Ireland’s last names tell stories of warriors, sea raiders, scholars, and landowners, with names like Ivors and Innish tracing their roots to Norse settlers and early Gaelic families. Some were tied to legendary kings, others to ancient trade routes or the guardians of monasteries. The last names we’ve explored here all carry deep historical weight, but one, in particular, stands out for its fascinating mix of mythology, history, and enduring Irish legacy.

Our Irish name archives cover everything from surnames to themed first-name lists—why not explore our selection of Irish first names beginning with I?

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Authentic Irish Last Names that Start with I

⭐ Our Favourite: Ivors (Ó hÍomhair)

Pronunciation: EYE-vors
First recorded: 12th century
Meaning: This last name has strong Norse-Gaelic origins, coming from Ó hÍomhair, meaning “descendant of Íomhar,” a name linked to the Old Norse “Ívarr,” which translates to “bow warrior” or “yew tree.” The yew tree was prized for crafting longbows, making this name particularly tied to warriors and defenders. The Ivors family became well established in Limerick, where they held land and military influence. Their legacy is intertwined with Ireland’s Viking past and Gaelic resilience.
Why it’s our favourite: Ivors captures the essence of Ireland’s mixed Norse and Gaelic heritage. It’s a last name with both warrior strength and historical depth, representing an era where Vikings became part of Irish society. The connection to archery and battle makes it a name that echoes power, while its survival into modern times speaks to its lasting importance in Ireland’s story.

🔥 Igoe (Ó hAodha)

Pronunciation: EYE-go
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Connacht
Meaning: Ó hAodha means “descendant of Aodh,” with Aodh being a common personal name derived from the Old Irish word for “fire.” This last name was widely found in Connacht, particularly in Mayo and Roscommon, where the Ó hAodha family held positions as chiefs and warriors. The name’s connection to fire may symbolize strength or divine power. Over time, it anglicized into forms like Igoe, Hughes, and McHugh.

⚔️ Irwin (Ó hEireamhóin)

Pronunciation: UR-win
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: Derived from the Gaelic Ó hEireamhóin, meaning “descendant of Eireamhón,” this last name is believed to trace back to Eireamhón, a legendary Milesian king of Ireland. The Irwin name has strong ties to the northern province of Ulster, where it became prominent among Gaelic chieftains and later Scottish settlers. Some Irwins became notable landowners, particularly in counties Antrim and Tyrone. The name is also found in Scotland, leading to debate over its dual Gaelic and Scottish roots.

🏹 Ivory (Ó hÍbhre)

Pronunciation: EYE-vor-ee
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Wexford
Meaning: Thought to derive from the Gaelic Ó hÍbhre, meaning “descendant of Íbhre,” this name is relatively rare and likely linked to Old Irish words for “yew tree” or “archer.” The last name is mostly found in Wexford and Kilkenny, where it may have connections to early Norman families who integrated into Gaelic society. The use of “ivory” as a last name in English may have also arisen from trade links with craftsmen working with ivory goods.

⚓ Iffland (Mac Íomhair)

Pronunciation: IF-land
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Waterford
Meaning: Mac Íomhair, meaning “son of Íomhar,” is another last name of Norse origin, tied to the Viking settlers who arrived in Ireland during the early medieval period. The name is derived from Ívarr, meaning “warrior of the sea,” and was historically associated with seafaring clans in Waterford, a key Viking stronghold. Although Iffland is a rare anglicization, it represents the strong Scandinavian influence in Ireland’s southeastern coastal regions.

🛡️ Ivers (Ó hÍomhair)

Pronunciation: IV-ers
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Limerick
Meaning: A name of Norse origin, Ó hÍomhair is linked to the Old Norse personal name Ívarr, meaning “bow warrior” or “yew wood,” referencing the yew tree often used in making longbows. The Ivers last name became common in Limerick and surrounding counties, particularly among families with Viking ancestry who settled in Ireland. Over time, the name adapted to Gaelic customs, with the Ó prefix signifying “descendant of.” The Ivers family was historically associated with maritime trade and warrior clans, reflecting their Viking heritage.

🏴‍☠️ Irvine (Ó hEireamhóin)

Pronunciation: UR-vin
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Donegal
Meaning: Similar to Irwin, Irvine derives from Ó hEireamhóin, but the Irvine spelling was more commonly adopted by Gaelic families in Donegal and parts of Scotland. Some theories suggest a connection to the River Irvine in Scotland, reinforcing links between Gaelic Irish and Scottish clans. The Irvine family was known for their role in trade and military leadership, particularly during the medieval period.

🏔️ Inehan (Ó hAonacháin)

Pronunciation: IN-uh-han
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: Ó hAonacháin may be derived from “aonach,” meaning “gathering” or “fair,” suggesting that the original bearers were associated with marketplaces or festivals. The last name was most common in Galway and Clare, where its holders were known for their involvement in local governance and trade. The name’s meaning hints at a historical role in organizing community events or serving as merchants in bustling trade centers.

Last Names with a Strong Irish Influence

⛪ Inerney (Mac an Airchinnigh)

Pronunciation: in-ER-nee
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Clare
Meaning: Mac an Airchinnigh translates to “son of the erenagh,” referring to a hereditary church steward or lay abbot responsible for monastic lands. This last name was particularly common in County Clare, where members of the family held religious and administrative positions in medieval times. The name evolved into variations like MacInerney, often associated with scholars, scribes, and those who played a role in maintaining early Christian monasteries in Ireland.

🌊 Imlagh (Ó hImleach)

Pronunciation: IM-lah
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Tipperary
Meaning: The last name Ó hImleach comes from “Imleach,” meaning “a borderland or marshy area,” indicating that early bearers of the name lived near water or wetlands. This last name was particularly common in Munster, with a presence in Tipperary and Limerick. The name may have originally referred to stewards of lands or individuals who managed river crossings and trade routes.

Irish names are more than just words; they are a reflection of Ireland’s deep-rooted history, so browse through our collections of first and last names to uncover their true meaning.