500 Best Irish Last Names with Meanings: Family Guide

I’ll never forget the smell of peat smoke and stale beer in that small pub just outside Dingle. I was twenty-four, fresh off a plane from Boston, trying to find a grandfather I’d barely known. The barman, a man with hands like shovels, shouted “Sullivan!” toward the back of the room. Three men turned around. He laughed, wiped the counter, and clarified, “Big Sullivan. Not Little Sullivan.”

That moment stuck with me.

In the States, a name is just a line on a driver’s license. In Ireland, it’s a map. It’s a history book. It’s a badge of tribal loyalty that tells everyone exactly who your people were five hundred years ago. If you are reading this, you’re probably looking for that same connection. Maybe you want to name a character, trace your lineage, or just figure out why your last name translates to “The Dark Stranger.”

We’re going to dig into the Best Irish Last Names, unpacking the meanings, the blood feuds, and the incredible stories they tell.

Also Read: Best Italian Girl Names with Meanings and Best Fish Names with Meanings

Key Takeaways

• The Power of Prefixes: “Mac” (son of) and “O” (descendant of) aren’t about religion or being Scottish; they are the ancient markers of Irish identity.
• Geography is Destiny: Your surname is often a GPS coordinate pointing directly to the county where your ancestors held power.
• Nicknames Stuck: Many dignified surnames started as simple descriptions of a guy’s hair, height, or bad temper.
• The Anglicization Trap: Most names changed drastically when the British took detailed census records, often stripping the Gaelic meaning.
• Royal Lineage: Common names like O’Connor and O’Neill aren’t just common; they are the direct lines of High Kings.

Why Do Irish Surnames Feel So Different?

Ever wonder why Irish names don’t follow the same rules as English ones? You don’t see many “Smiths” or “Bakers” in the ancient Gaelic records.

Ireland was one of the first countries in Europe to adopt fixed, hereditary surnames. While other cultures were still using patronymics that changed every single generation—where John’s son became William Johnson, and William’s son became Peter Williamson—the Irish were cementing their tribal identities as early as the 900s.

This system ran on the clan structure. You weren’t just an individual floating in the wind. You were part of a tuath (a people or tribe). Your name declared your allegiance. When I started digging into my own messy family tree, I realized my surname wasn’t random. It was a survival mechanism. It told friends who to trust and enemies who to fight.

Is It True That ‘Mac’ is Scottish and ‘O’ is Irish?

This is the single most common myth I hear. My Uncle Sean, a man who could talk a dog off a meat wagon, swore up and down that “Mac” meant you were Scottish and “O” meant you were Irish.

He was dead wrong.

Both prefixes are quintessentially Irish. “Mac” simply translates to “son of.” If you are a MacCarthy, you are the son of Cárthach. The prefix “O” (historically written as Ua) means “grandson of” or “descendant of.” If you are an O’Brien, you are claiming descent from the great High King Brian Boru.

So, why the confusion?

During the brutal years of British colonization, particularly the Penal Laws era, having an Irish-sounding name was a liability. It locked you out of jobs and land ownership. Many families dropped the prefixes to sound more English. That’s why you meet thousands of “Kellys” instead of “O’Kellys” or “Murphys” instead of “O’Murphys.” Reclaiming the ‘O’ or ‘Mac’ today isn’t just about grammar; it’s a badge of pride.

Who Are the Heavy Hitters? (Top 50 Meanings)

Let’s get into the names that dominate the phone books from Boston to Belfast. These aren’t just labels; they are mini-biographies of your ancestors.

1. Murphy (Ó Murchadha)

Meaning: Sea Battler If you’re a Murphy, you are the heavyweight champion of Irish surnames. It’s the most common name in the country for a reason. The name translates to “Sea Warrior,” suggesting your ancestors were the ones patrolling the coast, likely defending against or trading with Vikings. They were originally fierce chieftains in Cork and Wexford.

2. Kelly (Ó Ceallaigh)

Meaning: Bright-headed / War The O’Kellys were a massive power in Connacht. The name implies a warrior caste, but linguists also argue it means “Bright-headed,” referring to fair or red hair. If you have a temper and a lot of freckles, the name fits.

