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400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Fitzgerald

    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Gerald"

    • Description:

      Made famous by F. Scott Fitzgerald and John Fitzgerald Kennedy; still works best as a middle name.
  2. Channing

    • Origin:

      English or Irish

    • Meaning:

      "people of Cana or wolf cub"

    • Description:

      Channing is a sophisticated surname name whose use is probably linked to actor Channing Tatum and Channing Crowder, former linebacker for the Miami Dolphins.
  3. Mckinley

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of the fair hero"

    • Description:

      New Presidential name, if you're ready to move beyond Lincoln and Jefferson. At the turn of the last century, during the original McKinley's heyday, as a first name it almost reached the Top 100.
  4. Calhoun

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the narrow forest"

    • Description:

      A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered, though anyone into American history might associate it with John C. Calhoun, a 19th century statesman who defended slavery. There are however plenty of places called Calhoun which might lessen that association.
  5. Nevin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "holy"

    • Description:

      Possible Gaelic alternative to Kevin and Devon.
  6. Mabry

    • Origin:

      Variation of Mayberry, English and Irish

    • Meaning:

      "mud hill"

    • Description:

      Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.
  7. Mckinley

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of the fair hero"

    • Description:

      Presidential name that makes a fresh substitute for MacKenzie or McKenna. Possible spelling variations include MacKinley, MacKinlee, Makinleigh ad almost infinitum. McKinley is one of the Scottish names for girls that can work equally well for boys.
  8. Macauley

    • Description:

      Macauley is a masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Amhalghaidh, meaning "son of Amhalghaidh" (an ancient personal name). Historically used as a family name, Macauley transitioned to use as a given name following the trend of adopting surnames as first names. The name carries associations with Celtic heritage and has variations including Macaulay, MacAuley, and McCauley. While never reaching top-tier popularity, Macauley saw increased usage in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. The name received modest attention through association with actor Macaulay Culkin in the 1990s, though his spelling variant has been more recognized. Macauley projects strength and traditional masculine qualities while maintaining its distinctive Scottish roots.

  9. Callaway

    • Origin:

      English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "pebbly place"

    • Description:

      Calloway is more popular among boys, while Callaway takes the title for girls. Perhaps it's the built-in floral nickname Calla.
  10. Carlin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little champion"

    • Description:

      While the lin ending is more commonly found in girls' names, Carlin is an authentic Irish male choice and was used just about evenly for both sexes in the US last year.
  11. Conway

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "hound of the plain"

    • Description:

      Historically tied to country music legend Conway Twitty, it’s now gaining traction alongside names like Connor, Colton, and Corbin. Growing in usage along with other surnames as first names, Conway stands out as a fresh, yet familiar, choice.
  12. Callister

    • Origin:

      Variation of Irish surname MacCallister

    • Meaning:

      "son of Alister"

    • Description:

      Can be used either with or without the addition of Mac.
  13. Tierney

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendent of a lord"

    • Description:

      An uncommon Irish-accented surname that seems particularly well suited to a girl. Tierney Sutton is a well-known jazz singer. Tierney, in its original Tiarnach form, was the name of several saints. It can also join the ranks of Old Hollywood names, via the haunting actress Gene Tierney. ER actress Maura Tierney is a current surname bearer.
  14. Flynn

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of the red-haired one"

    • Description:

      A winning last-name-first Celtic choice, Flynn is still mostly used for boys, such as the son of Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr. Though Flynn is definitely one of the Irish surname names, from Quinn to Flannery to Makenna, that makes one of the trendy boy names for girls".
  15. Brennan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendent of the sad one"

    • Description:

      Brennan is an Irish last name that could join the group of similar names now ranking among the top Irish names for baby girls in the US: Riley, Kennedy, and Quinn. Currently, only 16 baby girls were named Brennan versus over 200 boys, but those numbers could well become more equal.
  16. Keller

    • Origin:

      German occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "cellar master"

    • Description:

      Keller is a German surname that originated as an occupational name for a cellar or store master, which seems to be the background of several of the most stylish new German names for boys. One of the stylish new two-syllable -er ending names for boys, Keller is rising up the ranks heading for the Top 1000. It may be an honorific for Helen Keller.
  17. Collins

    • Origin:

      Surname derived from Nicholas or Colin

    • Description:

      Though Collins makes the Top 1000 for girls, it sounds strong and handsome for boys too, kind of like the newly-stylish Brooks. The final s updates it from the 80s-ish Colin or the Twilightish Cullen. Might make an innovative honorific for a grandpa Nick.
  18. Killian

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "war strife or church"

    • Description:

      Yes, another Irish surname, turned boys' name, turned unisex name. But we think this one has a bit more going for it than Logan or Mason, given its similarity in sound to very traditional feminine names Gillian and Lillian.
  19. Madigan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little dog"

    • Description:

      A jovial and jaunty Irish name, the title of a long-gone TV crime drama, this would make an appealing choice. Slight downside: Maddy is already a mega-popular nickname for Madeline/Madelyn and Madison, so this Mad- name might not feel as distinctive as the stats would suggest.
  20. Tiegan

    • Description:

      Tiegan is a modern feminine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins. It's often considered a variant of Teagan, which means 'little poet' or 'beautiful.' Some sources suggest it may also be related to the Welsh name Tegwen, meaning 'fair blessing.' Tiegan has gained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries since the 1990s, particularly in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to ancient Celtic traditions. Parents often choose Tiegan for its melodic sound, unique spelling, and its balance of strength and femininity.