Ireland’s last names tell the story of its history, from the native Gaelic families to the Norman, Scottish, and even Huguenot influences that shaped the country. Names like Mac an Bhreitheamh (Judge) reflect the learned classes of medieval Ireland, while Mac Sheoinín (Jennings) shows how Norman families integrated into Gaelic society. Some, like Joly, arrived centuries later, bringing a different cultural influence. Among them, one name stands out as a perfect blend of history, meaning, and deep Irish roots.

We’ve categorized Irish names in various ways, from surname histories to themed first-name lists. You may also enjoy our collection of Irish first names that start with J.

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Authentic Irish Last Names that Start with J

⭐ Our Favourite: Joyce (Seoighe)

Pronunciation: JOYSS
First recorded: 1086
Meaning: Originally from the Norman name “Jodocus,” meaning “lord” or “warrior,” Joyce was brought to Ireland by Welsh-Norman settlers in the 12th century. The family quickly established itself in Connemara, particularly in the rugged region now known as Joyce Country. They became one of the influential ‘Tribes of Galway,’ shaping the city’s trade and governance. The name was Gaelicized as Seoighe, blending seamlessly into Irish heritage. One of Ireland’s most famous literary figures, James Joyce, carried this name, securing its place in history.
Why it’s our favourite: Joyce is a rare example of a name that transitioned fully into Irish culture while maintaining its distinct legacy. Its ties to both medieval merchant families and one of Ireland’s greatest writers make it a name with both depth and distinction. Plus, Joyce Country in Galway remains one of the most scenic and historically rich parts of Ireland, further grounding this last name in Irish identity.

Last Names with a Strong Irish Influence

🌊 Jordan (Mac Siúrtáin)

Pronunciation: JOR-dan
First recorded: 1193
Region: Meath

Meaning: Originally a Norman name, Jordan comes from the given name “Jordanus,” referring to the River Jordan in the Holy Land. It was commonly given to Crusaders or pilgrims returning from the Middle East. The Mac Siúrtáin family established itself in Ireland after the Norman invasion, particularly in Meath and surrounding areas. Over time, the last name became fully integrated into Gaelic society. The name remains widespread in Ireland today, with branches found in Connacht and Leinster.

⚖️ Judge (Mac an Bhreitheamh)

Pronunciation: JUHJ
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: Derived from the Irish word breitheamh, meaning “judge” or “arbiter,” the last name was originally a hereditary title for legal professionals in Gaelic Ireland. The Mac an Bhreitheamh family was historically associated with the learned classes and served as legal advisors to chieftains, particularly in Connacht. Over time, many members of the family transitioned from law to commerce, particularly in Galway. The name remains most common in western Ireland today.

🛡️ Jennings (Mac Sheoinín)

Pronunciation: JEN-ingz
First recorded: 1235
Region: Mayo
Meaning: Jennings is an anglicization of Mac Sheoinín, meaning “descendant of little John.” The family traces its roots to Norman settlers who arrived in Ireland in the 13th century. By the 16th century, they had fully assimilated into Gaelic culture, particularly in Connacht. A famous bearer of the name was Sir Patrick Jennings, an Irish-Australian politician who became Premier of New South Wales. The name remains most common in Mayo and Galway.

🌀 Jinks (Mac Sheoinín)

Pronunciation: JINKS
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Roscommon
Meaning: A variation of Jennings, Jinks derives from Mac Sheoinín. The name was most commonly found in Roscommon and Galway, where it was borne by families who descended from Norman settlers but later adopted Irish customs. The last name is relatively rare today, but it has an interesting presence in Irish-American communities. It also gave rise to the phrase “high jinks,” referring to playful or mischievous behavior.

🏰 Johnston (Mac Eoin or Ó Seánáin)

Pronunciation: JOHN-stun
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: Though Johnston originates in Scotland, it became common in Ireland, especially in Ulster, following the Plantation period. Many Irish Johnstons descend from Scottish settlers, but some also hail from native Gaelic families who anglicized their names as Mac Eoin or Ó Seánáin. The name is associated with several prominent families, particularly in Antrim and Fermanagh. It remains one of the most common last names in Northern Ireland today.

⚔️ Johnson (Mac Seáin or Ó Seáin)

Pronunciation: JOHN-sun
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Ulster
Meaning: While Johnson is primarily an English last name, it was also adopted by some Gaelic families as an anglicization of Mac Seáin or Ó Seáin, meaning “descendant of Seán (John).” It became especially prominent in Ulster, where Scottish Johnsons settled in large numbers during the 17th century. The name is common worldwide, with famous bearers like American President Andrew Johnson and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

🎭 Joly (No direct Irish equivalent)

Pronunciation: ZHOH-lee
First recorded: 1692
Region: Dublin
Meaning: Joly is a French Huguenot last name that became established in Ireland following the arrival of Protestant refugees fleeing persecution in France. The Jolys settled primarily in Dublin and Waterford, where they became successful merchants and landowners. A notable bearer was Henry Joly, a 19th-century Irish naturalist. While less common today, the name remains a reminder of Ireland’s diverse historical influences.

🏇 Jacques (Mac Seáin or Mac Shéamais)

Pronunciation: ZHAK
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Leinster
Meaning: Originally of Norman and French origin, Jacques was brought to Ireland by the Old English—descendants of medieval Anglo-Norman settlers. It became Gaelicized as Mac Seáin or Mac Shéamais, meaning “son of John or James.” The name was historically associated with Anglo-Irish gentry, particularly in Leinster. Though rare today, it occasionally appears in families of French descent who settled in Ireland during the 17th century.

Journey through Ireland’s rich linguistic and cultural past by exploring our handpicked lists of Irish first and last names, each carrying a story from generations before us.