3. O’Sullivan (Ó Súilleabháin)

Meaning: One-eyed / Dark-eyed This is royalty in Munster. The O’Sullivans were princes who fought the Norman invasion tooth and nail. The name’s meaning is specific—Súil means eye. Legend says the original ancestor was the “One-eyed” or “Hawk-eyed” chief.

4. Walsh (Breathnach)

Meaning: The Welshman This isn’t a Gaelic name at all. It’s a Norman one. When the Normans invaded in 1169, they brought soldiers from Wales. The Irish called them Breathnach (Britons). Over time, these “Welsh” families became more Irish than the Irish themselves.

5. O’Brien (Ó Briain)

Meaning: High / Noble You can’t get more aristocratic than this. The clan descends directly from Brian Boru, the High King who drove the Vikings out of Ireland at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. If you’re an O’Brien, you have royal blood.

6. Byrne (Ó Broin)

Meaning: Raven The O’Byrnes were the bad boys of the Wicklow Mountains. They refused to bow to English rule in Dublin Castle for centuries, raiding the city and retreating into the hills. The “Raven” meaning suits their dark, predatory history in war.

7. Ryan (Ó Riain)

Meaning: Little King While some argue it means “Water,” the most accepted translation is Rí (King) combined with a diminutive. The Ryans were fierce loyalists in Tipperary and Limerick, holding their ground against powerful neighbors.

8. O’Connor (Ó Conchobhair)

Meaning: Lover of Hounds Another massive royal house. The O’Connors were the Kings of Connacht and the last true High Kings of Ireland before the conquest. The “Hound” reference isn’t about pets; it’s about hunting and war dogs.

9. O’Neill (Ó Néill)

Meaning: Champion / Passionate The O’Neills ruled Ulster with an iron fist. Their symbol, the Red Hand of Ulster, is iconic. The name signifies a champion, someone who wouldn’t back down. They were the last great barrier to English rule in the north.

10. O’Reilly (Ó Raghallaigh)

Meaning: Courageous The O’Reillys were the economic powerhouse of Cavan. They were known for their savvy in trade as much as their bravery in battle. They even minted their own money in the Middle Ages.

11. Doyle (Ó Dubhghaill)

Meaning: Dark Stranger This name tells a story of invasion. “Dubh Gall” was the term the native Irish used for the “Dark Foreigners”—the Danes. If you’re a Doyle, you likely have Viking DNA mixed with the Gaelic stock.

12. McCarthy (Mac Cárthaigh)

Meaning: Son of the Loving One Don’t let the soft meaning fool you; the McCarthys were the Kings of Desmond (South Munster). They built Blarney Castle. They were patrons of the arts and fierce defenders of their territory.

13. Gallagher (Ó Gallchobhair)

Meaning: Foreign Help The Gallaghers are the backbone of County Donegal. They claim descent from a 5th-century King of Ireland. The name implies they were likely allied with foreign mercenaries or were welcoming to strangers.

14. O’Doherty (Ó Dochartaigh)

Meaning: Hurtful / Obstructive I love this meaning. It’s not “hurtful” in a mean way; it means they were impossible to conquer. They were the “obstructive” force that enemies couldn’t get past. They ruled the Inishowen peninsula.

15. Kennedy (Ó Cinnéide)

Meaning: Helmet Head Gaelic nicknames were brutal. This translates literally to “Ugly Head” or “Helmet Head.” Despite the rough moniker, they are a noble sept, famously associated with the father of Brian Boru.

16. Lynch (Ó Loinsigh)

Meaning: Mariner One of the famous “Tribes of Galway,” the Lynches were powerful merchants, mayors, and magistrates. They controlled the trade routes to Spain and France.

17. Murray (Ó Muireadhaigh)

Meaning: Lord / Master Found in every province, the Murrays were distinct septs. The name implies authority and stewardship, often associated with landholders and local lords.

18. Quinn (Ó Cuinn)

Meaning: Counsel / Wisdom Descendants of Conn. In County Clare, the Quinns were responsible for supply lines and quartermaster duties for the O’Brien kings. They were the logistics experts of the medieval world.

