Irish last names carry centuries of history, from the warrior clans of the O’Donnells to the poetic traditions of the Drennans. Some, like Donlevy, trace back to powerful rulers, while names like Dorran tell stories of exile and resilience. Among them all, one stands out as particularly rich in heritage and intrigue.

Looking for Irish name inspiration? Browse our structured lists of first and last names by theme – or take a look at our compilation of Irish first names that start with D.

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Authentic Irish Last Names that Start with D

⭐ Our Favourite: Donlevy (Ó Donnghaile)

Pronunciation: DUN-le-vee
First recorded: 12th century
Meaning: Derived from Donnghal, meaning “brown valor,” the name Donlevy is deeply tied to Ireland’s warrior past. The Ó Donnghaile family were once influential rulers in Ulster, connected to the powerful O’Neill dynasty. After losing their stronghold to the Normans, many fled to Scotland, where the name evolved into Dunlop.
Why it’s our favourite: Donlevy stands out because of its incredible journey through Irish history. Once a name of Gaelic kings, it survived upheaval, exile, and reinvention. Unlike some last names that faded away, it found new life abroad while maintaining its deep Irish roots. It’s a name that speaks to both resilience and nobility.

🍀 Darby (Ó Dorbhaí)

Pronunciation: DAR-bee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Wexford
Meaning: The last name Darby, derived from the Irish Ó Dorbhaí, likely originates from dorb, meaning “rough” or “untamed.” The name was historically associated with warriors and landowners in Wexford. The Darby family had strong Norman influences due to early Anglo-Irish interactions. While the name became anglicized, it remained prominent in southeastern Ireland. The Darbys of Leap Castle in Offaly were notorious for their role in Irish history, with the castle being considered one of the most haunted in Ireland.

🦌 Davern (Ó Dáimhín)

Pronunciation: DAH-vern
First recorded: 16th century
Region: County Tipperary
Meaning: Derived from damh, meaning “ox” or “stag,” the last name Davern likely referred to a strong or noble family. It was historically linked to a sept in Tipperary known for cattle breeding and farming. The name suggests a connection to early Irish clan systems where wealth was measured by livestock. Daverns were known for their resilience and involvement in local leadership during the medieval period.

🏰 Deehan (Ó Duibhcheann)

Pronunciation: DEE-han
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Derry
Meaning: The last name Deehan comes from duibh (black) and ceann (head), possibly referring to someone with dark hair or a distinctive physical feature. The name was traditionally associated with the O’Neill dynasty, one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ulster. The Deehans were historically involved in land disputes and political struggles in Derry, often serving as advisors or warriors to local chieftains.

🌿 Deignan (Ó Duibhgeannáin)

Pronunciation: DIEG-nan
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Leitrim
Meaning: A derivative of duibh (black) and geannán (little head), Deignan was traditionally a learned last name associated with poets and scholars in medieval Ireland. The Ó Duibhgeannáin family were well-known scribes, contributing significantly to Irish historical manuscripts, including genealogical records of Gaelic clans. Their legacy is preserved in the Annals of the Four Masters.

🔴 Derrig (Ó Deirg)

Pronunciation: DAIR-ig
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Mayo
Meaning: The name Derrig comes from dearg, meaning “red,” possibly denoting someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It was commonly found in Mayo, particularly among families linked to the O’Malley clan, who were known for their seafaring and pirate activity under the leadership of Grace O’Malley. The Derrigs were historically involved in maritime trade and fishing, with strong ties to coastal communities.

🌑 Devoy (Ó Dubhuidhe)

Pronunciation: de-VOY
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Laois
Meaning: Devoy originates from dubh (black) and buidhe (yellow), possibly referring to a person with dark and fair features. The last name is linked to the O’Mores of Laois, a family deeply involved in resisting English rule. John Devoy, a 19th-century Irish nationalist, played a crucial role in the Fenian movement and Irish independence efforts. The Devoys were historically known for their involvement in rebellion and politics.

🌊 Diggin (Ó Duibhginn)

Pronunciation: DIG-in
First recorded: 16th century
Region: County Kerry
Meaning: The name Diggin derives from duibh (black) and ginn (famous or head), indicating a notable figure or leader. It was prominent in Kerry, particularly among coastal communities. The Diggins were involved in maritime industries, with many serving as fishermen or boatbuilders. The name is still common in Kerry, with descendants maintaining strong ties to the sea.

