​
​
Advanced Search

400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Calhoun

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the narrow forest"

    • Description:

      A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered, though anyone into American history might associate it with John C. Calhoun, a 19th century statesman who defended slavery. There are however plenty of places called Calhoun which might lessen that association.
  2. Rogan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "redhead"

    • Description:

      Rogan makes a great, roguish alternative for the more popular Logan, Ronan and Rowan.
  3. Connolly

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "fierce as a hound"

    • Description:

      Connolly, an alternate spelling of Connelly, could make a livelier and less common substitute for Connor.
  4. Delancey

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "from Lancey"

    • Description:

      This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.
  5. Keegan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Egan"

    • Description:

      Another two-syllable surname zooming up the ladder for boys, and poised to be grabbed by the girls.
  6. Daley

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "assembly, gathering"

    • Description:

      Much stronger than Dale for a boy.
  7. Quigley

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the mother's side"

    • Description:

      The spoiled only son of the richest family in town in a fifties movie.
  8. Magee

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Hugh"

    • Description:

      Magee became one of the first gender-bending Irish surname names so popular today thanks to New York television newswoman Magee Hickey. In case you don't know, the g is hard, as in Maggie, but with the opposite emphasis.
  9. Morrissey

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Muiris"

    • Description:

      When British rocker Steven Patrick Morrissey decided to use his last name alone, it became a viable option for baby namers, a lot cooler than Morris or Maurice, with the nice three-syllable lilt of of such other Irish surnames as Finnegan and Flanagan. It can also be spelled Morrisey.
  10. Curran

    • Origin:

      Irish surname from O Corrain

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Curran"

    • Description:

      Curran is a common surname in Ireland, but unusual even there as a first. With its savory feel, calling to mind curry and currants, Curran can make for an attractive update on Colin or Connor.
  11. 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.

  12. Runyon

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of a champion"

    • Description:

      Runyon is an Irish surname with considerable flair; some will connect it with Guys and Dolls writer Damon Runyon.
  13. Brady

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "one with broad eyes"

    • Description:

      Has the energetic-Irish-slightly-boyish image that many modern parents love.
  14. Dagan

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "corn, grain"

    • Description:

      Popular in Israel for girls and boys born on Shavout, a harvest festival. In Babylonian mythology, Dagan was the god of the earth and grain.
  15. Lynch

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "mariner"

    • Description:

      One Irish surname that will never make it as a first.
  16. Duffy

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dark"

    • Description:

      This familiar Irish surname, best known as the name of the mononamed Welsh female singer, is extremely rare as a first name in the US but could make an original Irish choice.
  17. Donahue

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dark fighter"

    • Description:

      This genial Irish surname feels much more current than Donald.
  18. Hennessy

    • Origin:

      Irish surname name

    • Description:

      Hennessy has attracted some notice as a first name via rapper Cardi B's sister Hennessy Carolina. It certainly has a pretty sound and can hold its own with the new generation of Irish names for girls that originated as surnames, such as Kennedy, McKenna, and Riley. Hennessy is also the brand name of a cognac, which is how Cardi B got her stage name -- her nickname was Bacardi.
  19. Garvan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "rough little one"

    • Description:

      Irish surname derived from the name Gairbhín, a diminutive of garbh, "rough". It's barely been used as a first name, but could be a similar-yet-different alternative to names like Nolan and Sullivan.
  20. Connery

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "warrior-lord"

    • Description:

      This appealing name of a mythical king of Tara whose reign brough prosperity to his kingdom is strongly associated with actor Sean. The Irish form is Conaire.