19. Moore (Ó Mórdha)

Meaning: Majestic / Great The O’Moores were the leading tribe of the Seven Septs of Laois. Their fortress, the Rock of Dunamase, is still an imposing sight. They were eventually transplanted, but the name remains proud.

20. McLoughlin (Mac Lochlainn)

Meaning: Viking / Laker A powerful northern family who once contended for the High Kingship against the O’Neills. The name refers to the sea-faring Norse-Gaels of the Lochs.

21. O’Carroll (Ó Cearbhaill)

Meaning: Valorous in Battle Known for their physical stature and military prowess, the O’Carrolls ruled the “Ely O’Carroll” territory in the midlands. They were the sword-arm of the region.

22. Connolly (Ó Conghalaigh)

Meaning: Fierce as a Hound The name implies bravery and loyalty. James Connolly, a leader of the 1916 Rising, is a famous bearer who lived up to the “fierce” reputation.

23. Daly (Ó Dálaigh)

Meaning: One of the Assembly The O’Dalys were the hereditary poets and bards to the kings. In ancient Ireland, a poet could ruin a king’s reputation with a single satire, making the O’Dalys incredibly powerful.

24. O’Connell (Ó Conaill)

Meaning: Strong as a Wolf Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator,” made this name famous worldwide. It originated in Kerry and Galway, denoting a warrior with the cunning of a wolf.

25. Wilson

Meaning: Son of William While English or Scottish in origin, Wilson is one of the most common names in Northern Ireland today due to the Plantation of Ulster. It has been part of the Irish fabric for 400 years.

26. Dunne (Ó Duinn)

Meaning: Brown / Dark The O’Dunnes were lords of Iregan. The name simply describes a physical characteristic—likely dark hair or a swarthy complexion.

27. Brennan (Ó Braonáin)

Meaning: Sorrow / Teardrop Despite the melancholic meaning, the Brennans were fierce chieftains in Kilkenny. They held extensive lands and were notoriously difficult for the Normans to subdue.

28. Burke (de Búrca)

Meaning: From the Fortress The Burkes are the classic example of “More Irish than the Irish themselves.” Originally Norman (de Burgh), they adopted Irish customs, language, and dress, controlling vast swathes of Connacht.

29. Collins (Ó Coileáin)

Meaning: Young Pup A hugely popular name in Munster. It translates to “Whelp” or “Young Dog”—a term of endearment for a young warrior. Michael Collins is the most famous son of this clan.

30. Campbell (Mac Cathmhaoil)

Meaning: Crooked Mouth Often seen as Scottish, but the Irish Campbells (Mac Cathmhaoil) were a distinct sept in Tyrone long before the Scots arrived. The name is a physical descriptor that stuck.

31. Clarke (Ó Cléirigh)

Meaning: Scribe / Cleric The O’Clearys were a family of historians and writers. They were the ones recording the history while others were making it.

32. Johnston

Meaning: John’s Town Another major Ulster-Scots name. The Johnstons were notorious Border Reivers (raiders) who settled in Fermanagh and brought their fighting spirit with them.

33. Hughes (Ó hAodha)

Meaning: Fire A fiery name for a passionate people. It is a very common Anglicization of several distinct Gaelic names linked to the ancient god of fire.

34. O’Dwyer (Ó Duibhir)

Meaning: Black / Dark The O’Dwyers were insurgents who fought relentlessly against Tudor conquest in the mountains of Tipperary. They were masters of guerilla warfare.

35. Flanagan (Ó Flannagáin)

Meaning: Ruddy / Red A name denoting a reddish complexion. The O’Flanagans were one of the royal stocks of Connacht, serving as stewards to the Kings.

36. Martin (Mac Giolla Mháirtín)

Meaning: Devotee of Saint Martin One of the Tribes of Galway. They were wealthy merchants and Crusaders who helped build the city into a trading hub.

37. Maguire (Mag Uidhir)

Meaning: Son of the Dun-colored One The Maguires were the Lords of Fermanagh. They maintained a navy on Lough Erne and were one of the last Gaelic chieftainships to fall.

38. Maher (Ó Meachair)

Meaning: Hospitable A name that reflects the Irish reputation for friendliness. They ruled the area around Roscrea in Tipperary.

