Irish last names carry centuries of history, from the noble lineage of Ó Néill to the Norman influence behind Nagle. Some names, like Netterville, reflect Ireland’s complex past, while others, such as Navin, connect to ancient Gaelic traditions. Each name tells a story, but one stood out to us above the rest.

Searching for Irish name inspiration? Browse our themed lists of first and last names and don’t miss our curated guide to first names starting with N.

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Authentic Irish Last Names that Start with N

⭐ Our Favourite: Neill (Ó Néill)

Pronunciation: NEEL
First recorded: 10th century
Meaning: One of the most significant last names in Irish history, Ó Néill comes from Niall, meaning “champion” or “cloud.” It is the name of a dynasty that shaped Ireland for centuries, producing high kings, warriors, and leaders. The O’Neills were central figures in Irish resistance against English rule, with famous members such as Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, who led the Nine Years’ War. The last name remains common in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.
Why it’s our favourite: Few names are as deeply tied to Irish identity as Ó Néill. It represents strength, resilience, and a lasting impact on Irish history. Whether through its legendary kings or modern-day figures, the name carries a legacy of leadership and endurance that has never faded.

🔥 Naughton (Ó Neachtain)

Pronunciation: NOKH-tun
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: Derived from Neachtain, meaning “pure” or “bright,” this last name originates from the Uí Fiachrach Aidhne dynasty in County Galway. The Naughtons were historically prominent in west Connacht, particularly as scholars and landholders. The last name remains common in Galway, with notable bearers including politicians and academics.

🏇 Nolan (Ó Nualláin)

Pronunciation: NO-lan
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Carlow
Meaning: From nuall, meaning “famous” or “noble,” the Nolan family was one of the principal Gaelic families in Carlow. They were chieftains in the barony of Forth and held significant power during medieval times. The name spread widely across Ireland, with many Nolans emigrating to the US and Australia in the 19th century.

🎭 Noonan (Ó Nuanáin)

Pronunciation: NOO-nan
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Limerick
Meaning: This last name likely derives from nuan, meaning “fondness” or “affectionate.” The Noonans were historically found in Munster, particularly in Limerick and Cork. Some branches of the family became known for their patronage of the arts. Today, the name is common both in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora in America.

⚔️ Nerney (Ó Nairnigh)

Pronunciation: NER-nee
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Roscommon
Meaning: Thought to come from naireamhach, meaning “warlike” or “vigorous,” this last name has deep connections to the ancient Gaelic warriors of Connacht. The Nerney family remained prominent in Roscommon, where they were involved in local leadership and landholding.

⚡ Nee (Ó Niadh)

Pronunciation: NEE
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: Derived from niadh, meaning “champion” or “warrior,” the Nee last name is associated with the Connemara region. The family historically held positions of power in western Ireland and were known for their resilience during British rule. Today, the last name is most commonly found in Galway.

🚢 Nestor (Mac an Adhastair)

Pronunciation: NES-tor
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Clare
Meaning: The Nestors were originally a Norman family who Gaelicized their name over time. Adhastair refers to “a horseman” or “charioteer,” likely indicating an ancestral role in military service. By the medieval period, the Nestors had firmly established themselves in Clare, often acting as advisors or military leaders.

🌿 Neary (Ó Náraigh)

Pronunciation: NEER-ee
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Mayo
Meaning: Likely derived from nárach, meaning “modest” or “noble,” this last name was common among the Uí Fiachrach of Connacht. The Nearys were historically associated with religious and scholarly pursuits, with many becoming priests and poets. It remains a well-known last name in western Ireland today.

🏰 Nilan (Ó Nialláin)

Pronunciation: NIL-an
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Clare
Meaning: A diminutive of Niall, meaning “champion,” the Nilans were an offshoot of the powerful O’Neill dynasty. Settling in Munster, particularly Clare, they became known for their involvement in Gaelic aristocracy and landownership.

🌊 Noud (Ó Nuadháin)

Pronunciation: NOWD
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Kerry
Meaning: From nuadh, meaning “new” or “fresh,” the Nouds were a minor Gaelic family in Kerry, likely associated with coastal settlements and fishing communities. Though rare today, the name still appears in parts of southwest Ireland.

