⭐ Our Favourite: Ysolde (Isolt)

Pronunciation: ih-zolt
First Used: Medieval Ireland, popularized in the 12th century
Meaning: Rooted in Irish and Arthurian legend, Isolt (or Iseult) symbolizes passion, fate, and heroism. She was the tragic heroine of Tristan and Isolde, a legendary tale of love and destiny.
Why It’s Our Favourite: This name blends deep Celtic roots with medieval romance, making it both mystical and timeless. Its connection to one of the most famous love stories in European mythology adds a sense of intrigue and poetic beauty.

Authentic Irish Last Names that Start with A

🌊 Abar (Ó hAmhra)

Pronunciation: AW-ver
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: The surname Ó hAmhra comes from the Irish word amhras, meaning “doubt” or “wonder.” It was historically associated with poets and bards in Gaelic society, particularly in Munster. The name was borne by families who were known for their skills in storytelling and composing poetry for chieftains. While rare today, it remains a relic of Ireland’s deep-rooted oral tradition.

⚔️ Aherne (Ó hEachthairn)

Pronunciation: A-HURN
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Derived from Eachthighearna, meaning “lord of the horses,” the Ahernes were known as warriors and horsemen in medieval Ireland. The family served as hereditary horsemasters to Munster’s ruling dynasties, particularly the O’Donovans. The surname is associated with famed journalist John Aherne, who chronicled Irish independence efforts.

🏹 Ailill (Ó Ailille)

Pronunciation: AL-yill
First recorded: 9th century
Region: Connacht
Meaning: A name of ancient nobility, Ailill translates to “elf” or “beauty.” It was borne by several kings in Irish mythology, including Ailill mac Máta, the legendary husband of Queen Medb of Connacht. The Ó Ailille clan was historically tied to the ruling families of the west, particularly among the Uí Fiachrach.

🏰 Ailín (Ó Ailín)

Pronunciation: AL-een
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Meath
Meaning: Ailín is derived from ail, meaning “noble” or “rock,” and was associated with medieval Irish aristocracy. The Ó Ailín clan was known for their strongholds in Meath and Leinster. Many Ailíns served as advisors to Gaelic kings, and the name was later anglicized as Allen.

🌟 Aindriú (Ó Aindriú)

Pronunciation: ANN-droo
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: Meaning “manly” or “brave,” this surname is the Irish equivalent of Andrew. The Ó Aindriú family was historically linked to maritime trade in the west of Ireland, with many becoming prominent merchants. Some members emigrated to Spain and France, where they continued their seafaring traditions.

🦅 Áinle (Ó hÁinle)

Pronunciation: AWN-leh
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Limerick
Meaning: Derived from áinle, meaning “splendid” or “noble,” this surname belonged to a powerful sept of the Dál gCais, the same tribal grouping as Brian Boru. The Ó hÁinle clan held territories in the Shannon region and were known for their military exploits against Viking and Norman invaders.

🏕️ Ardagh (Mac Ardagh)

Pronunciation: AR-duh
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Longford
Meaning: The surname derives from ardach, meaning “high place” or “hill.” The Mac Ardaghs were associated with landownership and the ruling clans of Longford. Their name is linked to Ardagh, a historic settlement known for the famous Ardagh Chalice, an exquisite artifact of early Christian Ireland.

⚡ Ardghal (Ó Ardghail)

Pronunciation: ARD-gal
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Fermanagh
Meaning: A name meaning “high valor,” the Ó Ardghail clan was known for producing fierce warriors and military leaders. They played a role in defending Gaelic Ireland against English incursions. The name remains rare today but is remembered in the annals of Irish chieftain history.

🏔️ Árdmhór (Ó Árdmhóir)

Pronunciation: ARD-vohr
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Donegal
Meaning: Árdmhór translates to “great height” or “lofty one,” and it was often given to those who held prominent status. The Ó Árdmhóir family were known for their leadership in the rugged highlands of Donegal, often serving as mediators between rival clans.