🏴 Dirrane (Ó Direáin)

Pronunciation: DUR-an
First recorded: 17th century
Region: Aran Islands
Meaning: Dirrane comes from direán, meaning “exile” or “wanderer,” likely indicating a family that resettled from another part of Ireland. The last name is closely associated with the Aran Islands, where the Dirranes became known for their resilience and deep-rooted Gaelic traditions. They were skilled fishermen and craftspeople, maintaining their language and culture even during periods of British suppression.

⚔️ Doheny (Ó Dubhchonna)

Pronunciation: DOE-nee
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Kilkenny
Meaning: The name Doheny derives from dubh (black) and conna (hound), meaning “black hound,” possibly referencing a warrior or hunter. The Doheny family were known for their involvement in Irish uprisings. Michael Doheny was a leader in the Young Ireland movement, advocating for Irish independence. The last name is linked to a strong martial tradition, with many Dohenys serving as soldiers or rebels.

🏆 Donegan (Ó Donnagáin)

Pronunciation: DUN-uh-gan
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: Donegan comes from donn (brown) and agán (little one), meaning “little brown-haired one.” The Donegans were historically influential in Clare and Munster, often serving as poets and historians. They were closely associated with the ruling O’Brien dynasty. Today, the name remains prominent, with many Donegans excelling in academia and the arts.

🏴‍☠️ Donnery (Ó Donnabháin)

Pronunciation: DON-er-ee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Waterford
Meaning: Related to the better-known O’Donovan name, Donnery comes from donn (brown) and abhain (river), likely referring to a family living near a river. The name was associated with a noble family in Waterford who held lands under the Normans. The Donnerys were active in maritime trade and, in some cases, piracy along the southern coast of Ireland.

🏰 Donohue (Ó Donnchadha)

Pronunciation: DON-oh-hue
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Kerry
Meaning: Meaning “descendant of Donnchadh” (a name meaning “brown warrior”), the Donohue family had strong ties to the Eóganachta dynasty, rulers of Munster. They were known for their political influence and military leadership. Several branches of the family existed, with one holding prominence in Kerry. The name remains widespread, and among its notable bearers is Jack Donohue, a famed Irish-Australian bushranger.

🌊 Doogan (Ó Dubhagáin)

Pronunciation: DOO-gan
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Donegal
Meaning: Derived from dubh (black) and gáinne (probably meaning “winnowing” or “famine”), the name is linked to a poetic and scholarly family in Donegal. The Ó Dubhagáin family were notable medieval historians and chroniclers, contributing to Ireland’s literary heritage. Today, the name is most commonly found in the northwest of Ireland.

🍀 Doolan (Ó Dúláin)

Pronunciation: DOO-lan
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Offaly
Meaning: The name Doolan is thought to derive from dúl, meaning “desire” or “wish.” It was historically linked to a learned family who served as poets and advisors to Gaelic chieftains in Offaly. The Doolans were part of the hereditary bardic tradition, preserving oral history and storytelling in medieval Ireland.

🦊 Dooly (Ó Dubhlaoich)

Pronunciation: DOO-lee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Tipperary
Meaning: Dooly comes from dubh (black) and laoch (warrior or hero), meaning “black warrior.” The name was common among soldiers and protectors of Gaelic lords in medieval Tipperary. The Doolys were known for their bravery and often served as bodyguards or mercenaries. Over time, the name spread to the United States, where it became anglicized further.

🌳 Dorney (Ó Doirinne)

Pronunciation: DOR-nee
First recorded: 16th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Likely derived from doireann, meaning “tempest” or “storm,” the Dorneys were originally a small sept in Cork with strong links to coastal settlements. The name may have been given to those living in a particularly stormy area. Some Dorneys were seafarers, while others were landowners who played a role in local politics during the early modern period.

📖 Downing (Ó Duinnín)

Pronunciation: DOWN-ing
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Originally a learned family of scribes and historians, the Downings were part of the Gaelic literary tradition. The name comes from donn (brown) and likely meant “descendant of Donnín,” a personal name. The Ó Duinnín family were keepers of Irish history and language, contributing to the famous Dinneen’s Irish Dictionary. Today, Downing is more commonly associated with English last names but remains of Irish Gaelic origin.

🏡 Drumgoold (Ó Droma)

Pronunciation: DRUM-goold
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Wexford
Meaning: Derived from drom (ridge), the name suggests an ancestral homeland near a prominent hill or ridge. The Drumgoolds were landowners in Wexford and played a role in local governance. The name became anglicized after the Norman invasion, but it remained linked to rural farming communities. Some members of the family later emigrated to the United States, where it evolved further.

