Irish last names carry centuries of history, from warrior clans to legendary poets. Some, like Ó Braonáin (Brennan), have roots in Gaelic mythology, while others, like de Búrca (Burke), arrived with the Normans and became deeply woven into Irish identity. Whether purely Gaelic or influenced by migration, each name tells a story of resilience, heritage, and belonging.

If you’re interested in Irish names, we’ve got plenty of themed collections of first and last names, plus a dedicated list of Irish first names that start with B.

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Authentic Irish Last Names that Start with B

⭐ Our Favourite: Brennan (Ó Braonáin)

Pronunciation: BREN-nan
First recorded: 10th century
Meaning: Brennan comes from Ó Braonáin, meaning “descendant of Braonán,” a name linked to braon, meaning “moisture” or “drop.” Some scholars suggest a connection to brewing or water sources, while others believe it symbolized abundance or a warrior’s bloodline. The Brennan clan was influential in Kilkenny, resisting Norman rule while maintaining their Gaelic traditions.
Why it’s our favourite: Brennan stands out because of its deep Gaelic origins and its survival through centuries of change. The name is tied to warriors, poets, and political leaders. It’s a name that has held firm through history, carrying a strong Irish identity wherever it has traveled.

⚔️ Bane (Ó Beáin)

Pronunciation: BAYN
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: Derived from the Irish word bán, meaning “white” or “fair-haired,” the last name Bane was often given to individuals with light-colored hair. The Ó Beáin family was historically found in the west of Ireland, particularly in County Galway. Some scholars suggest it could be linked to warriors or noble families, as fair-haired individuals were sometimes noted for their distinctiveness in battle.

🏰 Bannatyne (Mac an Bhainigh)

Pronunciation: BAN-uh-tyne
First recorded: 1296
Region: Ulster, Scotland
Meaning: While the name has Scottish origins, it became established in Ulster through Scottish migration. “Mac an Bhainigh” translates to “son of the fair one,” linking it to light-haired ancestry. The Bannatynes were known as a learned family, particularly in literature and legal matters. In Scotland, the name is associated with a famous 16th-century poet, Richard Bannatyne, secretary to John Knox.

🌊 Barr (Ó Bairr)

Pronunciation: BAR
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Cork
Meaning: The last name Barr originates from the Gaelic barr, meaning “top” or “head,” often associated with leadership. Families bearing this name were historically noted in County Cork. Some scholars believe it could refer to a geographic feature, such as a hill or headland, where early clans resided. The name is also linked to Saint Barr of Cork, an early Irish religious figure.

🍀 Barrymore (Ó Barra Mór)

Pronunciation: BAR-ee-more
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Cork, Waterford
Meaning: The Barrymore family descends from the de Barry lineage, a Norman family that settled in Ireland after the 12th-century invasion. “Mór” means “great” in Irish, distinguishing this branch as particularly influential. The Barrys became powerful in Munster, with significant landholdings and roles in medieval Irish governance. The last name is also connected to the famous American Barrymore acting dynasty, though their lineage traces back to Wales.

🐝 Behan (Ó Beacháin)

Pronunciation: BAY-han
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Wexford, Dublin
Meaning: Derived from the word beach meaning “bee,” the name likely refers to someone who was industrious or associated with beekeeping. The Behan family has deep roots in Wexford, where they were known as poets and storytellers. Brendan Behan, the famous Irish writer and playwright, brought international recognition to the name with his literary works.

🔔 Bell (Mac Giolla Mhaoil)

Pronunciation: BELL
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Ulster, Donegal
Meaning: The last name Bell is an Anglicized form of Mac Giolla Mhaoil, meaning “son of the devotee of St. Maol.” It originated in Donegal and was historically linked to religious devotion. Over time, the name was Anglicized as “Bell” due to its phonetic resemblance. The Bell family became prominent in Ulster, particularly as traders and merchants in the 17th century.

🌿 Blayney (Ó Bléine)

Pronunciation: BLAY-nee
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Monaghan
Meaning: The last name Blayney originates from the Irish Ó Bléine, meaning “descendant of Bléin.” The personal name Bléin is thought to be derived from a word meaning “green” or “lush,” possibly referring to fertile land. The Blayney family became prominent in County Monaghan, where they held estates. Castleblayney, a town in Monaghan, is named after the family.

