Irish surnames offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Ireland’s history and culture. These names, steeped in centuries of tradition, reflect the diverse influences that have shaped the Emerald Isle. From ancient Gaelic clans to Norman invaders, and from Viking settlers to English colonizers, each wave of history has left its mark on Irish family names. This comprehensive list explores the meanings and origins of a wide array of Irish surnames, showcasing the linguistic diversity that spans Gaelic, English, Norman French, and Norse roots. Whether beginning with “O'” (meaning “descendant of”), “Mac” or “Mc” (meaning “son of”), or adopting anglicized forms, these surnames tell the story of Ireland’s people – their occupations, physical characteristics, ancestral homelands, and the noble lineages from which they descend. Delve into this collection to discover the rich heritage behind Irish family names and the tales they carry through generations.
Contents
A
Adams: Derived from the Hebrew name “Adam,” meaning “man” or “earth.”
Agnew: From the Gaelic “O’Gnimh,” meaning “descendant of Gnimh,” where Gnimh refers to a judge or someone known for their deeds.
Ahern/e: From the Gaelic “O’hEachthigheirn,” meaning “descendant of Eachthighearn,” where Eachthighearn means “horse lord.”
Alexander: Of Greek origin, meaning “defender of mankind.”
Allen, Allan: Derived from the Gaelic “ailin,” meaning “little rock” or “harmony.”
McAllister: From the Gaelic “Mac Alasdair,” meaning “son of Alasdair” (Alexander).
Anderson: Meaning “son of Andrew,” where Andrew is derived from the Greek name Andreas, meaning “manly.”
Andrews: Patronymic form of Andrew, meaning “son of Andrew.”
McAneny, McEneaney: From the Gaelic “Mac an Einigh,” meaning “son of the generous one.”
McArdle: From the Gaelic “Mac Ardghail,” meaning “son of Ardghal,” where Ardghal means “high valor.”
MacAuliffe: From the Gaelic “Mac Amhlaoibh,” meaning “son of Amhlaoibh” (Olaf).
B
Bailey: Derived from the Old French “bailli,” meaning “bailiff” or “steward.”
Baird: From the Gaelic “bard,” meaning “poet” or “storyteller.”
Baker: Occupational surname referring to someone who baked bread professionally.
Barr: From the Gaelic “barra,” meaning “height” or “top.”
Barrett: Norman origin, possibly from the Old French “barat,” meaning “deceiver” or “trouble-maker.”
Barron: Derived from the Old Irish “bár,” meaning “warrior” or “noble.”
Barry: From the Gaelic “O’Baire,” meaning “descendant of Baire,” where Baire means “spear.”
Baxter: Occupational surname, originally meaning “female baker” from Old English “baecestre.”
Beattie, Beatty: From the Gaelic “Mac Beatha,” meaning “son of life” or “son of Beatha.”
Beggs: From the Gaelic “beag,” meaning “small” or “little one.”
Begley: From the Gaelic “O’Beaglaoich,” meaning “descendant of the young hero.”
Behan, Beahan: From the Gaelic “O’Beachain,” meaning “descendant of Beachan,” where Beachan means “little bee.”
Beirne: From the Gaelic “O’Birn,” meaning “descendant of Bjorn,” where Bjorn is Norse for “bear.”
Bell: Occupational surname for a bell-ringer or bell-maker, or from a house sign depicting a bell.
Bennet: From the Latin “benedictus,” meaning “blessed.”
Bergin: From the Gaelic “O’Aimergin,” meaning “descendant of Aimergin,” a personal name meaning “born of fire.”
Bermingham: Anglo-Norman surname, likely referring to someone from Birmingham, England.
Berry, Beary: From the Gaelic “O’Beara,” meaning “descendant of Beara,” possibly referring to the Beara peninsula.
Bingham: English surname, possibly meaning “homestead of Bynna’s people.”
Black: Descriptive surname referring to someone with dark hair or complexion.
Blair: From the Gaelic “blár,” meaning “plain” or “field.”
Blake: From Old English “blac,” meaning “pale” or “fair-haired.”
Bohan(e), Boug(h)an: From the Gaelic “O’Buadhachain,” meaning “descendant of the victorious one.”
Boland: From the Gaelic “O’Beollain,” meaning “descendant of Beollan,” where Beollan means “little mouth.”
Bolger: From the Gaelic “O’Bolguidhir,” meaning “descendant of Bolg Odhar” (the pale bellied one).
Bonar, Bonner: From the Gaelic “O’Cnaimhsighe,” meaning “descendant of Cnaimhseach” (the midwife).
Boyce: From the Gaelic “Buidhe,” meaning “yellow-haired.”
Boyd: From the Gaelic “buidhe,” meaning “yellow,” possibly referring to hair color.
Boylan: From the Gaelic “O’Baoigheallain,” meaning “descendant of the little rascal.”
O’Boyle: From the Gaelic “O’Baoighill,” meaning “descendant of Baoigheall” (perilous pledge).
Bradley: English surname meaning “broad meadow.”
Brady: From the Gaelic “O’Bradaigh,” meaning “descendant of Bradach” (spirited or thieving).
Brannigan, Branagan: From the Gaelic “O’Branagain,” meaning “descendant of Branagan” (raven).
Breheny: From the Gaelic “O’Braonain,” meaning “descendant of Braonan” (sorrow).
Brennan: From the Gaelic “O’Braonain,” meaning “descendant of Braonan” (moisture or rain).
Breslin: From the Gaelic “O’Breslean,” meaning “descendant of Breslean” (strife).
McBride: From the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Bhrighde,” meaning “son of the servant of St. Bridget.”
O’Brien: From the Gaelic “O’Briain,” meaning “descendant of Brian” (high or noble).
Broderick: From the Old German “Broderick,” meaning “brother-power” or “famous brother.”
Brogan: From the Gaelic “O’Brogain,” meaning “descendant of Brogan” (shoe).
Brophy: From the Gaelic “O’Broithe,” meaning “descendant of Broithe” (muddy).
Brosnan: From the Gaelic “O’Brosnachan,” meaning “descendant of Brosnachan” (small bundle).
Brown(e): Descriptive surname referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
Bruen: Anglicized form of the Gaelic “O’Broin,” meaning “descendant of Bron” (sorrow).
Bryan: Variation of Brian, from the Gaelic “O’Briain,” meaning “descendant of Brian” (high or noble).
Buckley: From the Gaelic “O’Buachalla,” meaning “descendant of Buachaill” (boy or cowherd).
B(o)urke: Norman surname, originally “de Burgo,” meaning “from the borough.”
