400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

Irish last names are common through the Western world, with Irish surnames widely used in the US, the UK, and Australia and New Zealand. The top Irish surnames are among the most popular last names in the United States.

The most common Irish last names in the US include exclusively Irish surnames like Murphy and Hughes, along with surnames that count Irish among multiple origins, such as Collins and Hughes. Other popular Irish surnames in the US include Kelly (and Kelley), Sullivan, Hayes, Murray, Kennedy, Riley, and O'Brien.

The top Irish last names in Ireland have some crossover with the US, but generally feel more, well, Irish: Murphy, Kelly, Walsh, O'Connor, O'Sullivan, and Byrne are at the top of the list.

Irish last names have also become increasingly popular as first names, eclipsing traditional Irish first names, especially for girls. Irish last names such as Riley, Kennedy, and Finley are more popular baby names in the US today than traditional Irish names such as Bridget and Patrick.

Riley is the top Irish last name used as a first for baby girls in the US today, with Ryan the top Irish surname used as a first name for boys. Along with Riley and Ryan, the other top Irish last names for boys in the US are Connor and Nolan, with the top Irish last names for girls Kennedy and Quinn. Many of these surname names can be considered gender neutral names.

One fresh factor in Irish last names as first names: Names that start with Mac or O' are now fair game as first names. So if you want to name your baby O'Brien or McNamara, go right ahead. Here's a whole group of rollicking Irish surnames that work for both girls and boys....or you can use one from your own family background.

On Nameberry, the top Irish surnames used as first names include Finn, Ronan, Dylan, and Quinn.

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