Irish ancestry stretches to the far reaches of the globe. So it comes as no surprise that no matter where you go, you tend to run into classic Irish names. Here are the top 100 Irish surnames you’re bound to experience at least once in your life!
Irish surnames stand out like a sore thumb. Unique and like no other, a mere uttering of an Irish family name and you’re sure to know they hail from the Emerald Isle.
Located off the western shores of Great Britain, the small island nation packs quite a punch when it comes to its heritage. Rich in history and proud in its Celtic roots, the Irish identity is worn like
Irish family names can tell stories, too. They can reveal locations or even a family’s trade, such as a fisherman, for example.
Table of Contents
Our top fun facts about Irish surnames:
A lot of Irish surnames begin with the prefix ‘O’ (‘grandson of’) or ‘Mc’/’Mac’ (‘son of’).
Many Irish surnames have been anglicised, owing to both British rule in Ireland and the Irish diaspora in Anglophone countries.
Anglicisation isn’t the only cause of spelling variations; these are also caused by regional differences in pronunciation.
Some Irish surnames have links to specific counties or regions in Ireland.
Many surnames derive from key figures in Irish mythology.
Irish surnames today
Today, there are many different variations of Irish surnames, but most commonly, they can be divided into three categories. These include Gaelic Irish, Cambro-Norman, and Anglo-Irish last names.
For those of you wondering which Irish family names are most-popular today, your wait is finally over!
Top 100 Irish surnames
1. Murphy
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Gaelic Equivalent: ó Murchadha
Meaning: sea-battler
According to the Central Statistics Office, Murphy is consistently the most prominent surname across Ireland.
Murphy is one of the most common Irish family names and examples of famous Murphys include actors Cillian Murphy, Eddie Murphy, and Brittany Murphy.
LEARN MORE: The Ireland Before You Die Guide to the surname Murphy.
2. Kelly
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Ceallaigh
Meaning: bright-headed
Famous Kellys include actor and director Gene Kelly, 20th-century artist Ellsworth Kelly, and actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly.
READ MORE: Our guide to the surname Kelly.
3. O’Sullivan
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Súilleabháin
Meaning: dark-eyed
Famous O’Sullivans include actress Maureen O’Sullivan, actor Richard O’Sullivan, and singer Gilbert O’Sullivan.
4. Walsh
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Gaelic Equivalent: Breathnach
Meaning: Welshman
The Central Statistics Office regularly records Walsh as one of the most common surnames in Ireland.
Irish TV personality Louis Walsh, singer and Girls Aloud member Kimberley Walsh, and American actress Kate Walsh are three famous people with the surname Walsh.
LEARN MORE: The IB4UD guide to the surname Walsh.
5. Smith
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Gabhann
Meaning: son of the smith
Smith is one of the most common surnames across the world with well known Smiths such as actor Will Smith, actress Maggie Smith, and singer-songwriter Patti Smith all having the popular Irish surname.
RELATED READ: Ireland Before You Die’s guide to the surname Smith.
6. O’Brien
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Briain
Meaning: high, noble
O’Brien has been a prominent surname in Ireland for centuries. It is commonly found in County Tipperary and neighbouring counties.
Famous people with the surname O’Brien include comedian Conan O’Brien, actor Dylan O’Brien, and guitarist Pat O’Brien.
7. Byrne
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Broin
Meaning: a raven
By the mid-19th-century, Byrne was one of the most common Irish family names in Wicklow, recorded 1203 times.
Famous owners of the Irish last name Byrne include actress Rose Byrne, actor Gabriel Byrne, and singer and Westlife member Nicky Byrne.
LEARN MORE: Our guide to the surname Byrne.
8. Ryan
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Maoilriain
Meaning: king
Ryan is a popular surname in County Tipperary.
Ryan is another popular Irish family name across the world. Famous owners of the name include actresses Debby Ryan and Meg Ryan, and comedian Katherine Ryan.
MUST READ: The Ireland Before You Die guide to the surname Ryan.
9. O’Connor
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Gaelic Equivalent: ó Conchobhair
Meaning: patron of warriors
By the mid-19th century, Connor was the most common variant of this name. 5,377 families had this name and they were mainly based in County Cork, Kerry, and neighbouring counties.
Famous O’Connors include singer Sinéad O’Connor, novelist Flannery O’Connor, and retired United States Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sandra Day O’Connor.
LEARN MORE: Our handy guide to the O’Connor surname.
10. O’Neill
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Néill
Meaning: from Niall of
O’Neill is perhaps one of the most famous Gaelic surnames worldwide.
Famous O’Neills include Eugene O’Neill, who was the only American playwright to ever receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.
RELATED: The IB4UD overview of the surname O’Neill.
