400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- Merrigan
Origin:
Irish surname, related to the seaDescription:
A merry surname cousin of Kerrigan, could make a lively choice for a happy little girl.
- Corrigan
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"spear"Description:
While Corrigan is a widely-used Irish surname, a Corrigan or Korrigan is a fairy or sprite-like creature in Breton folklore. The Cornish word korrik means gnome. These creatures can be good or evil, male or female, but the important thing in Nameberry terms is that we love their name!
- Flynn
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of the red-haired one"Description:
A winning last-name-first Celtic choice, Flynn is still mostly used for boys, such as the son of Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr. Though Flynn is definitely one of the Irish surname names, from Quinn to Flannery to Makenna, that makes one of the trendy boy names for girls".
- Tiegan
Description:
Tiegan is a modern feminine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins. It's often considered a variant of Teagan, which means 'little poet' or 'beautiful.' Some sources suggest it may also be related to the Welsh name Tegwen, meaning 'fair blessing.' Tiegan has gained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries since the 1990s, particularly in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to ancient Celtic traditions. Parents often choose Tiegan for its melodic sound, unique spelling, and its balance of strength and femininity.
- Kerry
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, dark-haired"Description:
Kerry is the name of one of the most beautiful and lush counties of Ireland was a seventies favorite. Related, updated versions might include Cerys and Keira.
- Cleary
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"cleric"Description:
This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.
- O'connor
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the hound lover"Description:
Perfect name for the child of dog enthusiasts, and much more distinctive than the trendy Connor.
- Duff
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"swarthy"Description:
This somewhat boisterous Celtic name would be at home in a noisy pub or out walking on the moors. In Scotland, it was originally a nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion.
- Maguire
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the beige one"Description:
Although Maguire is such a prominent Irish surname —it ranks in the Top 40 in the Emerald Isle —this lively and cheerful family name has rarely been used as a first, unlike more familiar examples like Ryan, Riley and Reagan. The powerful and distinguished Maguire clan was known for their courage, leadership and resilience. The name's many notable associations include the unionizing Pennsylvania coal miners known as the Molly Maguires, actor Tobey Maguire and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire. Other spellings are McGuire and McGwire; two other handsome Irish surnames to consider are Malone and Magee.
- Callister
Origin:
Variation of Irish surname MacCallisterMeaning:
"son of Alister"Description:
Can be used either with or without the addition of Mac.
- Coltrane
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"descendant of Coltarán"Description:
The great sax player John Coltrane could be a cool naming inspiration for a jazz fan. Plus, it gives you stylish nickname Colt, if you didn't love Colton or Colter.
- Meara
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"pool, lake"Description:
A name that has many close, more familiar relatives, like Mira and Myra.
- Fee
Description:
Fee is a short, distinctive masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Gaelic 'fiadh' meaning 'wild' or 'deer,' or it could be a shortened form of names like Felix or Frederick. In some contexts, it's also been used as a nickname for someone who collected fees or payments. As a standalone name, Fee remains quite uncommon for boys, giving it a unique quality. Despite its brevity, the name carries a light, friendly sound that's easy to pronounce across languages. The simplicity of Fee makes it distinctive in an era of longer names, potentially appealing to parents seeking something minimalist yet meaningful.
- Connolly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fierce as a hound"Description:
Connolly, an alternate spelling of Connelly, could make a livelier and less common substitute for Connor.
- Coleman
Origin:
English and IrishMeaning:
"little dove"Description:
The name of three hundred saints, a mustard, and your own baby boy. Coleman was off the US Top 1000 list for much of the 1960s and 1970s, but it was a mainstay before and has been for most years since. It could be an interesting way to honor a Colin or Cole.
- Fitzpatrick
Origin:
Irish / Anglo-Norman surnameMeaning:
"son of Patrick"Description:
A common surname in Ireland, often use as an anglicization of Mac Giolla Phádraig. This name could honor a Patrick. It's also a way to get to Fitz as a nickname.
- Harmon
Origin:
Irish variation of HermanDescription:
Has a harmonic feel.
- Devaughn
Description:
Devaughn is a contemporary name that appears to be a variant spelling of DeVon or Devin, with the distinctive '-vaughn' ending that may be influenced by the surname Vaughn (from Welsh, meaning 'small'). The prefix 'De-' is found in many names of various origins, including French and Latin roots meaning 'of' or 'from.' Devaughn gained modest recognition in the United States particularly from the 1980s onward. The name's popularity peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The spelling variation with 'gh' gives the name a distinctive quality while maintaining its phonetic pronunciation. Usage patterns show that Devaughn has been embraced across diverse communities in the United States, particularly from the late 20th century onward.
- Carroll
Origin:
Anglicized variation of Irish CearbhallMeaning:
"hacking with a weapon"Description:
This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and connotation since homophone Carol was favoured in the 1940s and '50s for daughters. We think it's time for a resurgence of Carrolls amongst the boys.
- Mcdonnell
Description:
McDonnell is a masculine name that originated as a Scottish and Irish surname meaning 'son of Donald' or 'son of Donal.' It belongs to one of the oldest and most powerful Gaelic clans, with roots tracing back to Domhnall, a 6th-century Scottish king. While traditionally used as a family name, McDonnell has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage, particularly in families honoring their Celtic heritage. As a given name, it's quite uncommon, giving bearers a distinctive identity. The name carries connotations of strength, heritage, and tradition, and connects its bearer to the rich history of Scotland and Ireland. Its recognizable prefix 'Mc' immediately identifies its Gaelic roots.
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