Burns: From the Gaelic “O’Broin,” meaning “descendant of Bran” (raven).
Butler: Occupational surname referring to a wine steward or head of a noble household.
Byrne: From the Gaelic “O’Broin,” meaning “descendant of Bran” (raven).
C
McCabe: From the Gaelic “Mac Caba,” meaning “son of Caba” (helmet).
Caffrey: From the Gaelic “O’Cathfraoich,” meaning “descendant of Cathfraoch” (battle-fury).
McCaffrey: From the Gaelic “Mac Gafraidh,” meaning “son of Gafraid” (godfrey).
Cahill: From the Gaelic “O’Cathail,” meaning “descendant of Cathal” (battle-mighty).
Cain: From the Gaelic “O’Cathain,” meaning “descendant of Cathan” (warrior).
Cairns: From the Gaelic “carn,” meaning “pile of stones” or “rocky hill.”
Caldwell: Of English origin, meaning “cold spring” or “cold well.”
O’Callaghan: From the Gaelic “O’Ceallachain,” meaning “descendant of Ceallachan” (bright-headed).
Callan: From the Gaelic “O’Cathalain,” meaning “descendant of Cathalan” (little battle).
Callanan, Callinan: From the Gaelic “O’Ceallanain,” meaning “descendant of Ceallan” (strife).
Cameron: From the Gaelic “cam-shron,” meaning “crooked nose.”
Campbell: From the Gaelic “cam beul,” meaning “crooked mouth.”
McCann: From the Gaelic “Mac Cana,” meaning “son of Cana” (wolf cub).
Cannon: From the Gaelic “O’Canain,” meaning “descendant of Canan” (wolf cub).
Carey: From the Gaelic “O’Ciardha,” meaning “descendant of Ciardha” (dark).
Carmody: From the Gaelic “O’Cearmada,” meaning “descendant of Cearmad” (son of the poet).
Carney: From the Gaelic “O’Cearnaigh,” meaning “descendant of Cearnach” (victorious).
Carolan: From the Gaelic “O’Cearbhallain,” meaning “descendant of Cearbhallan” (little Charles).
Carr: From the Gaelic “O’Carra,” meaning “descendant of Carra” (spear).
O’Carroll: From the Gaelic “O’Cearbhaill,” meaning “descendant of Cearbhall” (fierce in battle).
McCarron: From the Gaelic “Mac Carrúin,” meaning “son of Carrún” (spear).
Carson: From the Gaelic “Mac Carráin,” meaning “son of Carrán” (rocky land).
Carter: Occupational surname meaning “cart driver” or “cart maker.”
Carthy: Anglicized form of the Gaelic “O’Carthaigh,” meaning “descendant of Carthaigh” (loving).
MacCarthy: From the Gaelic “Mac Cárthaigh,” meaning “son of Cárthach” (loving).
McCartney: From the Gaelic “Mac Artaine,” meaning “son of Artán” (little bear).
McCartan: From the Gaelic “Mac Artáin,” meaning “son of Artán” (little bear).
Carty: Anglicized form of “O’Carthaigh,” meaning “descendant of Carthaigh” (loving).
Casey: From the Gaelic “O’Cathasaigh,” meaning “descendant of Cathasach” (vigilant or watchful).
Cassidy: From the Gaelic “O’Caiside,” meaning “descendant of Caiside” (curly-headed).
McCauley: From the Gaelic “Mac Amhlaoibh,” meaning “son of Amhlaoibh” (Olaf).
Caulfield: Anglicized form of the Gaelic “Mac Cathmhaoil,” meaning “son of Cathmhaol” (battle chief).
Chambers: Occupational surname referring to someone who worked in the private chambers of a wealthy household.
Christy, Christie: Derived from the personal name Christopher, meaning “bearer of Christ.”
Clanc(e)y: From the Gaelic “Mac Fhlannchaidh,” meaning “son of Flannchadh” (red warrior).
Clarke: Derived from the Latin “clericus,” meaning “cleric” or “scribe.”
Cleary: From the Gaelic “O’Cleirigh,” meaning “descendant of Cleireach” (clerk or cleric).
MacClelland: From the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Challuim,” meaning “son of the servant of St. Columba.”
(de) Clifford: Norman origin, meaning “from the cliff ford.”
McCloskey, McCluskey: From the Gaelic “Mac Bhloscaidh,” meaning “son of Bloscadh” (loud one).
McClure: From the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Uidhir,” meaning “son of the pale lad.”
Coakley: From the Gaelic “Mac Caochlaidhe,” meaning “son of the blind man.”
Cochrane: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “from the rowan tree meadow.”
Co(a)dy: From the Gaelic “Mac Oda,” meaning “son of Oda” (wealthy).
Cock: Possibly from the Old English “cocc,” meaning “rooster,” or a nickname for a young lad.
Coen: From the Gaelic “O’Cadhain,” meaning “descendant of Cadhan” (wild goose).
Coffey: From the Gaelic “O’Cobhthaigh,” meaning “descendant of Cobhthach” (victorious).
Cole: From the Old English “Cola,” a shortened form of Nicholas, or from “cool,” meaning “coal-black.”
Coleman: From the Gaelic “O’Colmain,” meaning “descendant of Colmán” (dove).
(Mac) Colgan: From the Gaelic “Mac Colgan,” meaning “son of Colgan” (fierce warrior).
Coll: From the Gaelic “O’Colla,” meaning “descendant of Colla” (hazel tree).
Collins: From the Gaelic “O’Coileain,” meaning “descendant of Coilean” (young dog or pup).
Comber, Comer: Occupational surname meaning “wool comber.”
Comerford: Anglo-Norman origin, possibly meaning “from Quemerford” (a place in England).
Condon: Norman origin, possibly meaning “from Caen” or “from Candon” in France.
Conlan, Conlon, Connellan: From the Gaelic “O’Conallain,” meaning “descendant of Conallan” (little Conall).
Conneely: From the Gaelic “O’Conghalaigh,” meaning “descendant of Conghalach” (valiant).
McConnell: From the Gaelic “Mac Dhomhnaill,” meaning “son of Domhnall” (world ruler).
O’Connell: From the Gaelic “O’Conaill,” meaning “descendant of Conall” (strong wolf).
Connolly: From the Gaelic “O’Conghaile,” meaning “descendant of Conghal” (fierce hound).
O’Connor: From the Gaelic “O’Conchobhair,” meaning “descendant of Conchobhar” (lover of hounds).
Conroy: From the Gaelic “Mac Conraoi,” meaning “son of Cu-raoi” (hound of the battlefield).