⏳ Newell (Ó Tnúthghail)

Pronunciation: NOO-uhl
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: Derived from tnúth, meaning “desire” or “hope,” this last name belonged to an early Gaelic noble family in Ulster. The Newells were historically involved in governance and diplomacy, with some later becoming influential traders. The name remains well-known in the north of Ireland.

🏹 Nunan (Ó Nunáin)

Pronunciation: NOO-nan
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Limerick
Meaning: The Nunan last name is thought to derive from nuan, meaning “affection” or “kindness.” The O’Nunan family were a well-regarded bardic clan in Munster, particularly in Limerick and Cork, where they served as poets and chroniclers to Gaelic lords. The name remains common in southern Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

☘️ Nevin (Mac Cnáimhín)

Pronunciation: NEV-in
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: Derived from cnáimh, meaning “bone,” the last name is believed to mean “descendant of the little bony one.” The Nevin family was historically associated with the Uí Fiachrach tribe in Connacht, where they were known as physicians and scholars. The last name is still found in Galway and Mayo.

🏇 Nally (Ó Nathlaigh)

Pronunciation: NAL-ee
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Mayo
Meaning: Believed to stem from nathlach, meaning “clever” or “cunning,” the Nally family were prominent in Mayo, where they held lands under the ruling Gaelic clans. The name became anglicized over time, and notable figures include James Nally, an Irish nationalist of the 19th century.

⚔️ Nehill (Ó Niadh)

Pronunciation: NEE-hill
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Clare
Meaning: A variant of Nee, this name comes from niadh, meaning “champion” or “warrior.” The Nehills were traditionally part of the Gaelic aristocracy in Clare and often served as military leaders. The name remains more common in western Ireland.

🔥 Naghten (Ó Neachtain)

Pronunciation: NOKH-tun
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: A variant of Naughton, this name is rooted in Neachtain, meaning “pure” or “bright.” The Naghtens were influential in Connacht, particularly as landholders and scholars in medieval times. The name remains strong in Galway today.

🏰 Nallen (Ó Nialláin)

Pronunciation: NAL-en
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Clare
Meaning: A rare form of O’Nialláin, meaning “descendant of Niall,” a name associated with legendary Irish kings. The Nallen family held lands in Munster, though the name gradually declined in use. Some emigrants carried it to America and Australia.

🌿 Neylon (Ó Nialláin)

Pronunciation: NAY-lon
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Clare
Meaning: Another variation of O’Nialláin, Neylon was a well-established last name in Clare, often linked to farming and local governance. The name has largely remained localized, with many Neylons still found in County Clare today.

🏆 Nesbitt (Mac Asbuig)

Pronunciation: NEZ-bit
First recorded: 17th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: A rare Gaelicized version of a Scottish name, Mac Asbuig translates to “son of the bishop,” derived from the Old English “nes” (headland) and “byht” (dwelling). The Nesbitts were a Scottish planter family who settled in Ulster during the 1600s and became prominent landowners.

⚡ Ney (Ó Niadh)

Pronunciation: NAY
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: A shortened form of Ó Niadh, meaning “champion” or “warrior.” The name is closely related to the Nee and Nehill families, who historically held positions as Gaelic knights and chieftains. It is a relatively rare last name today.

⏳ Neylin (Ó Nialláin)

Pronunciation: NAY-lin
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Clare
Meaning: A spelling variation of Neylon, the Neylins were a minor Gaelic family in Clare. They were historically known for their service as scribes and advisors to the ruling clans of the region. The name has become rare but can still be found in parts of Munster.

Last Names with a Strong Irish Influence

🎭 Neeson (Mac Naois)

Pronunciation: NEE-sun
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: A diminutive of Niall, this last name is linked to the famous warrior lineage of the Uí Néill. The Neeson family became prominent in Antrim, where they held lands. The last name remains relatively rare but gained worldwide recognition through the actor Liam Neeson, a native of Ballymena, County Antrim.

🔥 Normoyle (Ó Neirmhiall)

Pronunciation: NOR-moyle
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Limerick
Meaning: A rare last name thought to derive from Naughton, with Neirmhiall possibly meaning “without modesty” or “bold warrior.” Found mainly in Munster, the Normoyles were minor Gaelic landowners and later adapted to English rule. The name remains uncommon but is still found in parts of Limerick and Clare.

