400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- Keagan
Origin:
Irish, spelling variation of KeeganDescription:
Right in step with the two-syllable irish surname-names now on the rise.
- Madigan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little dog"Description:
A jovial and jaunty Irish name, the title of a long-gone TV crime drama, this would make an appealing choice. Slight downside: Maddy is already a mega-popular nickname for Madeline/Madelyn and Madison, so this Mad- name might not feel as distinctive as the stats would suggest.
- Mabry
Origin:
Variation of Mayberry, English and IrishMeaning:
"mud hill"Description:
Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.
- Scully
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"herald or town crier"Description:
Relaxed, with an appealing touch of swagger.
- Doran
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"stranger, exile"Description:
Strong but gentle Irish last-name-first. Could bring to mind long-running rock group Duran Duran.
- O'brien
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of Brian"Description:
The use of O-prefixes could create the next wave of Irish-inflected names, offering an innovative way of honoring a relative with the old-fashioned moniker Brian. On Downton Abbey, the surname O'Brien was heard so often, it began to seem like a first.
- Mckellar
Origin:
Irish and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"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.
- Cavan
Origin:
Irish place-nameMeaning:
"hollow"Description:
Anglicized spelling of a county in Ireland, sometimes considered a variation of the Breton Kavan or of Kevin. Depending on your viewpoint, may make a fresh Kevin substitute or a choice that will drive you mad explaining that, no, it isn't Kevin.
- Tiernan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little lord"Description:
An old Irish surname cousin of Tierney that makes an unusual and appealing Irish gender switch.
- Quillen
Origin:
Variation of Quillan or QuillonDescription:
The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.
- Dooley
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark hero"Description:
A common Irish surname that's seldom heard as a first name, but has an appealing meaning.
- Duffy
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark"Description:
This Irish surname packs a lot of attitude, projecting an image of spunk and sass. The Welsh singer Duffy, born Aimee Anne Duffy, is best known for her songs Mercy and Warwick Avenue.
- Yeats
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"the gates"Description:
Admirers of the haunting works of esteemed Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats might consider this, especially as a middle name.
- 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!
- Feeny
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little raven"Description:
Feeny and its alternative spelling Feeney have several origins in Irish. They are anglicised forms of the surnames Ó Fiannaidhe (descendant of Fiannaidhe, meaning warrior), and Ó Fidhne (descendant of Fidhne, from the word for tree or wood). Feeny is also a place name in Northern Ireland, meaning "the woods. Although many Irish surnames are in style, like Keegan and Sullivan, this is one you've probably never met on a person before.
- 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.
- Findley
Description:
Findley is a masculine name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Fionnlagh, which combines the elements 'fionn' meaning 'fair' or 'white' and 'laogh' meaning 'warrior' or 'hero.' Historically used as a surname, Findley has gradually transitioned into use as a first name. It offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Finley spelling. The name carries connotations of bravery, nobility, and Celtic heritage. While not among the most popular boys' names, Findley maintains steady usage, particularly in families with Scottish ancestry. Its appealing combination of traditional roots with a slightly unconventional spelling gives it a classic yet distinctive quality.
- Branigan
Origin:
irishMeaning:
"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.
- Sweeney
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"the little hero"Description:
The double 'e' gives this Celtic surname a genial sound. It derives from an old Irish name — Suibhne (SHEEV-ne) that was borne by several early saints and kings, including, unfortunately, one known as Mad Sweeney who spent his life living in trees and composing nature poetry. Another possible drawback is the association with Sweeney Todd, the bloodthirsty butcher of Sondheim stage-musical fame.
- Hamill
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"scarred"Description:
Though we usually think a name's image in contemporary culture supersedes its ancient meaning, this is a case where the definition could undermine a child's self-esteem.