Conway: From the Welsh “cyn” (chief) and “gwy” (water), or from Conwy in Wales.
Coogan: From the Gaelic “Mac Uagain,” meaning “son of Uagan” (proud).
Cooke: Occupational surname meaning “cook.”
Cooney: From the Gaelic “O’Cuana,” meaning “descendant of Cuana” (handsome).
Cooper: Occupational surname meaning “barrel maker.”
Corbett: Norman origin, from “corbet,” meaning “little crow” or “dark-haired.”
Corcoran: From the Gaelic “O’Corcrain,” meaning “descendant of Corcran” (ruddy).
Corish: From the Gaelic “Mac Fheorais,” meaning “son of Piers.”
McCormick, McCormack: From the Gaelic “Mac Cormaic,” meaning “son of Cormac” (charioteer).
Corr: From the Gaelic “O’Corra,” meaning “descendant of the crane.”
Corrigan: From the Gaelic “O’Corragain,” meaning “descendant of Corragan” (spear).
Corry: From the Gaelic “O’Corraigh,” meaning “descendant of Corrach” (uneven).
Cosgrave: From the Gaelic “Mac Coscraigh,” meaning “son of Coscrach” (victorious).
Costello/e: Anglicized form of the Gaelic “Mac Oisdealbhaigh,” meaning “son of Oisdealbhach” (noble form).
Cotter: From the Gaelic “Mac Oitir,” meaning “son of Oitir” (dread).
Coughlan: From the Gaelic “O’Cochlainn,” meaning “descendant of Cochlann” (helmet).
Coulter: Occupational surname for a ploughman.
McCourt: From the Gaelic “Mac Cuarta,” meaning “son of Cuarta” (visitor).
McCoy: From the Gaelic “Mac Aodha,” meaning “son of Aodh” (fire).
Courtney: Norman origin, possibly meaning “from Courtenay” in France.
Cowan: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “son of the smith.”
Cox, Cock: From the Old English “cocc,” meaning “rooster” or a nickname for a young lad.
Coyle: From the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Chomhghaill,” meaning “son of the servant of St. Comhghall.”
Coyne: From the Gaelic “O’Cadhain,” meaning “descendant of Cadhan” (wild goose).
Craig: Scottish origin, meaning “crag” or “rocky hill.”
Crawford: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “crow ford.”
McCready: From the Gaelic “Mac Riada,” meaning “son of Riada” (ready).
Cregan, Creegan: From the Gaelic “O’Criogain,” meaning “descendant of Criogan” (little heart).
MacCreesh: From the Gaelic “Mac Riis,” meaning “son of Riis” (rush).
Cronin: From the Gaelic “O’Croinin,” meaning “descendant of Cronin” (saffron-colored).
McCrory: From the Gaelic “Mac Ruaidhri,” meaning “son of Ruaidhri” (red king).
Crowe: From the Gaelic “O’Craoibhe,” meaning “descendant of Craobh” (branch).
Crowley: From the Gaelic “O’Cruadhlaoich,” meaning “descendant of Cruadhlaoch” (hardy warrior).
Cullen, Collins: From the Gaelic “O’Coileain,” meaning “descendant of Coilean” (whelp).
McCullough: From the Gaelic “Mac Cu Uladh,” meaning “son of the hound of Ulster.”
Cummins: From the Gaelic “O’Cuimin,” meaning “descendant of Cuimin” (Gaelic form of Comyn).
Cunningham: Scottish origin, meaning “dwelling of the chief.”
Curley: From the Gaelic “O’Comhraidhe,” meaning “descendant of Comhraidhe” (helper).
Curran/e: From the Gaelic “O’Corrain,” meaning “descendant of Corran” (spear).
Curry, Currie: From the Gaelic “O’Comhraidhe,” meaning “descendant of Comhraidhe” (helper).
MacCurtin: From the Gaelic “Mac Cruitin,” meaning “son of Cruitin” (hunchback).
Cusack: Anglicized form of the Gaelic “de Cuisin,” meaning “from the kitchen.”
MacCutcheon: Scottish origin, meaning “son of Hugh.”
D
McDaid, McDevitt: From the Gaelic “Mac Daibheid,” meaning “son of David.”
Dalton, D’Alton: Norman origin, meaning “from Autun” in France.
Daly: From the Gaelic “O’Dalaigh,” meaning “descendant of Dalach” (assemblyman).
Darcy, Dorcey: Norman origin, meaning “from Arcy” in France.
Davidson: Meaning “son of David.”
Davis, Dav(e)y: Meaning “son of David.”
Davison: Meaning “son of David.”
Dawson: Meaning “son of Daw” (a pet form of David).
O’Dea: From the Gaelic “O’Deaghaidh,” meaning “descendant of Deaghadh” (good fortune).
Deane, Deeney: From the Old English “denu,” meaning “valley.”
Deasy: From the Gaelic “O’Deaghaidh,” meaning “descendant of Deaghadh” (good fortune).
Deegan: From the Gaelic “O’Duibhgeannain,” meaning “descendant of Duibhgeannan” (black-haired).
Delaney, Delany: From the Gaelic “O’Dubhshlaine,” meaning “descendant of Dubhshlaine” (black challenger).
Dempsey: From the Gaelic “O’Diomasaigh,” meaning “descendant of Diomasach” (proud).
Dennehy: From the Gaelic “O’Duineachaidh,” meaning “descendant of Duineachaidh” (manly person).
Desmond: From the Irish “Deas-Mumhain,” meaning “South Munster.”
MacDermot(t): From the Gaelic “Mac Diarmada,” meaning “son of Diarmaid” (free man).
Devany, Devaney, Devenny: From the Gaelic “O’Duibheanaigh,” meaning “descendant of Duibheanach” (black-faced).
Devine, Divine: From the Gaelic “O’Daimhin,” meaning “descendant of Daimhin” (little deer).
McDevitt: From the Gaelic “Mac Daibheid,” meaning “son of David.”
Dillon: Norman origin, possibly from “de Leon” meaning “from Lyon” in France.
Dinneen, Dineen: From the Gaelic “O’Duinnin,” meaning “descendant of Duinnin” (brown-haired).
Diver: Anglicized form of the Gaelic “O’Duibhir,” meaning “descendant of Duibhir” (dark-colored).
Dixon, Dickson: Meaning “son of Dick” (a diminutive of Richard).
Dodd(s): From the Middle English personal name Dodd, possibly meaning “rounded” or “stout.”
O’Doherty: From the Gaelic “O’Dochartaigh,” meaning “descendant of Dochartach” (hurtful).