11. O’Reilly
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Raghallaigh
Meaning: the nine hostages
American journalist, author, and former television host Bill O’Reilly is one of the most famous people with the surname O’Reilly.
12. Doyle
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Dubhghaill
Meaning: dark foreigner
Doyle is one of the most common surnames in County Mayo.
Famous Doyles include writer and creator of Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan Doyle, and novelist and screenwriter Roddy Doyle.
READ NEXT: Our guide to the Irish surname Doyle.
13. McCarthy
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Carthaigh
Meaning: loving person
McCarthy is one of the most popular surnames in County Cork.
Famous McCarthys include Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist Cormac McCarthy and actress Melissa McCarthy.
14. Gallagher
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Gallchobhair
Meaning: lover of foreigners
Gallagher is one of the most common hereditary surnames in County Mayo. It is thought that it comes from the time of the Black Irish – a derogatory term for early invaders of Ireland.
Two of the most famous Gallaghers are brothers and bandmates of Oasis fame, Liam and Noel Gallagher.
See where Gallagher ranks on our list of the coolest Irish last names.
15. O’Doherty
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Dochartaigh
Meaning: hurtful
One of the most famous O’Dohertys is Irish stand-up comedian David O’Doherty.
16. Kennedy
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Cinnéide
Meaning: helmet headed
Famous Kennedys include 35th president of the United States John F. Kennedy and his family.
17. Lynch
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Loinsigh
Meaning: seafarer, exile
Famous people with the surname Lynch are actresses Jane Lynch and Evanna Lynch, as well as actor Ross Lynch.
18. Murray
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Muireadhaigh
Meaning: lord, master
Famous Murrays include tennis player Andy Murray and actor Bill Murray.
19. Quinn
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Cuinn
Meaning: wisdom, chief
One of the most famous people with the surname Quinn is actor Aidan Quinn.
20. Moore
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Mordha
Meaning: majestic
Moore is another of the most popular Irish names. Famous examples include actresses Demi Moore, Julianne Moore, and Mandy Moore.
21. McLoughlin
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Lochlainn
Meaning: viking
One of the most famous McLoughlins is author and television presenter Coleen Rooney (née McLoughlin).
22. O’Carroll
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Cearbhaill
Meaning: valorous in battle
Famous O’Carrolls include British archaeological illustrator, painter, and sculptor John Patrick O’Carroll.
23. Connolly
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Gaelic Equivalent: ó Conghaile
Meaning: fierce as a hound
Famous people with the surname Connolly include comedian Billy Connolly and musician Brian Connolly.
24. Daly
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Dálaigh
Meaning: assembles frequently
Famous Dalys include American actress Tyne Daly, television host Carson Daly, and actress and TV personality Tess Daly.
25. O’Connell
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Conaill
Meaning: strong as a wolf
One of the most famous O’Connells is singer-songwriter Billie Eilish who was born Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell.
26. Wilson
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Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Liam
Meaning: son of William
One of the most famous Wilsons is actor Owen Wilson, as well as 28th president of the United States Woodrow Wilson.
27. Dunne
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Duinn
Meaning: brown
One of the most notable people with the surname Dunne is Irish entrepreneur and former director of Dunnes Stores Ben Dunne.
28. Brennan
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Braonáin
Meaning: sorrow
Famous Brennans include conedian Neal Brennan and actor Walter Brennan.
29. Burke
Gaelic Equivalent: de Búrca
Meaning: from Richard de Burgh
One of the most famous people with the surname Burke is American actor Robert Burke.
30. Collins
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Coileáin
Meaning: young warrior
Irish revolutionary Michael Collins is one of the most famous Irish people with this surname.
31. Campbell
Meaning: crooked mouth
One of the most famous people with the name Campbell is model and actress Naomi Campbell.
32. Clarke
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Cléirigh
Meaning: clergyman
Famous Clarkes include actresses Emilia Clarke and Melinda ‘Mindy’ Clarke.
33. Johnston
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Seáin
Meaning: son of John
One of the most famous Johnstons is American actress Kristen Johnston.
34. Hughes
Gaelic Equivalent: ó hAodha
Meaning: fire
Notable Hughes’ include American business magnate Howard Hughes, and poet and activist Langston Hughes.
35. O’Farrell
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Fearghail
Meaning: man of valour
The most famous O’Farrell is actress Bernadette O’Farrell.
36. Fitzgerald
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Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Gearailt
Meaning: spear rule
Famous Fitzgeralds include singer Ella Fitzgerald and writer F. Scott Fizgerald.
37. Brown
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac an Bhreithiún
Meaning: son of the brehon (judge)
Brown is another common Irish surname. Famous people with this surname include singers James Brown and Chris Brown.
38. Martin
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Giolla Mháirtín
Meaning: devotee of Saint Martin
Famous Martins include musician Chris Martin of Coldplay, and actors Steve Martin and Dean Martin.
