Explore the unique culture of Ireland’s Traveller community through 53 distinctive Irish traveller surnames. These names are not just identifiers but windows into the vibrant history, traditions, and resilience of Irish Travellers. Learn about the origins and meanings of these cherished Irish gypsy surnames.
53 Irish Gypsy Surnames
Berry (Ó Béara) – Meaning “descendant of Béara,” tied to the Beara Peninsula, often associated with Travellers.
Carroll (Ó Cearbhaill) – Meaning “descendant of Cearbhall,” a name tied to fierceness and leadership.
Carty (Ó Cárthaigh) – Derived from “descendant of Cárthach,” meaning loving or charitable, resonating with family-centric values.
Casey (Ó Cathasaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Cathasach,” referring to watchful or vigilant, qualities valued in Traveller culture.
Cash (Ó Caiside) – Derived from “descendant of Caiside,” meaning curly-haired, often associated with Travellers.
Coffey (Ó Cobhthaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Cobhthach,” translating to victorious or triumphant.
Collins (Ó Coileáin) – Meaning “descendant of Coileán,” translating to young warrior or cub, symbolising vitality.
Connors (Ó Conchobhair) – Meaning “descendant of Conchobhar,” translating to lover of hounds, a strong and noble name.
Delaney (Ó Dubhshláine) – Meaning “descendant of Dubhshláine,” a name referring to the dark challenger, prevalent among Travellers.
Doherty (Ó Dochartaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Dochartach,” associated with strength and resilience.
Doran (Ó Deoráin) – Meaning “descendant of Deorán,” translating to an exile or wanderer, a name fitting for Travellers.
Fahey (Ó Fathaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Fathach,” translating to giant or warrior.
Flynn (Ó Floinn) – Meaning “descendant of Flann,” translating to red-haired or ruddy, often a Traveller name.
Folan (Ó Cualáin) – Meaning “descendant of Cualán,” tied to slender or holy individuals, often linked to Traveller heritage.
Furey (Ó Fuarghusa) – Meaning “descendant of Fuarghus,” translating to cold or impetuous strength.
Gallagher (Ó Gallchobhair) – Meaning “descendant of Gallchobhar,” translating to foreign helper or ally.
Gilligan (Ó Giollagáin) – Meaning “descendant of Giollagán,” referring to a young servant or follower, tied to ancient clan traditions.
Gorman (Ó Gormáin) – Meaning “descendant of Gormán,” translating to blue or noble, tied to ancient warriors.
Harty (Ó hAthartaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Athartach,” translating to noble or strong, often tied to chieftains.
Higgins (Ó hUiginn) – Meaning “descendant of Uiginn,” translating to Viking or raider, with later adoption among Travellers.
Hogan (Ó hÓgáin) – Meaning “descendant of Ógán,” translating to young or youthful, symbolic of vitality.
Joyce (Seoigh) – A Norman name integrated into Irish culture, often linked to adventurous or sea-faring families.
Keane (Ó Catháin) – Meaning “descendant of Cathán,” referring to battle or strength, found among many Traveller families.
Keogh (Ó Ceochadha) – Meaning “descendant of Ceochadh,” referring to mist or fog, symbolising a nomadic connection.
MacDaragh (Mac Dáire) – Meaning “son of Dáire,” referring to fertile or oak-like, resonating with strong roots.
MacMahon (Mac Mathghamhna) – Derived from “son of Mathghamhain,” meaning bear-like warrior, symbolising strength.
Maughan (Mac Maghnuis) – Derived from “son of Magnus,” a Norse-influenced name meaning great or mighty.
McCaffrey (Mac Gafraidh) – Derived from “son of Gafraidh,” meaning prosperous or victorious, associated with resilience.
McCann (Mac Cana) – Meaning “son of Cana,” referring to a wolf cub, symbolising bravery and freedom.
McDonagh (Mac Donnchadha) – Common in Traveller communities, meaning “son of Donnchadh,” a name for noble warriors.
McLaughlin (Mac Lochlainn) – Meaning “son of Lochlainn,” linked to Norse settlers and later adopted by Traveller families.
Mongans (Ó Mongáin) – Meaning “descendant of Mongán,” linked to someone with long or thick hair, a sign of vitality.