🐎 Bohane (Ó Buacháin)

Pronunciation: BO-han
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Cork, Limerick
Meaning: The last name Bohane derives from buachaill, meaning “herdsman” or “cowherd.” It suggests an ancestral connection to cattle farming, a vital part of medieval Irish life. The Bohane family was traditionally found in Cork and Limerick, where they were known as skilled horse breeders. The name remains uncommon today but retains a strong historical identity.

🦊 Bolger (Ó Bolguidhir)

Pronunciation: BOL-gur
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Wexford
Meaning: The last name Bolger comes from bolg, meaning “stomach” or “sack,” possibly referring to a strong or stout person. Historically, the Bolgers were a prominent Norman-Irish family in Wexford. They played a key role in local governance and military affairs, particularly during the Anglo-Norman period. Today, the name is still closely associated with Wexford, where it remains a well-known last name.

💀 Bonar (Ó Cnáimhsí)

Pronunciation: BOH-nar
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Donegal
Meaning: The last name Bonar comes from Ó Cnáimhsí, which is believed to derive from cnámh, meaning “bone.” Some theories suggest it referred to someone thin or hardy. The name is strongly linked to Donegal and can be found among the families of the northwest. Bonar was sometimes Anglicized as Bonner, and both names remain relatively rare in Ireland today.

🏹 Bonner (Ó Cnáimhsí)

Pronunciation: BON-ner
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Donegal
Meaning: A variant of Bonar, the last name Bonner also stems from Ó Cnáimhsí. It became more widely used after Anglicization in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Bonner family was historically linked to warriors and landowners in Donegal. A famous bearer is Richard Bonner, an 18th-century Gaelic scholar and historian.

🏰 Bourke (de Búrca)

Pronunciation: BURK
First recorded: 1170
Region: Mayo, Galway
Meaning: Bourke is an Anglo-Norman name that came to Ireland after the Norman invasion. The de Búrca family became one of the most powerful in Connacht, ruling extensive lands in Mayo and Galway. The Bourkes produced many influential figures, including Richard “The Iron” Bourke, a 16th-century nobleman known for his resistance against English rule. The name remains common in Ireland, particularly in the west.

🎯 Bowes (Ó Buaigh)

Pronunciation: BOHZ
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Leinster
Meaning: The Irish last name Ó Buaigh is linked to the word buaigh, meaning “victory” or “triumph.” It was often associated with families who had military or leadership roles. The Bowes family was involved in political and social affairs in Ireland and England. One of the most notable figures was Mary Eleanor Bowes, an heiress with Irish ancestry who became a prominent figure in Georgian society.

🌊 Boyce (Ó Baoighis)

Pronunciation: BOYCE
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Donegal, Antrim
Meaning: The last name Boyce derives from Ó Baoighis, possibly linked to the sea or coastal regions where the family originated. It is common in Donegal and Antrim, often associated with seafaring and trade. The Boyce name is also found in Scotland due to Gaelic migration. A well-known bearer is Boyce Avenue, the American band with Irish roots.

🏞️ Broughan (Ó Bruacháin)

Pronunciation: BROO-an
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Offaly, Laois
Meaning: The name Broughan originates from bruach, meaning “riverbank” or “edge,” suggesting an ancestral link to water. Families with this name were often settled near rivers or marshlands. The name remains concentrated in central Ireland, particularly Offaly and Laois. While not as common as other Irish last names, it has deep regional significance.

🌾 Broughill (Ó Bruachaille)

Pronunciation: BROO-hill
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Tipperary
Meaning: Derived from bruachaille, meaning “herdsman” or “shepherd,” the Broughill last name suggests a family involved in pastoral farming. The name is particularly linked to Tipperary, where cattle and sheep farming were central to the economy. The Broughills were historically known as landowners and agricultural leaders.

