Irish last names carry centuries of history, reflecting everything from warrior clans to monastic traditions. Some, like Kinsellagh and Kirwan, trace their origins to powerful Gaelic families, while others, such as Kyne, hint at Ireland’s deep connection to the land. Among all the names explored here, one stands out as particularly rich in meaning, heritage, and storytelling.

Our Irish name collections are organized by theme, including both first and last names. If you’re looking for something specific, check out our list of first names starting with K.

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Authentic Irish Last Names that Start with K

⭐ Our Favourite: Kinsellagh (Ó Cinnsealach)

Pronunciation: kin-SELL-ah
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Wexford
Meaning: “Ó Cinnsealach” means “descendant of Cinnsealach,” which itself means “proud” or “headstrong.” The Kinsellagh family were one of the ruling Gaelic families of Leinster, particularly in Wexford, where they played a significant role in resisting Norman expansion. Some members of this clan later became known as Kinsella, a name still common in Ireland today. Their legacy includes strongholds and military alliances that shaped the region’s history.
Why it’s our favourite: Kinsellagh is a last name with real weight. It represents resilience, leadership, and a connection to one of Ireland’s most influential medieval families. The name carries the defiant spirit of Gaelic Ireland, standing firm against invaders while leaving a lasting mark on Wexford’s history. It’s a name that tells a story of power, ambition, and survival.

🏰 Kinnane (Ó Cinnéide)

Pronunciation: kih-NAN
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Clare, Tipperary
Meaning: Derived from the Irish “Ó Cinnéide,” meaning “descendant of Cinnéidigh,” this last name is linked to Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Cinnéidigh means “helmeted head” or “warrior chief,” reflecting the martial prowess of the family. The Kinnanes were historically associated with the Dál gCais, a powerful group in Munster. Over time, the name became more common in Clare and Tipperary, where families of the name remained influential.

🌳 Kitterick (Mac an Chnoic)

Pronunciation: KIT-er-ick
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Galway, Mayo
Meaning: Meaning “son of the hill,” the name “Mac an Chnoic” suggests a family that lived near or owned land on a significant hill or raised area. This last name was historically found among the Gaelic nobility of Connacht, particularly in County Galway and parts of Mayo. The Kitterick family were known as landholders and cattle farmers, often involved in disputes over territory. While rarer today, the name retains a strong regional identity in the west of Ireland.

🔥 Keary (Ó Ciardha)

Pronunciation: KEER-ee
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Meath, Westmeath
Meaning: “Ó Ciardha” means “descendant of Ciardha,” where “Ciardha” comes from “ciar,” meaning “dark” or “swarthy.” The Keary family were originally chiefs of a territory in what is now County Meath. They were warriors known for their resilience against Norman invaders. Some members of the family later migrated westward into Westmeath. The name has evolved into variants like Carey, but Keary remains distinct in its historical ties to Ireland’s medieval ruling clans.

🌾 Kilcline (Mac an Chluain)

Pronunciation: kil-KLINE
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Roscommon
Meaning: “Mac an Chluain” translates to “son of the meadow” or “son of the retreat,” possibly referring to a family who lived near fertile land or monastic settlements. The Kilclines were recorded as an important farming family in County Roscommon. Their name suggests an association with the land, and historical records mention them as tenants of large agricultural estates during the 17th century. Although rare, Kilcline remains a unique last name tied closely to Roscommon’s rural past.

🌿 Kilcullen (Ó Cill Chuilinn)

Pronunciation: kil-KUL-in
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Kildare, Wicklow
Meaning: “Ó Cill Chuilinn” means “descendant of the church of holly.” The name likely refers to an ancestor who lived near a holy site or monastery surrounded by holly trees. Kilcullen is also the name of a town in County Kildare, further cementing its historical significance. Families with this last name were connected to ecclesiastical settlements in Leinster, suggesting a possible clerical heritage. The name endures in both place and last name form.

⚫ Kilduff (Mac Giolla Dhuibh)

Pronunciation: kil-DUFF
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Offaly, Westmeath
Meaning: “Mac Giolla Dhuibh” translates to “son of the dark-haired servant.” This last name suggests descent from an ancestor known for their dark hair or complexion. The Kilduffs were traditionally found in the midlands of Ireland, particularly in Offaly and Westmeath, where they were associated with Gaelic chieftains and land ownership. The name is still relatively common, and its meaning hints at a distinctive physical trait that marked the family in historical records.

😆 Kilgarriff (Mac Giolla Gháire)

Pronunciation: kil-GAR-if
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Galway, Mayo
Meaning: “Mac Giolla Gháire” means “son of the servant of laughter.” This unusual name suggests that the original bearer was known for humor, wit, or possibly for entertaining a chieftain’s household. Kilgarriff families were most commonly found in Galway and Mayo, where some members became poets and storytellers. The last name has remained distinctive, albeit rare, and carries a lighthearted legacy in its meaning.

