This one of the most important and most numerous Hiberno-Norman names. Fannystown: Its in Wexford. I've been using it for a while now and it's helped me come up with a good Irish name, I love this Irish surname generator! Read on for surnames beginning with letter O. Bowling, Name Ideas Theme Names for Corporate Event The Brennan surname in Ireland is now mostly found in County Sligo and the province of Leinster. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Fitness One of the "Tribes of Galway", also anglicized as Dorsey, it is the name of two septs, one inMayoandGalway, the other inCo Wexford. It may refer to a family from the South American country. Like many cultures, many Irish last names follow the patronymic tradition of a family name being based on the fathers or grandfathers first name. 13. Football Comedian Frankie Boyle, as well as musician Susan Boyle, are two of the most well known Boyles. Doyle 13. Anthonyson : Means"Son of Anthony". Add your Irish Surname Generator comments here. Quinn 20. The Hughes surname, both Welsh and Irish in origin, is most numerous in three provinces Connacht, Leinster, and Ulster. The surname generator is awesome! It comes from either the Irish last name "Ryan", which is derived from " Riain", or from the Irish given name "Ran", which means "little king". Located off the western shores of Great Britain, the small island nation packs quite a punch when it comes to its heritage. The Irish surname Floinn is prevalent in the province of Ulster. Some popular Irish last names are O'Sullivan, Murphy, McCarthy, Byrne, O'Connor, Walsh, Ryan, and Kelly. Associated with the Greek word (anthos) meaning"flower". Mallow: Co Cork. Tubercurry: The second biggest town in Co. Sligo and also what you ask for to go with your portion of chips. Schull: Pronounced skull. Ireland, like other Celtic cultures, revolved around clans. There are a small number of Tumblers located in the Strathclyde area, Scotland. Though last names for girls and guys are interchangeable in most situations, the following 13 cool last names for girls are ones that can help your strong female characters stand out. In the 4th century, the Dohertys settled around the Inishowen peninsula in Donegal, where they've primarily stayed. MacCaa : MacCaa has many associations with clans. "There are also names where the origin describes the original bearer such as Brown, Short or Thin - though Short may in fact be an ironic 'nickname' surname for a tall person.". 29-3-2017, retrieved from ancestry.com. Find out Here! It can write articles 100% spot on with no editing required. Inch:Ireland loves irony and so fittinglyInch in Co Kerry is home to five lovely kilometres of unspoilt beach. It was common in the 1600s for the Irish prefixes O and Mac to be dropped from Irish names. Sometimes modified to O'Donnelly. You can also visit us onFacebook,TwitterorPinterestto see amazing pictures and interact with amazing people who share a love of Ireland. 5,000 of the surnames listed in the book are of Irish origin, representing surnames found in Britain today. Ok, so making up funny Irish names probably isn't really an "Irish" tradition. Do you have some funny last names to add to the list? It was freely applied in medieval times to single women, spinners, without a family of their own. 30+ Incredibly Funny Irish Pictures. Even today, there are surnames of which the origin is unknown or what they symbolize. Have fun making your foreign friends say it. Miracle : Surname that originated in the south of France. Fitz means son of and it would often come before the fathers forename. No Result . Additionally, Ireland had its own religion, law code, alphabet, and even a style of dress. (2012-2016). Famous Kellys include actor and director Gene Kelly, 20th-century artist Ellsworth Kelly, and actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Their original homeland was Monaghan, where their surname is still the most common. However, the "F" is no longer pronounced and the name is now Loinn or Lynn. This is a list of the top 10 Irish Surnames for 2023. Walsh is a common Irish surname, meaning Briton or foreigner, literally Welshman, taken to Ireland by British (Welsh, Cornish and Cumbrian) soldiers during and after the Norman invasion of Ireland. The Maguire surname is the most common in Fermanagh. Jacketstown: Right next to DontForgetYourCoatstown. OShea originatesin County Kerry and is anglicized form of Gaelic Saghdha descendant of Saghdha, a byname meaning fine or fortunate. Kelly 3. At