Irish Traveller Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Irish Traveller last names, also known as "Romany" or "Travelling" surnames, hold a rich history and cultural significance within the Irish Traveller community. These names often reflect their nomadic lifestyle, family lineage, or personal characteristics. Understanding these surnames provides insight into the vibrant culture and heritage of Irish Travellers.
1. **McDonagh:** Meaning "son of Donogh," Donogh being a popular Gaelic name meaning "dark warrior" or "dark lord."
2. **McCarthy:** Meaning "son of Carthaigh," Carthaigh being a Gaelic name meaning "lover," "friend," or "charioteer."
3. **Maher:** Meaning "son of Muircheartach," Muircheartach being a Gaelic name meaning "sea warrior" or "sea lord."
4. **Mangan:** Meaning "son of Mongan," Mongan being a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "noble."
5. **Murphy:** Meaning "son of Murchadh," Murchadh being a Gaelic name meaning "sea warrior" or "sea lord."
6. **Nolan:** Meaning "son of Niall," Niall being a Gaelic name meaning "champion" or "warrior."
7. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," Brian being a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "noble."
8. **O'Connell:** Meaning "descendant of Connell," Connell being a Gaelic name meaning "wolf" or "warrior."
9. **O'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conor," Conor being a Gaelic name meaning "lover" or "friend."
10. **O'Doherty:** Meaning "descendant of Doherty," Doherty being a Gaelic name meaning "dark warrior" or "dark lord."
11. **O'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Reilly," Reilly being a Gaelic name meaning "fierce" or "brave."
12. **O'Sullivan:** Meaning "descendant of Sullivan," Sullivan being a Gaelic name meaning "black" or "dark."
13. **Quinn:** Meaning "descendant of Conn," Conn being a Gaelic name meaning "wolf" or "warrior."
14. **Reilly:** Meaning "fierce" or "brave," this surname is often associated with strength and courage.
15. **Smith:** A common surname among Irish Travellers, this name reflects their traditional trade as blacksmiths.
16. **Ward:** Meaning "guardian" or "protector," this name highlights the importance of family and community within the Traveller culture.
17. **White:** Meaning "fair" or "light," this name is often associated with a bright spirit and optimism.
18. **Joyce:** Meaning "joyful" or "merry," this name reflects the vibrant and lively nature of the Traveller community.
19. **Boyle:** Meaning "dwelling near a small stream," this surname is associated with a nomadic lifestyle and the beauty of the Irish countryside.
20. **Casey:** Meaning "vigilant" or "watchful," this name highlights the importance of preparedness and awareness within the Traveller tradition.
21. **Carroll:** Meaning "strong" or "powerful," this name emphasizes the importance of strength and resilience within the Traveller community.
22. **Coffey:** Meaning "blacksmith," this surname reflects the traditional trade of many Irish Travellers.
23. **Collins:** Meaning "son of Colmán," Colmán being a Gaelic name meaning "dove" or "pious."
24. **Connolly:** Meaning "descendant of Conn," Conn being a Gaelic name meaning "wolf" or "warrior."
25. **Daly:** Meaning "descendant of Daol," Daol being a Gaelic name meaning "wolf" or "warrior."
26. **Delaney:** Meaning "descendant of Flann," Flann being a Gaelic name meaning "red" or "ruddy."
27. **Doyle:** Meaning "descendant of Dubhghall," Dubhghall being a Gaelic name meaning "dark foreigner."
28. **Foley:** Meaning "descendant of Faolain," Faolain being a Gaelic name meaning "fair" or "bright."
29. **Gallagher:** Meaning "descendant of Gallóglaigh," Gallóglaigh being a Gaelic term for a foreign mercenary warrior.
30. **Gibbons:** Meaning "son of Giolla Brighde," Giolla Brighde being a Gaelic name meaning "servant of Bridget."
31. **Hanrahan:** Meaning "descendant of Eoghan," Eoghan being a Gaelic name meaning "born of fire."
32. **Harrington:** Meaning "son of Harrington," Harrington being an Anglo-Norman surname.
33. **Hayes:** Meaning "son of Aed," Aed being a Gaelic name meaning "fire" or "passion."
34. **Higgins:** Meaning "descendant of Hugh," Hugh being a Gaelic name meaning "mind" or "intellect."
35. **Kelly:** Meaning "descendant of Cellach," Cellach being a Gaelic name meaning "bright" or "shining."
36. **Kenny:** Meaning "descendant of Cináed," Cináed being a Gaelic name meaning "handsome" or "lovely."
37. **Larkin:** Meaning "descendant of Lairc," Lairc being a Gaelic name meaning "brave" or "courageous."
38. **Leonard:** Meaning "brave lion," this surname is associated with strength and courage.
39. **Lynch:** Meaning "son of Laimhin," Laimhin being a Gaelic name meaning "hand" or "skilled."
40. **Mackey:** Meaning "son of Macha," Macha being a Gaelic name meaning "battle" or "warrior."