🍀 Ashe (Ó Fiaich)

Pronunciation: ASH
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Louth
Meaning: The surname Ó Fiaich derives from fiach, meaning “raven” or “hunt.” The Ó Fiaich family were once powerful in Ulster, known for their leadership and association with the ancient kingdom of Airgíalla. Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich (1923–1990) was a prominent Irish religious figure. The name was later anglicized to Ashe, with some families migrating to England and America.

⚖️ Athairne (Ó Athairne)

Pronunciation: AH-her-neh
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Meath
Meaning: A rare surname, Ó Athairne is linked to the legendary Athairne, a poet in early Irish mythology known for his sharp tongue and political cunning. His historical namesakes were often associated with legal professions and storytelling. The name is believed to have faded due to its association with trickery in folklore.

🔥 Aodh (Ó Aodha)

Pronunciation: AY
First recorded: 9th century
Region: County Tyrone
Meaning: Derived from Aodh, meaning “fire” or “fiery one,” the Ó Aodha clan ruled in various parts of Ulster, particularly Tyrone. Aodh was a common name among Irish kings, and the family produced many ecclesiastical leaders. The name later evolved into anglicized forms such as Hughes and McHugh.

🏹 Aodhaigh (Mac Aodha)

Pronunciation: AY-dee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Mayo
Meaning: Meaning “descendant of Aodh,” the Mac Aodha family were warriors and chieftains, particularly in Connacht. They played a significant role in resisting Norman invasion and were closely tied to the O’Connors, the ruling family of the west. The name later transformed into Magee and McGee in English-speaking regions.

📜 Aodhagáin (Ó hAodhagáin)

Pronunciation: AY-gawn
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Laois
Meaning: This surname is a diminutive of Aodh, meaning “little fire” or “descendant of Aodh.” The Ó hAodhagáin family became a well-known bardic and scholarly family in medieval Ireland, producing many poets and historians. It later evolved into Egan, a common surname in Ireland and among the diaspora.

🌳 Áthbhile (Ó Áthbhile)

Pronunciation: AW-vil-eh
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: Áthbhile means “sacred tree at the ford,” indicating a family associated with ancient sacred sites and druidic traditions. The Ó Áthbhile clan were believed to be caretakers of sacred groves and meeting places. Though rare today, the name reflects Ireland’s deep connection to nature and spiritual traditions.

⚔️ Áthairne (Ó hÁthairne)

Pronunciation: AH-her-neh
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Down
Meaning: The Ó hÁthairne family were known as lawgivers and negotiators in Gaelic Ireland. The name is closely linked to the famous medieval brehon (judge) schools. Some descendants later became involved in politics and legal professions in Northern Ireland.

Last Names with a Strong Irish Influence

🏇 Ahearn (Ó hEachthairn)

Pronunciation: A-HURN
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Derived from Eachthighearna, meaning “lord of the horses,” the Ahearns were originally equestrian warriors and landowners in Munster. Closely associated with the O’Donovans and other ruling families, they played a role in local battles and horse breeding. The name spread to England and America, where it remains prominent.

⚔️ Aheron (Ó hEachthairn)

Pronunciation: A-HER-un
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Waterford
Meaning: A variant of Ahearn, this surname shares the same equestrian warrior origins but is more commonly found in Waterford. The Aheron family were known for their involvement in local conflicts, particularly during Norman expansion into Ireland. Over time, the name became anglicized and lost some of its distinct Irish identity.

🏰 Allen (Ó hAilín)

Pronunciation: AL-en
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Kildare
Meaning: Derived from ail, meaning “rock” or “noble,” Allen was associated with the Gaelic aristocracy of Leinster. Some branches of the Ó hAilín family became advisors to Irish chieftains, while others later integrated with Anglo-Norman settlers. The surname is also linked to Allenstown, an estate in Meath that played a role in the 17th-century Irish Confederacy.

🌿 Allan (Ó hAilín)

Pronunciation: AL-an
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Limerick
Meaning: A Scottish and Irish surname with shared Gaelic roots, Allan is a variation of Ó hAilín and became common in Ireland through migration. It was often used by families who had landholdings near the Shannon. The Allans were known for their work in agriculture and trade, particularly in the west of Ireland.