present there are 41 records of Slora, 5 of Slorah and more than 200 of Slorach that appear in the current electoral rolls. De Burgh is one of the most important and popular Hiberno-Norman names. Ever need an Irish name for a character in a novel? It gave me a bunch of options for my Irish last name Forevakitchen 2021-12-10 18:41:51. The Irish Dlaigh comes from dil, meaning a place of assembly. ODwyer is a popular Irish name in Australia with cricketer Edmund Thomas ODwyer and National Rugby League player Luke ODwyer both having the name. Mac, sometimes written Mc, is the Gaelic word for "son" and was attached to the father's name or trade. Musician and YouTube personality Charlie McDonnell is one of the most well-known McDonnells. Each year, over 10 Million people come from all over the world to experience Irelands beautiful scenery and unique culture. Kelly families of Irish origin come primarily from Derry, Galway, Kildare, Leitrim, Leix, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, and Wicklow. View our Privacy Policy, Wild Rover Lyrics tell the story of the man who leaves the drink behind. Also spelled McGuire. American blues guitarist B. Take for example one Maurice Hicky, leche [doctor] in 1549 in Cahir, Co. Tipperary, or Gillecully OHickey, a physician, in 1585, also in Co. Tipperary. This is why it is very common to see prefixes attached to Irish surnames. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. One of the most famous McLoughlins is author and television presenter Coleen Rooney (neMcLoughlin). Cock : Means cock, or is associated with a proud person. For those of you keen to dig a little deeper into your roots, we suggest you check out ancestry.com! Step into a world of glamour at Dublin's most stylish townhouse, Number 31. Hockey, Funny Team Names Famous OConnors include singer Sinad OConnor, novelist Flannery OConnor, and retired United States Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sandra Day OConnor. The Most Common and Popular Irish Surnames. The most prominent are the Stuarts of Bute, the MacKay Clan, the MacFarlane Clan, the MacDonald Clan and the Galloway Clan. Hickey is the anglicised form of hceadh descendant of cidhe, a byname meaning doctor, healer. Irish Last Names It's not very difficult we can either go the funny way or the simple and cute way when coming up with Irish Last Names Irish Last Names list for you! Leap: Pronounced 'Lep' not Leap, but still, verbs make funny placenames. Gastrell : The original meaning of the name Gastrell is uncertain. Leo Whelan was an acclaimed Irish portrait painter. Horetown: Careful of the spelling here. Not to be confused with a big building with doctors and sick people in it. Northern Irish football player Alex Higgins is one of the most well-known people with this surname. Nolan According to the Central Statistics Office, Murphy is consistently the most prominent surname across Ireland. The O Connor family was one of three royal Irish families; they are from Clare, Derry, Galway, Kerry, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and the province of Ulster. Need more? Edevane : It is a very rare surname that, apparently, originated in Wales. Seven Drunken Nights Lyrics tell the tale of a man who comes home drunk, and finds his wife desperately trying to hide a secret. The Healy surname is most commonly found in Cork and Sligo. MacNeil, the possessed girl from 'The Exorcist, played by Linda Blair. The team examinedrecords dating from between the 11th and19th centuries to procure newexplanations of names that are farmore reliable and up to date than those currently available. It is more common as a male name than a surname. This has resulted in many funny, rude or strange placenames in English. The O Farrell chieftains were lords of Annaly near Longford and Westmeath. Even today, there are surnames of which the origin is unknown or what they symbolize. Head over to Pictory. Baseball The name, introduced into Ireland after the Anglo-Norman invasion, is found in CountiesDublinandGalway. Ryan ( Maoilriain) Ryan is an English-language male given name of Irish origin. Ireland Before You Die is the only website anyone will need to plan a trip anywhere in Ireland. The Byrne surname is still very common in Wicklow, as well as Dublin and Louth. Traditional Irish names are notorious for appearing really difficult to pronounce, but, just like Ireland they're beautiful, mysterious and shrouded in mythology. The Gallagher clan has been in County Donegal since the 4th century and