Top 100+ Irish Surnames and Meanings with Origins in 2026

Irish surnames are family names that originate from Gaelic clan systems and typically describe ancestry, lineage, origins, location, occupation, or personal traits. Common prefixes like “Ó” (descendant of) and “Mac” (son of) indicate direct family heritage, while many surnames are linked to ancient Irish kings, warriors, and regional clans.

Irish last names are among the oldest surnames in Europe, dating to the 11th century. They developed through Gaelic traditions, later influenced by Norman settlements and anglicization. Today, surnames like Murphy, O’Brien, and Kelly are widely used in Ireland and globally, especially in countries shaped by Irish migration such as the US, Canada, and Australia.

Understanding Irish surnames and their origins helps explain both family history and Ireland’s cultural identity. Below is a complete list of over 100 Irish surnames, including common and rare names, along with their meanings, pronunciations, and historical background.

Irish surnames(órfhocal), also known as Gaelic family names, are among the oldest hereditary surnames in Europe. The emergence of surnames in Ireland dates back to the 11th century, when communities needed a way to distinguish individuals beyond a single given name. Most traditional Irish last names come from four major sources:

Many Irish names originate from an ancestor or father’s name, often using:

• O’ (Ó) = “descendant of”

• Mac = “son of”

Examples include O’Brien (descendant of Brian) or MacCarthy (son of Cárthach).

Some surnames describe the land or region a family belonged to, linked to counties like Cork, Kerry, or Donegal. This is common in Irish surnames by county and regional clan heritage.

Certain names came from professions, roles, or societal positions, such as storytellers, clerics, or warriors.

Example: Ward, meaning “son of the bard.”

Some surnames in Irish originated from physical traits, personality, or legendary deeds, making them some of the most colorful and rare Irish family names today. Over centuries of invasion, Norman settlement, and English rule, many surnames were anglicized—yet their Gaelic identity remains strong.

Not all Irish surnames are common. Some are considered rare Irish surnames, tied to specific clans or ancient chieftain families. Here are some fascinating, uncommon names:

1. MacDermott (Mac Diarmada)

• Pronunciation: Mak-DER-mit
• Meaning: “Son of Diarmaid”
• Origin: Connacht chieftain lineage

     2. O’Keefe (Ó Caoimh) 

• Pronunciation: Oh-KEEF
• Meaning: “Descendant of Caoimh” (gentle, noble)
• Origin: County Cork

     3. Fagan (Ó Faodhagáin)

• Pronunciation: FAY-gan
• Meaning: “Fiery one” or “ardent spirit”
• Origin: Norman-Irish surname

     4. Sweeney (Mac Suibhne)

• Pronunciation: SWEE-nee
• Meaning: “Pleasant one”
• Origin: Donegal clan

     5. Tierney (Ó Tiarnaigh)

• Pronunciation: TEER-nee
• Meaning: “Master” or “lord-like”
• Origin: Gaelic nobility

The following are among the most common Irish surnames worldwide, especially across Ireland, the US, Canada, and Australia due to Irish diaspora migration.

6. O’Driscoll (Ó hEidirsceoil)

• Pronunciation: Oh-DRIS-kul
• Meaning: “Bearer of news”
• Origin: Munster region

7. Donovan (Ó Donnabháin)

• Pronunciation: DUN-uh-van
• Meaning: “Descendant of the dark brown-haired chieftain”
• Origin: Southern Ireland

8. Kearney (Ó Catharnaigh)

• Pronunciation: KAR-nee
• Meaning: “Victorious”
• Origin: Gaelic warrior lineage

9. O’Brien (Ó Briain)

• Pronunciation: Oh-BRY-en
• Meaning: “Descendant of Brian”
• Origin: High King Brian Boru lineage

10. Ryan (Ó Riain)

• Pronunciation: RYE-an
• Meaning: “Little king”
• Origin: Gaelic royal lineage

11. O’Sullivan (Ó Súilleabháin)

• Pronunciation: Oh-SUL-ih-van
• Meaning: “Dark-eyed” or “hawk-eyed”
• Origin: Kerry clan