⛪ Kilheaney (Ó Cill Chéinigh)

Pronunciation: kil-HEE-nee
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Limerick, Clare
Meaning: “Ó Cill Chéinigh” means “descendant of the church of Cianach.” The name indicates an ancestral connection to a monastery or early Christian site, likely linked to Saint Cianach. The Kilheaney name was most prominent in Limerick and Clare, where families with this last name held land near religious settlements. It is one of the rarer Irish last names today but retains a strong historical association with Ireland’s early Christian heritage.

⚔️ Kilian (Ó Cillín)

Pronunciation: KILL-ee-an
First recorded: 7th century
Region: Cavan, Longford
Meaning: “Ó Cillín” means “descendant of Cillín,” derived from the Irish word for “little church.” This last name is closely linked to Saint Kilian, an Irish missionary who traveled to Germany and became a martyr. The Kilian family name is most common in Cavan and Longford, where early records show a concentration of this lineage. Over time, it became a given name as well, popularized across Europe due to the saint’s influence.

🏡 Killacky (Ó Cill Achaidh)

Pronunciation: kil-ACK-ee
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Leitrim, Sligo
Meaning: “Ó Cill Achaidh” translates to “descendant of the church of the field.” This name suggests that the family originally lived near a rural church or religious settlement surrounded by farmland. The Killacky last name has been historically associated with Leitrim and Sligo, where records indicate families involved in both farming and religious life. While rare today, it preserves a strong connection to Ireland’s agrarian and monastic past.

🏡 Killane (Ó Cilláin)

Pronunciation: kil-AN
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Limerick, Clare
Meaning: “Ó Cilláin” means “descendant of Cillán,” derived from the word “cill,” meaning “church.” The last name likely originates from a monastic settlement or an ancestor associated with a religious site. The Killane family were landholders in Limerick and Clare, where they maintained connections to the ecclesiastical communities of the medieval period. The name remains a rare but historically significant last name in these areas.

🔥 Killoran (Mac Giolla Luaithrinn)

Pronunciation: kil-OR-an
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Sligo, Roscommon
Meaning: “Mac Giolla Luaithrinn” means “son of the servant of Luaithrinn,” an old Irish name possibly linked to fire or ashes (“luaith” meaning “ashes”). The last name was found among Gaelic clans in Sligo and Roscommon, where the Killorans were known for their resilience and strategic alliances. Some members of the family were recorded as poets and historians in medieval Ireland. The name remains relatively uncommon but retains strong ties to the west of Ireland.

⚔️ Kilmeade (Mac Giolla Míde)

Pronunciation: kil-MEED
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Kildare
Meaning: “Mac Giolla Míde” translates to “son of the servant of Míde,” referring to the ancient kingdom of Meath. This suggests that the family had historical ties to the political and ecclesiastical structures of the region. Kilmeades were recorded as landholders and warriors in Kildare, defending territory against Norman incursions. Though less common today, the name still carries a connection to Ireland’s medieval past.

🌿 Kilnane (Ó Cill Náinne)

Pronunciation: kil-NAN
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Galway, Clare
Meaning: “Ó Cill Náinne” means “descendant of the church of Náinne.” The Náinne referenced may have been a local saint or holy figure. The Kilnane family were traditionally associated with Galway and Clare, where their lands were centered around ancient religious sites. They were known for their patronage of monastic communities. While rare today, the last name has deep roots in Ireland’s religious and rural history.

⛪ Kilshane (Ó Cill Seáin)

Pronunciation: kil-SHANE
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Tipperary, Limerick
Meaning: “Ó Cill Seáin” means “descendant of the church of John,” indicating a likely connection to an early Christian settlement dedicated to Saint John. The Kilshane name appears in medieval records relating to the monastic lands of Tipperary and Limerick. Families with this name were often involved in religious or administrative roles within the church. The name is also preserved in Kilshane House, a historic estate in Tipperary.

🌊 Kiltrane (Ó Cill Tráin)

Pronunciation: kil-TRANE
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Donegal, Mayo
Meaning: “Ó Cill Tráin” translates to “descendant of the church of Tráin.” The meaning of “Tráin” is uncertain but may refer to an early saint or settlement by a river or waterway. The Kiltrane family were primarily based in Donegal and Mayo, where they maintained lands along coastal and river regions. Their history is linked to maritime trade and fishing communities, making them an integral part of the west of Ireland’s coastal heritage.