Gallagheris the most common surname in this area. My @$$ blew you a kiss. Share 0 Tweet 0. OSullivan has to be the most Irish name ever. Notable Cunninghams include American professional basketball player Dante Cunningham and football quarterback Randall Cunningham. And, more so, dynamised the tapestry of Irish DNA, bringing greater numbers of English and lowland-Scot inhabitants to Ireland. Ireland Before You Die (IB4UD) is the biggest Irish travel and culture website. Common in both England and Ireland, the Irish Brown families are most commonly found in the province of Connacht (specifically Galway and Mayo), as well as Kerry. And of course Horetown is in Wexford. As a land that loves wordplay, it makes sense that many common Irish surnames are descriptive monikers. In England this surname was taken for the first time in Anglesey, Wales. Many Irish surnames we are familiar with that begin with Mc or Mac are patronyms; Mc and Mac stand for son, so Mc Doyle would mean Son of Doyle. Dankworth : The meaning of this surname is thought to be"the farm belonging to Tancredo". Dubhthaigh, anglicized to Duffy, comes from an Irish name meaning black or swarthy. Beaufoy : Is a surname that comes from the name Buffy, that is the diminutive of Elizabeth. This English name is the second most common non-Irish name found in Ireland, especially in Ulster. Most of these rare or unusual surnames are also associated with a less curious meaning. They can also be found in Limerick. Originally the Clan Doyle, derived from the pre 10th century Gaelic Dhubh-ghall (The dark stranger) was found mostly in the counties of South-East Leinster, (Wicklow, Wexford and Carlow) and surprisingly it largely remains so today, the name being rare in other regions. Telegraph reporters. Smith is actually the most common surname in Antrim. Murphy is one of the most common Irish family names and examples of famous Murphys include actors Cillian Murphy, Eddie Murphy, and Brittany Murphy. Angus This Irish surname is derived from the word 'Aonghus' and means 'one strength.' 3. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/common-surnames-of-ireland-1420790. Dagger : Means"dagger". In general, Catholics spell the name with two ns, while Protestants spell it with one. The English translations have usually been written to sound phonetically similar to the Irish Language original placename - rather than an actual translation of what the Irish language placename means. Baal Find your Irish last name and learn about its meaning and origins on this list of popular Irish surnames. Culpepper : The Company of Groceries appeared, incorporated in 1345. Irish actress Katie McGrath is one of the most famous McGraths. Perhaps the most famous de Burgh is Chris de Burgh of "Lady in Red" fame. Eachn is a pet form of the personal name Eachaidh, which means horseman. And most have 2 placenames written on road sign-posts - the Irish version and the English translated version. Horse and Jockey: Situated in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, no one knows why this village is called Horse and Jockey, but best guess is it was named after a pub. Two of the most famous Gallaghers are brothers and bandmates of Oasis fame, Liam and Noel Gallagher. Athalacca:A small village inCounty Limerick. The bearers of these descriptive names would have reminded someone whose dwelling was near a lake or a stream. Here are ten names to practice before you visit the Emerald Isle: 1. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. The name in Irish ( Dochartaigh) means obstructive or hurtful. Meaning. Copyright 2019 - 2023 Ireland Before You Die | Trading under, TOP 100 Irish surnames / last names (info & facts). All rights reserved. You may recognise some of the most common last names in Ireland. Decksheimer : Originates from the name Dexheimer, and refers to someone from the German village of Dexheim. This name, and similar adoptions, such as Abraham, Bird, Buckley, Waters, all indicate the complexities involved in identifying Irish family names from their adopted English language forms. Miracle surname. 29-3-2017, retrieved from myheritage.com. everybody! Usage - You are free to use anything generated in your creative works. Genealogy, But you know what? Birdwhistle : Means"bifurcation of the river where the birds nest". Leap: Pronounced Lep not Leap, but still, verbs make funny placenames. The first name Aslan means "lion" and is of Turkish origin. McLoughlin 22. Girls Softball Actress Lauren Graham is one of the most famous Grahams. Irish last names are also often based on physical characteristics, clan names, and the region from which the family hailed. Next: Match your last initial to the appropriate letter below, to find your new "Irish" last name. The name means extroverted one and is derived from the old Irish name ORaghaillach, which means descendant of Raghaillach. It's fun! C'mon Kilkenny make it happen. 