warrior," possibly derived from the Gaelic word "nólaidh."
13. **O'Connell:** Meaning "descendant of Connell," a common Irish name meaning "wolf cub."
14. **Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallach," a common Irish name meaning "fierce" or "passionate."
15. **Carroll:** Meaning "descendant of Carolan," a prominent Irish clan name associated with music and artistry.
16. **Tierney:** Meaning "lord" or "ruler," derived from the Gaelic word "tighearna."
17. **O'Neill:** Meaning "descendant of Niall," a legendary Irish king associated with strength and leadership.
18. **Cunningham:** Meaning "descendant of Conn," a legendary Irish king.
19. **O'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," a legendary Irish king associated with wisdom and justice.
20. **Power:** Meaning "powerful" or "strong," possibly derived from the Gaelic word "púirt."
21. **Doyle:** Meaning "descendant of Dómhnal," a common Irish name meaning "world ruler."
22. **Gallagher:** Meaning "descendant of Gallóglach," a term used to describe Gaelic warriors.
23. **Murphy:** Meaning "sea warrior," possibly derived from the Gaelic word "muirbheach."
24. **O'Toole:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Tuathail," a prominent Irish clan name associated with kingship and leadership.
25. **O'Doherty:** Meaning "descendant of Dochartach," a common Irish name meaning "protector" or "defensive."
26. **Burke:** Meaning "descendant of Bourc," a Norman-Irish family name associated with strength and resilience.
27. **Fitzgerald:** Meaning "son of Gerald," a Norman-Irish family name associated with royalty and power.
28. **Walsh:** Meaning "descendant of Uallach," a common Irish name meaning "strong" or "brave."
29. **Lynch:** Meaning "descendant of Linch," a prominent Irish clan name associated with law and justice.
30. **Ryan:** Meaning "descendant of Rián," a legendary Irish warrior.
31. **Keane:** Meaning "descendant of Caoin," a common Irish name meaning "beautiful" or "lovely."
32. **O'Malley:** Meaning "descendant of Maol-mhuaidh," which translates to "servant of Mary."
33. **McGuinness:** Meaning "son of Guinn," a common Irish name meaning "white" or "fair."
34. **O'Shaughnessy:** Meaning "descendant of Seathrúin," a common Irish name meaning "God is gracious."
35. **O'Sullivan:** Meaning "descendant of Suibhne," a legendary Irish king associated with wisdom and justice.
36. **O'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallach," a common Irish name meaning "fierce" or "passionate."
37. **O'Hara:** Meaning "descendant of Áthairne," a legendary Irish warrior.
38. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a prominent Irish clan name associated with kingship and power.
39. **O'Shea:** Meaning "descendant of Séaghdha," a common Irish name meaning "God is gracious."
40. **O'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," a legendary Irish king associated with wisdom and justice.