Irish Last Names in the 1800s: A Look at Common Surnames and Their Meanings

Looking for Irish last names from the 1800s? This list explores some of the most common surnames of that era and their fascinating meanings. From O'Connell to Murphy, these names tell a story of the people and their connection to the land, heritage, and history of Ireland.
1. **O'Connell:** Descendant of Connell, meaning "wolf cub" or "fierce warrior."
2. **Murphy:** Descendant of Murchadh, meaning "sea warrior."
3. **Kelly:** Descendant of Cailean, meaning "young warrior" or "handsome."
4. **Ryan:** Descendant of Ríain, meaning "little king."
5. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong" or "noble."
6. **Walsh:** Descendant of Ualás, meaning "stranger" or "foreigner."
7. **Doyle:** Descendant of Dubhghaill, meaning "dark foreigner."
8. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall, meaning "champion."
9. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallaigh, meaning "descendant of Raghall."
10. **McCarthy:** Descendant of Carthach, meaning "lover of war."
11. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "wolf cub" or "fierce warrior."
12. **O'Sullivan:** Descendant of Suibhne, meaning "handsome" or "comely."
13. **Fitzgerald:** Son of Gerald, meaning "powerful ruler" or "spearman."
14. **Burke:** Descendant of Bourc, meaning "strong" or "robust."
15. **Power:** Descendant of Mac Amhlaigh, meaning "descendant of Amhlaigh."
16. **Nolan:** Descendant of Nuallán, meaning "little champion."
17. **O'Toole:** Descendant of Ó Tuathail, meaning "descendant of Tuathail."
18. **O'Shaughnessy:** Descendant of Seán Ósúilleabháin, meaning "John, son of Súilleabháin."
19. **O'Donnell:** Descendant of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler."
20. **O'Callaghan:** Descendant of Calbhach, meaning "bald."
21. **O'Shea:** Descendant of Ó Sé, meaning "descendant of Sé."
22. **O'Doherty:** Descendant of Doirbhín, meaning "dark-haired."
23. **O'Hanrahan:** Descendant of Anraí, meaning "ruler."
24. **O'Mara:** Descendant of Máire, meaning "sea warrior."
25. **O'Flynn:** Descendant of Flann, meaning "red-haired."
26. **O'Farrell:** Descendant of Fearghal, meaning "brave warrior."
27. **O'Rourke:** Descendant of Ruairc, meaning "red king."
28. **O'Higgins:** Descendant of Aodhagán, meaning "fiery."
29. **O'Malley:** Descendant of Maolmhíde, meaning "bald warrior."
30. **Lynch:** Descendant of Lúghadh, meaning "short one."
31. **Brennan:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong."
32. **Healy:** Descendant of Ó hEalaí, meaning "descendant of Ealaí."
33. **Daly:** Descendant of Dál, meaning "descendant of a tribe."
34. **McDonnell:** Son of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler."
35. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "wolf cub."
36. **MacMahon:** Son of Maolmhóir, meaning "bald warrior."
37. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallaigh, meaning "descendant of Raghall."
38. **O'Carroll:** Descendant of Cathal, meaning "fighter" or "strong."
39. **O'Flanagan:** Descendant of Flann, meaning "red-haired."
40. **O'Grady:** Descendant of Gráinne, meaning "queen."
41. **O'Riordan:** Descendant of Ríordáin, meaning "little king."
42. **O'Dowd:** Descendant of Ó Dubhda, meaning "descendant of Dubhda."
43. **O'Boyle:** Descendant of Ó Baoighill, meaning "descendant of Baoighill."
44. **O'Cahan:** Descendant of Cathán, meaning "battle" or "war."
45. **O'Molloy:** Descendant of Maolmuaidh, meaning "bald warrior."
46. **O'Daly:** Descendant of Dál, meaning "descendant of a tribe."
47. **O'Hanlon:** Descendant of Anluan, meaning "noble."
48. **O'Gorman:** Descendant of Gormán, meaning "blue" or "noble."
49. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, meaning "strong" or "noble."
50. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall, meaning "champion."