39. Fitzpatrick (Mac Giolla Phádraig)

Meaning: Son of the Servant of Patrick The only “Fitz” name that is native Gaelic, not Norman. They were the Kings of Ossory and navigated the politics between native Irish and Norman invaders brilliantly.

40. O’Keeffe (Ó Caoimh)

Meaning: Gentle / Noble The O’Keeffes were originally marshals for the King of Munster. They were pushed into simpler lands by the Normans but survived and thrived.

41. Cahill (Ó Cathail)

Meaning: Valor A warrior name through and through. They were closely allied with the O’Briens in Clare and Tipperary.

42. O’Donnell (Ó Domhnaill)

Meaning: World Ruler The historic rivals of the O’Neills in the north. “Red Hugh” O’Donnell is a legendary figure who fought the English in the Nine Years’ War.

43. Duffy (Ó Dubhthaigh)

Meaning: Dark / Black A religious family who produced many abbots and bishops. They originated in Monaghan and spread west.

44. Mahony (Ó Mathúna)

Meaning: Bear-calf A powerful Munster sept. The name implies strength and perhaps a totemistic connection to the bear.

45. Boyle (Ó Baoighill)

Meaning: Pledge They shared authority in the North with the O’Donnells and O’Dohertys. A name associated with keeping one’s word.

46. Healy (Ó hÉalaighthe)

Meaning: Ingenious The name suggests a learned family, perhaps associated with science or art. They were often guardians of church lands.

47. Shea (Ó Séaghdha)

Meaning: Hawk-like / Dauntless Originally Lords of Iveragh in Kerry. If you visit the Ring of Kerry today, you will still see the Shea name on every second pub.

48. White (de Faoite)

Meaning: Fair complexion Commonly a Norman name describing hair or skin color, but also used to Anglicize Gaelic names like Banville.

49. Sweeney (Mac Suibhne)

Meaning: Little Hero The MacSweeneys were Gallowglass—elite mercenary warriors imported from Scotland to fight for Irish chiefs. They were the heavy infantry of the medieval era.

50. Hayes (Ó hAodha)

Meaning: Fire Another variation of the name meaning “Fire,” similar to Hughes. A very common name in the south.

What Did Your Ancestors Do For a Living?

Just like the English have “Smith” and “Baker,” the Irish have occupational surnames. But ours were often tied to the specific roles families held within the clan system. You had hereditary physicians, hereditary judges (Brehons), and hereditary poets.

• Ward (Mac an Bhaird): Son of the Bard. If you’re a Ward, your people were the storytellers and news anchors of the day.
• McGowan (Mac Gabhann): Son of the Smith. You descend from the ironworkers who forged the swords and horseshoes.
• Hickey (Ó hIcí): Healer. The Hickeys were famous hereditary physicians to the O’Brien clan.
• Cleary (Ó Cléirigh): Clerk. You were the scholars.
• McIntyre (Mac an tSaoir): Son of the Mason or Carpenter. The builders.
• Judge (Mac an Bhreithiún): Son of the Brehon. You were the lawyers and judges.
• Sexton (Ó Seasnáin): Bodyguard or Warden.
• Kearney (Ó Ceithearnaigh): Foot Soldier. The infantry.
• Scannell (Ó Scannail): Scandal/Brawler. Maybe not a job, but certainly a vocation for some!

Does Your Name Describe Your Looks?

The Irish were famous for nicknames. If you were the guy with the big nose or the red hair, that became your identity. Many of the Best Irish Last Names started as simple descriptions.

51. Finn: Fair-haired.
52. Roe: Red-haired.
53. Duff: Dark/Black.
54. Cronin: Swarthy/Dark Brown skin.
55. Lawlor: “Half-leper.” This likely referred to a skin condition like psoriasis, not actual leprosy.
56. Campbell: Crooked Mouth.
57. Kennedy: Ugly Head. (Sorry, folks, history is harsh).
58. Canavan: White Head.
59. Begley: Little Hero.
60. Short: Short person.
61. Fox: Cunning or Red hair.
62. Rabbit: Fast or timid.
63. Long: Tall.

Where in Ireland Are You From?

Geography is everything. If your last name is “O’Driscoll,” I’d bet my last dollar your people are from Cork. If it’s “O’Malley,” you’re looking at Mayo. Here is a rough guide to where the major clans held court.