🏔️ Knockton (Ó Cnocáin)

Pronunciation: NOK-ton
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Kerry, Galway
Meaning: “Ó Cnocáin” means “descendant of the little hill.” This last name likely refers to a family who lived near or owned land on a prominent hill or ridge. The Knockton name is most associated with Kerry and Galway, where many early records mention them as farmers and landholders. The name remains a rare but recognizable Irish last name, deeply tied to the landscape.

Last Names with a Strong Irish Influence

🌊 Kanavan (Ó Canabháin)

Pronunciation: KAN-ah-van
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Galway, Mayo
Meaning: “Ó Canabháin” comes from “canabhán,” meaning “little whelp” or possibly linked to “canabhas,” meaning “canvas” or “hemp.” This could suggest a connection to weaving or maritime trade. The Kanavan name was historically found in Galway and Mayo, where families were involved in fishing and trade along the western coast. Though less common today, the name carries echoes of Ireland’s seafaring heritage.

🔥 Kavan (Ó Caomháin)

Pronunciation: KAV-an
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Wexford, Kilkenny
Meaning: “Ó Caomháin” means “descendant of Caomhán,” derived from “caomh,” meaning “gentle” or “noble.” It is linked to Saint Caomhán, an early Irish holy figure. The Kavan family were historically landowners in Wexford and Kilkenny, with records showing their presence in medieval Gaelic society. The name evolved into variants like Kavanagh, with many of its bearers playing significant roles in Ireland’s resistance against English rule.

🍀 Keavey (Ó Caoimhín)

Pronunciation: KEEV-ee
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Roscommon, Sligo
Meaning: “Ó Caoimhín” means “descendant of Caoimhín,” related to the given name Kevin, meaning “gentle birth.” The last name is connected to Saint Kevin of Glendalough, an influential early Irish saint. The Keavey family were primarily found in Roscommon and Sligo, where they were known as farmers and local leaders. Though the last name is less common today, its roots tie it closely to Ireland’s spiritual and rural traditions.

🌿 Keely (Ó Caolaidhe)

Pronunciation: KEE-lee
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Offaly, Meath
Meaning: “Ó Caolaidhe” means “descendant of the slender one,” possibly referring to an ancestor known for their thin build or agility. The Keely family were found in Offaly and Meath, where they were associated with the Gaelic military tradition. Some members became mercenaries known as “gallowglasses,” fighting for Irish and Scottish lords. Today, the name is rare but retains its strong Gaelic heritage.

🏰 Keever (Ó Caoimh)

Pronunciation: KEE-ver
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Westmeath, Longford
Meaning: “Ó Caoimh” means “descendant of Caoimh,” meaning “gentle” or “kind.” Historically, the Keever family were associated with landholding and legal professions in medieval Ireland. The name is closely linked to the larger Ó Caoimh (O’Keeffe) family, though it developed as a distinct variation. Keever is still found in Ireland today, though it has also become more common as an anglicized last name abroad.

⚔️ Kelaghan (Ó Céileacháin)

Pronunciation: KEL-a-han
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Westmeath, Cavan
Meaning: “Ó Céileacháin” means “descendant of Céileachán,” derived from “céile,” meaning “companion” or “warrior.” This last name was common in the midlands, where Kelaghan families were recorded as chieftains and military leaders. Some members later became noted horse breeders, supplying mounts for Irish lords. Though now rare, Kelaghan carries a strong martial and noble heritage.

🌊 Kelan (Ó Caoileáin)

Pronunciation: KELL-an
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Limerick, Clare
Meaning: “Ó Caoileáin” means “descendant of Caoileán,” derived from “caoil,” meaning “slender” or “narrow.” The Kelan name is historically found in Limerick and Clare, where the family were connected to coastal communities. Some were involved in river and sea navigation, serving as pilots and traders. Today, the name is rare but has left its mark in Ireland’s maritime history.

🛡️ Kelehan (Ó Céileacháin)

Pronunciation: KEL-a-han
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Galway, Clare
Meaning: Another form of “Ó Céileacháin,” this last name means “descendant of Céileachán.” The name is associated with the west of Ireland, where the Kelehan family were known for their role as hereditary keepers of local lords’ estates. Some members of the family became scribes and poets, preserving Irish folklore and history. Though rare today, it remains a name with deep literary and noble ties.

📜 Kenefick (Ó Cionnaithbhig)

Pronunciation: KEN-uh-fick
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Cork, Waterford
Meaning: “Ó Cionnaithbhig” means “descendant of little Cionnaith,” where “Cionnaith” was an old Irish name meaning “born of fire.” The Keneficks were a prominent family in Munster, particularly in Cork, where they served as advisors and landholders under the Gaelic system. Some later became known for their involvement in politics and trade. The name is still found in Cork today.

