Step into the world of Celtic heritage with this list of 72 Irish surnames that have endured for centuries. Each name is a testament to Ireland’s rich Gaelic traditions, reflecting ancient clans, warriors, and storytellers whose legacies continue through these timeless family names.
72 Celtic Irish Surnames
MacBreen (Mac Braoin) – Meaning “son of Braon,” associated with sadness or raindrops, symbolic of nature.
MacCarthy (Mac Cárthaigh) – Meaning “son of Cárthach,” referring to one who is loving or charitable.
MacClancy (Mac Fhlannchadha) – Meaning “son of Flannchadh,” associated with red warriors or fierce leaders.
MacConway (Mac Connmhaigh) – Derived from “son of Connmhach,” meaning headstrong or steadfast warrior.
MacCurtin (Mac Cruitín) – Derived from “son of Cruitín,” meaning little harp, tied to music or artistry.
MacDonagh (Mac Donnchadha) – Meaning “son of Donnchadh,” translating to brown-haired or dark warrior.
MacDonnell (Mac Domhnaill) – Derived from “son of Domhnall,” meaning ruler of the world.
MacEgan (Mac Aodhagáin) – Derived from “son of Aodhagán,” meaning little fire.
MacGowan (Mac Gabhann) – Derived from “son of Gabhann,” meaning smith or skilled craftsman.
MacGuinness (Mac Aonghusa) – Derived from “son of Aonghus,” meaning one strength or unique force.
MacKiernan (Mac Tighearnáin) – Derived from “son of Tighearnán,” meaning little lord, linked to nobility.
MacMurrough (Mac Murchadha) – Meaning “son of Murchadh,” translating to sea warrior.
MacNally (Mac an Fhailí) – Meaning “son of the poor one,” often linked to monks or devotees.
MacOwen (Mac Eoghain) – Meaning “son of Eoghan,” translating to born of the yew tree or noble.
MacShane (Mac Seáin) – Meaning “son of Seán,” the Irish form of John, often tied to ancient Irish lords.
MacTiernan (Mac Tighearnáin) – Derived from “son of Tighearnán,” meaning little lord.
MacWard (Mac an Bhaird) – Derived from “son of the bard,” referring to poets or historians in Celtic society.
O’Brennan (Ó Braonáin) – Meaning “descendant of Braonán,” associated with sorrow or drop of moisture, symbolising hardship.
O’Carbery (Ó Cairbre) – Meaning “descendant of Cairbre,” an ancient name associated with warriors or charioteers.
O’Carroll (Ó Cearbhaill) – Meaning “descendant of Cearbhall,” translating to a fierce warrior or champion.
O’Casey (Ó Cathasaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Cathasach,” a name meaning watchful or vigilant.
O’Clery (Ó Cléirigh) – Meaning “descendant of Cléireach,” referring to a cleric or scholar.
O’Connellan (Ó Coinnialáin) – Meaning “descendant of Coinnialán,” associated with holly or resilient plants.
O’Connolly (Ó Conghaile) – Derived from “descendant of Conghal,” meaning strong in battle.
O’Crowley (Ó Cruadhlaoich) – Meaning “descendant of Cruadhlaoch,” translating to hard or strong warrior.
O’Curry (Ó Comhraidhe) – Meaning “descendant of Comhraidhe,” linked to spear throwers or warriors.
O’Daly (Ó Dálaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Dálach,” associated with gatherings or assemblies.
O’Devlin (Ó Doibhilin) – Derived from “descendant of Doibhilín,” referring to unlucky or unfortunate individuals.
O’Doherty (Ó Dochartaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Dochartach,” translating to hurtful or obstructive.
O’Driscoll (Ó hEidirsceóil) – Meaning “descendant of Eidirsceol,” translating to messenger or go-between.
O’Duignan (Ó Duibhgeannáin) – Derived from “descendant of Duibhgeannán,” meaning dark or black-haired.
O’Fahy (Ó Fathaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Fathach,” referring to a giant or great warrior.
O’Farrell (Ó Fearghail) – Meaning “descendant of Fearghal,” a name signifying bravery or man of valour.
O’Flanagan (Ó Flannagáin) – Meaning “descendant of Flannagán,” translating to ruddy or red warrior.
O’Flannery (Ó Flannghaile) – Meaning “descendant of Flannghal,” translating to red valour or bright bravery.