⚔️ Brunker (Ó Bronghair)

Pronunciation: BRUN-ker
First recorded: 17th century
Region: Wexford, Dublin
Meaning: The last name Brunker comes from Ó Bronghair, possibly related to the word brón, meaning “sorrow” or “warrior.” Families with this name were noted in Wexford and Dublin, particularly among military ranks. The name became more common in England due to Irish migration, but it remains rare in Ireland today.

🦅 Barrington (Mac Bharain)

Pronunciation: BARR-ing-ton
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Limerick, Cork
Meaning: Barrington comes from Mac Bharain, meaning “son of Barán.” It is thought to have Anglo-Norman roots, and the name became prominent in Limerick and Cork. The Barrington family was known for their involvement in politics and law. The name also has ties to the Barrington Hospital in Limerick, founded by a family member.

⚫ Black (Mac Giolla Duibh)

Pronunciation: BLAK
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: The last name Black comes from Mac Giolla Duibh, meaning “son of the devotee of the black one.” It may have referred to someone with dark features or a follower of a saint associated with black robes. The name is commonly found in Ulster, particularly among Gaelic families who resisted English rule. The Black family name later spread to Scotland and the United States, where it remains popular today.

🍃 Bannon (Ó Banáin)

Pronunciation: BAN-on
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Offaly, Louth
Meaning: Derived from bán, meaning “white” or “fair,” Bannon was originally used to describe people with fair hair or skin. The Bannons were prominent in medieval Leinster, where they were known for their roles as poets and historians. The name remains common in Ireland and is also found in the United States, particularly due to Irish emigration in the 19th century.

🐺 Branagh (Ó Branagáin)

Pronunciation: BRAN-ah
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Tyrone, Antrim
Meaning: The last name Branagh comes from Ó Branagáin, meaning “descendant of Bran,” with Bran meaning “raven” in Irish. Ravens were associated with wisdom and warfare in Irish mythology. The Branaghs were an important family in Ulster, often linked to warriors and chieftains. Kenneth Branagh, the famous Irish actor and director, carries this last name, bringing it international recognition.

🏡 Begley (Ó Beaglaoich)

Pronunciation: BEG-lee
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Donegal, Kerry
Meaning: Ó Beaglaoich translates to “descendant of the little hero.” The name likely referred to someone of small stature but great bravery. The Begleys were known as poets and scholars in medieval Ireland, particularly in Donegal and Kerry. The name is still found throughout Ireland today, often associated with artistic and literary traditions.

🌺 Blaney (Ó Bláthnaid)

Pronunciation: BLAY-nee
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Monaghan
Meaning: The last name Blaney originates from Ó Bláthnaid, meaning “descendant of the flowered one.” It may have symbolized beauty or nobility. The Blaney family was historically linked to Monaghan, where they were landowners and traders. Castleblayney in County Monaghan is named after this family, cementing their place in Irish history.

🏹 Bane (Ó Báin)

Pronunciation: BAYN
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: Derived from bán, meaning “white” or “fair,” the last name Bane was often given to individuals with light-colored hair. The Ó Báin family was historically found in the west of Ireland, particularly in County Galway. Some scholars suggest it could be linked to warriors or noble families, as fair-haired individuals were sometimes noted for their distinctiveness in battle.

⚔️ Broder (Ó Bruadair)

Pronunciation: BROH-der
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Limerick, Cork
Meaning: The last name Broder comes from Ó Bruadair, meaning “descendant of Bruadar,” a name linked to nobility and warriors. The Broders were a bardic family in Munster, known for their poetry and storytelling. The 17th-century poet David Ó Bruadair was one of the most famous members of this lineage, composing works about the Irish resistance to English rule.

📜 Broderick (Ó Bruadair)

Pronunciation: BROH-der-ick
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Cork, Limerick
Meaning: A variant of Broder, Broderick also comes from Ó Bruadair. The name was associated with learned families, particularly poets and chroniclers in Munster. Over time, the Brodericks became involved in politics and law. In the modern era, the last name is well known due to actor Matthew Broderick, who has Irish ancestry.

