400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Keagan
    • Origin:

      Irish, spelling variation of Keegan
    • Description:

      Right in step with the two-syllable irish surname-names now on the rise.
  2. Madigan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Mabry
    • Origin:

      Variation of Mayberry, English and Irish
    • Meaning:

      "mud hill"
    • Description:

      Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.
  4. Scully
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "herald or town crier"
    • Description:

      Relaxed, with an appealing touch of swagger.
  5. Doran
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "stranger, exile"
    • Description:

      Strong but gentle Irish last-name-first. Could bring to mind long-running rock group Duran Duran.
  6. O'brien
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. 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.
  8. Cavan
    • Origin:

      Irish place-name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Tiernan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little lord"
    • Description:

      An old Irish surname cousin of Tierney that makes an unusual and appealing Irish gender switch.
  10. Quillen
    • Origin:

      Variation of Quillan or Quillon
    • Description:

      The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.
  11. Dooley
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dark hero"
    • Description:

      A common Irish surname that's seldom heard as a first name, but has an appealing meaning.
  12. Duffy
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Yeats
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Corrigan
    • Origin:

      Irish surname
    • Meaning:

      "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!
  15. Feeny
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Duff
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  17. 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.

  18. 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.
  19. Sweeney
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  20. Hamill
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "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.