Irish Last Names for Boys: A Guide to Meaning and Origin

Looking for a strong and unique Irish last name for your baby boy? You've come to the right place! Irish surnames, rich in history and meaning, offer a beautiful way to connect your child to their heritage or simply add a touch of Celtic charm. We've compiled a list of popular and lesser-known Irish last names for boys, along with their detailed meanings and origins. Whether you're searching for a name with a strong warrior spirit, a poetic connection to nature, or a touch of whimsical folklore, you'll find something special on this list. Let's explore the fascinating world of Irish surnames together!
1. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a popular Irish king known for his wisdom and courage.
2. **Murphy:** Descendant of Murchadh, a Gaelic name meaning "sea warrior".
3. **Kelly:** Descendant of Ceallach, meaning "bright-headed" or "warlike".
4. **Ryan:** Descendant of Rian, meaning "little king" or "kinglet".
5. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "lover of hounds" or "wolf-hound".
6. **Sullivan:** Descendant of Súilleabháin, meaning "black-eyed" or "dark-eyed".
7. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall, meaning "champion" or "cloud".
8. **Walsh:** Descendant of Uallach, meaning "noble" or "proud".
9. **McCarthy:** Descendant of Carthach, meaning "lover of battle" or "charioteer".
10. **Fitzgerald:** Descendant of Gerald, a Germanic name meaning "spear ruler".
11. **O'Doherty:** Descendant of Dochartaigh, meaning "dark-skinned" or "black-haired".
12. **Nolan:** Descendant of Nuallán, meaning "champion" or "cloud".
13. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallaigh, meaning "strong king".
14. **Burke:** Descendant of Buirche, meaning "strong" or "vigorous".
15. **O'Shaughnessy:** Descendant of Ó Seathgna, meaning "descendant of Seathgna".
16. **Doyle:** Descendant of Dubhghaill, meaning "dark stranger".
17. **Brennan:** Descendant of Breanán, meaning "little raven".
18. **O'Malley:** Descendant of Máille, meaning "chieftain" or "lord".
19. **Flynn:** Descendant of Flann, meaning "red" or "ruddy".
20. **Healy:** Descendant of Ó hÉalaí, meaning "descendant of Éalaí".
21. **O'Rourke:** Descendant of Ruairc, meaning "red-haired" or "fiery".
22. **Daly:** Descendant of Dálaigh, meaning "dweller in the plain".
23. **Keane:** Descendant of Caoin, meaning "handsome" or "lovely".
24. **O'Donnell:** Descendant of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler".
25. **O'Callaghan:** Descendant of Ó Cadhlaigh, meaning "descendant of Cadhlaigh".
26. **O'Toole:** Descendant of Ó Tuathail, meaning "descendant of Tuathail".
27. **MacDonald:** Descendant of Domhnall, meaning "world ruler".
28. **Lynch:** Descendant of Linch, meaning "descendant of the white-haired one".
29. **McMahon:** Descendant of Maolmhaodóg, meaning "devotee of God".
30. **Higgins:** Descendant of Ó hUiginn, meaning "descendant of Uiginn".
31. **Gallagher:** Descendant of Ó Gallchóir, meaning "descendant of Gallchóir".
32. **Byrne:** Descendant of Ó Briain, meaning "descendant of Brian".
33. **Kennedy:** Descendant of Cinnéide, meaning "fire-born".
34. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a popular Irish king known for his wisdom and courage.
35. **O'Hanlon:** Descendant of Ó hAnluain, meaning "descendant of Anluain".
36. **Farrell:** Descendant of Fearghal, meaning "brave" or "warrior".
37. **O'Malley:** Descendant of Máille, meaning "chieftain" or "lord".
38. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a popular Irish king known for his wisdom and courage.
39. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallaigh, meaning "strong king".
40. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a popular Irish king known for his wisdom and courage.