🏰 Neligan (Ó Niallagáin)

Pronunciation: NEL-ih-gan
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Kerry
Meaning: Of Norman origin, the Neligan family became Gaelicized over time. The last name is derived from Niall, linking it to the warrior tradition of the Uí Néill. By the 17th century, the Neligans were well-established in Munster, particularly Kerry, where they served as landowners, merchants, and military officers.

⚡ Navin (Mac Cnáimhín)

Pronunciation: NAV-in
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Meath
Meaning: Related to Nevin, this last name comes from cnáimh, meaning “bone,” possibly referring to a thin or resilient ancestor. The Navin family was historically linked to Meath and parts of Connacht, where they held positions in local Gaelic clans. It remains a relatively rare last name today.

🌊 Noone (Ó Nuadháin)

Pronunciation: NOON
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: A variation of Noud, this name derives from nuadh, meaning “new” or “fresh.” The Noone family was historically connected to western Ireland, particularly Galway and Mayo. The name persists in Ireland and among Irish-American families.

🏇 Norton (Ó Neachtain or Mac an Ultaigh)

Pronunciation: NOR-tun
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: A last name of mixed origins, Norton may stem from Ó Neachtain (a variant of Naughton) or Mac an Ultaigh, meaning “son of the Ulsterman.” Some Nortons were originally Norman settlers who integrated into Gaelic society, while others descended from Connacht clans.

🌿 Niven (Mac Cnáimhín)

Pronunciation: NIV-en
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Ulster and Scotland
Meaning: Closely related to Navin and Nevin, Niven has both Irish and Scottish roots. It comes from cnáimh, meaning “bone,” possibly signifying endurance. The name spread into Scotland, where it remains common. Notable bearers include the Scottish actor David Niven.

⏳ Nellins (Ó Nialláin)

Pronunciation: NEL-ins
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Clare
Meaning: A rare alternative spelling of Nilan, derived from Niall, meaning “champion.” The Nellins family was historically found in Clare, where they were minor landholders under larger Gaelic lords. The name has become quite rare but still appears in historical records.

⚔️ Nangle (de Angulo)

Pronunciation: NANG-gul
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Meath
Meaning: Of Norman origin, de Angulo was the last name of a powerful family that settled in Ireland after the Norman invasion. They quickly integrated into Gaelic society, adopting Irish customs and becoming known as Mac Costello in Connacht. The Nangles played a key role in medieval Irish politics, particularly in Leinster and Meath.

🏰 Nassau (de Nás)

Pronunciation: NAS-saw
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Kildare
Meaning: Likely derived from the town of Naas (Nás na Ríogh, meaning “Place of the Kings”) in County Kildare, Nassau has ambiguous origins. Some believe it was adapted by Norman settlers in Ireland, while others suggest a connection to the House of Nassau in the Netherlands. The name appears in early records of Kildare, linked to landowning families.

⚜️ Netterville (de Netterville)

Pronunciation: NET-er-vil
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Meath
Meaning: A Norman-Irish family, the de Nettervilles were granted land in Meath following the Anglo-Norman invasion. The family became significant landowners and later took prominent roles in politics. One of the most famous members, Nicholas Netterville, was a peer in the Irish House of Lords. The last name has since become rare.

⛪ Newgent (Ó Naoimhghin)

Pronunciation: NOO-jent
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Meath
Meaning: A hybrid of Norman Nugent and the Gaelic Naoimhghin, meaning “little saint.” The name suggests an association with religious figures, possibly monastic scholars. The Nugents were a powerful Norman family who became deeply integrated into Gaelic society, intermarrying with Irish clans. The last name is still found in Meath.

🏇 Nagle (de Nógla)

Pronunciation: NAY-gul
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Cork
Meaning: Originally de Angulo, this Norman family arrived in Ireland during the 12th century and later Gaelicized their name to de Nógla. The Nagles became a major family in County Cork, where they established estates. The most famous bearer was Nano Nagle, a pioneer of Catholic education in Ireland.

🎭 Neesham (Mac Naois)

Pronunciation: NEE-shum
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: A variant of Neeson, derived from Mac Naois, meaning “son of Naois.” The name is linked to Ulster and was historically associated with Gaelic chieftains. Though uncommon, it persists in parts of Northern Ireland and among Irish-American families.

Naming traditions in Ireland date back centuries, and our curated collections of Irish first and last names will help you discover their origins, meanings, and cultural significance.