400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- Doogan
Description:
Doogan is a rare masculine name with Irish and Scottish Gaelic origins. It likely developed as an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó Dubháin, meaning 'descendant of Dubhán' (where Dubhán means 'little dark one'). As a first name, Doogan has remained uncommon but carries a distinctive Celtic charm. It fits within the trend of using traditional surnames as given names, appealing to parents seeking something unique with authentic cultural roots. The name has a strong, memorable sound with its two distinct syllables and hard consonants. While not widely used, Doogan offers a fresh alternative to popular Irish names like Declan or Liam, while still conveying a sense of heritage and rugged individuality.
- 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.
- Keller
Origin:
German surnameMeaning:
"cellar"Description:
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.
- Gilligan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- O'donnell
Origin:
irishMeaning:
"son of the brave one"Description:
Forget Donald. Honor Grandpa Don with this new spin.
- Fogarty
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"exiled one"Description:
Fogarty has the Old Fogey problem.
- Fogarty
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"exiled one"Description:
Fogarty has the Old Fogey problem.
- 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".
- Breslin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of Breasal"Description:
An Irish surname choice that could very well make its way into first name territory, though its father name Breasal is virtually unknown in the US.
- Flinn
Description:
Flinn as a feminine name represents an uncommon gender-crossover from its traditional masculine usage. Originally an Irish surname derived from 'Ó Floinn' meaning 'descendant of Flann,' where Flann meant 'ruddy' or 'red-haired.' As a first name for girls, Flinn offers a modern, distinctive choice with Celtic roots. The name carries a spirited, independent quality that appeals to parents seeking gender-neutral options. While still relatively rare for females, Flinn follows the trend of surname-inspired given names and short, punchy choices that have gained popularity in recent decades.
- Carbry
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"charioteer"Description:
Male name from Irish mythology makes stylish-sounding choice for girls.
- Mcafee
Origin:
Irish and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"son of Duibhshíth"Description:
Ryan Murphy used the name McAfee on a supporting character in his TV series The Politician, which introduced it as a usable baby name.
- Sweeney
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"the little hero"Description:
Friendly-sounding name with big "Sweeney Todd" downside.
- Connery
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"warrior-lord"Description:
Irish surname names are hugely popular for girls in the US these days, with Riley and Kennedy ranking high on the official popularity lists. Connery is uncommon, but certainly attractive and usable.
- Maguire
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the beige one"Description:
Although Maguire is such a prominent Irish surname —it ranks in the Top 40 in the Emerald Isle —this lively and cheerful family name has rarely been used as a first, unlike more familiar examples like Ryan, Riley and Reagan. The powerful and distinguished Maguire clan was known for their courage, leadership and resilience. The name's many notable associations include the unionizing Pennsylvania coal miners known as the Molly Maguires, actor Tobey Maguire and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire. Other spellings are McGuire and McGwire; two other handsome Irish surnames to consider are Malone and Magee.
- 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".
- Douggan
Description:
Douggan is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Dugan or Duggan, which originated as an Irish surname derived from 'Ó Dubhagáin,' meaning 'descendant of Dubhagán' (the dark or black-haired one). As a first name, Douggan maintains its Celtic heritage while offering a distinctive spelling that emphasizes its strong sound. The doubled 'g' gives it a robust quality. Though uncommon as a first name, it follows the trend of Irish surnames transitioning to given names. Douggan might appeal to parents of Irish heritage seeking a name that honors their ancestry while being unusual enough to stand out. It conveys a sense of strength and tradition.
- O'riley
Description:
O'Riley is a masculine surname-turned-first name of Irish origin. It's derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghallach," a personal name thought to mean "valiant" or "rash in battle." The O' prefix traditionally denotes "grandson of" or "descendant of" in Irish naming traditions. As a first name, O'Riley represents the ongoing trend of using family surnames as given names, particularly in Irish-American communities. While not among the most common given names, it offers a distinctive option that honors Irish heritage while maintaining a contemporary feel.
- Boyne
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"white cow"Description:
The famous Battle of the Boyne, in Ireland, vanquished the Catholic king.
The Nameberry App Is Live
Find your perfect baby name together in our app, now available on the App Store and Google Play.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
