400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- 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!
- Fey
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Fey, for middle name purposes, could be thought of as a fey spelling of Fay. These days, however, Fey would be considered by most people to be honoring comedian Tina.
- Donnelly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, brave one"Description:
Donnelly is among the more appealing Irish surname names, less well used than Donovan. Related options include the place name Donegal and the mythological god name Donegan.
- 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.
- Mulligan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendent of the bald-headed"Description:
Less appealing than some other Irish surnames, such as Malone and Sullivan, unless used as a tribute to jazz musician Gerry. There could be some Mulligan stew teasing.
- Malloy
Description:
More obscure Irish surname-name, also spelled Molloy, that's prime for use.
- Carroll
Origin:
Anglicized variation of Irish CearbhallMeaning:
"hacking with a weapon"Description:
This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and connotation since homophone Carol was favoured in the 1940s and '50s for daughters. We think it's time for a resurgence of Carrolls amongst the boys.
- Connelly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"love, friendship"Description:
Connelly is an open, inviting, and rarely used Irish surname that can make a perfect alternative to the overused Connor or Colin for a boy.
- Morrissey
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of Muiris"Description:
When British rocker Steven Patrick Morrissey decided to use his last name alone, it became a viable option for baby namers, a lot cooler than Morris or Maurice, with the nice three-syllable lilt of of such other Irish surnames as Finnegan and Flanagan. It can also be spelled Morrisey.
- Connelly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"love, friendship"Description:
Connelly is a rollicking and rare example of the popular surname genre that may work even better for girls. A huge update on Colleen.
- 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.
- Callister
Origin:
Variation of Irish surname MacCallisterMeaning:
"son of Alister"Description:
Can be used either with or without the addition of Mac.
- Dugan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"swarthy"Description:
Dugan is an open, friendly, and cheery Irish surname that would be suited to a dark-haired boy.
- Manning
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"monk"Description:
For football fans who have decided Peyton has become too feminine. Or they could look to brother Eli for inspiration.
- Duryea
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the stream"Description:
Irish name with an intriguing lilt.
- Hughes
Origin:
English, Scottish, Irish surnameMeaning:
"mind, intellect; son of Aodh"Description:
Part of the next generation of preppy H-beginning surnames. Once Harrison, Hudson, and Holden are no longer fresh, expect to hear more little boys being called Hughes, Hutch, and Henderson on the playground.
- Breslin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of Breasal"Description:
An Irish surname choice that could very well make its way into first name territory, though its father name Breasal is virtually unknown in the US.
- 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.
- Duffy
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark"Description:
This familiar Irish surname, best known as the name of the mononamed Welsh female singer, is extremely rare as a first name in the US but could make an original Irish choice.
- 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.