101 Common Irish Last Names And Their Meanings

This guide is a collection of the most common Irish last names, their meanings, pronunciations and interesting facts.

To make browsing the many Irish surnames easier, we’ve split the guide into four sections:

• The most common Irish names: Based on statistics from Ireland’s CSO
• Old Irish last names: Like Ó Cléirigh – the oldest recorded name in Europe
• Irish American last names: Like the McCarthys, 57% of whom are located in the Americas
• Popular Irish family names: That have been carried around the world as the Irish emigrated

So, grab a coffee, get comfortable and enjoy this collection of Irish family names and what they are all about – cheers!

The most common Irish last names

The first section of our guide tackles the most common Irish surnames. This is where you’ll find your Murphy’s and your Byrnes.

Below, you’ll discover the origins behind each of the various Irish last names, how to pronounce them and famous people with the same surname.

1. Murphy

Murphy is statistically the most popular Irish last name and it is particularly common in County Cork. It is a version of ‘Ó Murchadha’ and ‘Ó Murchadh’, two very old Irish surnames.

Key info about the Irish surname Murphy

• Pronunciation: Mur-fee
• Meaning: ‘Sea-warrior’ or ‘sea battler’
• Famous Murphys: Cillian Murphy (actor)

2. Byrne

Derived from the Gaelic ‘Ó Broin’ or ‘Ó Beirn’, Byrne is one of several Irish surnames common in Dublin and Wicklow. Originally ‘O’Byrne’, it meant “Descended from Bran”, the 11th-century King of Kildare. 

Key info about the surname Byrne

• Pronunciation: Burn
• Meaning: Descendant of Bran or Raven
• Famous Byrnes: Gabriel Byrne (actor)

3. Kelly

Kelly is one of many Irish last names that appears frequently in the USA. It comes from the Gaelic ‘Ó Ceallaigh’ and is most commonly found in counties Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo.

Key info about the Irish surname Kelly

• Pronunciation: Kel-e
• Meaning: Warrior or fighter
• Famous Kellys: Grace Kelly (actress)

4. O’Brien

O’Brien is one of many Irish surnames with a strong link to royalty. In this instance, the royalty in question is the O’Brien dynasty which was established by one of Ireland’s most famous High Kings – Brian Boru.

Key info about the surname O’Brien

• Pronunciation: O-Bry-an
• Meaning: Descendant of Brian
• Famous O’Brien’s: Conan O’Brien (comedian)

5. Ryan

Ryan, which is also an Irish boys name, is believed to come from the Irish ‘Ó Riain’. It is one of the more common Irish surnames and you’ll find Iit used frequently in counties Carlow and Tipperary.

Key info about the Irish surname Ryan

• Pronunciation: Rye-ann
• Meaning: Little king or ocean/water
• Famous Ryans: Meg Ryan (actress)

6. O’Sullivan

Coming from the Gaelic name ‘Ó Súilleabháin’, the O’Sullivan clan were descendants of the Eóganacht Chaisil – the dynasty that ruled the province of Munster from the 5th to 10th century.

Key info about the surname O’Sullivan

• Pronunciation: O-Sull-ih-van
• Meaning: Dark-eyed or hawk-eyed
• Famous O’Sullivans: Maureen O’Sullivan (actress)

7. O’Connor

O’Connor is another of the more popular Irish family names that you’ll find in the States. The O’Conor dynasty ruled the Kingdom of Connacht on-and-off from 967 to 1475. 

Key info about the Irish surname O’Connor

• Pronunciation: O-Conn-er
• Meaning: Descendant of Conchobhar (the King of Ulster)
• Famous O’Connors: Sinéad O’Connor (singer)

8. Walsh

The name Walsh is a common Irish last name found across Ireland. It was taken to Ireland by Welsh people arriving in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th century. The Gaelic equivalent is ‘Breathnach’. 

Key info about the surname Walsh

• Pronunciation: Wal-sh
• Meaning: Welshman or foreigner
• Famous Walshes: Louis Walsh (TV personality)

9. McCarthy

McCarthy, also spelled ‘MacCarthy’, comes from the Gaelic ‘Mac Ćarthaigh’ meaning ‘Son of Cárthach’. The McCarthy Clan ruled Munster during the Middle Ages. This is one of the most common Irish surnames in the Americas, with 57% of all McCarthys residing there.

Key info about the Irish surname McCarthy

• Pronunciation: Mick-art-hee
• Meaning: Loving
• Famous McCarthys: Melissa McCarthy (actress)

10. Doyle

The Doyles were descendants of Dubhghall. The name is anglicised from ‘Dubh ghaill’. It is thought to be Norse in origin and the name evolved into ‘Mac Dubghaill’ (‘MacDowell’ and ‘MacDuggall’).

Key info about the surname Doyle

• Pronunciation: Doy-ul
• Meaning: Descendant of Dubhghall/Dark stranger
• Famous Doyles: Arthur Conan Doyle (writer)

11. Barry

As is the case with many old Irish last names, the true meaning of this one is a little grey. In the case of Barry, it’s thought that it comes from either the Gaelic ‘Ó Beargha’ (descendant of Beargh) or ‘Ó Báire’ (plunderer).

