Irish surnames have eclipsed traditional first names as baby names, especially for girls. Irish surnames such as Riley, Kennedy, and Finley are more popular baby names in the US today than traditional Irish names such as Bridget and Patrick.

Riley is the top Irish name of any kind of baby girls in the US today, with Ryan the top Irish surname used as a first name for boys. Along with Riley and Ryan, the other top Irish surname names used as first names in the US are Connor and Nolan for boys, Kennedy and Quinn for girls. 
One fresh factor in Irish surnames for babies: Names that start with Mac or O' are now fair game as first names. So if you want to name your baby O'Brien or McNamara, go right ahead. Here's a whole group of rollicking Irish surnames that work for both girls and boys....or you can use one from your own family background. 

To explore Irish name options beyond surnames, click here for our full list of <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/168/Irish-To explore Irish name options beyond surname-names, click here for our full list of <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/168/Irish-Names">Irish baby names</a>.

Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

Irish surnames are hot, and this one can successfully cross the line to work for girls, replacing the outdated Casey. And only a dozen girls were named Clancy in the US in one recent year (along with 27 boys), making it one of those rare Irish names that are both accessible and distinctive, classic and cool. Clancy is a winner for either gender.

Clancy

Clancy, one of the original crossover Irish surname names, is as energetic and appealing as ever &mdash; full of moxie, more distinctive than Casey, and also one of the less obvious of the red-headed names.
 A literary namesake is Clancy Sigal, author of the autobiographical novel Going Away, and there is also the comical mid-century song, Clancy Lowered the Boom.
 More common as a last name than a first, Clancy has gained fame via the Irish folk music group the Clancy Brothers, and one of the bestselling authors of all time, Tom Clancy, known for his espionage and techno thrillers.

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

Cleary

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

Clooney

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

Cluny

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.

Cochran

The name of three hundred saints, a mustard, and your own baby boy. Coleman was off the US Top 1000 list for much of the 1960s and 1970s, but it was a mainstay before and has been for most years since. It could be an interesting way to honor a Colin or Cole.

Coleman

 are common through the Western world, with Irish surnames widely used in the US, the UK, and Australia and New Zealand. The

are among the most popular last names in the United States.

The most common Irish last names in the US

 include exclusively Irish surnames like Murphy and Hughes, along with surnames that count Irish among multiple origins, such as Collins and Hughes. Other popular Irish surnames in the US include Kelly (and Kelley), Sullivan, Hayes, Murray, Kennedy, Riley, and O'Brien.

 have some crossover with the US, but generally feel more, well, Irish: Murphy, Kelly, Walsh, O'Connor, O'Sullivan, and Byrne are at the top of the list.

Irish last names have also become increasingly popular as first names, eclipsing traditional Irish first names, especially for girls. Irish last names such as Riley, Kennedy, and Finley are more popular baby names in the US today than traditional Irish names such as Bridget and Patrick.

 used as a first for baby girls in the US today, with Ryan the top Irish surname used as a first name for boys. Along with Riley and Ryan, the other 

 in the US are Connor and Nolan, with the 

 Kennedy and Quinn. Many of these surname names can be considered 

One fresh factor in Irish last names as first names: Names that start with Mac or O' are now fair game as first names. So if you want to name your baby O'Brien or McNamara, go right ahead. Here's a whole group of rollicking Irish surnames that work for both girls and boys....or you can use one from your own family background.

On Nameberry, the top Irish surnames used as first names include Finn, Ronan, Dylan, and Quinn.

Irish Last Names and surnames, with meanings and popularity, including Quinn, Kennedy, Nolan, used as first names for baby girls and baby boys, with top Irish last names and unique Irish surnames, including origins, meanings, and popularity. (Page 21)

400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

Clancy

Clancy

Cleary

Clooney

Cluny

Cochran

Coleman