Ireland’s last names tell the stories of warriors, poets, and noble families. Some, like Enright (Mac Ionnrachtaigh), speak of justice and integrity, while others, such as Edgeworth (Mac an Imealláin), recall literary greats and frontier clans. Many of these names are not strictly Irish but have woven themselves into the fabric of Ireland’s history, carrying legacies of power, scholarship, and rebellion.

Our comprehensive Irish name database includes first and last names sorted by theme, along with a handpicked selection of Irish first names beginning with E.

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Authentic Irish Last Names that Start with E

⭐ Our Favourite: Eannachta (Ó hEannachta)

Pronunciation: ANN-ock-ta
First recorded: 8th century
Meaning: The Eannachta were an ancient ruling tribe in Munster, recorded in medieval Irish annals as a powerful dynasty. Their influence shaped the region’s politics and culture, and they were closely linked to royal bloodlines. This name preserves the memory of a once-mighty people whose story is woven into Ireland’s past.
Why it’s our favourite: Eannachta stands out because it represents a forgotten Gaelic kingdom. Unlike some last names tied to individuals or professions, this one connects to an entire ruling class. It reminds us of the vast network of tribal dynasties that once ruled Ireland, leaving echoes in place names, stories, and the Irish language itself.

🔥 Egan (Mac Aodhagáin)

Pronunciation: EH-guhn
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Connacht
Meaning: The Egan name derives from “Aodhagán,” meaning “little fire” or “fiery one.” The Mac Aodhagáin clan were highly regarded as hereditary brehons (judges) in medieval Ireland, particularly in Connacht. They played a crucial role in preserving Irish law and scholarship, with many Egans serving as legal scholars and scribes. Their legacy is reflected in ancient Irish manuscripts.

🌊 Eivers (Ó hÍomhair)

Pronunciation: EYE-vers
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Leinster
Meaning: Eivers originates from the Old Norse personal name “Íomhar,” which was introduced to Ireland by the Vikings. The name is connected to the coastal regions of Leinster, where Viking influence was strong. Families bearing this name were known for their seafaring skills and later integrated into Gaelic society, becoming influential landowners and traders.

🏹 Eirwin (Ó hEireamhóin)

Pronunciation: AIR-win
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: This last name traces back to an early warrior class, with “Eireamhón” potentially linked to the mythological figure Éremón, a leader of the Milesians. The name was associated with noble families in Ulster, particularly those involved in defending the northern territories. It suggests lineage tied to leadership, bravery, and strategic warfare.

🌿 Ennis (Ó hAonghusa)

Pronunciation: EN-iss
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Munster
Meaning: A derivative of “Aonghus” (meaning “one strength” or “excellent valor”), this last name is linked to a prominent sept in Munster, known for their resilience and leadership. The name is also associated with the town of Ennis in County Clare, which was historically a hub of Gaelic learning and trade.

🏰 Eustace (Mac Eustais)

Pronunciation: YOO-stis
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Leinster
Meaning: The Eustace last name has Anglo-Norman origins and was brought to Ireland during the Norman invasion. The Mac Eustace family became prominent in the Pale, particularly in Kildare, where they held strongholds and played vital roles in medieval politics. Notably, they were involved in the rebellion against English rule in the 16th century.

⚡ Eirke (Ó hEirc)

Pronunciation: ERK
First recorded: 9th century
Region: Connacht
Meaning: Derived from the old Irish word “Eirc,” meaning “swift” or “powerful,” the name was associated with warriors and messengers. The Ó hEirc family is believed to have originated in Connacht, where they held positions of influence among Gaelic clans. The name’s rarity today suggests a decline due to anglicization over time.

🛡️ Eibleáin (Mac an Oibleáin)

Pronunciation: IB-lawn
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: Believed to derive from “Oibleán,” which might mean “shield” or “protection,” this last name is historically linked to a family known for their military service in Ulster. The Mac an Oibleáin clan were defenders of key territories and were often allied with larger Gaelic families in their struggles against Norman and later English rule.

🏞️ Eanacháin (Ó hEanacháin)

Pronunciation: AN-uh-kawn
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Connacht
Meaning: Likely derived from “Eanach,” meaning “marsh” or “bogland,” this last name was borne by families living near wetland areas in Connacht. They were often associated with agriculture and land stewardship, making significant contributions to local economies. Today, the name remains linked to rural Irish heritage.

🐴 Eachaidh (Ó hEachaidh)

Pronunciation: AK-ee
First recorded: 7th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: The name comes from “Eachaidh,” meaning “horseman” or “cavalryman,” reflecting an equestrian tradition in ancient Gaelic society. The Ó hEachaidh clan were known for breeding and training warhorses, which were crucial to Ireland’s medieval battles. Their expertise in horsemanship made them highly respected among Gaelic chieftains.

Last Names with a Strong Irish Influence

👑 Earle (Mac an Iarla)

Pronunciation: URL
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Leinster
Meaning: Derived from the Old English “Eorl,” meaning “nobleman” or “earl,” this name became Gaelicized as “Mac an Iarla,” meaning “son of the earl.” It was used to describe families connected to Anglo-Norman nobility in Ireland, particularly those who assimilated into Gaelic society. Some Earle families played significant roles in Irish rebellions against English rule, despite their aristocratic origins.

🏇 Eddery (Ó Eadbhard)

Pronunciation: ED-uh-ree
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Leinster
Meaning: A last name derived from the Anglo-Norman “Edward,” it became Gaelicized as “Ó Eadbhard.” The name is particularly associated with the world of horse racing due to the legendary Irish jockey Pat Eddery. Historically, families bearing this name were prominent landowners in Leinster, often involved in trade and governance.