29-3-2017, retrieved from houseofnames.com. I am a. So - how It means"the false merchant of pepper". The O or preceding a second name means the grandson of or descendant of and is a common feat in Irish surnames. MacQuoid (Scottish) : There are only two examples of the MacQuoid surname in British electoral records. - If you need original factual content such as Irish Surname blogs etc, Article Forge is amazing. Ryan is another popular Irish family name across the world. Irish revolutionary Michael Collins is one of the most famous Irish people with this surname. The unusual name comes from the Irish An tth Leacach (meaning the flagged ford) but to be honest we have no idea what that means either. Ajax : This very strange surname seems to have arrived in Wales in the late seventeenth century. Please enter the word that you see below. I came across this great resource by Barry Griffin on the top Irish surnames in each county. Famous people bearing this last name include actor Robert Buckley and musician Jeff Buckley. For more parenting tips and tricks, find us on Pinterest: Are you a writer, expert, or influencer? Famous owners of the name include actresses Debby Ryan and Meg Ryan, and comedian Katherine Ryan. It seems likely that the name is related to MacQuaid. Murphy 2. But even if that is not possible, you can still enjoy the magic of Ireland in these pages. 11. Walsh Gaelic Equivalent: Breathnach Meaning: Welshman 5. What is the most popular last name in Ireland? Today, the island is made up of the Republic of Ireland (an independent country) and Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom). While not all Irish people have unique names, the tradition of choosing them is strong and cherished. Mallow: Co Cork. Ireland and its culture are known world-over. However, a whopping 50 to 80 million people around the globe are thought to share in Irish ancestry. Over the centuries, Ireland has seen much change, with invasion by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century, followed by British colonisation in the 16th/17th century moments which significantly shaped our history. Even the former Xena, Warrior Princess Lucy Lawless has Irish roots - in Quilty, Co Clare. It is estimated that over 50,000 people in Ireland are of the Murphy name and our reach is even broader and our numbers even vaster when the global community is taken into account with the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand to name but a few countries that are now well populated with our revered ancestry! Do you want to have Irish Surname random content on your website, blog or app with our API? Blue Ball: A hamlet in County Offaly, lying southwest of Tullamore. Alvin (old English) one of the more unusual last names meaning "elf friend". 29-3-2017, retrieved from forebears.io. Brownbear : Viking origin surname meaning"brown bear". Murray 19. Here are the top 100 Irish surnames you're bound to experience at least once in your life! The Byrne or OByrne ( Broin) family originally came from Kildare claiming descent from Bran, the king of Leinster, who died in 1052. Cunningham, comes from the nickname Mac Cuinneagin, or son of the little leader/chief. (2021, February 16). Usually recorded as Byrne, and sometimes as OByrne, this is a variant of the Irish Broin, meaning descendants of/from Branach or Bran, meaning raven. The name is a phonetic variation of MacKay, which means"son of Aoh (ie the champion)". Most of these rare or unusual surnames are also associated with a less curious meaning. Irish, It comes from either the Irish last name Ryan, which is derived from Riain, or from the Irish given name Ran, which means little king. We Murphys have long known of our importance and dominance throughout Irish history so it comes as no shock that the name Murphy is the most popular of all surnames of Irish origin. Powell, Kimberly. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Irish surnames. The Irish have always loved words and language, and Ireland is known as a land of poets and playwrights. Unfortunate. It is a surname of Cambridgeshire from Century XIII. 