🦊 Bulger (Ó Bolguidhir)

Pronunciation: BUL-gur
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Wexford
Meaning: The last name Bulger comes from bolg, meaning “stomach” or “sack,” possibly referring to a strong or stout person. Historically, the Bulgers were a prominent Norman-Irish family in Wexford. They played a key role in local governance and military affairs, particularly during the Anglo-Norman period. Today, the name is still closely associated with Wexford, where it remains a well-known last name.

Last Names with a Strong Irish Influence

🔔 Bellamy (Mac Giolla Mhaoil)

Pronunciation: BEL-uh-mee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Ulster, Leinster
Meaning: The last name Bellamy has Norman-French origins but became closely associated with Ireland through the Anglo-Norman settlement. It derives from beau ami, meaning “beautiful friend.” The Gaelic adaptation Mac Giolla Mhaoil suggests a connection to a religious devotee, particularly of St. Maol. Bellamy families settled in Ulster and later spread to Leinster, often engaging in trade and military service.

🚗 Bentley (Mac Beinn Léith)

Pronunciation: BENT-lee
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Ulster, Dublin
Meaning: Originally an English last name meaning “clearing with bent grass,” Bentley became an established name in Ireland due to English and Scottish migration. The Gaelic adaptation Mac Beinn Léith refers to a descendant of someone from a “gray mountain.” The name became prominent in Dublin, where Bentleys were known as merchants and officials. Though it remains more common in Britain, it has strong historical ties to Ireland.

🏡 Bergin (Ó Beirgin)

Pronunciation: BUR-gin
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Laois, Offaly
Meaning: The last name Bergin derives from Ó Beirgin, meaning “descendant of Beirgin.” It likely has Norse origins, reflecting Viking influence in Ireland. The name became well-established in Laois and Offaly, where Bergins were known as landowners and farmers. It remains a common last name in central Ireland today.

📖 Bennet (Mac Beinnéid)

Pronunciation: BEN-it
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Galway, Limerick
Meaning: The last name Bennet comes from the Latin Benedictus, meaning “blessed,” and was introduced to Ireland by the Normans. The Gaelicized version, Mac Beinnéid, was adopted by Irish families. The Bennet family was historically involved in religious and scholarly pursuits, with many serving as priests and educators. The name remains widespread in Ireland and England.

🦅 Baldwin (Mac an Bhaildhín)

Pronunciation: BAWL-dwin
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Wexford, Kilkenny
Meaning: Baldwin has Germanic origins, meaning “bold friend,” but became prominent in Ireland through Norman settlement. The Gaelic adaptation, Mac an Bhaildhín, suggests “son of Baldwin.” Baldwins were particularly influential in Wexford and Kilkenny, where they held noble titles and lands. Today, the name is well-known worldwide due to figures like actor Alec Baldwin, whose ancestors were Irish.

🏰 Barron (Barún)

Pronunciation: BARE-un
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Waterford, Kilkenny
Meaning: Derived from the Old French baron, meaning “nobleman,” Barron was used as a title before becoming a last name. The Gaelic form Barún reflects its adaptation in Ireland. The Barron family was closely tied to the Norman aristocracy in Waterford and Kilkenny. The name remains well known in the southeast of Ireland.

🌉 Bedford (Ó Beadbhard)

Pronunciation: BED-ford
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Dublin, Meath
Meaning: Originally an English toponymic last name referring to Bedfordshire, it became common in Ireland due to English settlement. The Gaelicized form, Ó Beadbhard, suggests an adaptation of the personal name Beadbhard. Bedford families were prominent in Dublin and Meath, often involved in trade and governance.

🌿 Barden (Ó Bairdin)

Pronunciation: BAR-den
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Westmeath, Roscommon
Meaning: The last name Barden is an Anglicized form of Ó Bairdin, meaning “descendant of Bairdin.” It is believed to have been linked to a noble family in the Midlands. The Bardens were known for their involvement in farming and local leadership. Although less common today, the name remains in use across Ireland.

🦌 Bracken (Ó Breacáin)

Pronunciation: BRAK-en
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Offaly, Westmeath
Meaning: Ó Breacáin comes from breac, meaning “speckled” or “freckled,” possibly referring to a distinctive complexion or patterned clothing. The Bracken family was historically linked to Offaly and Westmeath, where they were landowners and warriors. The name remains popular in central Ireland today.

