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Ireland’s last names are steeped in history, carrying stories of warriors, poets, and adventurers. Names like Whelan and Woulfe echo Ireland’s wild landscapes, while Warde and Whitmore reflect the island’s long ties to nobility and literature. Each name has its own path, shaped by migration, conquest, and resilience. But one stands out as particularly unique and deeply Irish.
Explore our extensive collection of Irish names, from themed lists of first and last names to specific guides like Irish first names starting with W.
Pronunciation: WAR-d
First recorded: 13th century
Meaning: “Son of the bard,” this name belonged to a celebrated lineage of poets and historians. The Mac an Bhaird clan served as hereditary bards, composing praise poetry for Gaelic chieftains and preserving Irish oral traditions. Fearghal Óg Mac an Bhaird was one of the last great Gaelic poets, capturing Ireland’s spirit in verse.
Why it’s our favourite: Few last names capture the essence of Irish culture like Warde. It represents not just a name but a role in society—keepers of history, storytellers, and defenders of tradition. In a land where storytelling is as revered as battle, the Mac an Bhaird family held immense influence. The name’s connection to poetry, history, and the preservation of Irish identity makes it one of the most fascinating last names.
Pronunciation: WAY-lun
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Waterford
Meaning: Derived from faol, meaning “wolf,” Whelan signifies a warrior-like or strong-willed lineage. The Ó Faoláin family was a powerful dynasty in Waterford and Leinster, producing notable chieftains. Richard Whelan was a key figure in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The name remains common in Ireland today, symbolizing resilience and leadership.
🍀 Hundreds of Irish First Names
🍀 Irish First Names Starting with W
Pronunciation: WAWL-sh
First recorded: 1170
Region: Kilkenny
Meaning: Meaning “Welshman,” this last name was given to the Cambro-Norman settlers who arrived in Ireland with Strongbow. The Walsh family became influential in Kilkenny and Mayo, known for their military prowess. Poet Edward Walsh and Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton (whose mother was a Walsh) are among the many distinguished bearers.
Pronunciation: WAR-d
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Donegal
Meaning: Meaning “son of the bard,” this last name reflects a family of poets and historians. The Mac an Bhaird clan were renowned as professional bards for Gaelic nobility, preserving Ireland’s oral traditions. Poet Fearghal Óg Mac an Bhaird was a famed 17th-century writer. The name signifies wisdom and artistic heritage.
Pronunciation: RAF-ter
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Offaly
Meaning: Derived from reachtaire, meaning “herald” or “public speaker,” this name likely referred to an official responsible for announcements in Gaelic society. The Wrafters were prominent in County Offaly, though the last name is now rare. Its association with orators suggests a lineage of persuasive and influential figures.
Pronunciation: WELL-uh-han
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Westmeath
Meaning: Related to faol (wolf) or faolán (small wolf), but also linked to faoileán, meaning “seagull.” This name may have belonged to a coastal family known for seafaring or fishing. The Whelahans were historically found in Westmeath and Offaly, often serving as landowners and traders.
Pronunciation: WO-gun
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Meath
Meaning: Derived from óg, meaning “young” or “warrior,” Wogan is linked to a Norman-Welsh family that settled in Meath. The Wogans were influential in medieval Ireland, serving as knights and landowners. Sir John Wogan was a Justiciar of Ireland in the 13th century. The name carries connotations of nobility and strength.
W
Pronunciation: WIN
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: From gaoth, meaning “wind,” this last name may indicate a swift-moving or clever lineage. The Ó Gaoithín clan was associated with Galway, particularly among seafaring families. It suggests an adaptive and intelligent nature, fitting for a name linked to the untamed Irish coastline.
Pronunciation: WOOLF
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Limerick
Meaning: An Anglicized Norman last name meaning “wolf,” Woulfe was likely an epithet for a fierce warrior. The de Bhulbh family settled in Limerick and Clare, becoming known for their loyalty to Gaelic and Norman-Irish lords. The name remains symbolic of tenacity and independence, much like the wolf it represents.
Pronunciation: WAHL
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Kilkenny
Meaning: A Norman-Irish last name from the Old French de Val (“of the valley”), Wall became prominent in Kilkenny and Waterford. The family gained influence through military service and land ownership. Notably, they remained Catholic landholders despite Cromwellian confiscations. Today, the name is still found across Ireland, symbolizing resilience and heritage.