Last Names with a Strong Irish Influence

🎭 Darcy (Ó Dorchaidhe)

Pronunciation: DAR-see
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Galway
Meaning: Darcy comes from dorcha, meaning “dark,” possibly referring to someone with dark hair or a mysterious nature. The Darcy family was originally Norman, arriving in Ireland during the 12th century and integrating into Gaelic society. The Ó Dorchaidhe sept held significant influence in Connacht, where they were known as warriors and landowners. Over time, the name spread throughout Ireland and became synonymous with nobility, partly due to its association with literary figures such as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.

🔥 Dargan (Ó Deargáin)

Pronunciation: DAR-gan
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Laois
Meaning: Derived from dearg, meaning “red,” the last name Dargan likely referred to someone with red hair or a fiery personality. The Ó Deargáin family was known for its involvement in trade and craftsmanship in Leinster. One of the most famous bearers of the name was William Dargan, a 19th-century railway magnate who played a key role in developing Ireland’s rail network.

🏹 Davin (Ó Dáimhín)

Pronunciation: DAV-in
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Tipperary
Meaning: Davin, derived from damh, meaning “ox” or “stag,” was historically linked to strength and endurance. The Ó Dáimhín sept was known for its involvement in agriculture and horse breeding. The name is relatively rare today but remains strongly associated with rural communities in Tipperary. The last name has also seen some popularity in literature and sports, with Davins making their mark in Gaelic football.

🌿 Deenihan (Ó Duibhneacháin)

Pronunciation: DEE-nee-han
First recorded: 16th century
Region: County Kerry
Meaning: A rare last name, Deenihan comes from duibhneach, meaning “dark one” or “descendant of Duibhne.” The name is linked to the Corcu Duibhne, an ancient tribal group in Kerry, known for their strong cultural and linguistic identity. The Deenihans were closely associated with storytelling, folklore, and preserving Irish oral traditions. Kerry GAA footballer Jimmy Deenihan is one of its most well-known modern bearers.

⛰️ Derry (Ó Doirighe)

Pronunciation: DER-ee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Derry
Meaning: Derived from doire, meaning “oak grove,” Derry was often used to describe someone who lived near a wooded area. The Ó Doirighe family had strong ties to the region that now bears the name Derry. The last name reflects the deep connection between Gaelic clans and the land, as oak trees were sacred in ancient Ireland.

🏰 Desmond (Deasmhumhnaigh)

Pronunciation: DEZ-mund
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: The last name Desmond comes from Deas Mumhain, meaning “South Munster,” originally a territorial designation for the rulers of the Kingdom of Desmond. The Desmond family, particularly the Fitzgeralds, played a pivotal role in Irish history, leading rebellions against English rule in the 16th century. The name remains common in Cork and Kerry, and Desmond has also been used as a first name, most famously by Desmond Tutu.

📜 Devitt (Mac Daibhéid)

Pronunciation: DEV-it
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Clare
Meaning: Devitt is an anglicized form of Mac Daibhéid, meaning “son of David.” It likely arrived in Ireland through Norman influence and became associated with Gaelic families in Clare. The Devitts were often scholars and scribes, contributing to the preservation of Irish history. Today, the name is found in Ireland and throughout the Irish diaspora.

🌊 Dewan (Ó Duadháin)

Pronunciation: DEW-an
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Waterford
Meaning: Dewan, derived from duadh, meaning “sorrow” or “suffering,” may have originally been a poetic name linked to those who endured hardship. The Ó Duadháin family was known for their role as bards and musicians in Waterford. The name is rare today but has strong historical ties to Ireland’s artistic and literary heritage.

🦅 Dinn (Ó Duinn)

Pronunciation: DIN
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Offaly
Meaning: A shortened form of O’Dunne, Dinn comes from donn, meaning “brown” or “chieftain.” The Ó Duinn family were prominent warriors and landowners in the Midlands, defending Gaelic territories against Norman and later English invaders. The name survives today in various forms, including Dunne, Dunn, and Dinn.

⚔️ Doher (Ó Dochartaigh)

Pronunciation: DOH-er
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Donegal
Meaning: A rare variant of Doherty, Doher comes from dochartach, meaning “obstructive” or “hurtful,” originally referring to a powerful warrior family. The Ó Dochartaighs were dominant in Donegal and played key roles in resisting English colonization. The name is still prominent today, especially in the northwest, where it remains a symbol of Gaelic resilience.

