Irish last names carry deep histories, tracing back to ancient warriors, scholars, and noble families. Some, like Coyne and Carmody, are tied to old Gaelic traditions, while others, like Crosby, have taken root through Ireland’s unique blend of cultures. Whether born from battle, land, or legend, each name tells a story.

Dive into our rich archive of Irish names, where you’ll find themed collections of first and last names, as well as a special section on names that begin with C.

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Authentic Irish Last Names that Start with C

⭐ Our Favourite: Crowe (Ó Cróinín)

Pronunciation: KROH
First recorded: 10th century
Meaning: Derived from “cróinín,” meaning “little crow,” this name was often given to those known for their sharp wit, keen observation, or dark features. The Ó Cróinín family were esteemed scribes and poets in medieval Ireland, preserving Gaelic history through their writings. The name remains strong in Clare and Limerick, continuing a tradition of storytelling and intellect.
Why it’s our favourite: It carries a sense of mystery and intelligence, tying into Ireland’s tradition of wisdom and folklore. The Crowes weren’t just landowners or warriors—they were the keepers of history, crafting the stories that shaped Irish heritage. Plus, the connection to crows, birds long associated with prophecy in Celtic mythology, makes this name stand out even more.

🛡️ Callaghan (Ó Ceallacháin)

Pronunciation: KAL-uh-han
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Derived from the Irish “Ceallach,” meaning “bright-headed” or “war-like,” Callaghan was the name of an ancient ruling dynasty in Munster. The O’Callaghan sept were once powerful chieftains in County Cork, holding vast lands before being displaced in the 17th century. One of the most famous bearers of the name is former Irish Taoiseach John Callaghan.

🎭 Carney (Ó Cearnaigh)

Pronunciation: KAR-nee
First recorded: 1014
Region: County Mayo
Meaning: The last name comes from “cearnach,” meaning “victorious” or “warlike,” and was associated with the battle-hardened warriors of early medieval Ireland. The Carney family historically held influence in Mayo and Sligo. In modern times, Art Carney, the American actor known for The Honeymooners, brought international recognition to the name.

⛰️ Carr (Ó Carra)

Pronunciation: KAR
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: Originating from “carra,” meaning “rock,” the Carr family name may have been given to those who lived near rocky terrain. It was prominent in the west of Ireland, particularly in Galway. The name is also common in Ulster, where it may have evolved from Scottish influence.

📜 Cassidy (Ó Caiside)

Pronunciation: KAS-uh-dee
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Fermanagh
Meaning: Originally a hereditary last name of learned families, Cassidy derives from “cas,” meaning “curly-haired.” The Cassidys were bards and historians in medieval Ireland, serving the Maguires of Fermanagh. More recently, singer David Cassidy popularized the name worldwide.

🎵 Clancy (Mac Fhlannchadha)

Pronunciation: KLAN-see
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: The Clancy name comes from “flann,” meaning “red” or “ruddy,” and was associated with noble families who served as poets and legal scholars. The most famous bearers of the name are The Clancy Brothers, a folk music group instrumental in the revival of Irish traditional music.

✝️ Cleary (Ó Cléirigh)

Pronunciation: KLEE-ree
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: From “cléireach,” meaning “cleric” or “priest,” the Cleary name was often given to families of church officials or scribes. The Ó Cléirigh clan were renowned historians, producing the Annals of the Four Masters, a vital record of Irish history.

🌿 Clooney (Ó Cluanaigh)

Pronunciation: KLOO-nee
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: Derived from “cluain,” meaning “meadow” or “pasture,” Clooney likely referred to someone who lived in a fertile area. While relatively rare in Ireland, the name gained fame through actor George Clooney, whose ancestors hailed from Kilkenny.

🐺 Collins (Ó Coileáin)

Pronunciation: KOL-inz
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Limerick
Meaning: The name comes from “coileán,” meaning “young hound” or “whelp,” possibly signifying a fierce warrior. The Collins family had strong roots in Munster. The most famous bearer, Michael Collins, was a key figure in the Irish War of Independence.

⚔️ Colgan (Ó Colgáin)

Pronunciation: KOL-gan
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Meath
Meaning: The last name stems from “colg,” meaning “sword” or “blade,” reflecting a warrior heritage. The Colgan family were scholars and poets in medieval Ireland. John Colgan, a 17th-century Franciscan scholar, was an authority on early Irish saints.

