Common Last Names in Ireland

When it comes to Irish surnames, there are many common last names that are well-known both in Ireland and around the world. These surnames reflect Ireland's rich cultural history and are often associated with specific regions and families. In this article, we will explore some of the most common last names in Ireland and their meanings.

O'Brien

O'Brien is a popular last name in Ireland that is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Briain," which means "descendant of Brian." The O'Brien clan was once one of the most powerful families in Ireland, and their influence can still be seen today in the many places that bear their name, such as Bunratty Castle and the Rock of Cashel.

Kelly

Kelly is another common last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Ceallaigh," which means "descendant of Ceallach." The Kelly family was once one of the most prominent families in County Galway, and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

McCarthy

McCarthy is a popular last name in Ireland that is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Carthaigh," which means "son of Carthach." The McCarthy clan was once one of the most powerful families in Munster, and their influence can still be seen today in the many places that bear their name, such as McCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere.

Walsh

Walsh is a common last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Old English name "Wealh," which means "foreigner." The Walsh family is particularly associated with County Kilkenny and was once one of the most prominent families in the area.

Byrne

Byrne is another popular last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Broin," which means "descendant of Bran." The Byrne family was once one of the most powerful families in County Wicklow and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

McDonald

McDonald is a common last name in Ireland that is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Dhomhnaill," which means "son of Domhnall." The McDonald clan was once one of the most powerful families in Scotland and Ireland, and their influence can still be seen today in the many places that bear their name, such as McDonald's Restaurant.

Doyle

Doyle is a popular last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Dubhghaill," which means "descendant of Dubhghall." The Doyle family was once one of the most prominent families in County Wexford, and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

McMahon

McMahon is a common last name in Ireland that is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Mathghamhna," which means "son of Mathghamhain." The McMahon clan was once one of the most powerful families in County Clare, and their influence can still be seen today in the many places that bear their name, such as McMahon's Pub in Kilkee.

Murphy

Murphy is a popular last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Murchadha," which means "descendant of Murchadh." The Murphy family is particularly associated with County Wexford and was once one of the most prominent families in the area.

Sullivan

Sullivan is a common last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Sullivan," which means "descendant of Súilleabháin." The Sullivan family was once one of the most powerful families in Munster and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald is a popular last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Old French name "FitzGerald," which means "son of Gerald." The Fitzgerald family was once one of the most powerful families in Ireland, and their influence can still be seen today in the many places that bear their name, such as Fitzgerald's Park in Cork.

Flanagan

Flanagan is a common last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Flanagan," which means "descendant of Flanagan." The Flanagan family was once one of the most prominent families in County Roscommon and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

Daly

Daly is a popular last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Dálaigh," which means "descendant of Dálaigh." The Daly family was once one of the most prominent families in County Galway and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

Connelly

Connelly is a common last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Conghaile," which means "descendant of Conghaile." The Connelly family was once one of the most prominent families in County Galway and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

Quinn

Quinn is a popular last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Cuinn," which means "descendant of Conn." The Quinn family was once one of the most prominent families in County Tyrone and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

Reilly

Reilly is a common last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Raghallaigh," which means "descendant of Raghallach." The Reilly family was once one of the most prominent families in County Cavan and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

Donovan

Donovan is a popular last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Donabhain," which means "descendant of Donnabhán." The Donovan family was once one of the most prominent families in County Cork and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

Kennedy

Kennedy is a common last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Cinneide," which means "descendant of Cinnéide." The Kennedy family was once one of the most prominent families in County Tipperary and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

Moran

Moran is a popular last name in Ireland that is believed to be derived from the Irish Gaelic name "O'Morain," which means "descendant of Morann." The Moran family was once one of the most prominent families in County Mayo and their name can be found throughout Ireland and the world.

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Explore the most common last names in Ireland and their meanings. Discover the rich cultural history behind these surnames, which are often associated with specific regions and families.

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common last names in Ireland, Irish surnames, O'Brien, Kelly, McCarthy, Walsh, Byrne, McDonald, Doyle, McMahon, Murphy, Sullivan, Fitzgerald, Flanagan, Daly, Connelly, Quinn, Reilly, Donovan, Kennedy, Moran