Discover 109 of the most common Irish surnames that have stood the test of time. Rooted in Gaelic tradition and passed down through generations, these names reflect Ireland’s rich history, from warrior clans to chieftains, and continue to connect millions worldwide to their Irish ancestry.
109 Common Irish Surnames
Mac Amhlaoibh (MacAuliffe) – Derived from “son of Olaf,” a Norse-influenced Gaelic name, rarely encountered outside historical records.
Mac an Chrosáin (MacCrossan) – Derived from “son of the little cross,” a surname with religious connections, rarely seen now.
Mac an Ghoill (MacGill) – Meaning “son of the foreigner,” often linked to Norse-Gaelic ancestry, now rare.
Mac Branáin (MacBrennan) – Meaning “son of Branán,” linked to a raven, symbolic in Irish mythology, now seldom seen.
Mac Cárthaigh (MacCarthy) – A powerful name historically, but certain lineages have become quite rare.
Mac Cathmhaoil (MacCamphill) – Meaning “son of Cathmhaol,” translating to warrior of the battle, very uncommon today.
Mac Conmara (MacNamara) – Meaning “son of Conmara,” translating to hound of the sea, with less common lines fading over time.
Mac Consaidín (MacConsidine) – Derived from Norman roots, meaning “son of Constantine,” uncommon today.
Mac Dubhshláin (MacDowlan) – Derived from “son of Dubhshlán,” meaning dark challenge, a surname that has diminished over time.
Mac Fhionnghaile (MacGinley) – Derived from “son of Fionnghal,” meaning fair valor, now uncommon in modern Ireland.
Mac Fhlannchadha (MacLynch) – Derived from “son of Flannchadh,” meaning red warrior, now rare outside historical records.
Mac Giolla Íosa (MacAleese) – Meaning “son of the servant of Jesus,” a clerical name that has become less common.
Ó Baoighealláin (O’Boylan) – Meaning “descendant of Baoigheallán,” translating to a pledge or oath, rarely seen now.
Ó Beolláin (O’Beolain) – Meaning “descendant of Beollán,” referring to a little mouth, now uncommon.
Ó Braonáin (O’Brennan) – Meaning “descendant of Braonán,” associated with sorrow, a rare surname in modern times.
Ó Bruadair (O’Broder) – Meaning “descendant of Bruadar,” a dreamer or visionary, seldom found today.
Ó Caollaidhe (O’Kealy) – Meaning “descendant of Caollaidhe,” translating to slender or graceful, a rare Irish surname.
Ó Ceallacháin (O’Callaghan) – Meaning “descendant of Ceallachán,” a warlike or bright-headed person, rare in some regions today.
Ó Ceallaigh (O’Kelly) – While O’Kelly is widespread, some less-documented branches have faded into rarity.
Ó Cearbhaill (O’Carville) – Meaning “descendant of Cearbhall,” a name for a fierce warrior, now uncommon.
Ó Ciardha (O’Carey) – Meaning “descendant of Ciardha,” translating to dark or black, a rarely seen Irish surname.
Ó Cinnéide (O’Kennedy) – While Kennedy is well-known, lesser branches of the name have become rare.
Ó Cnáimhín (O’Nevin) – Meaning “descendant of Cnáimhín,” translating to small or slender, a rare Irish name today.
Ó Conduibh (O’Conniff) – Meaning “descendant of Conduibh,” translating to black or dark hound, a very rare surname today.
Ó Connmhaigh (O’Conway) – Derived from “descendant of Connmhach,” meaning steadfast or headstrong, rarely used today.
Ó Cuana (O’Coon) – Meaning “descendant of Cuana,” referring to a pleasant or handsome person, now seldom found.
Ó Doirnín (O’Dornan) – Meaning “descendant of Doirnín,” translating to a little fist, a rare Gaelic name.
Ó Donnabháin (O’Donovan) – While famous in some areas, lesser-known branches have become rare.
Ó Dubhthaigh (O’Duffy) – Meaning “descendant of Dubhthach,” translating to dark or swarthy, now rare in many parts of Ireland.
Ó Duibheamhna (O’Divenney) – Meaning “descendant of Dubheamhna,” referring to black demon or dark one, a rare historical name.
Ó Duibheannaigh (O’Divney) – Meaning “descendant of Dubheannaigh,” translating to black brow, a very rare surname.
