400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- Keigan
Description:
Keigan is a masculine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic roots, likely derived from the surname Keegan (from the Gaelic 'Mac Aodhagáin' meaning 'son of Aodhagán,' a diminutive of Aodh, meaning 'fire'). The distinctive spelling with 'i' instead of 'e' gives it a modern twist while maintaining its Celtic heritage. Keigan emerged in popularity primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents sought unique variations of traditional names. It fits well with the trend of strong-sounding boy names ending in '-an' or '-en.' While not among the most common names, Keigan has steady usage in English-speaking countries, particularly in communities with Scottish or Irish connections. The name suggests strength, vigor, and a fiery spirit.
- Madigan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little dog"Description:
A jovial and jaunty Irish name, the title of a long-gone TV crime drama, this would make an appealing choice. Slight downside: Maddy is already a mega-popular nickname for Madeline/Madelyn and Madison, so this Mad- name might not feel as distinctive as the stats would suggest.
- Fay
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fairy"Description:
Fay, also spelled Faye, who had been napping quietly since the 1930's, has, like cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae, sat up and started rubbing her eyes, ready for a mini-comeback, especially as a middle name. In 2014, Faye hopped back onto the US Top 1000, though Fay is used much more quietly as a first name.
- Connolly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fierce as a hound"Description:
Connolly, an alternate spelling of Connelly, could make a livelier and less common substitute for Connor.
- Conroy
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"hound (or wolf) of the plain"Description:
Conroy is one Con name that feels a bit dated, though perhaps it's so far out it's coming in? Worth consideration if you like Connor but feel it's too widely used.
- Donnelly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, brave one"Description:
Donnelly is among the more appealing Irish surname names, less well used than Donovan. Related options include the place name Donegal and the mythological god name Donegan.
- Buckley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"meadow of the deer"Description:
Mama's boy.
- Devin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"poet"Description:
Used far more for boys with this spelling, but still has a nice impish Irish feel for a girl.
- Fitzgerald
Origin:
Irish and ScottishMeaning:
"son of Gerald"Description:
Made famous by F. Scott Fitzgerald and John Fitzgerald Kennedy; still works best as a middle name.
- Gowan
Origin:
Scottish, IrishMeaning:
"daisy, gold or white flower; metal worker, blacksmith"Description:
A rare floral name for boys, this Scottish name is used to refer to white and golden wildflowers, usually daisies. Possibly borrowed from the Old Norse gollinn or inspired by the Old English golde "marigold", this name appears very occasionally as a given name, but more frequently as a surname.
- Fagan
Description:
Fagan is a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, derived from the surname 'Ó Fágáin,' meaning 'little ardent one' or 'small fire.' As a given name, Fagan has historical connections to both Celtic and Anglo-Saxon traditions. The name appears in literary contexts, including as a character in Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist,' though this association has sometimes limited its popularity. Fagan has never been particularly common but maintains a steady presence in Ireland and among those with Irish heritage. The name carries a distinctive, somewhat rugged quality with its strong consonants and straightforward pronunciation, appealing to parents seeking a name with Celtic roots and historical depth.
- Keagan
Origin:
Spelling variation of KeeganDescription:
While Keegan has been rising in popularity for a number of years, this variant spelling has dropped in the lists.
- Carlin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little champion"Description:
While the lin ending is more commonly found in girls' names, Carlin is an authentic Irish male choice and was used just about evenly for both sexes in the US last year.
- Deegan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark-haired"Description:
This name shares sounds with Keagan and Teagan, but has its own roots in Irish culture. It comes from the surname O'Duibhginn, meaning "descendent of the dark-haired one". Freestyle Motocross rider Brian Deegan may be partly responsible for this name's appearance in the US Top 1000 between 2008 and 2013. While it is now out of the charts, it remains a familiar choice, given to just shy of 100 boys in a recent year.
- Kerwin
Description:
Kerwin is a masculine name with Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English elements 'ceorl' meaning 'free peasant' or 'man' and 'wine' meaning 'friend.' The name can also be found as a surname in English and Irish contexts. Kerwin saw modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, but remains relatively uncommon. The name has some recognition through figures like American astronaut Kerwin Washington and various athletes. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Kerwin has maintained steady if limited usage. The name possesses a distinctive sound that balances traditional roots with a somewhat modern feel, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with authentic historical origins.
- Fergal
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"brave, manly"Description:
Very common in early Ireland and still in use there today, it was the name of an eighth century high king and also a saint. Not as well known in this country as Fergus, Fergal is currently appearing as a character on the TV series Catastrophe.
- Kieran
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little black-haired one"Description:
Kieran is a boys' name that could cross over, as an update of outmoded Karen or a variation on trendy Kiera (or Keira or Kyra). Keren Ann is an Israeli-born singer. The proportion of babies named Kieran who are girls is less than ten percent, but is slowly growing. Kieran had an increase in use for girls in 2022.
- Finnegan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fair"Description:
Finnegan has been growing in popularity for boys, thanks to the love for all things Finn-related. It's started to be used occasionally for girls, too.
- Foley
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"plunderer"Description:
There are many more appealing Irish surnames than Foley, and certainly more positive meanings. If Foley is a genuine family name, this would be all right in the middle.
- Flanagan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red, ruddy"Description:
Flanagan is an elabortion of Flann, and cousin of Flynn and Finn: a member of the family of colorful Irish red-headed names. This one is lively and undiscovered.