The Rebel County (Cork)

This is McCarthy and O’Sullivan country.

• Names: McCarthy, O’Sullivan, O’Callaghan, O’Mahony, O’Driscoll, O’Donovan, O’Leary, O’Keeffe, Barry, Collins, Crowley, Daly, Cronin, Murphy, Sheehan, Walsh.

The Kingdom (Kerry)

The jagged peninsulas of the southwest.

• Names: O’Connor, O’Shea, O’Sullivan, O’Connell, O’Donoghue, Moriarty, Griffin, Fitzgerald, Brosnan, Clifford, Foley, Sugrue, Stack, Ferriter.

The West (Galway & Mayo)

The rugged Atlantic coast.

• Names: Kelly, Burke, Lynch, O’Flaherty, Connolly, Joyce, McDonagh, Walsh, French, Martyn, Kirwan, Blake, O’Malley, Gallagher, Doherty, Gibbons, Durkan, Conway, Moran.

The North (Donegal)

The wild highlands of Ulster.

• Names: O’Donnell, Gallagher, O’Doherty, Boyle, Sweeney, McLaughlin, Ward, McGowan, Kelly, Breslin, Friel, Diver, McHugh.

The Golden Vale (Tipperary & Limerick)

The fertile heartland.

• Names: Ryan, Maher, O’Brien, Kennedy, Dwyer, Gleeson, Carroll, Hogan, Hayes, Quirke, Treacy, Fogarty, Guilfoyle, Lonergan.

The Southeast (Wexford)

The sunny corner with heavy Norman influence.

• Names: Murphy, Doyle, Walsh, Byrne, Kinsella, Kavanagh, Furlong, Sinnott, Rossiter, Stafford, Devereux, Kehoe, Redmond.

How Did the English Change Our Names?

This is the tricky part. When the English administration took over, they couldn’t pronounce the Gaelic names. “Ó Maolchonaire” was a mouthful, so it became “Conroy.” “Mac Giolla Eoin” became “McAloon” or even “Monday.”

Original Gaelic	Anglicized Version
Ó hEadhra	O’Hara
Mac Aonghusa	Guinness / Hennessy
Ó Maolmhuaidh	Molloy
Ó hUiginn	Higgins
Ó Fearghail	Farrell
Mac Giolla Bhríde	McBride
Ó Ciosáin	Kissane
Ó Banáin	Bannon
Ó Murchú	Murphy
Mac Domhnaill	McDonnell
Ó Cuill	Quill
Mac Ádhaimh	McCaw / Adamson
Mac an Bhaird	Ward
Ó hArgáin	Horgan
Mac Brádaigh	Brady
Ó Beolláin	Boland
Mac Cionaoith	Kenny

What Are Some Rare Gems?

While Murphys are everywhere, some names are like finding a gold nugget in a riverbed.

• O’Gara: Ancient lords of Sligo.
• O’Dowd: Kings of North Connacht.
• MacGillycuddy: A branch of the O’Sullivans in Kerry who rule the highest mountains in Ireland.
• O’Shaughnessy: Lords of Kiltartan in Galway.
• O’Devlin: Chiefs in Tyrone.
• O’Hagan: Justices of the O’Neills.
• MacEgan: Hereditary lawyers.
• Uniacke: A rare name found in Cork.
• Thunder: A rare Dublin surname (and arguably the coolest name on the list).
• Dromgoole: Louth/Meath area.
• Hosty: Mayo.
• Quane: Waterford.

The Extended Family List (A-Z)

Here is a deeper dive into the hundreds of names that make up the diaspora.

