Irish last names are known for their uniqueness and distinctiveness. They have a rich history and are often associated with Irish culture and traditions. In this article, we will explore some of the best Irish last names and their meanings.
1. O'Brien
O'Brien is a popular Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Briain". It means "descendant of Brian", where Brian is a common Irish name meaning "strong". The O'Brien family was one of the most powerful families in Ireland during the Middle Ages.
2. Kelly
Kelly is a common Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Ceallaigh". It means "descendant of Ceallach", where Ceallach is a name that means "bright-headed". The Kelly family has a rich history in Ireland and is associated with the county of Galway.
3. Murphy
Murphy is one of the most common Irish last names and is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Murchadha". It means "descendant of Murchadh", where Murchadh is a name that means "sea warrior". The Murphy family has a strong association with the county of Wexford.
4. Walsh
Walsh is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Breathnach". It means "Welshman" and was given to people of Welsh origin who settled in Ireland. The Walsh family has a strong association with the county of Kilkenny.
5. Byrne
Byrne is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Broin". It means "descendant of Bran", where Bran is a name that means "raven". The Byrne family has a strong association with the county of Wicklow.
6. Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald is an Irish last name that originated from the Norman-French name "Fitzgerald". It means "son of Gerald" and was introduced to Ireland during the Norman invasion. The Fitzgerald family has a rich history in Ireland and is associated with the county of Kildare.
7. Ryan
Ryan is a popular Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Riain". It means "descendant of Rian", where Rian is a name that means "little king". The Ryan family has a strong association with the county of Tipperary.
8. Kennedy
Kennedy is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Cinnéide". It means "descendant of Cinnéidigh", where Cinnéidigh is a name that means "helmeted head". The Kennedy family has a strong association with the county of Tipperary.
9. Quinn
Quinn is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Cuinn". It means "descendant of Conn", where Conn is a name that means "wisdom". The Quinn family has a strong association with the county of Tyrone.
10. Doyle
Doyle is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Dubhghaill". It means "descendant of Dubhghall", where Dubhghall is a name that means "dark stranger". The Doyle family has a strong association with the county of Wexford.
11. Gallagher
Gallagher is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Gallchobhair". It means "descendant of Gallchobhar", where Gallchobhar is a name that means "foreign help". The Gallagher family has a strong association with the county of Donegal.
12. O'Sullivan
O'Sullivan is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Súilleabháin". It means "descendant of Súilleabhán", where Súilleabhán is a name that means "little dark-eyed one". The O'Sullivan family has a strong association with the county of Kerry.
13. Lynch
Lynch is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Loingsigh". It means "descendant of Loingseach", where Loingseach is a name that means "mariner". The Lynch family has a strong association with the county of Galway.
14. Connor
Connor is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Conchobhair". It means "descendant of Conchobhar", where Conchobhar is a name that means "lover of hounds". The Connor family has a strong association with the county of Offaly.
15. Kavanagh
Kavanagh is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Caomhánach". It means "descendant of Caomhán", where Caomhán is a name that means "gentle". The Kavanagh family has a strong association with the county of Carlow.
16. McLaughlin
McLaughlin is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Lochlainn". It means "son of Lochlainn", where Lochlainn is a name that means "land of the lakes". The McLaughlin family has a strong association with the county of Donegal.
17. Molloy
Molloy is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Maolmhuaidh". It means "descendant of Maolmhuaidh", where Maolmhuaidh is a name that means "servant of the Virgin Mary". The Molloy family has a strong association with the county of Offaly.
18. O'Connor
O'Connor is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Conchobhair". It means "descendant of Conchobhar", where Conchobhar is a name that means "lover of hounds". The O'Connor family has a strong association with the county of Kerry.
19. O'Donnell
O'Donnell is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Domhnaill". It means "descendant of Domhnall", where Domhnall is a name that means "world ruler". The O'Donnell family has a strong association with the county of Donegal.
20. O'Malley
O'Malley is an Irish last name that originated from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Máille". It means "descendant of Máille", where Máille is a name that means "chief". The O'Malley family has a strong association with the county of Mayo.