🏰 Comerford (Mac Cumascaigh)

Pronunciation: KOM-er-ford
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Kilkenny
Meaning: A Norman-Irish last name, Comerford comes from the Anglo-Norman “Comberford,” a place name in England. The Comerfords settled in Kilkenny after the Norman invasion and became prominent landowners. They played significant roles in Irish history, particularly during the Confederation of Kilkenny in the 17th century.

🦊 Conboy (Mac Con Buí)

Pronunciation: KON-boy
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Roscommon
Meaning: Derived from “Mac Con Buí,” meaning “son of the yellow hound,” this last name likely originated as a nickname for a swift or clever warrior. The Conboy family was historically found in Connacht, particularly in Roscommon and Galway. Their association with hounds may signify a link to hunting or military prowess in medieval Ireland.

🏰 Concannon (Ó Concheanainn)

Pronunciation: kon-KAN-un
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: The name comes from “Concheanainn,” meaning “descendant of Concheanann,” an ancient lord of Uí Díarmada. The Concannon family were prominent Gaelic lords in the medieval period, known for their stronghold in eastern Galway. The last name remains common in the region today.

⚜️ Condon (Condún)

Pronunciation: KON-dun
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Limerick
Meaning: Of Norman origin, Condon comes from “Condún,” a Gaelicized version of a Norman name. The family settled in Munster after the Anglo-Norman invasion and became influential landowners. By the 17th century, many Condons supported the Irish Confederate Wars, fighting against English rule.

🌍 Connaughton (Ó Connachtáin)

Pronunciation: kon-OKH-tun
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Roscommon
Meaning: Meaning “descendant of Connachtán,” this name derives from “Connacht,” the western province of Ireland. The Connaughtons were a significant family in Roscommon and Galway, holding lands near the Shannon River. The name may have originally denoted a person from Connacht before becoming hereditary.

🛡️ Connellan (Ó Coinnialláin)

Pronunciation: kon-EL-an
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Meath
Meaning: The name likely stems from “Coinniallán,” meaning “descendant of Conniall,” an early Irish leader. The Connellans were known as poets and scholars in medieval Ireland. The most notable figure was Owen Connellan, a 19th-century historian who translated The Annals of Ireland into English.

🏹 Connelly (Ó Conghalaigh)

Pronunciation: KON-uh-lee
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Monaghan
Meaning: A variation of Connolly, Connelly comes from “Conghalach,” meaning “valiant” or “fierce as a hound.” The Connellys were historically powerful in Ulster, particularly in Monaghan. Their warrior heritage is reflected in their role as defenders of Gaelic chieftains.

⚔️ Connolly (Ó Conghalaigh)

Pronunciation: KON-uh-lee
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Monaghan
Meaning: Sharing its origins with Connelly, Connolly means “descendant of Conghalach,” a name associated with bravery. The Connollys played a role in Irish history, with James Connolly being one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. Today, the last name is widespread across Ireland and the Irish diaspora.

🌊 Conroy (Ó Conraoi)

Pronunciation: KON-roy
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: “Ó Conraoi” means “descendant of Conraoi,” an old personal name linked to the sea. The Conroys were a seafaring family in Galway and Mayo, possibly linked to the legendary hero Cú Raoi. The name remains common in the west of Ireland.

🔥 Cooney (Ó Cuana)

Pronunciation: KOO-nee
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: Derived from “Cuana,” meaning “elegant” or “handsome,” the Cooney last name was associated with noble families in Munster and Connacht. The Cooneys were poets and musicians in medieval Ireland. Today, the name is found throughout the island, particularly in Clare and Galway.

🍂 Corcoran (Ó Corcráin)

Pronunciation: KOR-kor-an
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Fermanagh
Meaning: “Ó Corcráin” comes from “corcair,” meaning “reddish-purple” or “ruddy,” possibly referring to a physical trait or noble rank. The Corcorans were historically influential in Ulster, serving as advisors to Gaelic chieftains. A notable bearer was Michael Corcoran, an Irish-born general in the American Civil War.