A-C

150. Ahearne: Owner of horses.
151. Allen: Handsome.
152. Ambrose: Divine.
153. Armstrong: Strong arm (Ulster Scots).
154. Arthur: Bear man.
155. Ashe: Dweller by the ash tree.
156. Aylmer: Noble/Famous.
157. Bane: White/Fair.
158. Barrett: Warlike.
159. Barron: Nobleman.
160. Barry: Spear.
161. Behan: Bee/Birch.
162. Bellew: Beautiful water.
163. Bennett: Blessed.
164. Bergin: Spearman.
165. Bingham: From the bin-shaped hollow.
166. Birmingham: From Birmingham.
167. Black: Dark.
168. Blake: Pale/Dark.
169. Blaney: From Blaney.
170. Bodkin: Dagger.
171. Boland: Poet.
172. Bourke: Fortress.
173. Bowen: Son of Owen.
174. Boylan: Pledge.
175. Boyle: Vain pledge.
176. Bracken: Speckled.
177. Bradley: Broad wood.
178. Brady: Spirited.
179. Branagan: Raven.
180. Breen: Sadness.
181. Brennan: Drop/Sorrow.
182. Brett: Breton.
183. Broderick: Dream.
184. Brogan: Shoe.
185. Brosnan: From the river Brosna.
186. Browne: Brown haired.
187. Bryan: Noble.
188. Buckley: Cow herd.
189. Burke: Fortress.
190. Butler: Wine steward.
191. Byrne: Raven.
192. Caffrey: Helmet.
193. Cagney: Advocate.
194. Cahan: Battle.
195. Cahill: Valor.
196. Callaghan: Strife.
197. Callan: Chatterer.
198. Campbell: Crooked mouth.
199. Canning: Wolf cub.
200. Cannon: Wolf cub.
201. Cantwell: From Kent.
202. Canty: Snow/Rock.
203. Carey: Dark.
204. Carleton: Carl’s town.
205. Carmody: Dog.
206. Carney: Warrior.
207. Carpenter: Woodworker.
208. Carr: Spear.
209. Carrick: Rock.
210. Carroll: Champion.
211. Carton: Carder of wool.
212. Carty: Loving.
213. Casey: Vigilant.
214. Cashin: Crooked.
215. Cassidy: Curly haired.
216. Caulfield: Narrow field.
217. Cavanagh: Handsome.
218. Cawley: Relic.
219. Clancy: Red warrior.
220. Clarke: Clerk.
221. Cleary: Scribe.
222. Clifford: Ford near a slope.
223. Clinton: Settlement on a hill.
224. Coakley: Blind.
225. Cody: Helpful.
226. Coen: Beautiful.
227. Coffey: Victorious.
228. Cogan: Barn.
229. Coleman: Dove.
230. Colgan: Swordsman.
231. Coll: Hazel.
232. Collins: Whelp.
233. Comerford: Ford of the confluence.
234. Condon: Dark head.
235. Conlan: Hero.
236. Conlon: Hero.
237. Connell: Strong wolf.
238. Connellan: Strong wolf.
239. Connery: Warrior.
240. Connolly: Fierce.
241. Connor: Wolf lover.
242. Conroy: Keeper of the hound.
243. Considine: Son of Constantine.
244. Conway: Hound of the plain.
245. Coogan: Hound.
246. Cooke: Cook.
247. Cooney: Handsome.
248. Corbett: Raven.
249. Corcoran: Purple.
250. Corrigan: Spear.