Pronunciation: WELL-dun
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Meath
Meaning: Of Norman origin, this last name is linked to the de Véldún family, who settled in Ireland after the Anglo-Norman invasion. Weldons became known for their military service, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. Sir Anthony Weldon, a descendant, was a noted historian. The name is associated with strength and strategic influence.
Pronunciation: REN
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Westmeath
Meaning: Originally from braon, meaning “descendant of Braon” (a personal name meaning sorrow or moisture), Wrenn evolved from the native Irish Ó Braoin sept. Some families later adopted the English spelling due to British rule. Wrenn families were known for their leadership in the midlands, and the name carries a legacy of endurance and adaptability.
Pronunciation: WHIT-ee
First recorded: 1170
Region: Wexford
Meaning: Of Norman-Welsh origin, the de Faoite family settled in Wexford after the Norman invasion. The name is linked to the Old English hwit (white), possibly referencing a fair-haired ancestor. Whitty families thrived as merchants and seafarers in Ireland’s southeastern coast. The last name remains strong in Wexford today.
Pronunciation: RIK-sun
First recorded: 16th century
Region: Cork
Meaning: Derived from the Norse name Ríocán, meaning “little king,” Wrixon is of Viking-Gaelic origin. It became more common in Cork, where some families Anglicized their names during English rule. Wrixons were involved in politics and military affairs, reflecting their name’s royal connotations.
Pronunciation: WILD
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: “Son of the foreigner” (Mac an Ghaill), this last name suggests descent from Norman or English settlers who assimilated into Irish culture. The Wylde family became landowners in Connacht. Some descendants emigrated during the 19th century, particularly to Australia and the U.S. The name symbolizes adaptability and cross-cultural heritage.
Pronunciation: WIL-tun
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Dublin
Meaning: Likely originating from an English place name, Wilton families in Ireland were often linked to Anglo-Irish gentry. Some branches, particularly in Dublin, remained influential into the 19th century. While rare today, Wilton represents the legacy of Anglo-Irish families who integrated into Irish society.
Pronunciation: WYE-lee
First recorded: 17th century
Region: Antrim
Meaning: A Scottish-Gaelic name meaning “warrior” or “bold one,” Wylie arrived in Ulster with Scottish settlers during the Plantation era. Many Wylies became prominent in farming and trade, particularly in Antrim. The name embodies strength and determination, traits valued in Ulster’s history.
Pronunciation: WAL-drun
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Roscommon
Meaning: Of Norman origin, Waldron derives from baildrín, meaning “little stronghold.” The de Waldron family settled in Connacht, becoming involved in land disputes and military service. Many Waldrons emigrated in the 19th century, contributing to the last name’s spread in America and Australia. The name signifies protection and fortitude.
Pronunciation: WHIT-more
First recorded: 13th century
Region: Wexford
Meaning: Likely derived from the Old English hwit (white) and mor (moor or great), Whitmore was adopted by some Anglo-Norman families in Ireland. The Irish translation de Faoite Mór suggests a connection to the Whitty family in Wexford. Whitmores were landowners and merchants, particularly in Leinster. The name carries connotations of nobility and prominence.
Pronunciation: WICK-um
First recorded: 14th century
Region: Dublin
Meaning: Wickham originates from the Old English wic-ham (village by a bay or settlement), likely referring to coastal dwellings. Though an English last name, Wickhams settled in Dublin and the Pale, integrating with Anglo-Irish society. The name appears in 17th-century records of landowners and merchants. It suggests a heritage of trade and coastal living.
Pronunciation: WOODS
First recorded: 12th century
Region: Meath
Meaning: Derived from the Irish Ó Cuill, meaning “descendant of Coll” (hazel tree), Woods has both native Gaelic and Anglo-Irish origins. The Ó Cuill sept was associated with Meath and Cork, with some later Anglicizing their last name to Woods under English rule. It symbolizes connection to nature and endurance, much like the trees it references.
Pronunciation: WHIT-uh-ker
First recorded: 15th century
Region: Galway
Meaning: Likely derived from the Old English hwit acre (white field), Whitaker families arrived in Ireland as merchants and scholars. The Irish form de Faoite Óg suggests a connection to the wider Whitty lineage. Some Whitakers became influential in academia and law. The name symbolizes intellect and ambition.
Whether you’re drawn to ancient Irish names or modern Gaelic-inspired ones, our expertly curated collections of first and last names will help you explore their deep meanings and rich histories.
