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400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Brosnan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the Brosna River"

    • Description:

      Actor Pierce made both his first and last name appealing.
  2. Beagan

    • Description:

      Beagan is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from 'beag' meaning 'small' or 'little one.' Traditionally used as a surname in Ireland, it has transitioned to occasional first name usage, particularly among families celebrating their Celtic heritage. Beagan maintains an authentic Irish feel while being relatively straightforward to pronounce for English speakers. The name has never charted among popular names in the United States or United Kingdom, making it a distinctive choice that carries cultural significance without being commonplace. The sound is melodic yet masculine, with a pleasing rhythm that fits alongside other Irish names gaining international appreciation. Beagan offers the appeal of being recognizably Celtic without the pronunciation challenges of some traditional Irish names.

  3. 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.

  4. O'keefe

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of the kind one"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Breasal"

    • Description:

      Breslin is a classic Irish surname that's found its way onto the first name roles in the US, but only for girls.
  6. Cluny

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the meadow"

    • Description:

      Likable Irish surname name, but bound to be confused with Clooney.
  7. Mcafee

    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. O'shea

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "hawklike, stately"

    • Description:

      One of the jauntiest o' the O' names, the birth name of actor/ rapper Ice Cube.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Patten

    • Description:

      Patten originated as an English surname derived from the Middle English word "paten," referring to a type of wooden shoe or clog. As a first name, Patten exemplifies the continuing trend of transforming surnames into given names. The name carries a dignified, patrician quality with its crisp consonants and straightforward pronunciation. Though uncommon as a first name, it offers a distinctive alternative to more popular options like Patrick or Peter while maintaining a traditional feel. Patten may also appeal to families with this surname in their lineage who wish to preserve the connection. The name projects reliability and steadfastness while being distinctive enough to stand out without seeming unusual.

  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. Clooney

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the meadow"

    • Description:

      Variation of Cluny best only if you're a major George fan. And even then, better go with George, Georgia, or Georgiana.
  14. Mceuan

    • Description:

      Mceuan is an unusual masculine name that appears to be a modern variant spelling of McEwan or MacEwan, traditional Scottish surnames. The prefix 'Mc' or 'Mac' traditionally means 'son of' in Gaelic, while 'Euan' (also spelled Ewen or Ewan) derives from the Gaelic 'Eóghan,' meaning 'born of the yew tree' or 'young warrior.' As a first name, Mceuan is extremely rare, possibly representing parents' desire to preserve a family surname or create a unique given name with Scottish heritage. The name carries a strong Celtic connection and projects qualities of strength and endurance associated with both its warrior meaning and the hardy yew tree. The unconventional spelling makes Mceuan a distinctively modern choice while maintaining traditional roots.
  15. O'donovan

    • Origin:

      Irish, 'son of the dark one"

    • Description:

      Donovan is on the rise, so why not this sequel?
  16. Fegan

    • Description:

      Fegan is a rare masculine name with Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Faodhagáin, meaning 'descendant of Faodhagán' (a personal name possibly related to words meaning 'little raven' or 'little seer'). As a given name, Fegan represents the modern trend of transforming traditional surnames into first names. It carries a strong Celtic heritage while remaining relatively unknown, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a crisp, concise sound that aligns with contemporary preferences for short but substantial boys' names. Fegan's rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with authentic Irish roots and a masculine feel. While never achieving widespread popularity, it occasionally appears in Irish diaspora communities and among families researching their Celtic heritage for naming inspiration.
  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. 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.
  19. Kenney

    • Description:

      Kenney is a masculine name that originated as a surname derived from the Gaelic name Ó Cinnéidigh, meaning "descendant of Cinnéidigh" (a personal name composed of elements meaning "helmeted" or "misshapen head"). As a first name, Kenney represents a variation of Kenneth or Kenny, with Kenny traditionally being a diminutive form of Kenneth. The name has Scottish and Irish roots and carries a friendly, approachable quality. While less common as a given name than Kenneth or Kenny, Kenney provides a slightly more formal alternative to Kenny while maintaining its casual charm. The name saw modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality for modern bearers.
  20. Fitzsimmons

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Simmons"

    • Description:

      Fitz is the same as Mac or O' or even son -- it designates a name that originated as a patronymic.