Most Common Irish Last Names: A Guide to Their Meaning

Are you curious about the most common Irish last names and their meanings? This comprehensive list will take you on a journey through the rich history and heritage of Irish surnames. From traditional Gaelic origins to anglicized versions, explore the diverse and fascinating stories behind these common names. Whether you're tracing your family history or simply interested in Irish culture, this list offers a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Irish identity.
1. **Murphy:** From the Irish "Murchadh" meaning "sea warrior" or "sea defender".
2. **Kelly:** Derived from the Irish "Caile" meaning "bright" or "handsome".
3. **O'Brien:** Means "descendant of Brian", a popular Irish name for a warrior king.
4. **Ryan:** Originates from the Irish "Ríain" meaning "little king".
5. **Walsh:** From the Irish "Uallacháin" meaning "strong" or "powerful".
6. **Smith:** An anglicized version of the Irish "Gòbha" meaning "blacksmith".
7. **O'Neill:** Means "descendant of Niall", a legendary Irish high king.
8. **Hayes:** From the Irish "Ó hAodha" meaning "descendant of Aodh" (Hugh).
9. **Byrne:** Derived from the Irish "Ó Broin" meaning "descendant of Brian".
10. **Connor:** From the Irish "Conchobhar" meaning "lover of hounds".
11. **O'Reilly:** Means "descendant of Raghallach", an ancient Irish king.
12. **McCarthy:** From the Irish "Mac Carthaigh" meaning "son of Carthach", a saint.
13. **O'Connor:** Means "descendant of Conchobhar", a legendary Irish hero.
14. **Burke:** Derived from the Irish "de Burca" meaning "of the strong or robust one".
15. **Fitzgerald:** From the Irish "Mac Gearailt" meaning "son of Gerald", a Norman name.
16. **Nolan:** From the Irish "Ó Nualláin" meaning "descendant of Nuallan", a legendary king.
17. **O'Sullivan:** Means "descendant of Súilleabháin", an ancient Irish clan.
18. **Power:** From the Irish "Mac Samhradháin" meaning "son of Summer".
19. **Davis:** An anglicized version of the Irish "Dáibhí" meaning "beloved".
20. **O'Donnell:** Means "descendant of Domhnall", a legendary Irish king.
21. **Lynch:** From the Irish "Ó Loingsigh" meaning "descendant of Loingseach", a seafarer.
22. **Collins:** From the Irish "Ó Coileáin" meaning "descendant of Coileán", a wolf cub.
23. **Quinn:** From the Irish "Ó Cuinn" meaning "descendant of Conn", an ancient Irish king.
24. **O'Toole:** Means "descendant of Toirdealbhach", a popular Irish name for a warrior king.
25. **Reilly:** From the Irish "Ó Raghallaigh" meaning "descendant of Raghallach", an ancient Irish king.
26. **McDonnell:** From the Irish "Mac Domhnaill" meaning "son of Domhnall", a legendary Irish king.
27. **Brennan:** From the Irish "Ó Braonáin" meaning "descendant of Braonán", a legendary warrior.
28. **O'Shaughnessy:** Means "descendant of Seathrún", an Irish name for "Stephen".
29. **Doyle:** From the Irish "Ó Dubhghaill" meaning "descendant of Dubhghall", a dark foreigner.
30. **McMahon:** From the Irish "Mac Mathúna" meaning "son of Mathúna", a Gaelic personal name.
31. **Moore:** An anglicized version of the Irish "Ó Mórdha" meaning "descendant of Mór".
32. **White:** An anglicized version of the Irish "Bán" meaning "white".
33. **O'Malley:** Means "descendant of Máeláin", a Gaelic personal name.
34. **Daly:** From the Irish "Ó Dálaigh" meaning "descendant of Dálaigh", a Gaelic personal name.
35. **Higgins:** From the Irish "Ó hIginn" meaning "descendant of Íginn", a Gaelic personal name.
36. **O'Rourke:** Means "descendant of Ruairc", a legendary Irish king.
37. **Higgins:** From the Irish "Ó hIginn" meaning "descendant of Íginn", a Gaelic personal name.
38. **O'Flaherty:** Means "descendant of Flaithbheartach", a Gaelic personal name.
39. **O'Carroll:** Means "descendant of Cathal", a popular Irish name for a warrior king.
40. **McGovern:** From the Irish "Mac Gabhann" meaning "son of Gabhann", a blacksmith.