Mullins (Ó Maoláin) – Meaning “descendant of Maolán,” referring to a devotee or someone bald, often linked to monastic origins.
Murphy (Ó Murchadha) – Meaning “descendant of Murchadh,” or sea warrior, linked to strength and resilience.
Nevin (Ó Cnáimhín) – Meaning “descendant of Cnáimhín,” referring to a little saint or someone of slender build.
O’Brien (Ó Briain) – Meaning “descendant of Brian,” a noble family linked to Irish kingship, popular among Travellers.
O’Byrne (Ó Broin) – Meaning “descendant of Bran,” referring to the raven, a sacred symbol in Irish mythology.
O’Dempsey (Ó Díomasaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Díomasaigh,” translating to proud or self-assured.
O’Driscoll (Ó hEidirsceóil) – Meaning “descendant of Eidirsceol,” referring to a messenger or go-between, resonating with nomadic life.
O’Halloran (Ó hAllmhuráin) – Meaning “descendant of Allmhurán,” translating to pirate or seafarer, resonating with a mobile lifestyle.
O’Kelly (Ó Ceallaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Ceallach,” associated with war or strife, a prominent name in Traveller history.
O’Shea (Ó Séaghdha) – Meaning “descendant of Séaghdha,” referring to stately or majestic individuals.
Price (Mac an Phríora) – Derived from “son of the prior,” linked to religious or nomadic ancestry.
Quinn (Ó Cuinn) – Meaning “descendant of Conn,” translating to intelligence or wisdom, commonly found in the Traveller community.
Reilly (Ó Raghallaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Raghallach,” associated with bravery and valour.
Riley (Ó Raghallaigh) – A variation of O’Reilly, meaning “descendant of Raghallach,” tied to courageous ancestors.
Sheridan (Ó Sirideáin) – Meaning “descendant of Sirideán,” referring to seekers or wanderers.
Stokes (Stóc) – Meaning “stock” or “tree stump,” introduced into Ireland through English influence, adapted by Traveller communities.
Swords (de Sord) – Derived from the town of Swords near Dublin, later adopted by Traveller families.
Terry (Ó Taircheirt) – Meaning “descendant of Taircheirt,” an older surname found in the Traveller community.
Tierney (Ó Tighearnaigh) – Meaning “descendant of Tighearnach,” referring to lordly or noble heritage.
Tobin (Ó Tobáin) – Derived from Norman settlers but adopted into Irish Traveller surnames, meaning “son of Tobias.”
Ward (Mac an Bhaird) – Meaning “son of the bard,” reflecting the community’s oral storytelling and musical traditions.
Find Out More About Gypsy Irish Surnames
What are the most common surnames in the Irish Traveller community?
Common surnames in the Irish Traveller community include Ward, McDonagh, Mongans, Connors, and Carroll. These surnames are deeply rooted in the history and traditions of Travellers, often passed down through generations and widely recognized within their community.
How do Traveller surnames reflect the history and culture of their community?
Traveller surnames reflect a culture of resilience, familial ties, and oral traditions. Names like Ward and McDonagh highlight connections to traditional nomadic lifestyles and family-based social structures. These surnames often signify strong identities tied to their community’s distinct heritage and shared experiences.
Are there any specific meanings behind these Irish traveller surnames?
Many Traveller surnames have Gaelic origins with meanings tied to nature, professions, or personal traits. For instance, McDonagh means “son of Donnchadh,” referring to a brown-haired or dark warrior. Connors comes from Ó Conchobhair, meaning “descendant of Conchobhar,” a name associated with bravery and leadership.
How have Irish Traveller surnames changed or been preserved over time?
Traveller surnames have been both preserved and adapted over time. While many retain their traditional Gaelic roots, some have been anglicized due to historical pressures, such as British rule or migration. Despite these changes, Traveller families have maintained their distinct naming practices, using surnames as a way to preserve their unique identity.
How can these Irish gypsy surnames help us understand the Traveller’s way of life?
Traveller surnames offer insights into the community’s history, values, and social structures. They highlight the importance of family ties, nomadic traditions, and cultural resilience. By studying these surnames, we gain a deeper understanding of the Traveller community’s enduring legacy and its contributions to Irish heritage.
