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400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Cullinan

    • Origin:

      Irish surname

    • Description:

      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.

  2. Devaughn

    • Description:

      Devaughn appears to be primarily a masculine rather than feminine name as indicated, representing a modern variant spelling of DeVon, Devon, or Devin. These names have multiple possible origins, including connections to the English county of Devon (from the tribal name 'Dumnonii' meaning 'deep valley dwellers') or as variants of the French surname DeVane. The prefix 'De-' suggests 'of' or 'from' in French. Devaughn emerged in usage records in the United States during the latter part of the 20th century but has remained relatively uncommon. The spelling with '-vaughn' might be influenced by the surname Vaughn or Vaughan, which comes from Welsh origins meaning 'small.' The name has a strong sound with emphasis typically on the second syllable (de-VAUGHN). Its distinctiveness represents the creative approach to spelling variations that became increasingly common in contemporary naming practices.
  3. Fergal

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "brave, manly"

    • Description:

      Very common in early Ireland and still in use there today, it was the name of an eighth century high king and also a saint. Not as well known in this country as Fergus, Fergal is currently appearing as a character on the TV series Catastrophe.
  4. Bohannon

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of the victorious one"

    • Description:

      From the Irish surname Ó Buadhachanáin, which has at its core buadhach, "victorious". It has appeared in the US charts since 2014, probably in honor of the disco music pioneer Hamilton Bohannon, who was often known simply by his surname. This name therefore ticks several style boxes: an Irish surname, a music legend, and a cool "Bo" sound, with Bo as a possible nickname.
  5. Cochran

    • Description:

      Cochran is primarily known as a surname of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic MacEachrain or O'Corcrain, meaning "son of Eachran" or "descendant of Corcran." As a masculine first name, Cochran represents the trend of using family surnames as given names, which became popular in American naming practices. The name carries associations of strength and heritage, with a distinctly Celtic foundation. While uncommon as a first name, Cochran has an established presence through notable bearers of the surname, including aviation pioneer Jacqueline Cochran and musician Eddie Cochran. The name has a strong, distinguished quality with two syllables that create a balanced rhythm, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical roots and a masculine, preppy character.
  6. Dougan

    • Description:

      Dougan is a masculine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic origins. It derives from the Gaelic surname Ó Dubhagáin, meaning 'descendant of Dubhagán,' with 'dubh' meaning 'dark' or 'black,' possibly referring to dark hair or complexion. As a first name, Dougan remains quite rare, preserving a distinctive Celtic heritage while being recognizable to English speakers. The name carries strong connections to Scottish and Irish ancestry, making it appealing to families with Celtic roots seeking to honor their heritage. While uncommon enough to be distinctive, its familiar sound patterns make it accessible. Dougan offers a robust masculine quality without being overly common, balancing traditional Celtic origins with contemporary usability. The name has never ranked in popular name charts in the US or UK.

  7. Kearney

    • Description:

      Kearney is a masculine name of Irish origin derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Ceithearnaigh' or 'Ó Cearnaigh,' meaning 'warlike' or 'victorious.' Originally a surname associated with County Mayo in Ireland, Kearney has transitioned to occasional first-name use. The name carries historical significance in Irish culture and has been preserved through generations of Irish diaspora. As a first name, Kearney remains uncommon, lending it distinction and uniqueness. It embodies strength and determination while maintaining its Celtic heritage. The name has a professional sound that ages well from childhood to adulthood. Those named Kearney might appreciate the name's rich cultural background and relative rarity, setting them apart in most social and professional settings.
  8. Shanahan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "the wise one"

    • Description:

      Undiscovered Irish surname with a lot more bounce and masculine dash than Shannon.
  9. O'donovan

    • Origin:

      Irish, 'son of the dark one"

    • Description:

      Donovan is on the rise, so why not this sequel?
  10. Macaulee

    • Description:

      Macaulee is a modern spelling variation of Macaulay or Macauley, a masculine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic origins. The traditional name derives from 'Mac Amhalghaidh,' meaning 'son of Amhalghaidh' (an ancient Gaelic personal name). This contemporary spelling with the double 'e' ending gives the name a distinctive look while maintaining the original pronunciation. Historically, Macaulay was primarily a surname before transitioning to occasional use as a first name. The name gained some recognition through notable bearers like the historian Thomas Babington Macaulay and actor Macaulay Culkin. Macaulee offers the nickname possibilities of Mac or Lee, combining traditional Celtic heritage with a modern spelling twist.