Key info about the Irish surname Barry

• Pronunciation: Bahh-ree
• Meaning: Spear-like or plunderer
• Famous Barrys: John Barry (composer)

12. Campbell

Campbell is one of a number of common Irish last names that actually originated in Scotland. It is prevalent in Donegal, particularity in families descended from Scottish soldiers. 

Key info about the surname Campbell

• Pronunciation: Cam-bull
• Meaning: Crooked mouth
• Famous Campbells: Naomi Campbell (model)

13. Murray

The Irish surname Murray comes from ‘Ó Muireadhaigh’ a name meaning ‘Lord’ in Irish and used to denote the descendants of Muireadhach. While it is prolific in Donegal, the name originated in Scotland with those living on the Moray Firth (‘Moray’ evolved into ‘Murray’ over time). 

Key info about the Irish surname Murray

• Pronunciation: Muh-ree
• Meaning: Settlement by the sea
• Famous Murrays: Andy Murray (tennis player)

14. Nolan

Nolan is another of the more common Irish last names and it comes from the ancient Gaelic name of ‘Ó Nualláin’. In ancient Ireland, the Nolans were part of a tribe linked to the first Celts to ever settle on the island.

Key info about the surname Nolan

• Pronunciation: Know-lan
• Meaning: Famous or noble
• Famous Nolans: The Nolan Sisters (musicians)

15. Bell

Listed among the 100 most popular Irish last names, Bell comes from the Old English word ‘Belle’. It is prevalent in Ulster and Northern Ireland counties. It originated in Scotland where the Bell family were an infamous clan of the Borders who migrated to Ulster during the Plantation.

Key info about the Irish surname Bell

• Pronunciation: Bell
• Meaning: Bell ringer/bell maker
• Famous Bells: Alexander Graham Bell (inventor)

16. Kenny

Kenny or Kenney is one of the most common Irish last names that was anglicised from the Gaelic ‘Ó Cionaoith’ and ‘Ó Coinne’ family names. Common in Galway and Roscommon, the name comes from the Gaelic ‘Cion’ meaning love and affection and Aodh the Celtic God of Fire.

Key info about the surname Kenny

• Pronunciation: Ken-e
• Meaning: Fiery love or fire sprung
• Famous Kennys: James Kenney (playwright)

17. Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick is the 60th most common Irish family name and the only Irish surname with the Norman/French prefix ‘Fitz’. It comes from the Mac Giolla Phadraig Clan – an ancient family of Ossary which is modern day Kilkenny and Laois.

Key info about the surname Fitzpatrick

• Pronunciation: Fits-Pa-trick
• Meaning: Devotee of St Patrick
• Famous Fitzpatricks: Anna Fitzpatrick (tennis player)

18. Gallagher

Gallagher is the most common Irish surname in County Donegal where the clan originated. The name has been around since the 4th century. The Gaelic word ‘Gallchobhair’ comes from ‘Gall’ meaning “stranger” and ‘Cabhair’ meaning ‘help’.

Key info about the surname Gallagher

• Pronunciation: Gal-a-her
• Meaning: Stranger or helper
• Famous Gallaghers: Liam and Noel Gallagher (musicians)

19. Hayes

Hayes is one of several old Irish last names that roughly translates to ‘Fire’. It comes from the Gaelic ‘Ó hAodha’ referring to the descendants of Aodh. It comes from the Old Irish word ‘Aed’ which means ‘Fire’ and was the name of an Irish mythological creature.

Key info about the surname Hayes

• Pronunciation: Haze
• Meaning: Fire
• Famous Hayes’s: Rutherford B. Hayes (19th US President)

Traditional and old Irish surnames

In this section, you’ll find old Irish last names, many of which can be found right the way around the world.

One of the most interesting of the Irish surnames in this section is ‘Ó Cléirigh’, which is one of the oldest recorded names in Europe.

1. O’Cleary

O’Cleary (‘Ó Cléirigh’ in Irish) is, in fact, not only the oldest of the many Irish surnames – it’s the oldest recorded name in Europe. The Ó Cléirigh clan ruled what is modern day Galway for 800 years.

Key info about the surname O’Cleary

• Pronunciation: Clear-ee
• Meaning: Clerk or cleric
• Famous O’Clearys: Brendan Cleary (Irish poet)

2. McCloskey

The McCloskeys were Lords of Keenaght – a section of modern day Derry – and were descendants of Niall of the Nine Hostages. According to the All Ireland Census of 1659, the name was originally spelled ‘Mac bhLoscaidh’ in Gaelic.

Key info about the surname McCloskey

• Pronunciation: Muh-clus-key
• Meaning: Son of Bloscadh
• Famous McCloskeys: Paul McCloskey (boxer)

3. Brennan

Brennan is the anglicised version of the Gaelic names ‘Ó Branáin’ and ‘Ó Braonáin’. The Brennans were an Ossorian (a medieval kingdom where modern day Kilkenny and Laois are located) clan and were descendants of Cerball mac Dúnlainge – a Christian king.