12. O’Connor (Ó Conchobhair)

• Pronunciation: Oh-KON-er
• Meaning: “Descendant of Conchobhar”
• Origin: Ancient royal Irish lineage

13. Walsh (Breathnach)

• Pronunciation: WAWL-sh
• Meaning: “Welshman” or “foreigner”
• Origin: Norman-era surname

14. McCarthy (Mac Cárthaigh)

• Pronunciation: Mak-KAR-thee
• Meaning: “Son of Cárthach”
• Origin: Munster Gaelic nobility

15. Doyle (Ó Dubhghaill)

• Pronunciation: DOYL
• Meaning: “Dark stranger”
• Origin: Norse-Gaelic heritage

16. Murphy (Ó Murchadha)

• Pronunciation: MUR-fee
• Meaning: “Sea warrior” or “sea battler”
• Origin: One of the most common Irish surnames

17. Campbell (from Gaelic Caimbeul)

• Pronunciation: KAM-bul
• Meaning: “Crooked mouth”
• Origin: Gaelic nickname, common in Irish and Scottish surnames

18. Murray (Ó Muireadhaigh)

• Pronunciation: MUR-ee
• Meaning: “Settlement by the sea”
• Origin: Coastal Irish clans

19. Nolan (Ó Nualláin)

• Pronunciation: NOH-lan
• Meaning: “Famous” or “noble”
• Origin: Medieval Gaelic family lines

20. Bell (Belle)

• Pronunciation: BEL
• Meaning: “Bell ringer” or “bell maker”
• Origin: Old English and Norman influence

21. Kenny (Ó Cionaoith)

• Pronunciation: KEN-ee
• Meaning: “Fiery love” or “fire-born”
• Origin: Gaelic naming tradition

22. Fitzpatrick (Mac Giolla Phádraig)

• Pronunciation: FITZ-PAT-rik
• Meaning: “Devotee of Saint Patrick”
• Origin: Religious Gaelic heritage

23. Gallagher (Ó Gallchobhair)

• Pronunciation: GAL-uh-her
• Meaning: “Helper” or “stranger”
• Origin: Donegal clan

24. Hayes (Ó hAodha)

• Pronunciation: HAYZ
• Meaning: “Fire”
• Origin: Derived from Aodh, linked to Irish mythology

25. Flynn (Ó Floinn)

• Pronunciation: FLIN
• Meaning: “Descendant of the red-haired one”
• Origin: Physical trait-based surname

26. Barry (Ó Beargha / Ó Báire)

• Pronunciation: BAIR-ee
• Meaning: “Spear-like” or “plunderer”
• Origin: Norman-Irish heritage

27. Regan (Ó Riagáin)

• Pronunciation: RAY-gan
• Meaning: “The king’s child”
• Origin: Early Gaelic nobility

28. Whelan (Ó Faoláin)

• Pronunciation: HWEH-lan or WAY-lan
• Meaning: “Wolf”
• Origin: Animal symbolism in Gaelic clan identity

29. O’Neill (Ó Néill)

• Pronunciation: Oh-NEEL
• Meaning: “Descendant of Niall”
• Origin: Powerful royal lineage of the High Kings

30. Egan (Mac Aodhagáin)

• Pronunciation: EE-gan
• Meaning: “Little bright-eyed one”
• Origin: Learned families and historians in Gaelic Ireland

31. Muldoon (Ó Maoldúin)

• Pronunciation: Mul-DOON
• Meaning: “Descendant of the disciple of Saint Dúin”
• Origin: Monastic and spiritual heritage

32. O’Carroll (Ó Cearbhaill)

• Pronunciation: Oh-KAIR-uhl
• Meaning: “Disputed” or “fierce in battle”
• Origin: Irish ruling families

33. Nolan (Ó Nualláin)

• Pronunciation: NOH-lan
• Meaning: “Noble” or “famous”
• Origin: Gaelic family branches

34. Phelan (Ó Faoláin)

• Pronunciation: FEE-lan
• Meaning: “Wolf”
• Origin: Southeastern Irish clans

35. Cosgrave (Ó Coscraigh)

• Pronunciation: KOZ-grayv
• Meaning: “Son of Coscrach”
• Origin: Gaelic warriors and defenders

