400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

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.

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.

Finegan is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the name 'Fionnagán,' which is a diminutive form of 'fionn,' meaning 'fair' or 'white.' This ancient name carries the connotation of light-colored hair or a fair complexion. Despite its authentic Celtic roots, Finegan remains relatively uncommon as a first name, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a friendly, approachable feel while maintaining a strong Irish heritage connection. It offers the popular nicknames Finn or Finny, which add versatility. Finegan fits well with the trend toward rediscovering traditional Celtic names while offering something less common than the more popular Finnegan spelling.

Most parents interested in this name would be honoring either an ancestor or painter Georgia O'Keeffe.

McCarthy is one of the most common Irish surnames, all fair game as first names for American babies, especially baby girls!

Magee became one of the first gender-bending Irish surname names so popular today thanks to New York television newswoman Magee Hickey. In case you don't know, the g is hard, as in Maggie, but with the opposite emphasis.

Much stronger than Dale for a boy.

Keller is a German surname that originated as an occupational name for a cellar or store master. It may be an honorific for deaf-blind author and activist Helen Keller.

Fogarty has the Old Fogey problem.

Fogarty has the Old Fogey problem.

The O'Haras are descended from Eaghra -- pronounced and phonetically spelled Ara -- the lord of Luighne, the modern Leyney in County Sligo. As a name, this makes a satisfying new twist on Harry, and may remind people of the poet Frank O'Hara or the movie and novel, Gone with the Wind.

Has a decidedly Roman Catholic feel, thanks to the bishop.

Mckee is a masculine name that originated as a Scottish and Irish surname, derived from 'Mac Aodha,' meaning 'son of Aodh' (an ancient Celtic name meaning 'fire'). As a first name, Mckee represents the growing trend of using family surnames as given names, particularly in America. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it offers a strong cultural connection to Celtic heritage while fitting into the contemporary preference for surname-style first names. Mckee has a concise, strong sound that balances traditional roots with modern appeal. Parents might choose it to honor family lineage or for its distinctive quality while still maintaining a familiar surname structure.

Male name from Irish mythology makes stylish-sounding choice for girls.

McCormack is primarily a surname of Irish origin that has occasionally been adopted as a masculine given name. Derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Cormaic,' meaning 'son of Cormac,' it has deep roots in Irish heritage. Cormac itself means 'charioteer' or 'son of the raven.' As a first name, McCormack represents the growing trend of using ancestral surnames as given names, conveying a sense of family heritage and tradition. While uncommon as a first name, it offers the friendly nicknames Mac or Mack. The name carries a distinguished, professional quality while maintaining Irish cultural connections. Parents might choose McCormack to honor family history or simply for its strong, distinctive sound and Celtic associations.

McCarthy is one of a wave of new Irish surname-names, one of the most popular last names of Irish origin now translated to a first name. Mac is an attractive nickname.

O'shane is a masculine name that appears to combine the Irish patronymic prefix 'O'' with 'Shane,' a name of Irish origin meaning 'God is gracious' or 'gift from God.' The apostrophe structure is characteristic of Irish family names like O'Brien or O'Connor, where 'O'' historically indicated 'descendant of.' Shane itself derives from the Irish name Seán (John). The combination may have emerged as a distinctive given name in the late 20th century, possibly in Irish diaspora communities or in regions influenced by Irish naming patterns such as the Caribbean, where Irish and English linguistic influences have blended historically. While not among the most common names, O'shane represents an interesting fusion of naming elements that reflects cultural connections and creative naming approaches. The name is typically pronounced 'oh-SHANE.'

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.

The fashion for using surnames as firsts has extended beyond the familiar Morgan and Parker to choices such as Cohen and O'Brien to -- why not? -- this quintessentially Irish name with the friendly o ending.