🐺 Kenelley (Ó Cinnfhaolaidh)

Pronunciation: ken-ELL-ee
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Limerick, Kerry
Meaning: “Ó Cinnfhaolaidh” means “descendant of the head of the wolf,” from “cinn” (head) and “faol” (wolf). This last name suggests a family known for leadership or an association with wolves, which were once common in Ireland. The Kenelleys were historically found in Limerick and Kerry, where they served as warriors and landowners. Today, the name remains rare but carries a strong and noble Gaelic legacy.

⚔️ Kennon (Ó Cionnaith)

Pronunciation: KEN-on
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Ulster, Donegal
Meaning: “Ó Cionnaith” means “descendant of Cionnaith,” where “Cionnaith” is believed to be derived from a word meaning “born of fire” or “fierce warrior.” The Kennon family were historically found in Ulster, where they were involved in political struggles between Gaelic clans and Norman settlers. Though the name is more commonly seen in Scotland today, its origins and influence in Ireland remain significant.

🏰 Kenny (Ó Cionnaoith)

Pronunciation: KEN-ee
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Roscommon, Galway
Meaning: “Ó Cionnaoith” means “descendant of Cionnaoith,” a name thought to mean “born of fire” or “lordly one.” The Kenny family were powerful in Connacht, particularly in Roscommon and Galway, where they served as chieftains. Over the centuries, they became landowners, clergy, and scholars, contributing to Irish political and religious history. The name remains widespread today, both in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

🌿 Kernan (Ó Ciarnaigh)

Pronunciation: KER-nan
First recorded: 11th century
Region: Monaghan, Armagh
Meaning: “Ó Ciarnaigh” means “descendant of Ciarnaigh,” derived from “ciar,” meaning “dark” or “black.” The Kernans were prominent in Ulster, where they held lands and played roles in regional conflicts. Some branches of the family became involved in trade and politics, particularly in Monaghan and Armagh. Today, the name is still found in the northern counties of Ireland.

🔥 Kieran (Ó Ciaráin)

Pronunciation: KEER-an
First recorded: 9th century
Region: Offaly, Meath
Meaning: “Ó Ciaráin” means “descendant of Ciarán,” a diminutive of “Ciar,” meaning “dark-haired.” The name is strongly linked to Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most revered early saints. The Kieran family were associated with monastic communities and scholarly traditions. While commonly used as a first name today, Kieran as a last name retains its deep historical and religious significance.

🌊 Kirrane (Ó Ciaráin)

Pronunciation: KIR-ran
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Mayo, Galway
Meaning: Another variant of “Ó Ciaráin,” Kirrane is a last name primarily found in Mayo and Galway. The family were known for their maritime connections, with some serving as traders and shipbuilders along the west coast. Their history is intertwined with the seafaring culture of Connacht, and they played a role in defending Irish coastal settlements from Viking and later Norman incursions.

🏆 Kirwan (Ó Ciardhubháin)

Pronunciation: KIR-wan
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: “Ó Ciardhubháin” means “descendant of Ciardhubhán,” derived from “ciar” (dark) and “dubh” (black). The Kirwan family were one of the famous “Tribes of Galway,” a group of wealthy merchant families who dominated trade and politics in the city. They were known for their involvement in commerce, banking, and civic leadership. The name still carries prestige, particularly in Galway, where Kirwans were instrumental in shaping the city’s history.

⛪ Kivlehan (Ó Ciabhleacháin)

Pronunciation: KIV-le-han
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Sligo, Leitrim
Meaning: “Ó Ciabhleacháin” is thought to be derived from “ciabh,” meaning “long-haired” or “flowing locks.” The Kivlehans were traditionally found in Sligo and Leitrim, where they were known as bards and poets. This family’s history suggests an association with storytelling and oral tradition, making them a significant part of Ireland’s literary heritage. Though rare today, the last name is still found in the northwest.

🌾 Kyne (Ó Cadhain)

Pronunciation: KYNE
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: “Ó Cadhain” means “descendant of Cadhan,” a name possibly linked to the Irish word for “wild goose” (cadhan), symbolizing a nomadic or wandering nature. The Kyne family were historically found in Galway, where they were known as landowners and warriors. Some records suggest they were involved in seasonal cattle raiding, a common practice in Gaelic Ireland. The name remains closely associated with western Ireland.

⚡ Kyron (Ó Ciaráin)

Pronunciation: KY-run
First recorded: 10th century
Region: Westmeath, Longford
Meaning: Another form of “Ó Ciaráin,” Kyron is a rare but historically significant last name. The Kyron family were known for their involvement in medieval Gaelic governance and scholarship. Some members became advisors to Gaelic lords, while others entered religious life. The name is much rarer today but still carries echoes of its scholarly and noble past.

Looking for the perfect Irish name? Whether you want a classic first name or a surname steeped in history, our extensive lists will help you find one that truly stands out.