O’Flynn (Ó Floinn) – Meaning “descendant of Flann,” associated with redness or ruddy appearance.
O’Gallagher (Ó Gallchobhair) – Meaning “descendant of Gallchobhar,” meaning foreign helper or strong ally.
O’Gara (Ó Gadhra) – Meaning “descendant of Gadhra,” linked to a hound or wolf.
O’Hanlon (Ó hAnluain) – Meaning “descendant of Anluan,” a name meaning great champion or warrior.
O’Hara (Ó hEaghra) – Meaning “descendant of Eaghra,” linked to descendants of chieftains.
O’Hehir (Ó hEichir) – Meaning “descendant of Eichir,” a name associated with horsemen or riders.
O’Houlihan (Ó hUallacháin) – Meaning “descendant of Uallachán,” referring to a proud or noble person.
O’Hurley (Ó hUrthuile) – Derived from “descendant of Urthuile,” linked to tidal waves or sea power.
O’Kane (Ó Catháin) – Derived from “descendant of Cathán,” meaning warrior or fighter.
O’Keane (Ó Catháin) – A variation, also meaning “descendant of Cathán,” associated with battles.
O’Kelleher (Ó Ceileachair) – Meaning “descendant of Ceileachair,” translating to companionable or bright-headed.
O’Keogh (Ó Ceochadha) – Meaning “descendant of Ceochadh,” referring to mist or fog, symbolic of Celtic spirituality.
O’Kernan (Ó Ciaráin) – Meaning “descendant of Ciarán,” referring to a little dark one, symbolising mystery.
O’Kiernan (Ó Ciaráin) – Derived from “descendant of Ciarán,” meaning little dark one.
O’Lavin (Ó Lamháin) – Meaning “descendant of Lamhán,” referring to a small or nimble individual.
O’Loughney (Ó Lachtnáin) – Meaning “descendant of Lachtnán,” associated with grey or silver tones.
O’Lyons (Ó Laighin) – Meaning “descendant of Laighean,” translating to spearman, an ancient warrior class.
O’Madden (Ó Madáin) – Meaning “descendant of Madán,” referring to a small or dogged individual.
O’Treacy (Ó Treasaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Treasach,” translating to warlike or fierce.
Find Out More About Celtic Irish Surnames
What makes Celtic Irish surnames unique compared to other Irish surnames?
Celtic Irish surnames are unique because they often preserve ancient Gaelic linguistic elements and reflect deep cultural connections to Ireland’s early clans and mythology. These surnames frequently include prefixes like Ó (“descendant of”) or Mac (“son of”), emphasizing lineage and heritage. Unlike surnames influenced by external cultures, Celtic Irish surnames remain rooted in native traditions and symbolize familial and tribal identities.
How did these surnames originate and evolve over time?
Celtic Irish surnames originated in the 10th century as a way to identify people by their ancestors, professions, or characteristics. Names like Ó Néill (“descendant of Niall”) and Mac Cárthaigh (“son of Carthach”) evolved as Gaelic society transitioned from tribal to more structured kinship systems. Over centuries, these names were anglicized due to British rule, resulting in variations like “O’Neill” and “McCarthy.”
What are some common themes in Celtic Irish surname meanings?
Common themes in Celtic Irish surname meanings include physical traits (e.g., Ó Ruadh – “descendant of the red-haired one”), professions (Mac an Bhaird – “son of the bard”), and lineage connections (Ó Briain – “descendant of Brian”). Many surnames also reference nature, animals, or mythological elements, reflecting the importance of the environment and folklore in Celtic culture.
How do these surnames reflect the ancient clans of Ireland?
Celtic Irish surnames often reflect the structure and values of ancient Irish clans. For example, Ó Conchobhair (“descendant of Conchobhar”) ties families to legendary chieftains, while Mac Suibhne (“son of Suibhne”) highlights warrior ancestors. These surnames also signify allegiance to specific clans or territories, preserving the legacy of Ireland’s tribal past.
Can you still find these Celtic surnames in Ireland today?
Yes, many Celtic surnames like Ó Sullivan, MacCarthy, and Ó Flannagáin remain common in Ireland today. While some have been anglicized or altered over time, their Gaelic origins are still widely recognized. These surnames continue to connect modern families to their ancient Celtic heritage and clan histories.