🏹 Brady (Ó Brádaigh)

Pronunciation: BRAY-dee
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Cavan, Meath
Meaning: The last name Brady comes from Ó Brádaigh, meaning “descendant of Brádach,” a name associated with nobility and spiritedness. The Bradys were one of the most influential Gaelic families in Cavan, serving as chieftains and warriors. They played a significant role in resisting English conquest and later adapted to political life in Ireland. The name remains common today, with notable figures such as actor Wayne Brady and Archbishop William Brady.

⚫ Blake (de Bláca)

Pronunciation: BLAKE
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: The last name Blake comes from the Anglo-Norman de Bláca, meaning “black” or “dark-haired.” The Blakes were one of the 14 Tribes of Galway, a group of merchant families that controlled trade in medieval Ireland. Their influence extended into politics and landownership. The Blake name is still strong in Galway, and it has spread worldwide, particularly through Irish emigration.

🌊 Brice (Mac an Bhreac)

Pronunciation: BRYCE
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Antrim, Down
Meaning: Brice comes from the Gaelic Mac an Bhreac, meaning “son of the speckled one,” possibly referring to a freckled or spotted complexion. It has Scottish origins but became well established in Ulster due to migration. The name is found among both Gaelic Irish and Scottish settler families. A famous bearer is Robert Brice, a 19th-century Irish political writer.

🏴‍☠️ Britton (de Bhriotáin)

Pronunciation: BRIT-un
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Wexford, Kilkenny
Meaning: Britton, derived from de Bhriotáin, means “of Brittany” and was used for settlers from Brittany who arrived in Ireland after the Norman invasion. The name became common in Wexford and Kilkenny, where Breton families established themselves as merchants and landowners. Over time, it blended into Gaelic society while maintaining its distinct identity.

🍞 Baxter (Mac an Bhacstair)

Pronunciation: BAKS-ter
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Ulster, Dublin
Meaning: Baxter originates from the Old English for “baker” and was adopted into Irish as Mac an Bhacstair, meaning “son of the baker.” The name became common in Ulster due to Scottish migration. Many Baxter families were involved in trade and craftsmanship, particularly in Dublin. The name has remained prominent, with several well-known Irish Baxters in business and politics.

📜 Benson (Mac Giolla Bheinsean)

Pronunciation: BEN-son
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Fermanagh, Tyrone
Meaning: Benson, adapted into Irish as Mac Giolla Bheinsean, meaning “son of the servant of Benson,” reflects an English influence. It became common in Ulster through Scottish and English settlers. The Benson family was historically involved in law and governance in Ireland. Today, the name is recognized internationally, with many notable individuals of Irish descent.

🍃 Blaine (Ó Bléine)

Pronunciation: BLAYN
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Monaghan, Louth
Meaning: The last name Blaine, from Ó Bléine, is thought to mean “descendant of Bléin,” a name possibly derived from a word for “green” or “fresh.” The Blaine family was historically tied to eastern Ireland, particularly in Monaghan and Louth, where they were known as landowners and merchants. The name spread to Scotland and America, where it remains well known.

🐺 Branagan (Ó Branagáin)

Pronunciation: BRAN-uh-gan
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Tyrone, Armagh
Meaning: Branagan, from Ó Branagáin, means “descendant of Bran,” with Bran meaning “raven” in Irish. The Branagans were a respected Ulster family, often serving as warriors and leaders in their communities. The name is still common in Northern Ireland and has spread through emigration to the U.S. and Canada.

🏇 Birmingham (Mac Fheorais)

Pronunciation: BUR-ming-ham
First recorded: 1170
Region: Galway, Kildare
Meaning: The last name Birmingham comes from the Norman de Birmingham family, who arrived in Ireland during the Anglo-Norman invasion. The Gaelic form Mac Fheorais means “son of Piers,” a common Norman personal name. The Birminghams held lands in Galway and Kildare and were involved in military and political affairs. The name is still found in Ireland, though it is more commonly associated with the English city.

