400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- 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.
- Boyne
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"white cow"Description:
The famous Battle of the Boyne, in Ireland, vanquished the Catholic king.
- Gowan
Origin:
Scottish, IrishMeaning:
"daisy, gold or white flower; metal worker, blacksmith"Description:
A rare floral name for boys, this Scottish name is used to refer to white and golden wildflowers, usually daisies. Possibly borrowed from the Old Norse gollinn or inspired by the Old English golde "marigold", this name appears very occasionally as a given name, but more frequently as a surname.
- 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.
- Gilmore
Origin:
Irish and ScottishMeaning:
"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.
- Keating
Origin:
English or Irish surnameMeaning:
"kite"Description:
Keating is familiar as a surname but unexpected as a first. It boasts the always energetic -ing ending.
- Dow
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark-haired"Description:
Compact, to-the-point surname name. Bear in mind the stock-market association - it may be a bit much with the last name Jones.
- Forsythe
Origin:
English from GaelicMeaning:
"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".
- Bolan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little poet"Description:
An Irish surname name with a combination of boldness and élan. Some might connect it to the founder of the group T. Rex -- Marc Bolan.
- Walsh
Description:
Walsh originated as an Irish and English surname derived from the Old English word 'wælisc,' meaning 'foreigner' or specifically 'Welshman.' It historically identified people of Welsh or Celtic Briton descent living in Anglo-Norman areas. As a given name, Walsh represents the modern trend of adopting surnames as first names, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with historical connections. The name carries associations with Celtic heritage and conveys a sense of strength and tradition. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it has gained some traction in recent decades, particularly in families with Irish ancestry who appreciate its cultural significance and simple, strong phonetic quality.
- Lynch
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"mariner"Description:
One Irish surname that will never make it as a first.
- Connolly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"love, friendship"Description:
Energetic Connelly variation that works better for girls than for boys.
- Sheehan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"peaceful"Description:
Has a decidedly Roman Catholic feel, thanks to the bishop.
- Neely
Origin:
Short form of Cornelius, Neal, or McNeillyMeaning:
"horn; cloud; son of the poet"Description:
A nickname style name, Neely could derive from the strong, elegant Cornelius, as an elaboration of Neal or Neil, or as a variation of the Scottish surname McNeilly, with the cool meaning "son of the poet".
- Barry
Origin:
Irish "spear"Meaning:
"spear"Description:
Out-of-date for a boy, innovative for a girl.
- Coltrane
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"descendant of Coltarán"Description:
The great sax player John Coltrane could be a cool naming inspiration for a jazz fan.
- Dagan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"corn, grain"Description:
Popular in Israel for girls and boys born on Shavout, a harvest festival. In Babylonian mythology, Dagan was the god of the earth and grain.
- O'ryan
Description:
O'ryan is a contemporary masculine name that represents a creative respelling of Orion, the mighty hunter from Greek mythology who was transformed into a constellation. The apostrophe adds a distinctive element that may be influenced by Irish surname patterns (O'Brien, O'Connor). This spelling variant emerged primarily in the United States in recent decades as parents sought unique ways to present familiar names. While maintaining the powerful mythological associations of Orion, O'ryan offers a fresh look and potentially creates a more intuitive pronunciation guide. The name appeals to parents drawn to celestial themes with a modern twist.
- Donnelly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark brave one"Description:
Makes Donna into a cool twenty-first-century unisex Irish surname.
- O'neal
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the chief's line"Description:
Perfect as an updated namesake for Great-Uncle Neal (or Neil).