Key info about the surname Brennan

• Pronunciation: Bren-ann
• Meaning: Descendant of Branán or Braonán
• Famous Brennans: Jane Brennan (actress)

4. Cahill

Another of the more common Irish surnames is Cahill (‘Ó Cathail’ in Irish) which means ‘Descendant of Cathal’ – an Irish king. The name ‘Cathal’ can be broken up into ‘Cath’, which means ‘Battle’ and ‘Val’, which means ‘Ruler’.

Key info about the surname Cahill

• Pronunciation: Cah-ill
• Meaning: Strong in battle
• Famous Cahills: Barry Cahill (actor)

5. Boland

Boland, a name common in counties Sligo and Tipperary, is the anglicised form of the Gaelic ‘Ó Beólláin’ which means ‘Descendant of Beóllán’.

Key info about the surname Boland

• Pronunciation: Bow-land
• Meaning: Descendant of Beóllán
• Famous Bolands: Eavan Boland (poet)

6. Kennedy

Although Kennedy is a family name, it’s seen popularity in recent years as an Irish girls name. There is a lot of uncertainty around the meaning of Kennedy. One thought is that it comes from the Gaelic ‘Ó Ceannéidigh’, which means ‘Grandson of Ceannéidigh’. Ceannéidigh is made up of the words ‘Ceann’ (head) and ‘Eidigh’ (ugly or fierce).

Key info about the surname Kennedy

• Pronunciation: Ken-eh-dee
• Meaning: Fierce
• Famous Kennedys: John F. Kennedy (35th president of the US)

7. Dwyer

Few old Irish last names can boast a heritage like the Dwyers. The Dwyer clan were one of the oldest aristocratic houses in Ireland. They ruled what is modern day Tipperary and took part in the Battle of Clontarf.

Key info about the surname Dwyer

• Pronunciation: Dw-eye-r
• Meaning: Dark coloured
• Famous Dwyers: Joseph O’Dwyer (physician)

8. Cullen

Cullen is the anglicised form of ‘Ó Cuileáin’ which means ‘Descendant of Cuileán’ (possibly Cuilén – a king of Scotland) . The name ‘Cuileán’ means ‘Young hound’ or ‘Handsome one’.

Key info about the surname Cullen

• Pronunciation: Cull-en
• Meaning: ‘Young hound’ or ‘Handsome one’
• Famous Cullens: Leo Cullen (Irish rugby player)

9. Finnegan

Arguably one of the most common Irish last names in the US, Finnegan is the anglicised form of ‘Ó Fionnagáin’. The Finnegans ruled what is now counties Cavan, Meath and Monaghan.

Key info about the surname Finnegan

• Pronunciation: Fin-ih-gin
• Meaning: Son of fair haired
• Famous Finnegans: George Finnegan (boxer)

10. Gaffney

Gaffney comes from the Gaelic ‘Ó Gamhna’ which translates to ‘Descendant of Gamhain’. The name ‘Gamhain’ means ‘Calf’.

Key info about the surname Gaffney

• Pronunciation: Gahf-knee
• Meaning: Calf
• Famous Gaffneys: Christopher Gaffney (bishop)

11. Canavan

Canavan is the anglicised version of ‘Ó Ceanndubháin’. Interestingly, the ‘O’Canavans’ were physicians that were appointed to a noble Irish family in Connemara – the O’Flahertys. The name means ‘Descendant of the dark haired one’.

Key info about the surname Canavan

• Pronunciation: Can-a-van
• Meaning: Descendant of the dark haired one
• Famous Canavans: Chris Canavan (actor)

12. Ward

Ward is one of the more popular Irish surnames and it comes from the Gaelic last name ‘Mac an Bhaird’. The Mac an Bhairds were one of the learned families of medieval Ireland.

Key info about the surname Ward

• Pronunciation: War-d
• Meaning: Son of the bard (storyteller)
• Famous Wards: Sir Adolphus Ward (historian)

13. Flanagan

Flanagan is the anglicised form of ‘Ó Flannagáin’ and it is a name that was worn proudly by many powerful families in ancient Ireland. One of these families was the Flanagans of Roscommon who were linked to the Kings of Connacht (counties Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo).

Key info about the surname Flanagan

• Pronunciation: Flan-a-gan
• Meaning: Red or ruddy
• Famous Flanagans: Tommy Flanagan (actor)

14. Brady

Brady has some uncertainty surrounding it. One belief is that it comes from ‘Ó Brádaigh’, which means ‘Descendant of Brádach’. Another theory is that it comes from ‘Mac Brádaigh’, a powerful clan from what is now Cavan.

Key info about the surname Brady

• Pronunciation: Bray-dee
• Meaning: Broad or spirited
• Famous Bradys: Tom Brady (American footballer)

15. Collins

Collins is the anglicised form of ‘Ó Coileáin’. Although the true meaning is unknown, it’s possible that the name comes from the Irish ‘Cuilein’, which means darling.

Key info about the surname Collins

• Pronunciation: Coll-ins
• Meaning: Darling
• Famous Collins: Michael Collins (Irish Republican leader)

16. Donohoe

Donohoe is another of the more popular Irish surnames and it is the anglicised form of ‘Ó Donnchadha’ which means ‘Descendant of Donnchadh’. The name can be further broken down to ‘Donn’ (brown-haired) and ‘Cath’ (battle).