39. Maguire
Gaelic Equivalent: Mag Uidhir
Meaning: dun-coloured
According to Irish history, the Maguires held Fermanagh from the 13th to the 17th centuries.
One of the most famous people with the surname Maguire is actor Tobey Maguire.
40. Nolan
Gaelic Equivalent ó Nualláin
Meaning: famous
One of the most famous Nolans is film director Christopher Nolan.
41. Flynn
Gaelic Equivalent ó Floinn
Meaning: bright red
Famous Flynns include actors Errol Flynn and Brandon Flynn.
42. Thompson
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Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Tomáis
Meaning: son of Thom
One of the most famous Thompsons is actress Emma Thompson.
43. O’Callaghan
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Ceallacháin
Meaning: bright headed
Miriam O’Callaghan, RTÉ television and radio broadcaster, is one of the most well-known O’Callaghans.
44. O’Donnell
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Domhnaill
Meaning: world-mighty
In Ireland, singer Daniel O’Donnell is one of the most famous people with this surname.
45. Duffy
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Dufaigh
Meaning: dark, black
One of the most famous Duffys is rock musician Billy Duffy.
46. O’Mahony
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Mathúna
Meaning: bear-calf
Count Daniel O’Mahony was a general in the Irish Brigade and is one of the most famous people with the surname O’Mahoney.
47. Boyle
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Gaelic Equivalent: ó Baoill
Meaning: vain pledge
Comedian Frankie Boyle, as well as musician Susan Boyle, are two of the most well known Boyles.
48. Healy
Gaelic Equivalent: ó hÉalaighthe
Meaning: artistic, scientific
Famous Healys include musicians Matt Healey and Una Healey.
49. O’Shea
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Séaghdha
Meaning: of fair complexion
Notable O’Sheas include actor Milo O’Shea and singer-songwriter Mark O’Shea.
50. White
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Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Giolla Bháin
Meaning: of fair complexion
Actress Betty White is one of the most famous people with this surname.
51. Sweeney
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Suibhne
Meaning: pleasant
English actress, singer, and television personality Claire Sweeney is the most famous person with the surname Sweeney.
52. Hayes
Gaelic Equivalent: ó hAodha
Meaning: fire
The most famous people with the surname Hayes were Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president of the United States, and retired basketball player Elvin Hayes.
53. Kavanagh
Gaelic Equivalent: Caomhánach
Meaning: comely, mild
Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh is one of the most famous people by the surname Kavanagh.
54. Power
Gaelic Equivalent: de Paor
Meaning: the poor man
The most famous person with the surname Power is American film, stage, and radio actor Tyrone Power.
55. McGrath
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Craith
Meaning: son of grace
Irish actress Katie McGrath is one of the most famous McGraths.
56. Moran
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Gaelic Equivalent: ó Móráin
Meaning: great
English journalist, author, and broadcaster Caitlin Moran is one of the most famous people called Moran.
57. Brady
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Brádaigh
Meaning: spirited
American football quarterback Tom Brady is the most famous person with the name Brady.
58. Stewart
Gaelic Equivalent: Stiobhard
Meaning: one who superintends
Stewart is a very popular Irish surname. Examples of famous Stewarts include actress Kristen Stewart, actor Patrick Stewart, and musician Rod Stewart, among many others.
59. Casey
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Cathasaigh
Meaning: vigilant in war, watchful
The most well-known person by the name Casey is American journalist and former news anchor Whitney Casey.
60. Foley
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Foghladh
Meaning: a plunderer
Actor, director, and screenwriter Scott Foley is the most famous person by the name Foley.
61. Fitzpatrick
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Giolla Phádraig
Meaning: devotee of Saint Patrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick, NFL quarterback, was named the fifth ‘smartest athlete in sports’ by Sporting News in 2010.
62. O’Leary
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Gaelic Equivalent: ó Laoghaire
Meaning: calf-herd
Television host Dermot O’Leary is one of the most famous bearers of the name.
63. McDonnell
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Domhnaill
Meaning: world-mighty
Musician and YouTube personality Charlie McDonnell is one of the most well-known McDonnells.
64. MacMahon
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Mathúna
Meaning: bear-calf
Australian model and actor Julian MacMahon is one of the most famous MacMahons.
65. Donnelly
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Donnghaile
Meaning: brown valour
Actress Meg Donnelly and Declan Donnelly, one half of the comedy duo Ant and Dec, are two famous bearers of the name Donnelly.
66. Regan
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Riagáin
Meaning: little king
Famous Regans include actress Bridget Regan and talk-show host Trish Regan.
67. Donovan
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Gaelic Equivalent: ó Donnabháin
Meaning: brown, black
Australian actor Jason Donovan is one of the most famous people with the surname Donovan.