Dolan: From the Gaelic “O’Doblain,” meaning “descendant of Dobhlan” (challenger).
MacDonagh: From the Gaelic “Mac Donnchadha,” meaning “son of Donnchadh” (brown warrior).
Donaghy: From the Gaelic “O’Donnchaidh,” meaning “descendant of Donnchadh” (brown warrior).
Donaldson: Meaning “son of Donald” (world ruler).
Donegan: From the Gaelic “O’Donnagain,” meaning “descendant of Donnagan” (little brown-haired one).
Donnellan, Donelan, Donlon, Donlan: From the Gaelic “O’Domhnallain,” meaning “descendant of Domhnallan” (little world ruler).
Donnelly: From the Gaelic “O’Donnghaile,” meaning “descendant of Donnghal” (brown valor).
Donohoe, O’Donoghue: From the Gaelic “O’Donnchadha,” meaning “descendant of Donnchadh” (brown warrior).
O’Donovan: From the Gaelic “O’Donnabhain,” meaning “descendant of Donnabhan” (brown-haired chieftain).
MacDonnell, MacDonald: From the Gaelic “Mac Domhnaill,” meaning “son of Domhnall” (world ruler).
O’Donnell: From the Gaelic “O’Domhnaill,” meaning “descendant of Domhnall” (world ruler).
Doolan, Doolin: From the Gaelic “O’Dubhlain,” meaning “descendant of Dubhlan” (black-haired challenger).
Dooley: From the Gaelic “O’Dubhlaoich,” meaning “descendant of Dubhlaoch” (black warrior).
Doran, Dorran: From the Gaelic “O’Deorain,” meaning “descendant of Deoran” (pilgrim).
Douglas: Scottish origin, meaning “dark river.”
O’Dowd: From the Gaelic “O’Dubhda,” meaning “descendant of Dubhda” (black).
McDowell, MacDougal: From the Gaelic “Mac Dubhghaill,” meaning “son of Dubhghall” (dark stranger).
Dowling: From the Gaelic “O’Dunlaing,” meaning “descendant of Dunlaing” (fort builder).
Downey: From the Gaelic “O’Dunadhaigh,” meaning “descendant of Dunadhach” (fort dweller).
Doyle: From the Gaelic “O’Dubhghaill,” meaning “descendant of Dubhghall” (dark stranger).
O’Driscoll: From the Gaelic “O’hEidersceoil,” meaning “descendant of the messenger.”
Duff: From the Gaelic “Dubh,” meaning “black” or “dark.”
Duffy: From the Gaelic “O’Dubhthaigh,” meaning “descendant of Dubhthach” (black).
Duggan, Dugan, Doogan, Dougan: From the Gaelic “O’Dubhagain,” meaning “descendant of Dubhagan” (little dark one).
Duncan: From the Gaelic “Donnchadh,” meaning “brown warrior.”
Dunleavy: From the Gaelic “O’Duinnshleibhe,” meaning “descendant of Duinnshleibhe” (brown mountain).
Dunlop: Scottish origin, meaning “muddy hill.”
Dunne, Dunn: From the Gaelic “O’Duinn,” meaning “descendant of Donn” (brown-haired).
Dunning: Possibly from the Old English “Dunning,” meaning “dweller on the hill.”
Dunphy: From the Gaelic “O’Donnchadha,” meaning “descendant of Donnchadh” (brown warrior).
Durkan: From the Gaelic “O’Duarcain,” meaning “descendant of Duarcan” (fierce).
O’Dwyer: From the Gaelic “O’Dubhuidhir,” meaning “descendant of Dubhodhar” (dark-colored).
E
Eames: English origin, possibly meaning “uncle” or “friend.”
Early: Anglicized form of the Gaelic “O’Maolmocheirghe,” meaning “descendant of the early-rising chief.”
Edwards: Meaning “son of Edward” (wealthy guardian).
(Mac)Egan: From the Gaelic “Mac Aodhagain,” meaning “son of Aodhagan” (little fiery one).
Elliott: From the Old English “Aethelwald,” meaning “noble wood.”
Ellis: From the Welsh “elisedd,” meaning “kind.”
English: Ethnic name for someone from England.
Ennis: From the Gaelic “O’hAonghusa,” meaning “descendant of Aonghus” (one strength).
(Mac)Enright: From the Gaelic “Mac Indreachtaigh,” meaning “son of Indreachtach” (attacker).
MacEoin: From the Gaelic “Mac Eoghain,” meaning “son of Eoghan” (born of the yew tree).
Evans: Welsh origin, meaning “son of Evan” (John).
MacEvoy: From the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Bhuidhe,” meaning “son of the yellow-haired lad.”
F
MacFadden: From the Gaelic “Mac Phaiden,” meaning “son of little Patrick.”
Fagan: From the Gaelic “O’Faodhagain,” meaning “descendant of Faodhagan” (little fire).
Fahy, Fahey: From the Gaelic “O’Fathaigh,” meaning “descendant of Fathach” (prudent).
MacFall: Scottish origin, from the Gaelic “Mac Phail,” meaning “son of Paul.”
Fallon: From the Gaelic “O’Fallamhain,” meaning “descendant of Fallamhan” (leader).
Fanning: From the Gaelic “O’Fionnain,” meaning “descendant of Fionnan” (fair).
MacFarland: Scottish origin, from the Gaelic “Mac Pharlain,” meaning “son of Parlan” (sprightly).
O’Farrell: From the Gaelic “O’Fearghail,” meaning “descendant of Fearghal” (man of valor).
Farrelly: From the Gaelic “O’Faircheallaigh,” meaning “descendant of Faircheallach” (super-wise).
Faulkner: Occupational name for a falconer.
Feely: From the Gaelic “O’Fithcheallaigh,” meaning “descendant of Fithcheallach” (chess-player).
Feeney: From the Gaelic “O’Fiannaidhe,” meaning “descendant of Fiannaidh” (warrior).
Fennell: From the Gaelic “O’Fionghaile,” meaning “descendant of Fionnghall” (fair stranger).
Fennelly: From the Gaelic “O’Fionnghalaigh,” meaning “descendant of Fionnghalach” (fair valor).
Ferguson: From the Gaelic “Mac Fhearghusa,” meaning “son of Fearghus” (man of force).
Ferris, Fergus: From the Gaelic “Fearghus,” meaning “man of force.”
Ferry: From the Gaelic “Mac Fhearadhaigh,” meaning “son of Fearadhach” (manly).
Field: English topographic name for someone living in open country.
