Irish Travellers Last Names: A Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Irish Travellers, also known as Pavee, are a distinct ethnic group in Ireland with a rich history and unique cultural identity. Their last names often reflect their nomadic heritage, family traditions, and ancestral connections. This comprehensive list explores the meanings and origins of popular Irish Travellers last names, shedding light on their historical significance and cultural significance.
1. **McCarthy:** Meaning "son of Carthaigh," a Gaelic personal name possibly meaning "love" or "chariot."

2. **Murphy:** Meaning "sea warrior" or "descendant of Murchadh," a common Gaelic name.

3. **Kelly:** Meaning "bright-haired" or "warlike" from the Gaelic "Caoimhghín."

4. **Byrne:** Meaning "brown" or "dark-complexioned" from the Gaelic "Bairne."

5. **O'Brien:** Meaning "descendant of Brian," a prominent Gaelic name, often associated with kingship.

6. **Walsh:** Meaning "strong" or "powerful" from the Gaelic "Uallach."

7. **O'Connell:** Meaning "descendant of Connell," a Gaelic name meaning "wolf cub."

8. **Nolan:** Meaning "champion" or "warrior" from the Gaelic "Nualán."

9. **Doyle:** Meaning "black" or "dark" from the Gaelic "Dubhghaill."

10. **Mahoney:** Meaning "son of Matthew" or "son of the Lord," from the Hebrew "Mattityahu."

11. **McDonagh:** Meaning "son of Donnchadh," a Gaelic name meaning "brown warrior."

12. **O'Neill:** Meaning "descendant of Niall," a legendary Gaelic king.

13. **O'Connor:** Meaning "descendant of Conchobhar," a Gaelic name meaning "desire" or "lover."

14. **Quinn:** Meaning "descendant of Conn," a Gaelic name meaning "leader" or "chieftain."

15. **McDermott:** Meaning "son of Diarmait," a Gaelic name meaning "god-protected."

16. **O'Reilly:** Meaning "descendant of Raghallach," a Gaelic name meaning "fierce" or "strong."

17. **Daly:** Meaning "descendant of Dálaigh," a Gaelic name meaning "noble" or "generous."

18. **Power:** Meaning "mighty" or "powerful" from the Gaelic "Púirt."

19. **McKeown:** Meaning "son of Caoimhín," a Gaelic name meaning "bright-haired."

20. **Farrell:** Meaning "brave" or "strong" from the Gaelic "Fearghal."

21. **Gallagher:** Meaning "stranger" or "wanderer" from the Gaelic "Gallóglach."

22. **Tierney:** Meaning "landlord" or "ruler" from the Gaelic "Tír-fhear."

23. **O'Shea:** Meaning "descendant of Seán," a Gaelic name meaning "God is gracious."

24. **O'Sullivan:** Meaning "descendant of Súilleabháin," a Gaelic name meaning "little eye."

25. **O'Keefe:** Meaning "descendant of Caoimhín," a Gaelic name meaning "bright-haired."

26. **Lynch:** Meaning "little wolf" or "descendant of Luineach," a Gaelic name.

27. **O'Malley:** Meaning "descendant of Máel-Mhuire," a Gaelic name meaning "servant of Mary."

28. **Barrett:** Meaning "little bear" or "descendant of Bairre," a Gaelic name.

29. **O'Flaherty:** Meaning "descendant of Flaithbheartach," a Gaelic name meaning "noble" or "lordly."

30. **O'Donoghue:** Meaning "descendant of Donnchadh," a Gaelic name meaning "brown warrior."

31. **Burke:** Meaning "strong" or "powerful" from the Gaelic "Borrach."

32. **Fitzgerald:** Meaning "son of Gerald," an Anglo-Norman name.

33. **O'Hanrahan:** Meaning "descendant of Amhráin," a Gaelic name meaning "song" or "melody."

34. **O'Doherty:** Meaning "descendant of Doireachtaigh," a Gaelic name meaning "from the oak wood."

35. **O'Toole:** Meaning "descendant of Ó Tuathail," a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the south."

36. **O'Rourke:** Meaning "descendant of Ruairc," a Gaelic name meaning "red" or "fiery."

37. **O'Callaghan:** Meaning "descendant of Caolán," a Gaelic name meaning "slender" or "graceful."

38. **O'Meara:** Meaning "descendant of Muircheartaigh," a Gaelic name meaning "sea warrior."

39. **O'Carroll:** Meaning "descendant of Carrol," a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "brave."

40. **O'Riordan:** Meaning "descendant of Riordán," a Gaelic name meaning "great ruler."