400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Mckellar
    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "son of Ealair"
    • Description:

      Ealair is the Gaelic form of Hilary, making McKellar an inventive way to honor a Hilary, Hillary, or Ellery in your life.
  2. Quigley
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "from the mother's side"
    • Description:

      The spoiled only son of the richest family in town in a fifties movie.
  3. Merrigan
    • Origin:

      Irish surname, related to the sea
    • Description:

      A merry surname cousin of Kerrigan, could make a lively choice for a happy little girl.
  4. Connelly
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "love, friendship"
    • Description:

      Connelly is a rollicking and rare example of the popular surname genre that may work even better for girls. A huge update on Colleen.
  5. Blaine
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "yellow"
    • Description:

      She's the bff of Blair, Blake, and Brooke who shop at Bergdorf's, Bonwits and Bendel's.
  6. Maguire
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Mcgee
    • Description:

      Mcgee is primarily known as a surname of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from 'Mac Aoidh,' meaning 'son of Aodh' (an ancient name meaning 'fire'). Its use as a first name is quite uncommon but follows the modern trend of adopting surnames as given names. This practice has roots in honoring family heritage or creating distinctive, memorable names. Mcgee carries a strong Celtic association and projects a casual, friendly quality with its familiar surname sound. As a first name, it has remained rare, occasionally appearing in English-speaking countries, particularly in families with Irish or Scottish connections. The name's distinctive sound and spelling make it immediately recognizable while its surname origins give it a contemporary, unconventional character.

  8. O'shea
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "hawklike, stately"
    • Description:

      One of the jauntiest o' the O' names, the birth name of actor/ rapper Ice Cube.
  9. Calloway
    • Origin:

      English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "pebbly place"
    • Description:

      Calloway is one of those irresistibly jaunty, animated three-syllable surnames, like Sullivan and Finnegan — but this one has the added attraction of jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American Jive," Cab Calloway. For a girl, this could be an unconventional route to the cool nickname Callie.
  10. 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.

  11. Garvey
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "rough peace"
    • Description:

      Occasionally used in the African-American community to honor Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey, known as "Emperor of the Kingdom of Africa," though his first name is more frequently chosen. Another possible namesake is baseball player Steve Garvey. Garvey sounds more modern than Harvey.
  12. Quinlan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Caoinlean, slender "
    • Description:

      Quinlan is an Irish surname name given to a few dozen baby girls in the US each year. With the success of Quinn as a girls' name, Quinlan and its variant spellings Quinlin and Quinlyn might follow behind.
  13. Carney
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "victory"
    • Description:

      This name is a fabulous option for parents looking for a victorious name but who find Victor just a little too obvious. This name can also be spelled Kearney.
  14. Bolan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little poet"
    • Description:

      An Irish surname name with a combination of boldness and élan. Some might connect it to the founder of the group T. Rex -- Marc Bolan.
  15. Carlin
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little champion"
    • Description:

      Stronger and more contemporary twist on Carla or Carly, Carlin was used just about equally for girls and boys in the US last year.
  16. Donahue
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dark fighter"
    • Description:

      This genial Irish surname feels much more current than Donald.
  17. Branigan
    • Origin:

      irish
    • Meaning:

      "little raven"
    • Description:

      Branigan, also spelled Branagan or Brannigan, is an Irish name full of energy and cheer. It was the title of a 1975 John Wayne movie, and Zapp Brannigan is the antihero of the animated sitcom "Futurama." Branigan fans might also want to consider such related Irish names as Brennan and Breccan, Rafferty and Finnegan.
  18. Duryea
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "from the stream"
    • Description:

      Irish name with an intriguing lilt.
  19. Reilly
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "courageous"
    • Description:

      This more elaborate but not unfamiliar spelling of Riley feels oddly more feminine. Designer and Beatle daughter Stella McCartney has a daughter named Reilley. Still, Reilly or more common Riley is one name that's remained popular for both boys and girls.
  20. Hartigan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Arthur"
    • Description:

      In Cool Names, we cite this as an "Artist Name," for twentieth-century abstract painter Grace Hartigan, though for you it may just be an upbeat Irish surname.