🧶 Bonfield (Ó Buanfhíod)

Pronunciation: BON-field
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Tipperary, Limerick
Meaning: The last name Bonfield comes from Ó Buanfhíod, meaning “descendant of the lasting weaver.” It likely originated from a family known for their weaving skills, an essential craft in medieval Ireland. The Bonfields were primarily found in Munster, where they were known as artisans and merchants. Though less common today, the name has historic ties to craftsmanship and trade.

🏹 Boland (Ó Beólláin)

Pronunciation: BOH-land
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Clare, Mayo
Meaning: The last name Boland comes from Ó Beólláin, possibly meaning “descendant of Beóllán,” an old Irish personal name linked to vitality or battle prowess. The Bolands were a powerful family in Connacht, serving as warriors and landowners. In later centuries, they became known for their involvement in Irish nationalist movements, with figures like Harry Boland playing key roles in Ireland’s independence struggle.

🌊 Boylan (Ó Baoighealláin)

Pronunciation: BOY-lan
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Meath, Monaghan
Meaning: Boylan derives from Ó Baoighealláin, meaning “descendant of Baoigheallán,” which is believed to mean “little pledge” or “oath.” The name was historically associated with Gaelic chieftains in Meath and Monaghan, where they ruled small territories. It remains a strong last name in Ireland and among the diaspora, with many Boylans emigrating to the U.S. and Australia.

🏔️ Bradley (Ó Brolacháin)

Pronunciation: BRAD-lee
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Derry, Tyrone
Meaning: The last name Bradley comes from Ó Brolacháin, meaning “descendant of Brolachán,” likely a diminutive of a word meaning “sturdy” or “strong.” The Bradleys were a prominent family in Ulster, often found as poets and soldiers. Today, the name is common in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora in the U.S. and Australia.

🚣 Bunyan (Ó Buinneáin)

Pronunciation: BUN-yun
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Kerry, Limerick
Meaning: The last name Bunyan comes from Ó Buinneáin, possibly derived from buinne, meaning “stream” or “torrent,” suggesting an ancestral connection to water or rivers. The Bunyans were primarily found in Munster, where they were involved in fishing and trade. The name later gained recognition through John Bunyan, the English author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, though the Irish Bunyan lineage remains distinct.

🌿 Banahan (Ó Banacháin)

Pronunciation: BAN-a-han
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Roscommon, Galway
Meaning: The last name Banahan derives from Ó Banacháin, meaning “descendant of Banachán,” possibly linked to the word bán, meaning “white” or “fair.” Historically, the Banahans were a farming and merchant family in the west of Ireland. The name remains concentrated in Connacht, though it is less common today than in previous centuries.

🏰 Burke (de Búrca)

Pronunciation: BURK
First recorded: 1170
Region: Galway, Mayo
Meaning: Burke is an Anglo-Norman last name introduced to Ireland during the Norman invasion. The Gaelic adaptation, de Búrca, reflects its integration into Irish society. The Burkes became one of the most powerful families in Connacht, ruling extensive lands and often challenging English authority. Many notable figures, including William Burke, played pivotal roles in Irish history.

🔥 Byrne (Ó Broin)

Pronunciation: BURN
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Wicklow, Dublin
Meaning: The last name Byrne comes from Ó Broin, meaning “descendant of Bran,” with Bran meaning “raven.” The Byrnes were a formidable Leinster clan, known for their resistance against English rule. Their lands in Wicklow became a stronghold for rebellion, and the name remains one of the most common in Ireland today. Notable bearers include Gabriel Byrne, the Irish actor.

⚔️ Barrett (Bairéid)

Pronunciation: BAR-it
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Cork, Mayo
Meaning: The last name Barrett originates from the Norman Bairéid family, who settled in Ireland after the 12th century. The name may mean “bear strength” or “hat maker,” depending on its root. The Barretts established themselves as powerful lords in Mayo and Cork, known for their military prowess. The name is still common in western Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

Browse through our carefully curated lists of Irish first and last names, each with its own fascinating story, deep-rooted history, and unique meaning that connects to Ireland’s heritage.