🏹 Corrigan (Ó Corragáin)

Pronunciation: KOR-ih-gan
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Fermanagh
Meaning: Derived from “Corr,” meaning “spear” or “pointed,” the Corrigan family were known as warriors and landowners in Ulster. The name is associated with the rulers of Fermanagh, where they held power for centuries. The Corrigans were also prominent in literature and music, with 19th-century poet and playwright Michael Corrigan being a notable figure.

🏆 Cosgrave (Ó Coscraigh)

Pronunciation: KOZ-grayv
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: Originating from “coscrach,” meaning “victorious” or “triumphant,” this name was likely given to a powerful warrior family. The Cosgraves played a role in Irish politics, with W.T. Cosgrave serving as the first head of government of the Irish Free State. Their legacy in leadership continues, making this last name one of resilience and political influence.

⚔️ Costello (Mac Coisteala)

Pronunciation: KOS-tel-oh
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Mayo
Meaning: A Norman-Irish last name, Costello originates from “Mac Coisteala,” referring to a family that settled in Connacht. The Costellos became notable landowners in Mayo, serving as knights and administrators. Today, the name remains well-known, partly due to musician Elvis Costello, whose father hailed from Ireland.

🌊 Coughlan (Ó Cochláin)

Pronunciation: KOFF-lan
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Offaly
Meaning: Derived from “cochal,” meaning “cloak,” this last name may have originated with a family associated with monastic life or high-ranking officials who wore ceremonial cloaks. The Coughlans were prominent chiefs in Munster, with their stronghold in Offaly. The name is still common across Ireland today.

🐴 Cowhig (Mac Eochaidh)

Pronunciation: KOH-ig
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: From “Eochaidh,” meaning “horseman” or “descendant of the horse lord,” the Cowhigs were known for their equestrian skills and warrior heritage. The name was prominent in Cork, where the family maintained a strong presence for centuries. While rare today, it remains a proud part of Ireland’s history.

🛡️ Craven (Ó Crábhagáin)

Pronunciation: KRAY-ven
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Limerick
Meaning: Coming from “Crábhach,” meaning “devout” or “pious,” this name was often associated with families of religious importance. The Craven name spread into England and beyond, with some branches gaining nobility. The name is also linked to filmmaker Wes Craven, though his Irish ancestry is distant.

❤️ Crean (Ó Croidheáin)

Pronunciation: KREEN
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Kerry
Meaning: Derived from “croidhe,” meaning “heart,” Crean signifies someone with a warm or generous nature. The most famous bearer was Tom Crean, the Antarctic explorer who played a key role in Shackleton’s Endurance expedition. His bravery and resilience have made this name one of Ireland’s most admired.

🔥 Creighton (Ó Creacháin)

Pronunciation: KRAY-ton
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Tyrone
Meaning: Coming from “creach,” meaning “plunder” or “raid,” this name may have been associated with a family of warriors or opportunistic fighters. The Creightons were influential in Ulster, later becoming known in Scotland and England as well. Some branches of the family became wealthy landowners during the colonial period.

🌿 Cregan (Ó Croidheagáin)

Pronunciation: KREE-gan
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Limerick
Meaning: A variation of Crean, this name also originates from “croidhe,” meaning “heart.” The Cregans were respected scholars and landowners, often found in Limerick and Cork. The last name remains popular in Munster, with notable figures in Irish sports and politics bearing the name.

🍀 Cullinan (Ó Cuileannáin)

Pronunciation: KUL-in-an
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: Derived from “cuileann,” meaning “holly,” the last name likely referred to a person living near a holly grove or someone associated with the sacred tree. The Cullinan family were known in Clare and Limerick, often serving as poets and scholars. The name gained international recognition through the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, a South African of Irish descent.

🔄 Cunnane (Ó Cuinneáin)

Pronunciation: KUN-ane
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Mayo
Meaning: Thought to derive from “cuinneán,” meaning “descendant of Cuinneán,” an old Irish personal name. The Cunnanes were a distinguished family in Mayo, often associated with leadership roles in their communities. The last name remains common in the west of Ireland, particularly in areas where traditional Gaelic culture has endured.

🏹 Cunningham (Mac Cuinneagáin)

Pronunciation: KUN-ing-ham
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Donegal
Meaning: A name of mixed Gaelic and Scottish origin, Cunningham comes from “Mac Cuinneagáin,” meaning “descendant of the leader.” It is associated with noble warriors and landowners in Ulster. The Cunningham family became well known in Scotland as well, playing a role in the Jacobite rebellions. Today, the name is common among the Irish diaspora, particularly in the United States and Australia.

