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400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Mcdonnell

    • Description:

      McDonnell is a masculine name that originated as a Scottish and Irish surname meaning 'son of Donald' or 'son of Donal.' It belongs to one of the oldest and most powerful Gaelic clans, with roots tracing back to Domhnall, a 6th-century Scottish king. While traditionally used as a family name, McDonnell has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage, particularly in families honoring their Celtic heritage. As a given name, it's quite uncommon, giving bearers a distinctive identity. The name carries connotations of strength, heritage, and tradition, and connects its bearer to the rich history of Scotland and Ireland. Its recognizable prefix 'Mc' immediately identifies its Gaelic roots.

  2. Carmody

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Cearmaid"

    • Description:

      Anglicized form of Irish Ó Cearmada, which is reminiscent of other jaunty Irish surnames like Cassidy and Connolly.
  3. Morrissey

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Muiris"

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Brannon

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Brennan

    • Description:

      Occasionally used as an alternative to Brandon or Brennan.
  5. Cluny

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the meadow"

    • Description:

      Likable Irish surname name, but bound to be confused with Clooney.
  6. Looney

    • Origin:

      Irish and Manx

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Nevin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "holy"

    • Description:

      Possible Gaelic alternative to Kevin and Devon.
  8. Mcewen

    • Description:

      McEwen is a masculine name of Scottish origin that began as a surname meaning 'son of Ewen' or 'son of Eugene.' The Gaelic name Ewen (Eóghan) means 'born of the yew tree' or 'youth.' As part of the trend of transforming surnames into first names, McEwen has gained modest use as a given name, particularly in families with Scottish heritage looking to honor their ancestry. The name carries a distinctive sound and strong cultural associations with Scotland and its clan system. Though relatively uncommon as a first name globally, it offers a unique alternative to more popular Scottish names. McEwen projects strength and heritage while providing the friendly nickname options of Mac or Ewen.
  9. O'casey

    • Origin:

      Irish surname

    • Description:

      To modernize and add some oomph to the dated CASEY, add an O'-and also honor the great Irish playwright Sean.
  10. Mckellar

    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Ealair"

    • Description:

      A modern update to Hilary, which is related to Gaelic Ealair.
  11. Cleary

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "cleric"

    • Description:

      This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.
  12. O'donovan

    • Origin:

      Irish, 'son of the dark one"

    • Description:

      Donovan is on the rise, so why not this sequel?
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. O'connor

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of the hound lover"

    • Description:

      Perfect name for the child of dog enthusiasts, and much more distinctive than the trendy Connor.
  16. Macaully

    • Description:

      Macaully is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Macaulay or MacAulay, which originated as a Scottish and Irish surname. The Gaelic origin 'Mac Amhalghaidh' means 'son of Amhalghaidh', an old personal name. This alternate spelling adds a distinctive touch to the traditional name while maintaining its Celtic heritage. Macaully has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and distinctive ending. While less common than the standard Macaulay spelling, it offers a fresh take on the traditional name. The name carries associations with scholarly pursuits due to notable bearers like Thomas Babington Macaulay, the British historian. Potential nicknames include Mac, Cully, or Aully.
  17. Kegan

    • Description:

      Kegan is a masculine name with Irish Gaelic origins, derived from the surnames Keegan or MacKeegan, which come from 'Mac Aodhagáin' meaning 'son of Aodhagán' (a diminutive of Aodh, meaning 'fire'). The name has a strong, distinctive sound while maintaining a modern appeal. In recent decades, Kegan has gained modest popularity in the United States as parents seek unique alternatives to more common names like Kevin or Keegan. The name carries connotations of fiery spirit and strength, reflecting its etymological roots. While not among the top 100 names, Kegan maintains steady usage, appreciated for its Irish heritage and contemporary feel.

  18. 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.

  19. Fitzpatrick

    • Origin:

      Irish / Anglo-Norman surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Patrick"

    • Description:

      A common surname in Ireland, often use as an anglicization of Mac Giolla Phádraig. This name could honor a Patrick. It's also a way to get to Fitz as a nickname.
  20. Magee

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Hugh"

    • Description:

      Magee has a broad and bouncy appeal for the sons of anyone from Adam to Zachary.