Irish last names with origins and meanings

See where an Irish surname comes from, or find one for a character.

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Irish last names by origin

  • O'Brien
  • O'Connor
  • O'Neill
  • O'Sullivan
  • Murphy

5 of 38 · Show all ·

Irish last names by origin

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From a given name38

Brian
Conchobar
Niall
Súileabhán
Murchadh
Ceallach
Rian
Raghallach
Carthach
Bran
Gallchobhar
Dochartach
Cinnéide
Loingseach
Conn
Maoilsheachlainn
Conghalach
Dálach
Conall
Braonán
Coileán
Gerald
Mathghamhain
Mórán
Domhnall
Cú Mara
Flannagán
Nuallán
Cathán
Séaghdha
Riagán
Ógán
Odhar
Aodh
Ruarc
Caomhán
Baoghal
Cathasach

From an occupation8

smith
smith
carpenter
bard
clerk
doctor
priest
abbot

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From a nickname or trait3

black
brown
dark + newcomer

From a region or town9

Wales
Burgh
Poher (Brittany)
Nogent (France)
Prendergast (Wales)
Barry (Wales)
Flanders
Évreux (Normandy)
Cussac (France)

About Irish last names

Most Irish surnames begin as Ó, grandson or descendant, or Mac, son, followed by an ancestor's name: O'Brien is Brian's descendant. Others come from a trade, a nickname, or the Norman families who arrived from the 12th century.

Frequently asked questions

Ó means grandson or descendant and Mac means son. O'Brien comes from Brian, McCarthy from Carthach.

Many dropped them under English rule. From the late 19th century, the Gaelic revival brought them back, which is why Connell and O'Connell both exist.

Murphy, from Ó Murchadha, descendant of Murchadh. Kelly, O'Sullivan and Walsh follow.

They came with the Normans, and the families became Irish over centuries. Fitz means son of, so Fitzgerald is Gerald's son.

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Yes. Every name here is free to use, for a character, a story or a game.

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