D-G

251. Cosgrave: Victorious.
252. Costello: Son of Oisdealbh.
253. Cotter: Worker.
254. Coughlan: Cloak.
255. Courtney: Short nose.
256. Cox: Rooster.
257. Coyle: Battle.
258. Coyne: Wild goose.
259. Creagh: Branch.
260. Crean: Shriveled.
261. Cregan: Rock.
262. Cremin: Protector.
263. Cronin: Saffron.
264. Crosby: Cross.
265. Crowe: Crow.
266. Crowley: Hard hero.
267. Cuddihy: Hunchback.
268. Cullen: Holly.
269. Cummins: Bent.
270. Cunningham: Chief.
271. Curley: Hero.
272. Curran: Hero.
273. Curry: Marsh.
274. Cusack: From Cussac.
275. Dalton: Valley town.
276. Daly: Assembly.
277. Darcy: Dark.
278. Davern: Tavern.
279. Davey: Beloved.
280. Deane: Dean.
281. Dee: Dark.
282. Deegan: Dean.
283. Delaney: Dark challenger.
284. Dempsey: Proud.
285. Dennehy: Man of the horse.
286. Dennis: Dionysus.
287. Devereux: From Evreux.
288. Devine: Poet.
289. Devlin: Brave.
290. Dillon: Faithful.
291. Dineen: Judging.
292. Doherty: Hurtful.
293. Dolan: Black.
294. Donaghue: Brown warrior.
295. Donegan: Brown.
296. Donnelly: Brown warrior.
297. Donoghue: Brown warrior.
298. Donovan: Dark brown.
299. Doody: Black.
300. Dooley: Dark hero.
301. Doonan: Fort.
302. Doran: Stranger.
303. Dorney: Fist.
304. Dowd: Dark.
305. Dowling: Challenger.
306. Downey: Fort.
307. Doyle: Dark stranger.
308. Drennan: Blackthorn.
309. Driscoll: Messenger.
310. Drury: Sweetheart.
311. Duff: Dark.
312. Duffy: Dark.
313. Duggan: Black.
314. Duignan: Black.
315. Dunlea: Brown of the mountain.
316. Dunne: Brown.
317. Dunphy: Brown warrior.
318. Durkan: Pessimist.
319. Dwyer: Black.
320. Early: Messenger.
321. Egan: Fire.
322. Elliott: Jehovah is God.
323. English: English.
324. Enright: Unlawful.
325. Fagan: Pagan.
326. Fahy: Lawn.
327. Fallon: Ruler.
328. Fanning: Winnowing.
329. Farrell: Man of valor.
330. Farrelly: Man of valor.
331. Feeney: Soldier.
332. Fennell: Fair.
333. Fenton: Marsh town.
334. Ferris: Peter.
335. Finan: Fair.
336. Finbar: Fair head.
337. Finnegan: Fair.
338. Fitzgerald: Son of Gerald.
339. Fitzgibbon: Son of Gibbon.
340. Fitzmaurice: Son of Maurice.
341. Fitzpatrick: Son of Patrick.
342. Fitzsimons: Son of Simon.
343. Flaherty: Bright prince.
344. Flanagan: Red.
345. Flannery: Red valor.
346. Flatley: Prince.
347. Fleming: From Flanders.
348. Flood: Flood.
349. Flynn: Red.
350. Fogarty: Exiled.
351. Foley: Plunderer.
352. Forde: Ford.
353. Fowler: Bird catcher.
354. Fox: Fox.
355. Foy: Journey.
356. Friel: Man of valor.
357. Furlong: Furlong.
358. Gaffney: Calf.
359. Gahan: Love.
360. Galvin: Bright white.
361. Gannon: White.
362. Garvey: Rough.
363. Gaughan: Wind.
364. Gavin: White hawk.
365. Gaynor: Son of the fair one.
366. Geoghagan: Horseman.
367. Geraghty: Court.
368. Gibbons: Son of Gilbert.
369. Gilchrist: Servant of Christ.
370. Gildea: Servant of God.
371. Gill: Foreigner.
372. Gillen: Servant.
373. Gillespie: Servant of the Bishop.
374. Gilligan: Lad.
375. Gilmartin: Servant of Martin.
376. Gilmore: Servant of Mary.
377. Gleeson: Green.
378. Glennon: Cloak.
379. Glynn: Valley.
380. Gogan: Little shamrock.
381. Goggin: Little shamrock.
382. Golden: Golden.
383. Gorman: Blue.
384. Gormley: Blue spearman.
385. Gough: Red.
386. Gould: Gold.
387. Grace: Grace.
388. Grady: Noble.
389. Graham: Gravelly homestead.
390. Grealy: Ugly.
391. Greaney: Sun.
392. Green: Green.
393. Greene: Green.
394. Grehan: Gravel.
395. Griffin: Griffin.
396. Grimes: Dirt.
397. Guinness: Choice.
398. Guiney: Prayer.
399. Gunning: Hairy.