  11. Keenan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "ancient"

    • Description:

      A lively boys' name that works well for girls.
  12. 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.
  13. Findley

    • Description:

      Findley is a masculine name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Fionnlagh, which combines the elements 'fionn' meaning 'fair' or 'white' and 'laogh' meaning 'warrior' or 'hero.' Historically used as a surname, Findley has gradually transitioned into use as a first name. It offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Finley spelling. The name carries connotations of bravery, nobility, and Celtic heritage. While not among the most popular boys' names, Findley maintains steady usage, particularly in families with Scottish ancestry. Its appealing combination of traditional roots with a slightly unconventional spelling gives it a classic yet distinctive quality.

  14. Dempsy

    • Description:

      Dempsy is a masculine name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Díomasaigh, meaning 'proud' or 'arrogant'. It's closely related to the more common spelling Dempsey. The name carries strong Irish cultural associations and evokes a sense of strength and resilience. While not among the most popular first names, Dempsy gained some recognition through association with legendary boxer Jack Dempsey. As a first name, it has remained relatively rare, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon Irish-heritage name with a bold sound. The name has a robust, masculine quality with its strong consonants and distinctive ending.

  15. Duggan

    • Description:

      Duggan is a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, derived from the surname 'Ó Dubhagáin,' meaning 'descendant of Dubhagán.' The name Dubhagán comes from 'dubh,' meaning 'dark' or 'black,' likely referring to dark features or hair. Traditionally used as a family name throughout Ireland, particularly in counties Galway, Clare, and Roscommon, Duggan has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage following the trend of adopting surnames as given names. While uncommon as a first name, it carries a strong, masculine sound and connects its bearer to Irish heritage. For those seeking names with authentic Gaelic roots that aren't overly common, Duggan offers distinctive character while maintaining historical significance.
  16. 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.

  17. Macauly

    • Description:

      Macauly is a masculine name primarily recognized as a spelling variant of Macaulay, which originated as a Scottish and Irish surname before transitioning to occasional first-name usage. Derived from the Gaelic "Mac Amhalghaidh," meaning "son of Amhalghadh," it carries connections to Celtic heritage. The name gained some recognition through notable bearers like English historian Thomas Babington Macaulay and actor Macaulay Culkin (though he uses the more traditional spelling). The variant spelling with an 'e' dropped remains less common. Macauly has a distinguished, scholarly quality while maintaining approachable pronunciation. While never reaching mainstream popularity, the name appeals to parents seeking names with Celtic roots and historical depth without being overly common. Usage remains relatively uncommon across English-speaking countries.
  18. Brannon

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Brennan

    • Description:

      Occasionally used as an alternative to Brandon or Brennan.
  19. Banning

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "small, fair one"

    • Description:

      If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.
  20. Mcduff

    • Description:

      McDuff is a masculine surname-turned-first-name with Scottish Gaelic origins. Derived from "mac Dhuibh" meaning "son of Duff" or "son of the dark one," it carries strong historical significance in Scottish heritage. The name gained literary fame through Shakespeare's "Macbeth," where Macduff is a heroic character who ultimately defeats the titular king. As a first name, McDuff is quite rare, appealing to parents with Scottish ancestry or those seeking an uncommon name with built-in nickname possibilities (Duff). It projects strength, individualism, and a connection to Celtic tradition, though its distinctive prefix makes it immediately recognizable as having clan heritage.