🌊 Curran (Ó Corráin)

Pronunciation: KUR-an
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Waterford
Meaning: Derived from “corr,” meaning “spear,” the Curran name may have been given to warriors or hunters. The Currans were powerful in Waterford and Tipperary, often serving as military leaders. One of the most famous bearers of the name was John Philpot Curran, an 18th-century orator and lawyer who defended many Irish revolutionaries.

🏰 Cusack (Mac Íosóg)

Pronunciation: KYOO-zak
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Meath
Meaning: Of Norman origin, Cusack comes from the French “de Cussac,” referring to a place in France. The family arrived in Ireland with the Anglo-Norman invasion and quickly established themselves as landowners in Meath and Kildare. The Cusacks played a significant role in Irish history, with many becoming knights and high-ranking officials. In modern times, actress Joan Cusack has helped bring recognition to the name worldwide.

Last Names with a Strong Irish Influence

⚔️ Cahill (Ó Cathail)

Pronunciation: KA-hill
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Tipperary
Meaning: Derived from “Cathal,” meaning “battle ruler,” Cahill was originally a given name for strong leaders and warriors. The O’Cahill family were prominent in Munster, particularly in Tipperary and Clare, where they held land and military influence. Today, the name is common in both Ireland and among Irish-American descendants.

⛰️ Cairns (Ó Ciaráin)

Pronunciation: KER-nz
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Antrim
Meaning: Coming from “Ciarán,” meaning “dark” or “dusky,” the name was originally associated with noble families in Ulster. The Cairns last name has Scottish-Gaelic connections, but many Irish families, especially in Antrim and Down, adopted it. It is also linked to stonemasons, as “cairn” refers to a pile of stones marking historical sites.

🏰 Callan (Ó Cathaláin)

Pronunciation: KAL-an
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Kilkenny
Meaning: A diminutive of “Cathal,” meaning “little warrior,” Callan was associated with noble Gaelic families in Leinster. The town of Callan in Kilkenny is named after this family, reflecting its historical significance. The Callans were fierce defenders of their lands, often engaging in battles with Norman settlers.

🛡️ Calvert (Mac Calmáin)

Pronunciation: KAL-vert
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Fermanagh
Meaning: A name of Norman origin, Mac Calmáin is an Irish adaptation of Calvert, meaning “cowherd.” The Calverts were landowners and administrators in Ulster. The most famous bearer was George Calvert, an English nobleman who founded Maryland in the United States, though his family had Irish connections.

🏇 Campbell (Mac Cathmhaoil)

Pronunciation: KAM-bel
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Tyrone
Meaning: A name of mixed Scottish and Irish heritage, Campbell means “crooked mouth” in Scots Gaelic, but in Ireland, it was often linked to the native “Mac Cathmhaoil,” meaning “son of the battle chief.” The Campbells of Ulster were powerful landowners, and their influence extended into Scottish-Irish relations.

📜 Carmody (Ó Cearmada)

Pronunciation: KAR-muh-dee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: Derived from “cearmad,” meaning “descendant of the strategist” or “clever one,” the Carmodys were known as poets and historians in medieval Munster. They held land in Clare and Limerick, often acting as advisors to Gaelic lords. Today, the name is still found in western Ireland.

🔥 Carroll (Ó Cearbhaill)

Pronunciation: KAR-uhl
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Offaly
Meaning: From “cearbh,” meaning “hacking” or “slaughter in battle,” the Carroll family were fierce warriors in Leinster and Munster. They were influential rulers, and their descendants played key roles in Irish resistance against the Normans and later the English. Charles Carroll, a signer of the American Declaration of Independence, was of Irish descent.

🏹 Casey (Ó Cathasaigh)

Pronunciation: KAY-see
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Derived from “cathasach,” meaning “vigilant” or “watchful,” the Casey clan were warriors and chieftains in Cork and Limerick. The name remains popular in Ireland and among Irish-American descendants. In modern times, Casey has also been used as a first name.

