Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

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.

Conroy

The Christian name of the dashing Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice&mdash; it was his mother's maiden name&mdash; is just one of several Fitz names, including Fitzroy, Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, that could be used to honor a dad named William, Roy, Gerald or Patrick.

Fitzwilliam

More common as a surname, Galvin is a possible alternative to Gavin and Calvin.

Galvin

With the jaunty rhythm of other Irish surnames like Finnegan and Sullivan, plus the possibility for cool nickname Gil, this seems like a good candidate for the first name slot. It was the name of the main character in the TV show Gilligan's Island.

Gilligan

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.

Kerwin

Mackey is a masculine name that originated as a surname derived from the Gaelic Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" or "son of Hugh." Aodh was a popular Irish and Scottish name meaning "fire." As a first name, Mackey emerged through the tradition of using family surnames as given names, a practice particularly common in American naming customs. Though not among the most popular first names, Mackey has a friendly, approachable quality with its upbeat sound and casual feel. It carries associations with Irish and Scottish heritage while maintaining a distinctly American character. The name exudes a cheerful, unpretentious personality and offers the friendly nickname Mac.

Mackey

Patten originated as an English surname derived from the Middle English word "paten," referring to a type of wooden shoe or clog. As a first name, Patten exemplifies the continuing trend of transforming surnames into given names. The name carries a dignified, patrician quality with its crisp consonants and straightforward pronunciation. Though uncommon as a first name, it offers a distinctive alternative to more popular options like Patrick or Peter while maintaining a traditional feel. Patten may also appeal to families with this surname in their lineage who wish to preserve the connection. The name projects reliability and steadfastness while being distinctive enough to stand out without seeming unusual.

Patten

Phelan, pronounced FAY-lan or FEE-lan, is an appealing Irish surname name, with a rich history in Irish myth and religious and secular life. One bearer was a fiercely loyal follower of the legendary warrior Finn MacCool, another was a missionary saint.
 The first name Phelan figures in an O'Henry story, "Between Rounds"; and in The Help, Skeeter's surname is Phelan. In Irish, the name is spelled Faolan.

Phelan

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

Quigley

If you like Dylan, Quinn, or Leo but find them too popular, Quillan could be a distinctive and interesting alternative. It is sometimes connected to the zodiac sign of Leo, making it a cool way to honor a someone born under the lion sign, or to mark your baby's birthdate if they're born between July and August. 
 
It can also be considered a form of Mac Uighilín ("son of Hugh") or Mac Coilín ("son of Collin").

Quillan

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.

Finnegan

Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending sound. 
Mary Flannery O'Connor was an important twentieth century regional writer whose work has been characterized as Southern Gothic, often featuring grotesque characters and concerned with questions of morality.

Flannery

Breslin is a classic Irish surname that's found its way onto the first name roles in the US, but only for girls. 

Breslin

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.
 
Another possible origin of Gowan is as a variation on Gawain "may hawk" or as an anglicized form of the Gaelic gobhan or the Irish surname, which means "blacksmith" or "metal worker".
 
A very rare name, it might appeal to those who like off-beat, rugged sounding last names, like Weller, Witton, Stratton, Kincaid, and Conan.

Gowan

Out-of-date for a boy, innovative for a girl. 

Barry

Beagan is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from 'beag' meaning 'small' or 'little one.' Traditionally used as a surname in Ireland, it has transitioned to occasional first name usage, particularly among families celebrating their Celtic heritage. Beagan maintains an authentic Irish feel while being relatively straightforward to pronounce for English speakers. The name has never charted among popular names in the United States or United Kingdom, making it a distinctive choice that carries cultural significance without being commonplace. The sound is melodic yet masculine, with a pleasing rhythm that fits alongside other Irish names gaining international appreciation. Beagan offers the appeal of being recognizably Celtic without the pronunciation challenges of some traditional Irish names.

Beagan

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. 

Bolan

The famous Battle of the Boyne, in Ireland, vanquished the Catholic king. 

Boyne

Bold Irish surname, full of energy and cheer. 

Branagan

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 <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/168/irish-names">Irish names</a> as Brennan and Breccan, Rafferty and Finnegan.

Branigan

 are common through the Western world, with Irish surnames widely used in the US, the UK, and Australia and New Zealand. The

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.

 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.

 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 

 in the US are Connor and Nolan, with the 

 Kennedy and Quinn. Many of these surname names can be considered 

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.

Irish Last Names and surnames, with meanings and popularity, including Quinn, Kennedy, Nolan, used as first names for baby girls and baby boys, with top Irish last names and unique Irish surnames, including origins, meanings, and popularity. (Page 11)