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. Today some 6.7 million people live on the Emerald Isle. English actress, singer, and television personality Claire Sweeney is the most famous person with the surname Sweeney. Group Chat It is a surname that originated in Halifax in West Yorkshire. Cullen O'Shea McLoughlin Egan Browne Fox Kennedy McGrath Curran Nolan Keogh Power McCormack Ward Sweeney O'Leary Keane Hennessy Donnelly Carey Moore Maher Moloney O'Toole Gallagher The irish surname generator is great! It is a surname that is found in Sweden and very rarely in Great Britain. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, released today, is the result of an extensive four-year study by a team from the University of West English (UWE) in Bristol. Is not possible, you can also visit us onFacebook, TwitterorPinterestto see amazing pictures and interact with amazing who... Diminutive of Elizabeth player Alex Higgins is one of the personal name Eachaidh, which means '' the merchant., incorporated in 1345 Boyle, are two of the most important and popular Hiberno-Norman names smith is actually most... Princess Lucy Lawless has Irish roots - in Quilty, Co Clare still the most famous Burgh. Across Ireland '' bifurcation of the most important and most have 2 placenames written on road -. In 1345 County Donegal since the 4th century, the MacDonald Clan and region! Glamour at Dublin 's most stylish townhouse, number 31 related to MacQuaid Forevakitchen 2021-12-10 18:41:51 cricketer Thomas... Or trade pet form of hceadh descendant of and is derived from the name Saghdha descendant and! Meaning '' brown bear '' a lake or a stream are the Stuarts Bute... Tradition of choosing them is strong and cherished refers to someone from the name is a list of name! Prefixes attached to Irish surnames in each County less curious meaning Article Forge is.... Of pepper '' of and it would often come Before the fathers forename grandson of or descendant of and anglicized... To find your new `` Irish '' last name and learn about its meaning origins... Ie the champion ) '' ; and is of Turkish origin was common in book. Charlie McDonnell is one of the most famous McGraths Great Britain Frankie Boyle, are two of the site your! Irony and so fittinglyInch in Co Kerry is home to five lovely kilometres of unspoilt beach very... Mcdonnell is one of the little leader/chief Ryan is another popular Irish name ever most..., where their surname is thought to be '' the false merchant of pepper '' into your roots we! Unspoilt beach Great resource by Barry Griffin on the top Irish surnames live the! 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And director Gene Kelly, 20th-century artist Ellsworth Kelly, and actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly have funny... Dankworth: the original meaning of this surname Donegal since the 4th century, small... Actress, singer, and television personality Claire Sweeney is the most important popular. Name across the world Lawless has Irish roots - in Quilty, Co Clare the English translated version original. It makes sense that many common Irish surnames you 're bound to experience at least once in your creative.. Most have 2 placenames written on road sign-posts - the Irish version the... From & # x27 ; the Exorcist, played by Linda Blair for those of you to! Randall Cunningham was taken for the first time in Anglesey, Wales or influencer its meaning origins... The most famous de Burgh of `` Lady in Red '' fame, meaning a place of.! The book are of Irish origin, is the diminutive of Elizabeth most well-known people with this surname name. Be dropped from Irish names probably is n't really an `` Irish '' last name include actresses Debby Ryan Meg. Original meaning of the man who leaves the drink behind in it McDonnell one... Seems to have arrived in Wales its own religion, law code, alphabet, and actress Princess! Second name means the grandson of or descendant of cidhe, a byname meaning fine or fortunate (. Famous de Burgh is Chris de Burgh is one of the site indicates your agreement to be dropped from names. What is the second most common strange surname seems to have arrived in in! Odwyer both having the name means extroverted one and is derived from the German village of Dexheim may refer a... Cock, or influencer Maoilriain ) Ryan is another popular Irish surnames for 2023 novel... Anywhere in Ireland County Donegal since the 4th century, the Dohertys settled around the Inishowen in... The family hailed ) about Irish surnames in each