Key info about the Irish last name Donohoe

• Pronunciation: Don-ah-hue
• Meaning: Brown haired or battle
• Famous Donohoes: Amanda Donohoe (actress)

17. Donnelly

O’Donnelly is the anglicised form of ‘Ó Donnghaile’ which means ‘Descendant of Donnghal’. Donnghal was a great grandson of Domhnall a King of Ailech in County Donegal.

Key info about the surname Donnelly

• Pronunciation: Don-a-lee
• Meaning: Brown valour
• Famous Donnellys: Declan Donnelly (of Ant and Dec fame)

18. Quinn

The surname Quinn comes from the Gaelic ‘Ó Coinn’ or ‘Mac Cuinn’. It is one of the most common Irish last names with over 17,000 people in Ireland belonging to the Quinn clan.

Key info about the surname Quinn

• Pronunciation: Kwin
• Meaning: Son of Conn
• Famous Quinns: Aidan Quinn (actor)

19. Dunne

Dunne comes from the Gaelic ‘Duinn’ and ‘Ó Doinn’, which mean ‘Dark/brown’. The Dunnes were families that lived in Wicklow, Laois and Meath. The family owned many castles in Ireland, including Brittas Castle. Many of these castles were destroyed when Cromwell invaded Ireland.

Key info about the surname Dunne

• Pronunciation: Done
• Meaning: Brown or dark
• Famous Dunnes: Ben Dunne (founder of Dunnes department stores)

20. Boylan

Boylan is the anglicised version of ‘Ó Baoigheallain’. During the 8th century, the O’Boylans were kings of a part of County Monaghan and they were known for their horsemanship.

Key info about the surname Boylan

• Pronunciation: Boy-lan
• Meaning: Descendant of Baoigheallán
• Famous Boylans: Roger Boylan (writer)

Famous Irish American last names

The third section of our guide tackles some of the most popular Irish surnames that are found scattered across the USA.

Below, you’ll discover the origins behind each of the various traditional Irish last names, how to pronounce them and famous people with the same surname.

1. Moloney

When it comes to Irish American last names, Moloney (‘Ó Maoldomhnaigh’) tends to spring to the minds of many, with countless Irish characters in US film given the name. This is one of the older common Irish surnames – it’s believed to date to the 6th century and was mentioned in the ‘Book of Battles’ by Saint Colum Cille.

Key info about the Irish family name Moloney

• Pronunciation: Ma-loan-ee
• Meaning: Decedent of the servant of the church
• Famous Moloney: Janel Moloney (actress)

2. Moore

Although Moore is an English name it has strong Gaelic origins. In Ireland, the Moores would have really been the ‘O’Mordhas’, which meant ‘Noble and stately’.

Key info about the surname Moore

• Pronunciation: Moo-rr
• Meaning: Noble and stately
• Famous Moores: Roger Moore (007 actor)

3. Moran

Moran is the anglicised version of ‘Ó Móráin’ which means ‘Descendant of Mórán’. In ancient Ireland, the Morans were members of Uí Fiachrach – a royal dynasty that ruled the province of Connacht.

Key info about the Irish second name Moran

• Pronunciation: Moor-an (Irish compared to More-ann English)
• Meaning: Big chieftain
• Famous Morans: Dylan Moran (comedian)

4. Mullen

Mullen is the anglicised version of ‘Ó Maoláin’, which means ‘Descendant of Maolán’. Maolán was an early Christian bishop in Connacht.

Key info about the surname Mullan

• Pronunciation: Mull-an
• Meaning: Pleasant/bald
• Famous Mullans: Dan Mullane (celebrity chef)

5. Healy

Healy is another of the more typical Irish last names and it is the anglicised form of ‘Ó hEalaighthe’. You’ll find this name frequently in County Sligo. It comes from the Gaelic ‘Ealadhach’ meaning ingenious.

Key info about the surname Healy

• Pronunciation: Hee-lee
• Meaning: Ingenious
• Famous Healy: Cian Healy (rugby player)

6. Higgins

The name Higgins is an English-Irish surname from the name ‘Hugh’ and also derived from the Gaelic name ‘Ó hUiginn’. They were Irish poets between the 14th and 17th centuries. 

Key info about the surname Higgins

• Pronunciation: Hig-ins
• Meaning: Sea rover
• Famous Higgins: Alex “Hurricane” Higgins (snooker champion)

7. Hogan

Hogan is from the Gaelic ‘Ó hUiginn’ and means ‘Descendant of Uiginn’. The hUiginns were a family of historians and poets from Connacht. You’ll hear this name along the west coast of Ireland.

Key info about the surname Hogan

• Pronunciation: Hoe-gon
• Meaning: Young warrior
• Famous Hogans: John Hogan (sculptor from Waterford),

8. Hughes

Hughes comes from one of the old Irish surnames – ‘Ó hAodha’ meaning ‘Descendant of Aodh’ – a god in Irish mythology. The name Hughes is commonly found in Donegal, Armagh and Tyrone.