36. Byrne (Ó Broin)

• Pronunciation: BURN
• Meaning: “Descendant of Bran” or “raven”
• Origin: Leinster clan lineage

37. Flannery (Ó Flannghaile)

• Pronunciation: FLAN-uh-ree
• Meaning: “Red valor”
• Origin: Gaelic surname associated with courage and heroism

38. McMahon (Mac Mathghamhna)

• Pronunciation: Mak-MAH-hun
• Meaning: “Son of the bear”
• Origin: Ulster clan heritage

39. Tracy (Ó Treasaigh)

• Pronunciation: TRAY-see
• Meaning: “Fighter” or “warrior”
• Origin: Gaelic martial tradition

40. Coughlan (Mac Cochláin)

• Pronunciation: KOK-lan
• Meaning: “Son of the one with the cloak”
• Origin: Descriptive Gaelic nickname

41. McGee (Mac Aodha)

• Pronunciation: Mak-GEE
• Meaning: “Son of Aodh” (fire)
• Origin: Gaelic royal name lineage

42. Hennessy (Ó hAonghusa)

• Pronunciation: HEN-uh-see
• Meaning: “Descendant of Angus”
• Origin: Munster Gaelic nobility

43. Keating (Céitinn)

• Pronunciation: KEE-ting
• Meaning: Norman-derived surname
• Origin: Norman-Irish heritage

44. Molloy (Ó Maolmhuaidh)

• Pronunciation: Muh-LOY
• Meaning: “Proud chieftain”
• Origin: Gaelic leadership and clan prestige

45. Heany (Ó hEignigh)

• Pronunciation: HEE-nee
• Meaning: “Horseman”
• Origin: Gaelic warrior and rider heritage

46. Dempsey (Ó Díomasaigh)

• Pronunciation: DEMP-see
• Meaning: “Proud”
• Origin: Gaelic clan identity

47. McManus (Mac Mághnais)

• Pronunciation: Mak-MAN-us
• Meaning: “Son of Magnus”
• Origin: Norse-Gaelic influence

48. Boyle (Ó Baoighill)

• Pronunciation: BOYL
• Meaning: “Descendant of Baoigheall”
• Origin: Donegal lineage

49. O’Houlihan (Ó hUallacháin)

• Pronunciation: Oh-HOO-li-han
• Meaning: “Proud” or “noble”
• Origin: Munster families

50. McGovern (Mág Samhradháin)

• Pronunciation: Mak-GUV-ern
• Meaning: “Son of Samhradhán”
• Origin: Gaelic chiefs of County Cavan

51. Keenan (Ó Cianáin)

• Pronunciation: KEE-nan
• Meaning: “Descendant of the faithful one”
• Origin: Gaelic tradition of loyalty

52. Colgan (Ó Colgáin)

• Pronunciation: KOL-gan
• Meaning: “Sword”
• Origin: Warrior symbolism

53. Duffy (Ó Dubhthaigh)

• Pronunciation: DUFF-ee
• Meaning: “Descendant of Dubthach” (dark or black)
• Origin: Gaelic descriptive lineage

54. Kelly (Ó Ceallaigh)

• Pronunciation: KEL-ee
• Meaning: “Warrior” or “fighter”
• Origin: One of the most widespread Irish surnames worldwide

55. Crean (Ó Croidheagáin)

• Pronunciation: KREEN
• Meaning: “Descendant of Croidheagán”
• Origin: Rare Gaelic lineage

56. Mulligan (Ó Maolagáin)

• Pronunciation: MUL-i-gan
• Meaning: “Grandson of the bald man”
• Origin: Descriptive medieval Irish surname

57. Geoghegan (Mag Eochagáin)

• Pronunciation: GYO-gan
• Meaning: “Horse”
• Origin: Midlands Gaelic nobility

58. Scully (Ó Scolaidhe)

• Pronunciation: SKUL-ee
• Meaning: “Descendant of Scolaidhe”
• Origin: Scholarly Gaelic families