Finlay: From the Gaelic “Fionnlagh,” meaning “fair hero.”
Finegan, Finnegan: From the Gaelic “O’Fionnagain,” meaning “descendant of Fionnagan” (fair-haired).
Finn: From the Gaelic “O’Finn,” meaning “descendant of Fionn” (fair-haired).
Fisher: Occupational name for a fisherman.
Fitzgerald: Norman origin, meaning “son of Gerald” (spear rule).
Fitzgibbons: Norman origin, meaning “son of Gibbon” (derived from Gilbert).
Fitzhenry: Norman origin, meaning “son of Henry” (home ruler).
Fitzpatrick: Norman-Irish, meaning “son of Patrick.”
Fitzsimons: Norman origin, meaning “son of Simon.”
Fitzwilliam: Norman origin, meaning “son of William” (resolute protection).
O’Flanagan: From the Gaelic “O’Flannagain,” meaning “descendant of Flannagan” (red-haired).
O’Flaherty: From the Gaelic “O’Flaithbheartaigh,” meaning “descendant of Flaithbheartach” (bright ruler).
Flannery: From the Gaelic “O’Flannabhra,” meaning “descendant of Flannabhra” (red-browed).
Fleming: Ethnic name for someone from Flanders.
Flood: From the Gaelic “O’Maoltuile,” meaning “descendant of the flood attendant.”
Flynn: From the Gaelic “O’Floinn,” meaning “descendant of Flann” (red).
Fogarty, Fogarthy: From the Gaelic “O’Fogartaigh,” meaning “descendant of Fogartach” (exiled).
Foley: From the Gaelic “O’Foghladha,” meaning “descendant of Foghlaidh” (plunderer).
Forde, Ford: English topographic name for someone living near a ford.
Forsythe: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “man of peace.”
Foster: English occupational name for a forest warden.
Fox: From the Gaelic “O’Sionnaigh,” meaning “descendant of Sionnach” (fox-like).
Foy: From the Gaelic “O’Fe,” meaning “descendant of Fe” (fay or fairy).
Frazer, Fraser: Scottish origin, possibly from French “fraise” (strawberry).
Friel: From the Gaelic “O’Firghil,” meaning “descendant of Fearghal” (man of valor).
Fulton: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “foul town.”
Furlong: English topographic name for someone living near a furlong (division of land).
G
Gaffney: From the Gaelic “O’Gamhna,” meaning “descendant of Gamhnach” (calf-like).
Gallagher: From the Gaelic “O’Gallchobhair,” meaning “descendant of Gallchobhar” (foreign help).
Galligan: From the Gaelic “O’Gealbhain,” meaning “descendant of Gealbhan” (sparrow).
Gallivan: From the Gaelic “O’Gealbhain,” meaning “descendant of Gealbhan” (sparrow).
Galvin: From the Gaelic “O’Gealbhain,” meaning “descendant of Gealbhan” (sparrow).
Gamble: English origin, possibly from the Old Norse “gamall” (old).
Gannon: From the Gaelic “O’Geannain,” meaning “descendant of Geannan” (little wedge).
MacGarry: From the Gaelic “Mac Garaidh,” meaning “son of Garaidh” (short).
Garvey: From the Gaelic “O’Gairbhith,” meaning “descendant of Gairbhith” (rough peace).
McGarvey: From the Gaelic “Mac Gairbhith,” meaning “son of Gairbhith” (rough peace).
Gavin: From the Gaelic “O’Gabhan,” meaning “descendant of Gabhan” (little smith).
Geoghegan: From the Gaelic “Mac Eochagain,” meaning “son of Eochagan” (youthful).
Geraghty: From the Gaelic “Mag Oireachtaigh,” meaning “son of Oireachtach” (member of the assembly).
Gibbons: See Fitzgibbons, meaning “son of Gibbon” (derived from Gilbert).
Gibson: Scottish origin, meaning “son of Gilbert.”
Gill, MacGill: From the Gaelic “Mac an Ghoill,” meaning “son of the foreigner.”
Gillan, Gillen: From the Gaelic “O’Giollain,” meaning “descendant of Giollan” (servant).
Gillespie: From the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Easpuig,” meaning “son of the servant of the bishop.”
Gilligan: From the Gaelic “O’Giollagain,” meaning “descendant of Giollagan” (little servant).
Gillmartin: See Martin, from the Latin “Martinus,” meaning “of Mars” (Roman god of war).
Gilmore, Gilmour: From the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Mhuire,” meaning “son of the servant of Mary.”
Gilroy: See MacIllroy, from the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Ruaidh,” meaning “son of the red-haired servant.”
Gilssenan: See de Nugent, of Norman origin, meaning “from Nogent” (a place in France).
MacGinley: From the Gaelic “Mac Fhionnghalaigh,” meaning “son of Fionnghalaigh” (fair valor).
Gleeson: From the Gaelic “O’Glasain,” meaning “descendant of Glasan” (green).
(Mac) Glynn: From the Gaelic “O’Floinn,” meaning “descendant of Flann” (red).
Goggin, de Cogan: Norman origin, possibly meaning “cook.”
McGoldrick: From the Gaelic “Mac Ualghairg,” meaning “son of Ualgharg” (proud patriot).
McGonigle: From the Gaelic “Mac Conghaile,” meaning “son of Conghail” (hound of valor).
Gordon: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “spacious fort.”
O’Gorman: From the Gaelic “O’Gormain,” meaning “descendant of Gorman” (little blue one).
Gormley: From the Gaelic “O’Gormghaile,” meaning “descendant of Gormghail” (blue valor).
Grace: Norman origin, from “le gras” meaning “the fat” or “the gracious.”
McGovern: From the Gaelic “Mag Shamhrain,” meaning “son of Samhradhan” (born in summer).
MacGowan: See Smith, from the Gaelic “Mac Gobhann,” meaning “son of the smith.”
O’Grady: From the Gaelic “O’Grada,” meaning “descendant of Grada” (noble).
Graham: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “gray home.”
Granny: Possibly an Anglicized form of the Gaelic “O’Grainne,” meaning “descendant of Grainne” (grace).
Grant: Scottish origin, possibly from the Norman French “grand,” meaning “tall” or “great.”
MacGrath: From the Gaelic “Mac Craith,” meaning “son of Craith” (prosperity).
Gray, Grey, de Gray: Descriptive surname for someone with gray hair or clothing.
Gready: See O’Grady.
Greany: From the Gaelic “O’Griana,” meaning “descendant of Grian” (sun).
Green, Greene: Descriptive surname for someone who lived near a village green or who wore green clothing.