🌀 Cass (Ó Cais)

Pronunciation: KAS
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Kilkenny
Meaning: A shortened form of Ó Caiside, Cass means “curly-haired” and was associated with scribes and historians in medieval Ireland. The Cass family was particularly known in Kilkenny, with some branches later migrating to England and America.

⚒️ Chambers (Mac an tSaoir)

Pronunciation: CHAYM-bers
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Dublin
Meaning: Meaning “son of the carpenter,” this last name was traditionally linked to craftsmen and builders. The Chambers name is common in Ireland, especially in Dublin, where many medieval guilds were established. Though of Anglo-Norman origin, it became fully integrated into Irish society.

📜 Clarke (Ó Cléirigh)

Pronunciation: KLARK
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: Derived from “cléireach,” meaning “cleric” or “scribe,” the Clarke last name was historically associated with scholars and church officials. The O’Cléirigh family were renowned historians, most notably Mícheál Ó Cléirigh, a key author of The Annals of the Four Masters, an essential record of Irish history. The name remains common in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

🏡 Clayton (Mac Giolla Éain)

Pronunciation: KLAY-ton
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Dublin
Meaning: Of Anglo-Norman origin, Clayton originally referred to a settlement in England before being adopted in Ireland, where it was Gaelicized as “Mac Giolla Éain,” meaning “son of the servant of John.” The name became prominent in Dublin and surrounding areas, where some Claytons became influential merchants and landowners.

⛪ Clery (Ó Cléirigh)

Pronunciation: KLEER-ee
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Donegal
Meaning: Closely related to Clarke, Clery also derives from “cléireach,” meaning “cleric” or “scholar.” The O’Cléirighs were an important learned family in Ulster, producing many historians and poets. The name is particularly associated with Donegal, where they served as hereditary chroniclers to local Gaelic lords.

🍷 Coffey (Ó Cobhthaigh)

Pronunciation: KAW-fee
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Derived from “Cobhthach,” meaning “victorious” or “helpful,” the Coffeys were historically warriors and rulers in Munster. The last name is particularly strong in Cork and Tipperary. In modern times, the name is well known in the whiskey industry, as Aeneas Coffey invented the Coffey still, revolutionizing whiskey production.

🌊 Coghlan (Ó Cochláin)

Pronunciation: KOG-lan
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Offaly
Meaning: Coming from “cochal,” meaning “cloak” or “hood,” the name may have originally referred to someone who wore a distinctive cloak, possibly a monk or nobleman. The Coghlans were chieftains in Offaly, known for their resistance to English rule in the 17th century. The name remains common in central Ireland.

🕊️ Coleman (Ó Colmáin)

Pronunciation: KOHL-man
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Sligo
Meaning: Derived from “Colmán,” a diminutive of “colm,” meaning “dove,” the Coleman last name was often associated with peace or religious figures. The Ó Colmáin clan held lands in Sligo and Meath and produced several saints, including Saint Colmán of Cloyne. The name is still widespread in Ireland and beyond.

🌲 Coll (Mac Colla)

Pronunciation: KOL
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Antrim
Meaning: Meaning “son of Colla,” this last name is linked to the ancient warrior kings of Ireland, the Three Collas, who founded dynasties in Ulster. The Colls were historically powerful in Antrim and Tyrone. The name is rare today but retains strong historical significance.

⚔️ Comiskey (Mac Cumascaigh)

Pronunciation: KOM-is-kee
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Monaghan
Meaning: Derived from “cumasach,” meaning “powerful” or “capable,” the Comiskeys were known for their strength and leadership. The last name was particularly common in Monaghan, where they served as warriors and clan leaders. The name is still found in Ireland and among Irish emigrants in North America.

🏰 Conlan (Ó Conalláin)

Pronunciation: KON-lan
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Laois
Meaning: A derivative of “Conall,” meaning “strong as a wolf,” the Conlans were warriors and chieftains in Leinster. The name is still prevalent in central Ireland. In sports, Irish boxer Michael Conlan has brought modern recognition to the name.

🌞 Conway (Ó Conbhuidhe)

Pronunciation: KON-way
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Mayo
Meaning: Derived from “con” (hound) and “buidhe” (yellow), the last name originally referred to a person with fair hair or a connection to hounds. The Conways were landowners in Mayo and Galway. The name spread internationally, with notable figures like Hugh Conway, a renowned 19th-century novelist.