68. Burns
Meaning: from Scottish Burness
Scottish poet and lyricist Robbie Burns is one of the most well-known people called Burns.
69. Flanagan
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Flannagáin
Meaning: red, ruddy
Notable Flanagans include actor Tommy Flanagan and actress Crista Flanagan.
70. Mullan
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Maoláin
Meaning: bald
American soccer player Brian Mullan is one of the most famous people with the surname Mullan.
71. Barry
Gaelic Equivalent: de Barra
Meaning: Cambro-Norman name
John Barry, who composed the scores for 11 James Bond films is one of the most famous people with the name Barry.
72. Kane
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Catháin
Meaning: battler
Actress Chelsea Kane is one of the most well-known Kanes.
73. Robinson
Meaning: son of Robert
Mary Robinson, the former president of Ireland, is one of the most well-known Irish Robinsons.
74. Cunningham
Meaning: Scottish name
Notable Cunninghams include American professional basketball player Dante Cunningham and football quarterback Randall Cunningham.
75. Griffin
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Gríofa
Meaning: Welsh: Gruffudd
Basketball player Blake Griffin and comedian Kathy Griffin are two of the most well-known people with the surname Griffin.
76. Kenny
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Cionaoith
Meaning: fire sprung
British actress and screenwriter Emer Kenny is one of the most well-known Kennys.
77. Sheehan
Gaelic Equivalent: O’Siodhachain
Meaning: peaceful
Famous Sheehans include bass guitarist Billy Sheehan and American writer Susan Sheehan.
78. Ward
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac an Bhaird
Meaning: son of the bard
X-Factor winner Shane Ward is one of the most well-known Wards.
79. Whelan
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Faoláin
Meaning: wolf
Leo Whelan was an acclaimed Irish portrait painter.
80. Lyons
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Laighin
Meaning: grey
Notable Lyons include Australian politician Joseph Lyons and actor David Lyons.
81. Reid
Meaning: red haired / ruddy complexion
Famous Reids include actress Tara Reid, TV presenter Susanna Reid, and retired American attorney Harry Reid.
82. Graham
Meaning: grey home
Actress Lauren Graham is one of the most famous Grahams.
83. Higgins
Gaelic Equivalent: ó hUiginn
Northern Irish football player Alex Higgins is one of the most well-known people with this surname.
84. Cullen
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Cuilinn
Meaning: holly
The name Cullen is best known from the fictional family of the Twilight book and film series.
85. Keane
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Catháin
Actresses Kerrie Keane and Dolores Keane, as well as football manager Roy Keane, are three of the most famous Keanes.
86. King
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Cionga
American blues guitarist B. B. King is one of the most famous people with this surname.
87. Maher
Gaelic Equivalent: Meagher
Meaning: fine, majestic
American comedian, political commentator, and television host William Maher is one of the most well-known Mahers.
88. MacKenna
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Cionaoith
Meaning: fire-sprung
T. P. McKenna was an Irish actor from County Cavan and is one of the most well-known of this name.
89. Bell
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Giolla Mhaoil
Actress Kristen Bell is one of the most famous people with this name.
90. Scott
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Meaning: a Scottish gael
Scott is a very popular surname. The most famous being Sir Walter Scott, the Scottish patriot, writer, and poet.
91. Hogan
Gaelic Equivalent: ó hÓgáin
Meaning: young
American TV star Brooke Hogan and professional wrestler Hulk Hogan are two of the most well known Hogans.
92. O’Keeffe
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Caoimh
Meaning: gentle
Actor Miles O’Keeffe is one of the most famous people with this surname.
93. Magee
Gaelic Equivalent: Mag Aoidh
Meaning: fire
British politician, writer, and broadcaster Bryan Magee is one of the most well-known Magees.
94. MacNamara
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Conmara
Meaning: hound of the sea
Actress Katherine MacNamara is the most famous person with the surname MacNamara.
95. MacDonald
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Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Dónaill
Meaning: world-mighty
One of the most famous people with the surname MacDonald is singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald.
96. MacDermott
Gaelic Equivalent: Mac Diarmada
Meaning: free from jealousy
Famous McDermotts include actors Dylan McDermott and Charlie McDermott.
97. Moloney
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Maolomhnaigh
Meaning: servant of the Church
98. O’Rourke
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Ruairc
Famous O’Rourkes are child actresses and sisters Tammy and Heather O’Rourke.
99. Buckley
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Buachalla
Meaning: cow herd
One of the most famous Buckeys is singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley.
100. O’Dwyer
Gaelic Equivalent: ó Dubhuir
Meaning: black
O’Dwyer is a popular Irish name in Australia with cricketer Edmund Thomas O’Dwyer and National Rugby League player Luke O’Dwyer both having the name.