🏹 Dolaghan (Ó Dubhshláine)

Pronunciation: DOL-a-han
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Tyrone
Meaning: Dolaghan comes from dubh (black) and Sláine (a personal name linked to health or prosperity), possibly referring to a dark-featured or noble ancestor. The Ó Dubhshláine family were historically tied to Ulster, particularly in Tyrone, where they served as warriors and landowners. Over time, the name evolved in pronunciation and spelling, but it remains a unique last name with deep Gaelic roots.

🏰 Donagh (Ó Donnchaidh)

Pronunciation: DON-uh
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Donegal
Meaning: A variation of Donohoe and Donoghue, Donagh is derived from Donnchadh, meaning “brown warrior.” The Ó Donnchaidh clan was influential in Donegal, known for their leadership and military prowess. The name was often associated with high-ranking chieftains and clan leaders in medieval Ireland, with strong ties to Gaelic resistance movements.

🌊 Donavon (Ó Donnabáin)

Pronunciation: DON-a-vun
First recorded: 10th century
Region: County Limerick
Meaning: A variation of O’Donovan, this last name comes from donn (brown) and bán (fair or white), likely referencing an ancestor’s complexion. The O’Donovans were a powerful family in Munster, known for their resistance against Norman and English rule. They held vast territories in Cork and Limerick and were deeply involved in Irish history and politics.

🔥 Dorran (Ó Deoráin)

Pronunciation: DOR-an
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Wexford
Meaning: Derived from deoraí, meaning “exile” or “wanderer,” Dorran may have originally referred to a displaced family. The Ó Deoráin family were known for their resilience and adaptability, often serving as mercenaries or traveling tradesmen. The name is still found in Wexford and surrounding areas, though it has become less common over time.

⚔️ Dowdican (Ó Dubhda)

Pronunciation: DOW-di-can
First recorded: 11th century
Region: County Mayo
Meaning: A variation of O’Dowd, Dowdican comes from dubh (black), possibly referring to an ancestor with dark hair. The Ó Dubhda clan was one of the most powerful families in Connacht, ruling the kingdom of Ui Fiachrach for centuries. They were warriors, statesmen, and landowners, with a history of resistance against English forces.

🍃 Drennan (Ó Draighnáin)

Pronunciation: DREN-an
First recorded: 13th century
Region: County Kilkenny
Meaning: Derived from draighean, meaning “blackthorn,” Drennan was likely given to a family living near blackthorn trees, which were symbolic in Irish folklore. The Ó Draighnáin family were poets and scribes in medieval Kilkenny, contributing to the literary and historical records of Gaelic Ireland. The name later spread to Scotland and the United States.

⛰️ Dromey (Ó Droma)

Pronunciation: DRO-me
First recorded: 14th century
Region: County Cork
Meaning: Coming from drom (ridge or hill), Dromey likely referred to a family living in an elevated area. The Ó Droma family were landowners in Munster, particularly in Cork, where they played roles in both politics and agriculture. The name remains relatively rare but is deeply rooted in Ireland’s topographical history.

🏴‍☠️ Dugdale (Dubhghall)

Pronunciation: DUG-dale
First recorded: 16th century
Region: County Antrim
Meaning: Dugdale, derived from dubhghall (dark foreigner), was historically used to describe Norse-Gaels or those of mixed Viking and Irish descent. The name has strong Scottish and Ulster connections, as many Norse settlers integrated with Gaelic clans. The Dugdales were known for their seafaring abilities and trade connections between Ireland and Scotland.

🦌 Dunican (Ó Donnacáin)

Pronunciation: DUN-ih-can
First recorded: 15th century
Region: County Westmeath
Meaning: A variant of Duncan, Dunican comes from donn (brown) and can (chief or head), suggesting an ancestral leader. The Ó Donnacáin family were influential in Westmeath, known for their role in local governance and scholarship. The name remains relatively rare but has historical significance in central Ireland.

📜 Durack (Ó Duibhir)

Pronunciation: DUR-ak
First recorded: 12th century
Region: County Tipperary
Meaning: Durack is a variant of O’Dwyer, derived from duibhir, meaning “dark” or “sombre.” The Ó Duibhir clan was a fierce Gaelic family in Munster, leading resistance efforts against English rule in the 17th century. They were known for their guerrilla tactics and defiance of the Crown. The name remains prominent in Tipperary and is found among the Irish diaspora.

Discover the rich world of Irish names, from traditional Gaelic first names to historic surnames, each with its own unique backstory that reflects the spirit and heritage of Ireland.