Greer: Scottish origin, from the Gaelic “griogair,” meaning “vigilant.”
Griffin: From the Welsh “Gruffydd,” meaning “strong lord.”
Grimes: English origin, possibly meaning “fierce” or “stern.”
Grogan: From the Gaelic “O’Gruagain,” meaning “descendant of Gruagan” (little hairy one).
McGuigan: From the Gaelic “Mac Aodhagin,” meaning “son of Aodhagan” (little fiery one).
McGuinness: From the Gaelic “Mac Aonghusa,” meaning “son of Aonghus” (one strength).
McGurk: From the Gaelic “Mac Oirce,” meaning “son of Orc” (young pig or boar).
H
O’Hagan: From the Gaelic “O’hAodhagain,” meaning “descendant of Aodhagan” (little fiery one).
McHale: From the Gaelic “Mac Céile,” meaning “son of Céile” (companion).
Hall: English origin, originally denoting someone who lived or worked in a hall.
O’Halloran: From the Gaelic “O’hAllmhurain,” meaning “descendant of Allmhuran” (stranger from overseas).
Halpin: From the Gaelic “Mac Ailpín,” meaning “son of Ailpín” (little noble one).
Hamill: From the Gaelic “O’hAdhmaill,” meaning “descendant of Adhmall” (great).
Hamilton: Scottish origin, meaning “from Hamilton” (a place in Lanarkshire, Scotland).
Hand: See Lavin, from the Gaelic “O’Lamhain,” meaning “descendant of Lamhan” (hand).
O’Hanlon: From the Gaelic “O’hAnluain,” meaning “descendant of Anluain” (champion).
Hanly, Hanley: From the Gaelic “O’hAinle,” meaning “descendant of Ainle” (beauty).
Hanna, Hannay: Scottish origin, possibly from the Gaelic “O’hAnnaidh,” meaning “descendant of Annaidh” (storm).
Hannigan: From the Gaelic “O’hAnnagain,” meaning “descendant of Annagan” (little Anna).
Hannon, Hannan: From the Gaelic “O’hAnnain,” meaning “descendant of Annan” (little Anna).
Hanrahan, Handrahan: From the Gaelic “O’hAnrachain,” meaning “descendant of Anrachain” (wanderer).
Hanratty: From the Gaelic “O’hInnreachtaigh,” meaning “descendant of Innreachtach” (attacker).
O’Hara: From the Gaelic “O’hEaghra,” meaning “descendant of Eaghra” (salmon).
Haran, Haren: From the Gaelic “O’hArain,” meaning “descendant of Aran” (kidney-shaped hill).
O’Hare, Hare, Haire: From the Gaelic “O’hÍr,” meaning “descendant of Ír” (anger).
Harkin: From the Gaelic “O’hArcain,” meaning “descendant of Arcan” (little noble one).
Harper, Harpur: Occupational surname for a harp player.
Harrington: English origin, meaning “from Harrington” (a place name meaning “estate of Hara’s people”).
Harris: English origin, meaning “son of Harry” (a diminutive of Henry).
Harrison: English origin, meaning “son of Harry” (a diminutive of Henry).
Hart, Harte: From the Old English “heorot,” meaning “stag” or “deer.”
Harvey: Norman origin, from the Old Breton name “Haerviu,” meaning “battle worthy.”
Hasson: From the Gaelic “O’hOsain,” meaning “descendant of Osan” (little deer).
Hayden: From the Gaelic “O’hEidhin,” meaning “descendant of Eidhin” (fire).
Hayes, Hughes, O’Hea: All variants from the Gaelic “O’hAodha,” meaning “descendant of Aodh” (fire).
Healy: From the Gaelic “O’hEalaighthe,” meaning “descendant of Ealadhach” (ingenious).
Heaney: From the Gaelic “O’hEignigh,” meaning “descendant of Eigneach” (complainer).
Heffernan: From the Gaelic “O’hIfearnain,” meaning “descendant of Ifearnan” (little devil).
O’Hegarty: From the Gaelic “O’hEigceartaigh,” meaning “descendant of Eigceartach” (unjust).
Henderson: Scottish origin, meaning “son of Henry” (home ruler).
Henehan, Heneghan: From the Gaelic “O’hEannachain,” meaning “descendant of Eannachan” (little bird).
Hennessy: From the Gaelic “O’hAonghusa,” meaning “descendant of Aonghus” (one strength).
Henry, Fitzhenry: Henry is of Germanic origin, meaning “home ruler.” Fitzhenry is Norman, meaning “son of Henry.”
O’Herlihy: From the Gaelic “O’hIarlaithe,” meaning “descendant of Iarlaith” (lord of slaughter).
Heron, Herron: From the Gaelic “O’hEarain,” meaning “descendant of Earán” (little noble).
Hewitt: English origin, a diminutive of Hugh, meaning “heart” or “mind.”
Hickey: From the Gaelic “O’hIcidhe,” meaning “descendant of the healer.”
Higgins: From the Gaelic “O’hUigin,” meaning “descendant of Uiginn” (viking or sea-rover).
Hill: English topographic name for someone who lived on or by a hill.
Hoare, le Hore: From the Old English “har,” meaning “grey-haired” or “old.”
Hoey: From the Gaelic “O’hEochaidh,” meaning “descendant of Eochaidh” (horse rider).
Hogan: From the Gaelic “O’hOgain,” meaning “descendant of Ogan” (young).
Holland: English topographic name meaning “from the ridge land.”
Holmes: English topographic name meaning “from the island in the river meadows.”
Hopkins, Hobkin(s): Patronymic form of Hob, a diminutive of Robert, meaning “bright fame.”
Horan: From the Gaelic “O’hOdhrain,” meaning “descendant of Odhran” (pale little one).
Horgan: From the Gaelic “O’hArgain,” meaning “descendant of Argan” (plunderer).
Houlihan, Holohan: From the Gaelic “O’hUallachain,” meaning “descendant of Uallachan” (proud).
Houston, Huston: Scottish origin, meaning “from Hugh’s town.”
Howard: English origin, possibly from the Old Norse “Haward,” meaning “high or chief guardian.”
McHugh: From the Gaelic “Mac Aodha,” meaning “son of Aodh” (fire).
Hughes: See Hayes, from the Gaelic “O’hAodha,” meaning “descendant of Aodh” (fire).
Hunt: English occupational name for a hunter.
Hunter: English and Scottish occupational name for a hunter.
Hurley: From the Gaelic “O’hUirthile,” meaning “descendant of Uirthile” (champion).
