​
​
Advanced Search

400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Gilmore

    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "devoted to the Virgin Mary"

    • Description:

      For better or worse, this name is still firmly attached to the TV series Gilmore Girls. It's one of a number of Scottish and Irish surname names beginning with Gil, meaning "servant". In this case, it's "servant of Mary", making it a subtle male Marian name.
  2. 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!
  3. Fey

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      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.
  4. 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.
  5. Delancey

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "from Lancey"

    • Description:

      This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.
  6. Gilligan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Tegan

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "fair"

    • Description:

      Tegan is a Welsh saint's name. While some may conflate it with the Irish Teagan, they have different roots and meanings though both are used for girls as well as boys. Teagan is the more usual spelling and tips more heavily girlward, though Tegan runs about four to one girls versus boys. Tegan is pronounced with a long e sound in the first syllable, while Teagan can be pronounced either tee-gan or tay-gun.
  8. Looney

    • Origin:

      Irish and Manx

    • Meaning:

      "the son of Giolla Dhomhnaigh"

    • Description:

      The Gaelic name Giolla Dhomhnagh ("servant of Donagh") turned into the patronymic Mac Giolla Dhomhnagh, which was whispered down the alley until it became MacGillowney, and eventually Looney. Although it's similar in sound to popular Luna, this isn't an Irish surname that's likely to get much use.
  9. 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.

  10. 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.
  11. Korrigan

    • Origin:

      Irish surname

    • Meaning:

      "spear"

    • Description:

      The K spelling of this name relates most directly to the spritelike creatures of Breton folklore, often female, who have beautiful hair and red eyes. Korrik is the Cornish word for gnome.
  12. Flannery

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Flannghal"

    • Description:

      Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending sound.
  13. 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.
  14. Dempsey

    • Origin:

      Irish surname

    • Meaning:

      "proud"

    • Description:

      One of the cool new surname-names for girls, likely influenced by the stardom of Patrick Dempsey (aka McDreamy).
  15. Curran

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "hero, champion"

    • Description:

      Curran is a curry-flavored Irish surname-y name that could work as well for girls as boys. Curran can be a fresher spin on the Twilight-inflected Cullen.
  16. Forsythe

    • Origin:

      English from Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "man of peace"

    • Description:

      A distinguished English and Irish surname, probably deriving from the Old Gaelic name Fearsithe, meaning "man of peace". It's also possible that the surname derives from a place name now lost to history, in which case the meaning would be "fairy meadow" or "fairy mound", from Gaelic fer "grass" or for "hill, mound" plus sithe "fairies".
  17. Maloney

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "devotee of the church"

    • Description:

      Too close to baloney.
  18. Leary

    • Origin:

      Irish, Anglicization of Laoghaire

    • Meaning:

      "herder"

    • Description:

      We'd be leery of this one.
  19. Breslin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Breasal"

    • Description:

      Breslin is a classic Irish surname that's found its way onto the first name roles in the US, but only for girls.
  20. Conlan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "hero"

    • Description:

      An undiscovered Irish surname with a cool meaning. It could work as an alternative to Connor and Lachlan.