Key info about the surname Hughes

• Pronunciation: Hyu-se
• Meaning: Fire
• Famous Hughes: Hughes Brothers (film directors)

9. Magee

The name Magee comes from the Irish ‘Mag Aodha’, meaning ‘Son of Aodh’. As mentioned under the name Hughes above, Aodh was a god in ancient Ireland.

Key info about the surname Magee

• Pronunciation: Mah-gee
• Meaning: Fire
• Famous Magees: Jimmy Magee (sports broadcaster nicknamed “Memory Man”)

10. Maguire

Maguire comes from one of the old Irish last names, ‘Mac Uidhir’, which means ‘Son of Odhar’ or ‘Dark one’. The Maguire family are closely tied to what is modern day Fermanagh. They ruled the area from 1250 C.E. and were the Lords of Fermanagh.

Key info about the surname Maguire

• Pronunciation: M-choir
• Meaning: Son of the dark-coloured one
• Famous Maguires: Tobey Maguire (actor best known as Spiderman)

11. Maher

Maher is one of the more popular Irish last names and it comes from the Irish ‘Ó Meachair’, which means ‘Descendant of Meachar’. The Mahers were part of ‘Éile’, a medieval kingdom in what is now parts of Tipperary and Offaly.

Key info about the surname Maher

• Pronunciation: Mar-h
• Meaning: Descendant of a kind chief
• Famous Mahers: Alice Maher (artist and sculptor)

12. Martin

Martin is a common surname in many parts of the world. In Ireland, it’s thought to be the anglicised version of ‘Mac Giolla Mhártain’, which means ‘Son of the follower of St. Martin’.

Key info about the surname Martin

• Pronunciation: Mar-tin
• Meaning: Son of the follower of St. Martin
• Famous Martins: Chris Martin (Coldplay)

13. Johnston

Few common Irish surnames have a meaning as straightforward as Johnston which literally means ‘John’s town’. A large portion of those with the name Johnston can be found in Ulster (the Scottish brought the name with them in the 17th century during the Plantation of Ulster). 

Key info about the surname Johnston

• Pronunciation: Jon-ston
• Meaning: John’s town
• Famous Johnstons: Daniel Dale Johnston (American singer songwriter)

14. Kane

Kane is another of the old Irish surnames and it is the anglicised form of ‘Ó Catháin’. Although its meaning is unclear, we know the Ó Catháins were a powerful family that were part of the Northern Uí Néill who were descendants of Niall of the Nine Hostages.

Key info about the surname Kane

• Pronunciation: Kay-ne
• Meaning: Unknown
• Famous Kanes: Harry Kane (footballer)

15. Kavanagh

Kavanagh (‘Caomhánach’ in Irish) comes from the king of Leinster – Domhnall Caomhánach – who ruled from 1171 to 1175.

Key info about the surname Kavanagh

• Pronunciation: Cah-van-ah
• Meaning: Follower of St. Caomhan
• Famous Kavanaghs: Patrick Kavanagh (Irish poet)

16. Keane

From the Gaelic ‘Ó Catháin’ meaning ‘Descendant of Cathán’, the Keanes originated in the Lagan Valley in County Donegal. They first appear on record in 1138 and the name means ‘courageous warrior’.

Key info about the surname Keane

• Pronunciation: Key-n
• Meaning: Courageous warrior
• Famous Keanes: Roy Keane (footballer)

17. Sheehan

Few Irish family names have a meaning as quaint as the Sheehans. The name is the anglicised version of ‘Ó Síodhacháin’ which means ‘The peaceful one’.

Key info about the surname Sheehan

• Pronunciation: She-hen
• Meaning: Peaceful one
• Famous Sheehans: Alan Sheehan (Irish footballer)

18. Foley

Foley comes from the old Irish surname ‘Foghlú’ which means ‘Plunderer’. You’ll find this name frequently in Waterford and Dublin.

Key info about the surname Foley

• Pronunciation: Foe-lee
• Meaning: Plunderer
• Famous Foleys: Michael Foley (author)

19. Sweeney

Sweeney comes from the name ‘Mac Suibhne’ which means ‘Son of Suibhne’. It’s possible that the ‘Suibhne’ in question is ‘Suibne mac Colmáin’ – an Irish king.

Key info about the surname Sweeney

• Pronunciation: Swee-knee
• Meaning: Pleasant
• Famous Sweeneys: Alison Sweeney (American TV actress)

20. Connolly

Regularly listed amongst the most common Irish second names is Connolly, the anglicised form of ‘Ó Conghalaigh’. It comes from the name ‘Conghal’ which translates to ‘Fierce as a hound’.

Key info about the surname Connolly

• Pronunciation: Con-o-lee
• Meaning: Fierce as a hound
• Famous Connollys: Billy Connolly (comedian)

More common Irish surnames

The final section of our guide tackles the most common Irish last names. This is where you’ll find your Donovans and your Flynns.

Below, you’ll discover the origins behind each of the various popular Irish surnames, how to pronounce them and famous people with the same Irish surnames.

1. Flynn

Flynn is anglicised from ‘Ó Floinn’. The Flynns were descendants of Lugaid Mac Con – a High King of Ireland. They are also descendants of the second wave of Celts that arrived to Ireland between 500 and 100 BC.