🍽️ Cooke (Mac an Chóic)

Pronunciation: KUK
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Dublin
Meaning: Derived from the Old English “coc,” meaning “cook,” this last name was brought to Ireland by Anglo-Norman settlers and later Gaelicized as “Mac an Chóic.” While initially associated with chefs or food preparers, the name became established among merchant and landowning families, particularly in Leinster. Over time, Cooke families became prominent in politics, literature, and law.

⛰️ Corr (Ó Corra)

Pronunciation: KOR
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Armagh
Meaning: Derived from “corr,” meaning “spear” or “pointed hill,” this last name may have been given to warriors or those living in rugged, elevated terrain. The Corr family were known in Ulster as landowners and defenders of Gaelic traditions. The name remains common in Northern Ireland and is closely linked to the larger Corrigan clan.

🔄 Cory (Ó Corra)

Pronunciation: KOR-ee
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Roscommon
Meaning: A variation of Corr, Cory also derives from “corr,” meaning “spear” or “peak.” This name became more widespread in the west of Ireland, where it was associated with warrior families and chieftains. Today, it is more commonly found in England and America but retains an Irish connection through migration.

🏇 Cotter (Mac Coitir)

Pronunciation: KOT-er
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Of Norse origin, Cotter comes from the Old Norse “kot,” meaning “small farmstead.” The Cotter family became an influential force in Munster, where they served as military leaders and landowners under Gaelic and Norman rulers. The name is still most commonly found in Cork and Kerry.

🌊 Coveney (Ó Cobhnaigh)

Pronunciation: KUV-nee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Meath
Meaning: Thought to derive from “cobhach,” meaning “victorious” or “steadfast,” the Coveney family were associated with resilience and strength. The name has remained relatively rare but is still found in Meath and surrounding counties. Simon Coveney, an Irish politician, has helped keep the name in the public eye.

🔥 Coyne (Ó Cadhain)

Pronunciation: KOYN
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: Coming from “Cadhan,” meaning “wild goose,” this last name was associated with travelers, warriors, and those who lived a nomadic lifestyle. The Coyne family were traditionally found in the west of Ireland, particularly in Galway, where they were known as poets and historians. The last name is still prominent in Connacht today.

⚔️ Crehan (Ó Creacháin)

Pronunciation: KREE-han
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Roscommon
Meaning: Derived from “creach,” meaning “plunder” or “raider,” this name suggests a warrior lineage. The Crehans were powerful in Roscommon and Galway, often serving as military leaders in clan conflicts. The last name remains well-known in the west of Ireland.

⛪ Crosby (Mac an Chrosáin)

Pronunciation: KROZ-bee
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Down
Meaning: Originally of English and Norse origin, the name means “settlement near a cross” (from Old Norse “kross” and “by”). The Crosbys arrived in Ireland during the Norman period and integrated into Gaelic society. The name is most common in Ulster, particularly in Down and Antrim.

🌿 Cudden (Mac Uidín)

Pronunciation: KUD-en
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Louth
Meaning: A rare last name, Cudden is derived from “Mac Uidín,” meaning “son of Uidín,” an old Gaelic personal name. The family was traditionally associated with farming and trade in Louth, though the name has become less common over time.

🌿 Cullen (Ó Cuilinn)

Pronunciation: KUL-in
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Wicklow
Meaning: Derived from “cuileann,” meaning “holly,” this last name likely referred to people living near holly groves or those associated with its symbolic protection. The Cullen family was historically influential in Leinster, particularly in Wicklow and Wexford. The name has remained common in Ireland and is also associated with figures like William Cullen, a renowned physicist, and the fictional Edward Cullen from Twilight, which helped spread recognition of the name internationally.

🔄 Curley (Ó Cuirrle)

Pronunciation: KUR-lee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Roscommon
Meaning: Thought to derive from “cuirrle,” meaning “curly-haired,” the last name was likely given to those with distinctively wavy or curly hair. The Curleys were known in Connacht, particularly in Roscommon, where they were respected landowners and military leaders. The name remains prevalent in western Ireland, and its anglicized form is found in many Irish-American families today.

Curious about the origins of Irish names? Dive into our themed collections of first and last names, where each one reveals a piece of Ireland’s history, mythology, and linguistic beauty.