Hutchinson, Hutchison: Patronymic meaning “son of Hutch,” a pet form of Hugh.
Hyland: From the Gaelic “O’hAoileain,” meaning “descendant of Aoilean” (athlete).
Hynes: From the Gaelic “O’hEidhin,” meaning “descendant of Eidhin” (fire).
I
McIlroy, McElroy, Gilroy: From the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Ruaidh,” meaning “son of the red-haired servant.”
McInerney: From the Gaelic “Mac an Airchinnigh,” meaning “son of the erenagh” (lay administrator of church lands).
McIntyre, MacAteer: From the Gaelic “Mac an tSaoir,” meaning “son of the carpenter.”
Irvine: Scottish origin, from a place name meaning “green river.”
Irwin: Variant of Irvine.
J
Jackson: English patronymic meaning “son of Jack” (a diminutive of John).
Jamison, Jameson, Jamieson: Scottish patronymic meaning “son of James.”
Jennings: English patronymic meaning “son of John.”
Johnson: English patronymic meaning “son of John.”
Johnston, Johnstone: Scottish patronymic meaning “son of John.”
Jones: Welsh patronymic meaning “son of John.”
Jordan: From the name of the river Jordan, often adopted by Crusaders.
Joyce: Norman origin, from the French personal name “Josse.”
Judge, Breheny: Judge is an occupational surname. Breheny is from the Gaelic “O’Braonain,” meaning “descendant of Braonan” (sorrow).
K
O’Kane: From the Gaelic “O’Cathain,” meaning “descendant of Cathan” (warrior).
Kangley: See Tighe, from the Gaelic “O’Taidgh,” meaning “descendant of Tadhg” (poet).
Kavanagh: From the Gaelic “Caomhanach,” meaning “descendant of Caomhan” (handsome).
McKay: From the Gaelic “Mac Aodha,” meaning “son of Aodh” (fire).
McKee: From the Gaelic “Mac Aodha,” meaning “son of Aodh” (fire).
Keane: From the Gaelic “O’Cathain,” meaning “descendant of Cathan” (warrior).
Keany: From the Gaelic “O’Ceannaigh,” meaning “descendant of Ceannach” (buy, purchase).
Kearney, Carney: From the Gaelic “O’Cearnaigh,” meaning “descendant of Cearnach” (victorious).
Kearns, Kiernan: From the Gaelic “O’Ceirín,” meaning “descendant of Ceirín” (little dark one).
Keating: Norman origin, possibly from “Keting,” a place name in Normandy.
Keaveny: From the Gaelic “O’Geibheannaigh,” meaning “descendant of Geibheannach” (captive).
O’Keeffe: From the Gaelic “O’Caoimh,” meaning “descendant of Caomh” (gentle, handsome).
Keegan: From the Gaelic “Mac Aodhagain,” meaning “son of Aodhagan” (little fiery one).
Keenan: From the Gaelic “O’Cianain,” meaning “descendant of Cianan” (little black one).
McKeever: From the Gaelic “Mac Iomhair,” meaning “son of Iomhar” (Ivor).
Kehoe: See Keogh, from the Gaelic “Mac Eochaidh,” meaning “son of Eochaidh” (horse rider).
Kelleher, Kelliher: From the Gaelic “O’Ceileachair,” meaning “descendant of Ceileachar” (lover of visiting).
(O’)Kelly: From the Gaelic “O’Ceallaigh,” meaning “descendant of Ceallach” (bright-headed).
MacKenna: From the Gaelic “Mac Cionaoith,” meaning “son of Cionaodh” (fire-born).
Kennelly, Kenneally, Quinnelly: From the Gaelic “O’Cinnfhaolaidh,” meaning “descendant of Cinnfhaolaidh” (wolf-headed).
(O’)Kennedy: From the Gaelic “O’Ceinneidigh,” meaning “descendant of Ceinneidigh” (helmeted chief).
Kenny: From the Gaelic “O’Cionnaoith,” meaning “descendant of Cionaodh” (fire-born).
(Mac)Keogh, Kehoe: From the Gaelic “Mac Eochaidh,” meaning “son of Eochaidh” (horse rider).
McKeown, McKeon, McKeone: From the Gaelic “Mac Eoghain,” meaning “son of Eoghan” (born of the yew tree).
Kerr: From the Gaelic “Ciar,” meaning “dark” or “black.”
Kerrigan: From the Gaelic “O’Ciaragain,” meaning “descendant of Ciaragan” (little dark one).
Keys, Keyes: English origin, possibly an occupational name for a maker of keys.
Kiely, Keely, Kealy, Keily, Keeley: From the Gaelic “O’Cadhla,” meaning “descendant of Cadhla” (beautiful).
Kiernan, Kieran: From the Gaelic “O’Ciarain,” meaning “descendant of Ciaran” (little dark one).
Killeen, Killen: From the Gaelic “O’Cillin,” meaning “descendant of Cillin” (associated with a church).
King: English occupational name for someone who worked in a royal household or had a kingly bearing.
Kingston: English topographic name meaning “from the king’s town.”
Kinsella: From the Gaelic “Cinnsealach,” meaning “proud-headed.”
Kirby: English origin, meaning “church settlement” or “by the church.”
Kirk: Scottish and Northern English origin, meaning “church.”
Kirwan: From the Gaelic “O’Ciardhubhain,” meaning “descendant of Ciardhubhan” (little dark one).
Kyne: See Coyne, from the Gaelic “O’Cadhain,” meaning “descendant of Cadhan” (wild goose).
L
Lacey, de Lacy, Leacy: Norman origin, meaning “from Lassy” (a place in Normandy).
Lally, Mullally: From the Gaelic “O’Maolalaidh,” meaning “descendant of the follower of Alladh.”
Lamb, Lambe: English origin, possibly a nickname for a meek person or someone who worked with lambs.
Lambert: Norman origin, from the personal name meaning “land-bright.”
Lane: See Lyons, from the Gaelic “O’Laighin,” meaning “descendant of Laighen” (spear).
Larkin: From the Gaelic “O’Lorcain,” meaning “descendant of Lorcan” (fierce).
MacLaughlin: From the Gaelic “Mac Lochlainn,” meaning “son of Lochlann” (Viking).
Lavelle: From the Gaelic “O’Maolfhabhaill,” meaning “descendant of Maolfhabhail” (chief of movement).
Lavery: From the Gaelic “O’Labhradha,” meaning “descendant of Labhraidh” (spokesman).
Lavin, Lavan: From the Gaelic “O’Lamhain,” meaning “descendant of Lamhan” (hand).