59. Madden (Madadhan)

• Pronunciation: MAD-en
• Meaning: “Little dog”
• Origin: Nickname-based surname

60. Hegarty (Ó hÉigeartuigh)

• Pronunciation: Heh-GAR-tee
• Meaning: Traditional Gaelic surname
• Origin: Ulster region

61. Tiernan (Ó Tiarnáin / MacTiarnaigh)

• Pronunciation: TEER-nan
• Meaning: “Master” or “lord”
• Origin: Gaelic authority and leadership

62. McKeogh (Mac Eochaidh)

• Pronunciation: Mak-KYOH
• Meaning: “Son of Eochaidh”
• Origin: Ancient royal naming tradition

63. Gorman (Mac Gormáin)

• Pronunciation: GOR-man
• Meaning: “Dark blue” or “noble”
• Origin: High-status Gaelic clans

These surnames are deeply connected to Ireland’s medieval clan structure and are often considered authentic Gaelic Irish last names.

64. O’Cleary (Ó Cléirigh)

• Pronunciation: Oh-KLAIR-ee
• Meaning: “Clerk” or “cleric”
• Origin: Learned and religious Gaelic families

65. McCloskey (Mac bhLoscaidh)

• Pronunciation: Mak-KLOSS-kee
• Meaning: “Son of Bloscadh”
• Origin: Ulster lineage

66. Brennan (Ó Branáin / Ó Braonáin)

• Pronunciation: BREN-an
• Meaning: “Descendant of Branán”
• Origin: Celtic symbolism linked to the raven

67. Cahill (Cathail)

• Pronunciation: KAH-hill
• Meaning: “Strong in battle”
• Origin: Gaelic warrior tradition

68. Boland (Ó Beólláin)

• Pronunciation: BOH-land
• Meaning: “Descendant of Beóllán”
• Origin: Ancient Gaelic family name

69. Canavan (Ó Ceanndubháin)

• Pronunciation: KAN-uh-van
• Meaning: “Descendant of the dark-haired one”
• Origin: Physical trait-based surname

70. Dwyer (Ó Duibhir)

• Pronunciation: DWY-er
• Meaning: “Dark-colored”
• Origin: Munster Irish families

71. Cullen (Ó Cuileáin)

• Pronunciation: KUL-en
• Meaning: “Young hound” or “handsome one”
• Origin: Nickname-based Gaelic surname

72. Finnegan (Ó Fionnagáin)

• Pronunciation: FIN-uh-gan
• Meaning: “Son of the fair-haired one”
• Origin: Ancient Gaelic lineage

73. Gaffney (Ó Gamhna)

• Pronunciation: GAF-nee
• Meaning: “Calf”
• Origin: Pastoral symbolism

74. Kennedy (Ó Ceannéidigh)

• Pronunciation: KEN-uh-dee
• Meaning: “Grandson of Ceannéidigh”
• Origin: Noble Gaelic leadership

75. Ward (Mac an Bhaird)

• Pronunciation: WARD
• Meaning: “Son of the bard”
• Origin: Gaelic storytelling and poetic families

76. Flanagan (Ó Flannagáin)

• Pronunciation: FLAN-uh-gan
• Meaning: “Red” or “ruddy”
• Origin: Physical trait-based surname

77. Brady (Ó Brádaigh)

• Pronunciation: BRAY-dee
• Meaning: “Broad” or “spirited”
• Origin: Gaelic personality traits

78. Collins (Ó Coileáin)

• Pronunciation: KOL-inz
• Meaning: “Darling”
• Origin: Gaelic affectionate naming tradition

79. Donohoe (Ó Donnchadha)

• Pronunciation: DON-uh-hoh
• Meaning: “Brown-haired warrior”
• Origin: Gaelic warrior heritage

80. Donnelly (Ó Donnghaile)

• Pronunciation: DON-uh-lee
• Meaning: “Brown valor”
• Origin: Gaelic warrior identity

81. Quinn (Ó Coinn / Mac Cuinn)

• Pronunciation: KWIN
• Meaning: “Son of Conn”
• Origin: Ancient Irish royal lineage

82. Dunne (Ó Duinn)

• Pronunciation: DUN
• Meaning: “Brown” or “dark”
• Origin: Descriptive Gaelic surname

83. Boylan (Ó Baoighealláin)

• Pronunciation: BOY-lan
• Meaning: “Descendant of Baoigheallán”
• Origin: Traditional Gaelic family roots

Due to the Great Famine and mass emigration, many Irish surnames became iconic in the United States.