Key info about the surname Flynn

• Pronunciation: Flinn
• Meaning: Son of the red headed one
• Famous Flynns: Barbara Flynn (actress)

2. Donovan

Another of the more common Irish last names, the name Donovan comes from ‘Donnubán mac Cathail’ – a 10th century ruler of a kingdom located in modern day Limerick.

Key info about the surname Donovan

• Pronunciation: Don-o-van
• Meaning: Descendant of the dark brown-haired chieftain
• Famous Donovans: Jason Donovan (Aussie actor and singer)

3. Regan

Regan is a common Irish surname, particularly in Waterford. Anglicised form ‘Ó Riagáin’, the O’Regans of Meath were one of the Four Tribes of Tara. One of the most notable ‘Regans’ was ‘Morice Regan’ an interpreter for Diarmaid MacMurchada – the King of Leinster. 

Key info about the surname Regan

• Pronunciation: Ree-gan
• Meaning: The kings child
• Famous Regans: Trish Regan (talk show host)

4. Whelan

Whelan comes from the Irish surname ‘Ó Faoláin’ which loosely means ‘Wolf’. A common Irish last name in Kilkenny and Waterford, the Ó Faoláins were kings of the Deise – a social class that paid rent to landowners.

Key info about the surname Whelan

• Pronunciation: Whe-lan
• Meaning: Wolf
• Famous Whelans: Arleen Whelan (actress)

5. O’Neill

O’Neill comes from the Irish ‘Ó Néill’ which means ‘Descendant of Niall’. The O’Neills were a prominent family in ancient Ireland and they take their name from ‘Niall Glúndub’ – a 10th century High King of Ireland.

Key info about the surname O’Neill

• Pronunciation: O-Knee-all
• Meaning: Descendant of Niall
• Famous O’Neills: Martin O’Neill (football manager)

6. Tierney

Tierney comes from the Irish surnames ‘Ó Tiarnaigh’ or ‘MacTighearnian’ which stem from the Irish word ‘Tiarna’ which means ‘Master’.

Key info about the surname Tierney

• Pronunciation: Tear-knee
• Meaning: Master
• Famous Tierneys: Malcolm Tierney (actor)

7. Egan

Egan comes from the Irish ‘Mac Aodhagáin’ meaning ‘Little bright-eyed one’. The Mac Aodhagáin were a family of Brehons and they played a part in early Irish law.

Key info about the surname Egan

• Pronunciation: Ee-ghan
• Meaning: Little bright-eyed one
• Famous Egans: Greg Egan (author)

8. Muldoon

Arguably one of the most stereotypical Irish American last names thanks to it being given to many cops in US TV shows, Muldoon comes from the Irish ‘Ó Maoldúin’ meaning ‘Descendant of the disciple of St. Dúin’.

Key info about the surname Muldoon

• Pronunciation: Mull-doon
• Meaning: Descendant of the disciple of St. Dúin
• Famous Muldoons: Patrick Muldoon (American actor)

9. O’Carroll

One of the more famous Irish surnames thanks to Brendan O’Carroll (from ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ fame), O’Carroll comes from the Irish ‘Ó Cearbhaill’. The meaning of the name is disputed, with some saying it means ‘Valorous in battle’ while others say it’s ‘Crooked mouth’.

Key info about the surname O’Carroll

• Pronunciation: O-car-oll
• Meaning: Disputed
• Famous O’Carrolls: Brendan O’Carroll (comedian)

10. Nolan

Nolan is another of the more common Irish surnames and it comes from ‘Ó Nualláin’. In ancient Ireland, the Nolans were part of a tribe linked to the first Celts to ever settle on the island.

Key info about the surname Nolan

• Pronunciation: No-lan
• Meaning: Noble or famous
• Famous Nolans: Jonathan Nolan (screenwriter)

11. Phelan

Phelan is another anglicised version of ‘Ó Faoláin’ which we mentioned previously. Ó Faoláin’ loosely means ‘Wolf’ and it is a common Irish last name in Kilkenny and Waterford.

Key info about the Irish last name Phelan

• Pronunciation: Fee-lan
• Meaning: Wolf
• Famous Phelans: Paddy Phelan (Irish hurler)

12. Cosgrave

Cosgrave comes from the Irish ‘Ó Coscraigh’ which means ‘Son of Coscrach’. Coscrach was a High King who ruled Ireland for between 4 and 7 years.

Key info about the surname Cosgrave

• Pronunciation: Cos-grave
• Meaning: Son of Coscrach
• Famous Cosgraves: John B. Cosgrave (mathematician)

13. Molloy

One of the more famous Irish last names, Molloy is the anglicised form of ‘Ó Maolmhuaidh’ which means ‘Proud Chieftain’. Descendants of Niall of the Nine Hostages, the Molloys controlled what is now County Offaly.

Key info about the Irish family name Molloy

• Pronunciation: Mol-oy
• Meaning: Proud Chieftain
• Famous Molloys: Matt Molloy (Irish musician)

14. Flannery

Flannery comes from the Irish ‘Ó Flannghaile’ which means ‘Descendant of Flannghal’. This name is common in both Ireland and across the world.

