400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- Cluny
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the meadow"Description:
Likable Irish surname name, but bound to be confused with Clooney.
- Corrigan
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"spear"Description:
The C spelling of Corrigan relates more directly to the Irish surname, while the K spelling, Korrigan, relates to the sprites and fairies of Breton folklore.
- Faggan
Description:
Faggan is a rare masculine name with likely Irish and Gaelic origins. It may have evolved as a variant of the surname Fagan, which derives from the Gaelic 'Ó Faodhagáin,' meaning 'descendant of Faodhagán' (a personal name possibly meaning 'little fire'). As a given name, Faggan remains exceptionally uncommon, appearing infrequently in historical records. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound with ancient Celtic connections. While some surname-based first names have gained popularity, Faggan has remained obscure, perhaps due to potential pronunciation challenges or its unfamiliarity in modern naming trends. For families with Irish heritage, it might serve as a unique connection to ancestral roots.
- Malone
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"devotee of St. John"Description:
A stylish sounding last name, similar to Marlowe in sound and Murphy in style, Malone is a gender neutral choice in the US that has leaned just slightly feminine in recent years. Adapted from the Irish surname Ó Maoil Eoin, it means "devotee of St. John".
- Cavanagh
Description:
Cavanagh is a masculine name with Irish Gaelic roots, derived from the surname 'Caomhánach,' which means 'born of the handsome one' or 'born of Kevin.' Historically a family name associated with the descendants of the 12th-century King of Leinster, it carries a noble heritage. As a first name, Cavanagh is part of the modern trend of using surnames as given names, appealing to parents seeking Irish heritage connections. The name has a strong, distinguished sound while offering the friendly nickname options of 'Cav' or 'Van.' Though still uncommon as a first name, Cavanagh has seen modest increased usage in the United States, Australia, and Ireland in recent decades, particularly among families celebrating their Celtic roots.
- O'shay
Description:
O'shay is a contemporary masculine name that appears to be a modified spelling of the Irish surname O'Shea, which means "descendant of Séaghdha" (hawk-like or admirable). The apostrophe reflects its surname origins, while the altered spelling gives it a distinctive, modern flair. This name emerged in American naming culture in the late 20th century, part of a trend of transforming surnames into given names with creative spellings. O'shay offers a blend of Irish heritage with contemporary style. Though uncommon as a first name, it has appeared occasionally in American naming records since the 1980s, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural connections but a fresh, unique quality.
- Korrigan
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"spear"Description:
While Korrigan or more usually Corrigan is a traditional Irish surname, in Breton folklore a Korrigan is a spritelike creature who often creates mischief.
- Flinn
Description:
Flinn is a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, derived from 'Ó Floinn' meaning 'descendant of Flann.' The root 'flann' refers to 'ruddy' or 'red-haired.' While less common than its variant Flynn, Flinn maintains the same crisp, concise sound with a slightly different spelling. This name experienced modest popularity increases in the early 2000s, particularly in Ireland, Scotland, and among diaspora communities. Flinn offers a distinctive alternative to more common Irish names while maintaining authentic Gaelic roots. The single-syllable structure gives it a punchy, modern feel despite its ancient origins. Parents might choose Flinn for its combination of traditional heritage and contemporary sound, as well as its association with vitality through the 'ruddy' meaning.
- Byrne
Description:
Byrne is a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, derived from Ó Broin, meaning "descendant of Bran." The name Bran translates to "raven" in Gaelic, giving Byrne associations with this intelligent and mystical bird. Originally a surname common throughout Ireland, particularly in Counties Dublin and Wicklow, Byrne has transitioned to occasional use as a given name. It carries a strong Celtic heritage and projects a sense of ruggedness and tradition. While relatively uncommon as a first name, Byrne appeals to parents seeking a distinctive Irish name with historical depth. Its single-syllable strength and unique sound set it apart from more common Celtic names.
- Keenen
Origin:
Variation of KeenanMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
Energetic name that's keen to please.
- Brady
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"one with broad eyes"Description:
Has the energetic-Irish-slightly-boyish image that many modern parents love.
- Carmody
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of Cearmaid"Description:
Anglicized form of Irish Ó Cearmada, which is reminiscent of other jaunty Irish surnames like Cassidy and Connolly.
- Magee
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of Hugh"Description:
Magee has a broad and bouncy appeal for the sons of anyone from Adam to Zachary.
- Carroll
Description:
Carroll as a feminine name derives from the Irish surname Ó Cearbhaill, meaning 'fierce warrior' or 'champion'. Though historically used for both genders, it has more commonly been masculine in usage. As a feminine name, Carroll represents a sophisticated choice with Celtic heritage and literary associations, notably through Lewis Carroll. The name has a dignified quality while maintaining softness in pronunciation. Carroll for girls peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century and has since become less common, making it a distinctive choice today. Its traditional spelling with two R's and two L's sets it apart from variants like Carol, giving it a more formal appearance.
- O'keefe
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the kind one"Description:
Most parents interested in this name would be honoring either an ancestor or painter Georgia O'Keeffe.
- O'fallon
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the leader"Description:
Fallon has gone feminine, but this puts it back in the boys' camp.
- 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.
- O'keeffe
Origin:
Irish surnameDescription:
If you love the venerable Southwestern painter but feel Georgia's gotten too overheated, you might want to go all the way to this Irish surname in the fashionable O' family.
- Looney
Origin:
Irish and ManxMeaning:
"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.
- Cullinan
Origin:
Irish surnameDescription:
Cullinan is an Irish surname that is unusual but accessible, with the unique nickname of Cully.Trivia tidbit: The Cullinan diamond was the largest rough diamond ever found--over 3,000 carats--when it was unearthed in 1905.
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