🍀 Alyward (Ádhbhard)

Pronunciation: AL-ee-ward
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Kilkenny
Meaning: A name of Norman-Irish origin, Alyward (originally Ádhbhard) means “fortunate guard.” It arrived with the Norman invasion and was quickly adopted into Irish society. The Alywards were landowners in Leinster and played a role in the administration of the Pale. The surname became rarer as families assimilated into English rule.

🏆 Aldworth (Mac Giolla Easpaig)

Pronunciation: ALD-worth
First recorded: 16th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Originally an English name, Aldworth became associated with the Gaelic Mac Giolla Easpaig, meaning “son of the bishop’s servant.” This surname emerged as a fusion of English Protestant settlers and Gaelic families in Munster. The Aldworths were known for their wealth and influence in landownership, particularly during the Cromwellian era.

🌊 Arkins (Ó hEarcáin)

Pronunciation: ARK-ins
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: The surname Ó hEarcáin derives from earc, meaning “salmon,” suggesting a historical connection to fishing and water-based trade. The Arkins family was known for its expertise in navigating Ireland’s rivers and coastal waters, particularly in Clare. Many members emigrated during the 19th-century famine, making Arkins a name found in Irish-American communities.

🛡️ Armsby (Ó Armaí)

Pronunciation: ARMS-bee
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Meath
Meaning: A surname with both Anglo-Irish and Gaelic origins, Ó Armaí comes from arm, meaning “weapon” or “defense.” The Armsby family were historically blacksmiths and armorers, providing weapons for Gaelic lords. Over time, some branches of the family moved into military service, both in Ireland and abroad.

🏡 Ashton (Ó Aisdean)

Pronunciation: ASH-ton
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Dublin
Meaning: Originally an English surname meaning “ash tree settlement,” Ashton became associated with the Irish name Ó Aisdean, meaning “descendant of Aisdean.” The name was adopted by Gaelic families who had dealings with English settlers in the Pale. Many Ashtons became landowners and merchants in Dublin and its surrounding areas.

📜 Aylmer (Áighlmear)

Pronunciation: AYL-mer
First recorded: 16th century
Region: County Kildare
Meaning: A surname of Norman-Irish origin, Aylmer (from Áighlmear, meaning “noble and famous”) was held by a powerful landowning family in Leinster. The Aylmers played a role in both Irish politics and law, with members serving as judges and government officials. The family maintained influence well into the 18th century before losing much of their land due to political shifts.

🍀 Aylward (Ádhbhard)

Pronunciation: AYL-ward
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Kilkenny
Meaning: A name of Norman-Irish origin, Ádhbhard means “fortunate guard” or “prosperous protector.” The Aylwards were among the Norman families who settled in Ireland after the invasion of 1169, particularly in Kilkenny and Waterford. They integrated with Gaelic society, becoming prominent landowners and military leaders. The name remains well-known in Ireland and was later carried abroad, especially to the United States and Australia.

⚔️ Averill (Mac Amhalghaidh)

Pronunciation: AV-er-ill
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Westmeath
Meaning: Originally derived from Mac Amhalghaidh, meaning “son of Amhalghadh,” this name became anglicized as Averill over time. The surname is linked to the medieval ruling families of Meath, who were known for their military prowess. In later centuries, the name spread into England and North America, where it took on additional variations. Notably, William Averill Harriman, an American diplomat and politician, bore a version of the name.

🌊 Avery (Ó hAmhra)

Pronunciation: AY-ver-ee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: The Irish Ó hAmhra derives from amhras, meaning “wonder” or “mystery.” It was originally associated with a family of poets and bards who served Gaelic chieftains, particularly in the Munster region. Over time, the name Avery became more widespread, with some branches adopting it through English influence. Today, Avery is more commonly found in the United States but retains its Irish historical connections.

🏇 Aher (Ó hEachthairn)

Pronunciation: AH-her
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Limerick
Meaning: A shorter variant of Aherne, the name Ó hEachthairn means “lord of the horses.” This surname was commonly found among warrior families who maintained strongholds in Munster. The Aher family played a role in local conflicts and were known for their skill in horsemanship. Although less common today, the name remains historically significant in Irish history.

Authentic Irish names carry centuries of history and culture, so explore our extensive collections of first and last names to find one that truly resonates with you.