H-M

400. Hackett: Hacker.
401. Hadden: Heather.
402. Hagan: Young.
403. Halley: Hall.
404. Halligan: Handsome.
405. Halpin: Halfpenny.
406. Hamill: Maimed.
407. Hanley: Warrior.
408. Hanlon: Warrior.
409. Hannon: Old.
410. Hanrahan: Man of the cloth.
411. Hardiman: Hardy man.
412. Harkin: Dark red.
413. Harold: Army ruler.
414. Harrington: Harry’s town.
415. Harrison: Son of Harry.
416. Hart: Stag.
417. Harte: Stag.
418. Hartigan: Head.
419. Harty: Head.
420. Hassett: Stag.
421. Haugh: Field.
422. Haughey: Horseman.
423. Hayes: Fire.
424. Healy: Ingenious.
425. Heaney: Bird.
426. Hearne: Horse lord.
427. Heffernan: Demon.
428. Hegarty: Unjust.
429. Hendron: Old.
430. Heneghan: Bird.
431. Hennessy: One choice.
432. Henry: Home ruler.
433. Heslin: Hood.
434. Hetherington: Heath town.
435. Hewson: Son of Hugh.
436. Hickey: Healer.
437. Higgins: Viking.
438. Hill: Hill.
439. Hoban: Hollow.
440. Hoey: Horseman.
441. Hogan: Young.
442. Holland: Ridge land.
443. Hollywood: Holy wood.
444. Holmes: Island.
445. Holohan: Proud.
446. Hopkins: Son of Hob.
447. Horan: Grey.
448. Horgan: Grey.
449. Houlihan: Proud.
450. Houston: Hugh’s town.
451. Howard: Brave heart.
452. Howley: Field.
453. Hughes: Fire.
454. Hunt: Hunter.
455. Hurley: Sea tide.
456. Hussey: Hose.
457. Hyland: Sight.
458. Hynes: Sight.
459. Igoe: Yew.
460. Irwin: Boar friend.
461. Jennings: Little John.
462. Johnston: John’s town.
463. Jones: Son of John.
464. Jordan: Flowing down.
465. Joyce: Lord.
466. Kane: Battler.
467. Kavanagh: Handsome.
468. Keane: Battler.
469. Kearney: Soldier.
470. Kearns: Victor.
471. Keating: Kite.
472. Keegan: Fire.
473. Keelan: Slender.
474. Keenan: Ancient.
475. Kehoe: Horse.
476. Kelleher: Spouse lover.
477. Kelly: War.
478. Kenna: Fire.
479. Kennedy: Helmet head.
480. Kenny: Fire.
481. Keogh: Horse.
482. Keown: Eoghan.
483. Kerr: Marsh.
484. Kerrigan: Dusky.
485. Kiely: Graceful.
486. Kieran: Dark.
487. Tierney: Lord / Master.
488. Mulcahy: Servant of Battle.
489. Cahill: Powerful in Battle.
490. Shanahan: Wise / Old.
491. Mulligan: Bald.
492. Rafferty: Prosperity.
493. O’Rourke: Hero.
494. Scully: Scholar.
495. Sloan: Warrior.
496. Spillane: Scythe.
497. Tobin: St. Aubin.
498. Tully: Flood.
499. Tynan: Dark Grey.
500. Vance: Threshing floor.

How Do You Start Digging?

So, you found your name on the list. You know that you are an O’Sullivan from Cork or a Doherty from Donegal. What now?

Tracing Irish roots can be a headache. The Public Record Office blew up in 1922 during the Civil War, and a thousand years of census records went up in smoke. But it’s not impossible.

I remember standing in a graveyard in Killarney, looking for a headstone for a “Patrick” who died in 1890. I didn’t find the stone, but I found the local parish priest. He opened a ledger that smelled like damp earth and old tobacco, and there, written in beautiful, swirling cursive, was my great-grandfather’s baptismal record.

Steps to start:

1. Talk to your elders: The best records are in your grandmother’s memory, not a computer.
2. Know the parish: Irish records are organized by parish, not just county.
3. Check the 1901 and 1911 Census: These are the only complete surviving censuses from that era.
4. Use the National Library: For Catholic parish registers, the National Library of Ireland is where you want to be.

Final Thoughts

Your name is more than just a tag on a driver’s license. It is a survival story. Whether you are a Murphy, a Kelly, or a rare O’Gara, that name survived famine, war, invasion, and emigration. It traveled across oceans in steerage class to build railroads in America, infrastructure in Britain, and communities in Australia.

When you say your name, you are echoing the language of chieftains, poets, and warriors from a thousand years ago. Wear it with pride.

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