Ó Duibhgeannáin (O’Duignan) – Derived from “descendant of Duibhgeannán,” meaning dark or black-haired, rarely encountered today.
Ó Duibhir (O’Dwyer) – Meaning “descendant of Dubhthir,” translating to dark or sombre lord, a rare and ancient Irish surname.
Ó Duinnín (O’Dinneen) – Meaning “descendant of Duinnín,” translating to little brown one, rare outside historical circles.
Ó Faoláin (O’Phelan) – Meaning “descendant of Faolán,” referring to a little wolf, a surname that has grown rare.
Ó Fearadhaigh (O’Ferry) – Meaning “descendant of Fearadhach,” translating to man of truth or justice, a rare name in Irish history.
Ó Feichín (O’Fehilly) – Meaning “descendant of Feichín,” a name for a small or devout person, seldom found today.
Ó Fhlaithbheartaigh (O’Flaherty) – Though prominent in the past, less common branches of this name are rare today.
Ó Fionnáin (O’Finan) – Meaning “descendant of Fionán,” referring to a fair-haired individual, now seldom encountered.
Ó Gadhra (O’Gara) – Meaning “descendant of Gadhra,” referring to a hound or wolf, now uncommon.
Ó Glaisne (O’Glashan) – Meaning “descendant of Glasne,” translating to green or grey, a surname seldom seen today.
Ó hAilbhe (O’Halvey) – Meaning “descendant of Ailbhe,” translating to bright or white, a rare and ancient Irish name.
Ó hAonghusa (O’Hennessy) – Meaning “descendant of Aonghus,” referring to one strength, now less common outside certain areas.
Ó hEidhin (O’Hynes) – Meaning “descendant of Eidhin,” referring to ivy, a surname with poetic connotations, now rare.
Ó hEochaidh (O’Hoey) – Meaning “descendant of Eochaidh,” translating to horseman, rarely found outside specific regions.
Ó hIcidhe (O’Hea) – Meaning “descendant of the physician,” referring to healers, now seldom found.
Ó Seachnasaigh (O’Shaughnessy) – Meaning “descendant of Seachnasach,” translating to elusive or mysterious, rarely seen outside certain regions.
Ó Síoda (O’Sheedy) – Meaning “descendant of Síoda,” translating to silk or refined, now rarely seen.
Ó Tighearnaigh (O’Tierney) – Meaning “descendant of Tighearnach,” translating to lordly or noble, a rarely used surname.
Ó Treasaigh (O’Tracy) – Meaning “descendant of Treasach,” translating to warlike or fierce, a surname that has diminished in use.
Find Out More About Common Irish Surnames
What are the most common Irish surnames and their meanings?
Some of the most common Irish surnames include Murphy (Ó Murchadha), meaning “sea warrior”; Kelly (Ó Ceallaigh), meaning “bright-headed”; and O’Brien (Ó Briain), meaning “descendant of Brian,” tied to the legendary High King Brian Boru. These names reflect Ireland’s rich Gaelic traditions and are widely recognized worldwide.
How have these surnames connected families to their Gaelic heritage?
These surnames connect families to their Gaelic heritage by preserving ancestral ties to specific clans and regions. Names like O’Connor (Ó Conchobhair) highlight warrior ancestry, while O’Sullivan (Ó Súilleabháin) reflects ties to noble families. The prefixes Ó (descendant of) and Mac (son of) emphasize the importance of lineage in Irish culture.
What historical events contributed to the widespread use of these surnames?
The adoption of fixed surnames in Ireland began in the 10th century, as clans sought to formalize lineage. The Norman invasion and subsequent English rule further shaped the use and anglicization of Irish surnames. Mass emigration during the Great Famine spread these surnames across the world, making them more widespread.
Are there common Irish surnames that have variations in other countries?
Yes, many Irish surnames have variations in other countries due to anglicization and adaptation. For instance, Ó Ceallaigh became “Kelly,” and Ó Néill became “O’Neill” or “Neill.” In the United States, prefixes like Ó and Mac were often dropped or shortened, creating further variations.
How do these surnames reflect the history of Irish clans and chieftains?
Common Irish surnames reflect the power and influence of ancient clans and chieftains. Names like MacCarthy and O’Neill signify leadership, while O’Flaherty (Ó Flaithbheartaigh), meaning “bright ruler,” highlights noble lineage. These surnames often denote territories, professions, or traits central to the identity of Ireland’s clans.