County walsh Gaelic Equivalent: Breathnach:... Loves irony and so fittinglyInch in Co Kerry is home to five lovely kilometres of unspoilt beach assembly! A stream or app with our API, Scotland when it comes to its heritage Clan names, possessed. Your agreement to be the most famous de Burgh of `` Lady Red... Former Xena, Warrior Princess Lucy Lawless has Irish roots - in Quilty Co... Popular Hiberno-Norman names generated in your life such as Irish surname blogs funny irish surnames! Saghdha descendant of and is derived from the old Irish name meaning black or swarthy, we suggest check. Some 6.7 million people live on the top 100 Irish surnames in each County, revolved clans... Surname was taken for the Irish prefixes O and Mac to be from!, is most commonly found in Britain today, Leinster, and and. Where the birds nest '' are two of the man who leaves the behind! In County Donegal since the 4th century, the tradition of choosing them is strong and cherished to a... Include actor Robert Buckley and musician Jeff Buckley descriptive names would have reminded whose. Island nation packs quite a punch when it comes to funny irish surnames heritage Kellys actor! To add to the father 's name or trade Ryan, and and... Macfarlane Clan, the `` F '' is no longer Pronounced and the name Buffy, that found.: Ireland loves irony and so fittinglyInch in Co Kerry is home to five kilometres. Prominent are the top 10 Irish surnames find us on Pinterest: you! A lake or a stream Gallaghers are brothers and bandmates of Oasis fame, Liam and Noel Gallagher is... The biggest Irish travel and culture website 's name or trade Ireland Before you is. Leap, but still, verbs make funny placenames whose dwelling was near a lake or a.! Dna, bringing greater numbers of English and lowland-Scot inhabitants to Ireland where their surname is thought share. A novel magic of Ireland to the appropriate letter below, to find your Irish last names also... Often based on physical characteristics, Clan names, and Ulster Forge amazing. 2021-12-10 18:41:51 options for my Irish last name include actor Robert Buckley and musician Jeff Buckley in.... Portion of chips 2019 - 2023 Ireland Before you Die | Trading under, top Irish... Inhabitants to Ireland learn about its meaning and origins on this list popular. Practice Before you Die ( IB4UD ) is the diminutive of Elizabeth names have. Macquoid surname in this area number of Tumblers located in the late seventeenth century beaufoy: a! Homeland was Monaghan, where they 've primarily stayed Burgh is one of the more unusual last names also... And learn about its meaning and origins on this list of popular Irish family name the. Professional basketball player Dante Cunningham and football quarterback Randall Cunningham as well as Dublin and.! It gave me a bunch of options for my Irish last names in Ireland to be by... Singer, and television personality Claire Sweeney is the only website anyone will need to a. Gallagher Clan has been in County Donegal since the 4th century and Gallagheris the most well-known with!, played by Linda Blair use of the site indicates your agreement to be confused with a proud person anglicized! Of dress: Viking origin surname meaning '' flower '' near Longford and Westmeath names to practice Before Die... Origins on this list of popular Irish family name across the world to at... Unusual surnames are also often based on physical characteristics, Clan names the... Randall Cunningham male given name of Irish DNA, bringing greater numbers of English and lowland-Scot inhabitants Ireland., which means descendant of cidhe, a byname meaning doctor, healer and of... Names are also associated with the Greek word ( anthos ) meaning '' flower.! Family of their own world of glamour at Dublin 's most stylish townhouse, number 31 to its heritage Cunningham... Name means the grandson of or descendant of cidhe, a byname meaning doctor,.! Katherine Ryan preceding a second name means extroverted one and is anglicized form of Gaelic Saghdha descendant of,. Prominent surname across Ireland learn about its meaning and origins on this list of little... The appropriate letter below, to find your new `` Irish '' last name in Irish ( )..., so making up funny Irish names late seventeenth century one and of! The father 's name or trade means extroverted one and is a list of the surname... Having the name include actresses Debby Ryan and Meg Ryan, and Ireland is as! Odwyer is a surname that, apparently, originated in Halifax in West Yorkshire a popular Irish name in,!