Key info about the surname Flannery

• Pronunciation: Flan-ah-ree
• Meaning: Red valor
• Famous Flannerys: Jerry Flannery (rugby player)

15. McMahon

McMahon comes from the Irish ‘Mac Mathghamhna’. There were two notable McMahon families in ancient Ireland – the MacMahons of Oriel (Monaghan) and the MacMahons of Thomond.

Key info about the surname McMahon

• Pronunciation: Mack-mahon
• Meaning: Son of the bear
• Famous McMahons: Aline MacMahon (actress)

16. Tracy

Tracy comes from the Irish ‘O’Treasaigh’ and means ‘Fighter’. This is one of the older Irish family names, having been mentioned in the Irish Annals in a section from 1008.

Key info about the surname Tracy

• Pronunciation: Tray-cee
• Meaning: Fighter
• Famous Tracy: Harriet Tracy (inventor)

17. Coughlan

Coughlan comes from the Irish ‘Mac Cochláin’ or ‘Ó Cochláin’. The Coughlans were part of The Delbhna – a Gaelic tribe that ruled modern day Offaly.

Key info about the surname Coughlan

• Pronunciation: Coh-glan
• Meaning: Son of the one with the cloak
• Famous Coughlans: Nicola Coughlan (actress)

18. Mcgee

Mcgee comes from the Irish ‘Mac Aodha’ which means ‘Son of Aodh’. The name first emerged in counties Tyrone and Donegal. The McGees were a clan of the Ulaid at one point – a Gaelic kingdom in the north east of Ireland.

Key info about the surname Mcgee

• Pronunciation: Mah-gee
• Meaning: Son of Aodh
• Famous Mcgees: Kirsty McGee (singer-songwriter)

19. Hennessy

Hennessy is the anglicised version of  ‘Ó hAonghusa’. Two notable Ó hAonghusa families were based in Westmeath and Cork. This is one of the more famous Irish surnames thanks to Richard Hennessy from Cork who founded the Cognac brand.

Key info about the surname Hennessy

• Pronunciation: Hen-iss-ee
• Meaning: Unknown
• Famous Hennessys: Terry Hennessey (Welsh footballer)

20. Keating

Keating comes from the Irish ‘Céitinn’ and it is believed to be of Norman origin. As per the 1901 census of Ireland, 4,530 people had the Irish last name Keating.

Key info about the surname Keating

• Pronunciation: Key-thing
• Meaning: Unknown
• Famous Keatings: Ronan Keating (from Boyzone – one of the more famous Irish bands)

21. O’Driscoll

O’Driscoll comes from the Irish ‘Ó hEidirsceoil’. Ancestors of the Kings of Munster, the O’Driscolls were rulers of a part of modern day West Cork.

Key info about the surname O’Driscoll

• Pronunciation: O-driss-coll
• Meaning: Bearer of news
• Famous O’Driscolls: Brian O’Driscoll (rugby player)

22. Heany

Heany is the anglicised version of ‘Ó hEignigh’ which means ‘Horseman’. Heany is one of the older Irish surnames, having been mentioned in the Annals of Ireland from the 8th century.

Key info about the surname Heany

• Pronunciation: Hee-knee
• Meaning: Horseman
• Famous Heanys: Seamus Heaney, (Irish poet)

23. Dempsey

Dempsey is the  anglicised form of ‘Ó Díomasaigh’ which means ‘Descendant of Díomasach’. One of several Dempsey mentioned in the Irish Annals was Dermot O’Dempsy (1383) – Lord of Kinel-Maoilughra.

Key info about the surname Dempsey

• Pronunciation: Dem-see
• Meaning: Proud
• Famous Dempseys: Damien Dempsey (Irish singer)

24. McManus

McManus comes from the Gaelic ‘Mac Mághnais’ which means ‘Son of Magnus’. One notable McManus family in ancient Ireland descended from the son of a High King of Ireland by the name of Turlough Mór O’Conor (1119–1156).

Key info about the surname McManus

• Pronunciation: Mack-man-us
• Meaning: Son of Magnus
• Famous McManus: Alan McManus (snooker player)

25. Boyle

Boyle is the anglicised version of ‘Ó Baoighill’ which means ‘Descendant of Baoigheall’. The O’Boyles were a Donegal clan that descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages.

Key info about the surname Boyle

• Pronunciation: Boy-al
• Meaning: Descendant of Baoigheall
• Famous Boyles: Susan Boyle (singer)

26. O’Houlihan

O’Houlihan comes from the Irish ‘Ó hUallacháin’ and means ‘Proud’. The Houlihan dynasty hailed from what is now Galway and Offaly. One of the most notable Houlihans was Donal Ua hUallacháin, the Archbishop of Cashel (1171-1182).

Key info about the surname O’Houlihan

• Pronunciation: Oh-houl-ah-han
• Meaning: Proud
• Famous O’Houlihans: Joan Houlihan (poet

27. McGovern

McGovern comes from the Irish ‘Mág Samhradháin’ and it’s a name commonly found in Leitrim and Cavan. It means ‘The Son of Samhradhán’, the ‘Samhradhán’ in question being the one that lived in 1100 AD and that descended from ‘Brión mac Echach Muigmedóin’ an Irish High King.

