400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- Keigan
Description:
Keigan is a masculine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic roots, likely derived from the surname Keegan (from the Gaelic 'Mac Aodhagáin' meaning 'son of Aodhagán,' a diminutive of Aodh, meaning 'fire'). The distinctive spelling with 'i' instead of 'e' gives it a modern twist while maintaining its Celtic heritage. Keigan emerged in popularity primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents sought unique variations of traditional names. It fits well with the trend of strong-sounding boy names ending in '-an' or '-en.' While not among the most common names, Keigan has steady usage in English-speaking countries, particularly in communities with Scottish or Irish connections. The name suggests strength, vigor, and a fiery spirit.
- Byrne
Description:
Byrne is a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, derived from Ó Broin, meaning "descendant of Bran." The name Bran translates to "raven" in Gaelic, giving Byrne associations with this intelligent and mystical bird. Originally a surname common throughout Ireland, particularly in Counties Dublin and Wicklow, Byrne has transitioned to occasional use as a given name. It carries a strong Celtic heritage and projects a sense of ruggedness and tradition. While relatively uncommon as a first name, Byrne appeals to parents seeking a distinctive Irish name with historical depth. Its single-syllable strength and unique sound set it apart from more common Celtic names.
- Quillen
Origin:
Variation of Quillan or QuillonDescription:
The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.
- Kearney
Description:
Kearney is a masculine name of Irish origin derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Ceithearnaigh' or 'Ó Cearnaigh,' meaning 'warlike' or 'victorious.' Originally a surname associated with County Mayo in Ireland, Kearney has transitioned to occasional first-name use. The name carries historical significance in Irish culture and has been preserved through generations of Irish diaspora. As a first name, Kearney remains uncommon, lending it distinction and uniqueness. It embodies strength and determination while maintaining its Celtic heritage. The name has a professional sound that ages well from childhood to adulthood. Those named Kearney might appreciate the name's rich cultural background and relative rarity, setting them apart in most social and professional settings.
- Regan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little king"Description:
A spelling variant of presidential surname Regan that briefly entered the Top 1000 for boys in the 1960s, but hasn't rejoined the list since. Shakespeare also used the name for a daughter of King Lear, inspired by an ancient king of the Britons in accounts of the medieval scribe Geoffrey of Monmouth.
- O'neill
Description:
O'Neill is primarily known as an Irish surname meaning 'descendant of Niall,' derived from a legendary High King of Ireland named Niall of the Nine Hostages. As a first name, it represents a modern trend of using traditional surnames as given names. The distinctive apostrophe and capitalization pattern maintains its Irish heritage. While uncommon as a first name, it has gained modest traction among families celebrating Irish ancestry or seeking a strong, distinctive masculine name. O'Neill carries connotations of leadership and nobility through its historical connections. The name blends traditional Celtic heritage with contemporary naming trends. Though rare in formal records, it has increased in usage since the 1990s, particularly in Irish-American communities, appealing to parents seeking names with cultural significance and distinctive character.
- Dempsey
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"proud"Description:
One of the cool new surname-names for girls, likely influenced by the stardom of Patrick Dempsey (aka McDreamy).
- O'neil
Description:
O'Neil is a masculine name with Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Néill, meaning "descendant of Niall." The name carries prestigious historical significance as it references one of Ireland's most powerful medieval dynasties, the O'Neill clan, who ruled as kings of Ulster. The name combines the prefix "Ó" (grandson or descendant of) with "Niall," an ancient Irish name possibly meaning "champion" or "passionate." As a first name, O'Neil emerged as part of the trend of using surnames as given names. The apostrophe gives it a distinctive appearance, and the name projects strength and Celtic heritage. While not extremely common as a first name, it appeals to parents seeking an Irish-connected name with historical depth.
- Blaine
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"yellow"Description:
She's the bff of Blair, Blake, and Brooke who shop at Bergdorf's, Bonwits and Bendel's.
- 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.
- O'neal
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the chief's line"Description:
Perfect as an updated namesake for Great-Uncle Neal (or Neil).
- Gilligan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"lad"Description:
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.
- Harmon
Origin:
Irish variation of HermanDescription:
Has a harmonic feel.
- Kavanaugh
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
- Hartigan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
- Mcgill
Origin:
Irish and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"son of the foreigner"Description:
Despite its appearance, McGill is not related to any of the Gil- names, including Gilbert, Gilford, and Gilson. The "gill" piece is derived from the Gaelic word gall, meaning "foreigner." Yet, it could still be used to honor a Gil in your life.
- Mccormac
Description:
McCormac is a masculine given name derived from the Irish surname meaning "son of Cormac." The original Gaelic name Cormac translates to "charioteer" or "son of defilement." As a first name, McCormac is exceedingly rare, representing the modern trend of transforming family surnames into given names. It carries a strong Celtic heritage and conveys a sense of ancestral connection to Ireland or Scotland. Parents choosing this distinctive name might be honoring family lineage or seeking something uniquely memorable with historical roots. While uncommon enough to be absent from popularity charts, McCormac fits alongside other surname-based first names like McKenzie or McCall, though with a more distinctly masculine character and traditional feel.
- Connolly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fierce as a hound"Description:
Connolly, an alternate spelling of Connelly, could make a livelier and less common substitute for Connor.
- Keagan
Origin:
Irish, spelling variation of KeeganDescription:
Right in step with the two-syllable irish surname-names now on the rise.
- 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.
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