84. Moloney (Ó Maoldomhnaigh)

• Pronunciation: Muh-LONE-ee
• Meaning: “Descendant of the servant of the church”
• Origin: Early Irish religious communities

85. Maher (Ó Meachair)

• Pronunciation: MAH-her
• Meaning: “Descendant of a kind chief”
• Origin: Gaelic leadership lineage

86. Moran (Ó Móráin)

• Pronunciation: MOHR-an
• Meaning: “Big chieftain”
• Origin: High-status Gaelic clans

87. Mullen (Ó Maoláin)

• Pronunciation: MUL-en
• Meaning: “Descendant of Maolán”
• Origin: Traditional Gaelic family name

88. Healy (Ó hEalaighthe)

• Pronunciation: HEE-lee
• Meaning: “Ingenious”
• Origin: Gaelic cultural traits

89. Higgins (Ó hUiginn)

• Pronunciation: HIG-inz
• Meaning: “Sea rover”
• Origin: Maritime and seafaring heritage

90. Hogan (Ó hÓgáin)

• Pronunciation: HOH-gan
• Meaning: “Young warrior”
• Origin: Gaelic warrior tradition

91. Hughes (Ó hAodha)

• Pronunciation: HYOOZ
• Meaning: “Descendant of Aodh” (fire)
• Origin: Ancient Gaelic royal name

92. Magee (Mag Aodha)

• Pronunciation: Muh-GEE
• Meaning: “Son of Aodh” (fire)
• Origin: Gaelic fire-name tradition

93. Maguire (Mac Uidhir)

• Pronunciation: Muh-GWY-er
• Meaning: “Son of Odhar” or “dark one”
• Origin: Fermanagh nobility

94. Moore (Ó Mórdha)

• Pronunciation: MOHR
• Meaning: “Noble and stately”
• Origin: Widespread Irish surname across the diaspora

95. Martin (Mac Giolla Mhártain)

• Pronunciation: MAR-tin
• Meaning: “Son of the follower of Saint Martin”
• Origin: Christian Gaelic heritage

96. Kane (Ó Catháin)

• Pronunciation: KAYN
• Meaning: Traditional Irish surname linked to warrior families
• Origin: Ulster Gaelic lineage

97. Kavanagh (Caomhánach)

• Pronunciation: KAV-uh-nah
• Meaning: “Follower of Saint Caomhan”
• Origin: Monastic and historical Gaelic roots

98. Keane (Ó Catháin)

• Pronunciation: KEEN
• Meaning: “Courageous warrior”
• Origin: Gaelic clan heritage

99. Sheehan (Ó Síodhacháin)

• Pronunciation: SHEE-an
• Meaning: “The peaceful one”
• Origin: Gaelic naming tradition

100. Foley (Foghlú)

• Pronunciation: FOH-lee
• Meaning: “Plunderer”
• Origin: Medieval warrior culture

101. Connolly (Ó Conghalaigh)

• Pronunciation: KON-uh-lee
• Meaning: “Fierce as a hound”
• Origin: Gaelic strength and loyalty symbolism

Irish surnames are more than simple last names. They are living echoes of Ireland’s clans, saints, warriors, poets, and landscapes. Each of these Irish surnames and meanings offers a personal gateway into the past—helping you connect with ancestry, geography, and Celtic identity. So whether your surname is O’Brien, Murphy, Tierney, or a rare name known only in one Irish county, you carry a piece of Ireland’s story with you.

Ireland's surnames are more than just family names; they are gateways into Ireland’s rich cultural history and identity. Each surname reflects ancestry, geography, and centuries of Gaelic tradition. To deepen this connection, many people also explore Irish boy names and meanings and Irish girl names, which share the same ancient roots found in Irish surnames. Together, these traditional names preserve Ireland’s legacy and help keep its heritage alive for generations to come.