Key info about the surname McGovern

• Pronunciation: Mac-ov-ern
• Meaning: The Son of Samhradhán
• Famous McGoverns: George Stanley McGovern (historian)

28. Keenan

Keenan comes from the Irish ‘Ó Cianáin’ which means ‘Descendant of Cianán’. The Keenan clan were well known in Medieval Ireland for producing off-spring that went on to hold prestigious positions in the church.

Key info about the surname Keenan

• Pronunciation: Key-nan
• Meaning: Descendant of the faithful one
• Famous Keenans: Philip Keenan (astronomer)

29. Colgan

Colgan is the anglicised version of ‘Ó Colgáin’ which means ‘Descendant of Colga’. In 2010, 3,651 Colgans resided in the USA.

Key info about the surname Colgan

• Pronunciation: Col-gan
• Meaning: Sword
• Famous Colgans: Jenny Colgan (novelist)

30. Duffy

Duffy is the anglicised form of ‘Ó Dubhthaigh’ and it means ‘Descendant of Dubthach’. There are many notable ‘Dubthachs’ from ancient Ireland, including ‘Dubthach maccu Lugair’, a poet from the time of St. Patrick.

Key info about the surname Duffy

• Pronunciation: Duff-e
• Meaning: Descendant of Dubthach
• Famous Duffy: Keith Duffy (singer)

31. Kearney

Kearney comes from the Irish ‘Ó Catharnaigh’ which means ‘Descendant of Catharnach’. Other variations of the name include ‘Carney’.

Key info about the surname Kearney

• Pronunciation: Car-nee
• Meaning: Victorious
• Famous Kearneys: Rob Kearney (rugby player)

32. Crean

Crean is one of the more common Irish last names in the West of Ireland. This is an old name and it was mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters which dates to between 1632 and 1636.

Key info about the surname Crean

• Pronunciation: Creen
• Meaning: Descendant of Croidheagan
• Famous Creans: Tom Crean (Irish explorer)

33. Mulligan

Mulligan is one of the more unique Irish surnames meaning wise. Coming from the Irish ‘Ó Maolagáin’ it means ‘Grandson of the bald man’.

Key info about the surname Mulligan

• Pronunciation: Mull-ih-gan
• Meaning: Grandson of the bald man
• Famous Mulligans: Carey Mulligan (actress)

34. Geoghegan

Geoghegan, from the Irish ‘Mag Eochagáin’, means ‘Horse’ (from the Irish ‘Eochaidh’). The MacGeoghegans were descendants of both the King of Tara and Niall of the Nine Hostages.

Key info about the surname Geoghegan

• Pronunciation: Gyee-oh-gan
• Meaning: Horse
• Famous Geoghegans: James MacGeoghegan (historian)

35. Scully

Scully comes from the Irish ‘Ó Scolaidhe’ meaning ‘Descendant of Scolaidhe’. The name comes from the Irish ‘Scolaidhe’ which means ‘Scholar’.

Key info about the surname Scully

• Pronunciation: Scull-ee
• Meaning: Scholar
• Famous Scullys: Maurice Scully (poet)

36. Madden

Madden is the anglicised version of ‘Madadhan’ which means ‘Little dog’. The Maddens have links to Kildare (Athgarret, specifically) and Galway. The Galway Maddens were part of the Uí Maine – one of Ireland’s oldest kingdoms.

Key info about the surname Madden

• Pronunciation: Mad-in
• Meaning: Little dog
• Famous Maddens: Aodhán Madden (Irish playwright)

37. Hegarty

Hegarty comes from the Irish ‘Ó hÉigeartuigh’. Although the meaning of the name is unclear, it’s possible that it comes from the Irish ‘Eigceartach’ which means ‘Unjust’.

Key info about the surname Hegarty

• Pronunciation: Heg-arty
• Meaning: Unknown but possible ‘Unjust’
• Famous Hegartys: Mary Hegarty (opera soprano)

38. Tiernan

Tiernan is another variation of ‘Tierney’ which comes from the traditional Irish last names ‘Ó Tiarnáin’ and ‘MacTiarnaigh’. Tiernan comes from the Irish word ‘Tiarna’ which means ‘Master’.

Key info about the surname Tiernan

• Pronunciation: Teer-nan
• Meaning: Master
• Famous Tiernans: Tommy Tiernan (comedian)

39. McKeogh

McKeogh comes from the Irish ‘Mac Eochaidh’. The McKeoghs were part of Dál Fiatach – a group that ruled part of north east Ireland during the Middle Ages.

Key info about the surname McKeogh

• Pronunciation: Mih-kyo
• Meaning: Son of Eochaidh
• Famous McKeoghs: Dave McKeough (Baseballer)

40. Gorman

Gorman comes from the Irish ‘Mac Gormáin’ which means ‘Son of Gormán’. The Gorman clan were based in modern day County Clare and they are linked to the early Christianity in Ireland.

Key info about the surname Gorman

• Pronunciation: Gor-man
• Meaning: Dark blue or noble
• Famous Gormans: Edward Gorman (novelist)

FAQs about Irish family names

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are most common surnames in Ireland?’ to ‘What are the most popular Irish last names?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.