📜 Edgeworth (Mac an Imealláin)

Pronunciation: EJ-worth
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Longford
Meaning: This name is best known due to the Edgeworth family, an Anglo-Irish dynasty that settled in Ireland during the Norman period. The most famous member, Maria Edgeworth, was a renowned novelist who captured Irish life in her works. “Mac an Imealláin” suggests a family connected to borderlands or frontier regions, highlighting their role in defending territories.

🦅 Egerton (Ó hEigeartaigh)

Pronunciation: EH-jer-tun
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: Of English origin, Egerton became integrated into Irish society, particularly among landowning families. The Gaelicized form, “Ó hEigeartaigh,” suggests links to a warrior class. The name is associated with military and political figures in Ulster, many of whom played key roles in conflicts between Gaelic clans and colonial rulers.

🌲 Elwood (Ó hAilbhe)

Pronunciation: EL-wood
First recorded: 17th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: While Elwood has Old English origins, it was adopted in Ireland, especially in the west. The Gaelic form “Ó hAilbhe” is linked to the ancient Irish name “Ailbhe,” meaning “bright” or “white.” Many Elwoods were physicians and scholars, contributing to the intellectual and medical traditions of medieval Ireland.

⚔️ Emerson (Ó hImir)

Pronunciation: EM-er-son
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: Of Anglo-Saxon origin, Emerson became a notable last name in Ireland, particularly in Ulster, where the Gaelic form “Ó hImir” suggests Viking influence. The name is linked to strong maritime traditions, with several families involved in shipbuilding and naval defense. It also gained literary significance due to the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose family had Irish connections.

🏹 Enright (Mac Ionnrachtaigh)

Pronunciation: EN-right
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Munster
Meaning: “Mac Ionnrachtaigh” translates to “son of Ionnrachtach,” meaning “lawful” or “legitimate.” The Enright clan were known for their role as hereditary lawyers and land stewards in Munster. They held lands in Limerick and Clare, often serving as advisors to Gaelic chieftains. Their name signifies integrity and justice.

🛡️ Everard (Éibhearard)

Pronunciation: EV-er-ard
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Leinster
Meaning: Originally of Norman origin, Everard became an established name in Ireland, particularly among merchant families. “Éibhearard” suggests a connection to “Éibhear,” an ancient Milesian ancestor in Irish mythology. The name is linked to influential figures in politics and trade, with some Everards serving as mayors and officials in medieval Kilkenny.

📖 Eviston (Mac Uiginn)

Pronunciation: EV-iss-ton
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Connacht
Meaning: This last name, derived from the Norman name “Euston,” was Gaelicized as “Mac Uiginn,” meaning “descendant of the Viking.” It reflects the Norse-Gaelic blend in Connacht, where the name was associated with scribes and poets. The Eviston family contributed to the preservation of Gaelic literature and were among the last professional poets before English influence grew.

🎻 Elliott (Ó hEilí)

Pronunciation: EL-ee-ut
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: While Elliott is a Scottish Border name, it became deeply rooted in Ulster due to migrations. The Gaelic form “Ó hEilí” is associated with musical and artistic traditions, as many Elliott families were known for their contributions to Irish folk music. The name remains prominent in Northern Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

📜 Edmondson (Mac Éamoinn)

Pronunciation: ED-mund-sun
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: A name of Anglo-Norman origin, Edmondson comes from the given name “Edmund,” meaning “protector of prosperity.” It was Gaelicized as “Mac Éamoinn” and became established in Ireland through English and Scottish settlers, particularly in Ulster. Some branches of the family became influential landowners, while others integrated into Gaelic society. The name is still common in Northern Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

🏰 Eardley (Ó hEardlaith)

Pronunciation: ARD-lee
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Leinster
Meaning: Eardley likely derives from the Old English “eard,” meaning “land” or “homestead.” The Gaelicized form “Ó hEardlaith” suggests an adaptation of the name among Irish-speaking families. The name appears in historical records linked to merchant families in Dublin and Kilkenny. Over time, it became associated with nobility, with some members rising to prominence in politics and trade.

🌿 Elliffe (Ó hAilbhe)

Pronunciation: EL-if
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Connacht
Meaning: Derived from the Irish name “Ailbhe,” meaning “bright” or “noble,” Elliffe was traditionally associated with families in western Ireland. It was borne by scholars and poets in Gaelic Ireland, reflecting a connection to learning and artistry. Though less common today, the name retains a strong historical presence in records from Roscommon and Mayo.

⚔️ Etheridge (Ó hEitigh)

Pronunciation: ETH-er-idge
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Munster
Meaning: This last name originates from the Old English “Eadric,” meaning “prosperous ruler.” The Gaelicized form “Ó hEitigh” was used by families who settled in Ireland following the Norman invasion. Etheridge families were known for their military service, particularly in Munster, where they fought alongside both Gaelic and Anglo-Irish lords in various conflicts.

🛡️ Eames (Ó hÉimh)

Pronunciation: EEMZ
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: Eames is derived from the medieval name “Eames” or “Eamon,” a variation of “Éimh,” meaning “swift” or “energetic.” The Ó hÉimh family was historically linked to warriors and messengers in Gaelic Ireland. Some later generations became influential merchants, particularly in Belfast and Derry, where the name remains common today.

Every Irish name has a meaning, a legacy, and a deep cultural significance, so take a look at our vast collection of first and last names to find one that speaks to you.