400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Kearn
    • Description:

      Kearn is a masculine name with Celtic origins, primarily associated with Irish heritage. It likely derives from the Irish name Ciarán, meaning "little dark one" or "black," possibly referring to dark hair or complexion. Alternatively, it may relate to the Irish surname Ó Ceirín. As a given name, Kearn has remained quite rare throughout history, never appearing on mainstream popularity charts. The name carries a strong, concise sound that reflects its Celtic roots while being easy to pronounce in English-speaking countries. Kearn appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with authentic Irish connections that isn't commonly used. Its brevity and strong consonant ending give it a masculine quality that contrasts with some of the softer-sounding Irish names.

  2. Yeats
    • Origin:

      Scottish, English
    • Meaning:

      "the gates"
    • Description:

      Admirers of the haunting works of esteemed Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats might consider this surname-style name, especially for the middle spot. Ultimately derived from the Old English geat, Yeats is the Scottish form of Yates, pronounced exactly the same, and rhyming, helpfully, with its literal meaning of "gates".
  3. Keller
    • Origin:

      German surname
    • Meaning:

      "cellar"
    • Description:

      Keller is a German surname that originated as an occupational name for a cellar or store master. It may be an honorific for deaf-blind author and activist Helen Keller.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Fee
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Fiona
    • Description:

      Too fiscal.
  7. 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.
  8. Conley
    • Origin:

      Anglicization of Conleth, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "chaste fire; constant fire"
    • Description:

      Part Constance, part Finley, Conley is a contemporary sounding surname choice that has been used for boys since the early 20th century. An anglicized form of the Irish name Conleth, it began to be used for girls in the late 90s, and a recent year saw it given to around 40 girls and 60 boys.
  9. Sheehan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "peaceful"
    • Description:

      Has a decidedly Roman Catholic feel, thanks to the bishop.
  10. Maloney
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "devotee of the church"
    • Description:

      Too close to baloney.
  11. Carey
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dark, black"
    • Description:

      A unisex name in the same vein as Casey, Cassidy, and Kelly, Carey and its alternative spelling Cary were familiar choices for boys in the first half of the 20th-century, and became popular in the 50s and 60s. By the 70s however, things had shifted: Carey was more popular for girls, reaching number #304 at its 1975 peak when it was given to nearly 760 girls.
  12. Mccauley
    • Description:

      Mccauley is a masculine name derived from an Irish and Scottish surname, originating from the Gaelic "Mac Amhalghaidh," meaning "son of Amhalghaidh" (an ancient personal name). As a first name, it emerged following the trend of using family surnames as given names, gaining modest recognition in the late 20th century. The name received a boost in visibility through actor Macaulay Culkin's fame in the 1990s, though the spelling Mccauley remains less common than Macaulay. The prefix "Mc" clearly signals its Celtic heritage, giving it a distinctive cultural connection. While never reaching widespread popularity, Mccauley appeals to parents seeking a name with strong Irish or Scottish roots and a confident, distinctive sound. It carries associations of tradition and heritage while maintaining a contemporary edge.
  13. 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.

  14. Carey
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dark, black"
    • Description:

      Carey is a surname name that works equally well on babies of all genders: Jazz great Carey Bell and motorcross champion Carey Hart are just two examples of how handsome this name can be for a boy. Also spelled as Cary (as in Old-Hollywood actor, Cary Grant), it was popular for boys in the 50s and remained in the US charts from the 1880s to the 1990s.
  15. Kenney
    • Description:

      Kenney is a masculine name that originated as a surname derived from the Gaelic name Ó Cinnéidigh, meaning "descendant of Cinnéidigh" (a personal name composed of elements meaning "helmeted" or "misshapen head"). As a first name, Kenney represents a variation of Kenneth or Kenny, with Kenny traditionally being a diminutive form of Kenneth. The name has Scottish and Irish roots and carries a friendly, approachable quality. While less common as a given name than Kenneth or Kenny, Kenney provides a slightly more formal alternative to Kenny while maintaining its casual charm. The name saw modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality for modern bearers.
  16. 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.
  17. Kavanaugh
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "born handsome or son of Caomhan "
    • Description:

      If you're looking for an Irish last name that moves beyond Casey and Cassidy, this one is pleasant sounding and worth considering. Kavanaugh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanagh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'. Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or Caomhan. Early kings of Leinster bore the name Kavanaugh.
  18. 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.
  19. Patten
    • Description:

      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.

  20. 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.

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