Lawless: English origin, possibly describing someone outside the law or free from feudal obligations.
Lawlor, Lawler, Lalor: From the Gaelic “O’Leathlobhair,” meaning “descendant of Leathlobhar” (half-leper).
Leahy: From the Gaelic “O’Laochdha,” meaning “descendant of Laochdha” (heroic).
McLean, McClean: From the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Eoin,” meaning “son of the servant of John.”
O’Leary: From the Gaelic “O’Laoghaire,” meaning “descendant of Laoghaire” (calf-herder).
Leavy, Levy: From the Gaelic “O’Laoimigh,” meaning “descendant of Laomhach” (elated).
MacLeavy: See Livingston(e), Scottish origin meaning “son of the steward.”
Lee: English topographic name for someone who lived near a meadow or clearing.
Leech: English occupational name for a physician or blood-letter.
Lehane: From the Gaelic “O’Liathain,” meaning “descendant of Liathan” (grey-haired one).
Lennon: From the Gaelic “O’Leannain,” meaning “descendant of Leannan” (lover).
Leonard: From the Germanic personal name meaning “lion-hardy.”
Lewis: Welsh form of Louis, meaning “famous warrior.”
Lindsay: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “island of linden trees.”
Linehan, Lenaghan, Lenihan: From the Gaelic “O’Luineachain,” meaning “descendant of Luineachan” (armed man).
Little, Lyttle: English descriptive surname for a small person.
Livingston(e), Levingston: Scottish origin meaning “son of Leving’s people.”
Loftus: English topographic name for someone who lived in a loft or upper room.
Logan: Scottish origin, possibly from a place name meaning “little hollow.”
Logue: See Leech, though in Irish context it’s from “O’Loig,” meaning “descendant of Laogh” (calf).
Lonergan, Londrigan: From the Gaelic “O’Longargain,” meaning “descendant of Longargan” (fierce).
Long: English descriptive surname for a tall person.
Loughran: From the Gaelic “O’Luachrain,” meaning “descendant of Luachran” (rushy).
MacLoughlin, O’Loughlin: From the Gaelic “Mac/O’Lochlainn,” meaning “son/descendant of Lochlann” (Viking).
Lowry: English origin, possibly from “Laurence” or a nickname meaning “fox cub.”
Lucas: Latin origin, meaning “man from Lucania.”
Lydon: From the Gaelic “O’Loideain,” meaning “descendant of Loidean” (little ugly one).
Lynch: From the Gaelic “O’Loingsigh,” meaning “descendant of Loingseach” (mariner).
M
Macken, Mackin: From the Gaelic “Mac Fhiacain,” meaning “son of Fiacan” (little raven).
Madden: From the Gaelic “O’Madain,” meaning “descendant of Madan” (little dog).
Magee, McGee: From the Gaelic “Mac Aodha,” meaning “son of Aodh” (fire).
Magill, McGill: From the Gaelic “Mac an Ghoill,” meaning “son of the foreigner.”
Magrath: See MacGrath, from the Gaelic “Mac Craith,” meaning “son of Craith” (prosperity).
MacGuire, Maguire: From the Gaelic “Mag Uidhir,” meaning “son of Odhar” (dun-colored).
Maher, Meagher: From the Gaelic “O’Meachair,” meaning “descendant of Meachar” (hospitable).
MacMahon: From the Gaelic “Mac Mathghamhna,” meaning “son of Mathghamhain” (bear).
Mahon, Mohan: From the Gaelic “O’Mocháin,” meaning “descendant of Mochain” (early).
Mahoney: From the Gaelic “O’Mathghamhna,” meaning “descendant of Mathghamhain” (bear).
O’Malley: From the Gaelic “O’Máille,” meaning “descendant of Máille” (gentle).
Mallon, Mellon: From the Gaelic “O’Mealláin,” meaning “descendant of Meallán” (little lump).
Malone: From the Gaelic “O’Maoil Eoin,” meaning “descendant of the devotee of St. John.”
Mangan, Mongan: From the Gaelic “O’Mongáin,” meaning “descendant of Mongán” (little dear).
Manning: English origin, possibly meaning “son of Mann” or “from Manning” (a place name).
Mannion: From the Gaelic “O’Mainnín,” meaning “descendant of Mainnín” (little bald one).
Marron, Marren: From the Gaelic “O’Mearáin,” meaning “descendant of Mearán” (mirthful).
MacManus: From the Gaelic “Mac Maghnuis,” meaning “son of Magnus.”
Marshall: English occupational name for someone who looked after horses or was a high official.
Martin, Gillmartin: Martin is from the Latin “Martinus,” meaning “of Mars.” Gillmartin means “servant of Martin.”
Masterson: English occupational name meaning “son of the master.”
Mat(t)hews: From the Hebrew name Matthew, meaning “gift of Yahweh.”
Maxwell: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “Mack’s stream.”
Meany: From the Gaelic “O’Maonaigh,” meaning “descendant of Maonach” (wealthy).
Meara, Mara: From the Gaelic “O’Mara,” meaning “descendant of Mara” (sea).
Meehan: From the Gaelic “O’Miadhacháin,” meaning “descendant of Miadhachán” (honorable).
McMenamin: From the Gaelic “Mac Meanma,” meaning “son of Meanma” (spirit, mind).
Millar, Miller: Occupational name for a miller.
Milligan, Milliken: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “son of Maolagán” (bald one).
Mills: English occupational name for someone who worked at or lived near a mill.
Mitchell: From the Hebrew name Michael, meaning “who is like God?”
Moffat(t), Moffet(t), Moffit(t): Scottish origin, possibly from a place name meaning “long plain.”
Molloy: From the Gaelic “O’Maolmhaodhóg,” meaning “descendant of the devotee of St. Maodhóg.”
Moloney: From the Gaelic “O’Maoldhomhnaigh,” meaning “descendant of the servant of the Church.”
Monaghan, Monahan: From the Gaelic “O’Manacháin,” meaning “descendant of Manachán” (little monk).
Montgomery: Norman origin, from a place name meaning “Gomer’s mountain.”
Mooney: From the Gaelic “O’Maonaigh,” meaning “descendant of Maonach” (wealthy).
Moore: English topographic name for someone who lived near a moor or marsh.
Moran: From the Gaelic “O’Moráin,” meaning “descendant of Morán” (great one).
Morgan: Welsh origin, meaning “sea-born” or “sea-defender.”
Moriarty, Murtagh: From the Gaelic “O’Muircheartaigh,” meaning “descendant of Muircheartach” (sea-warrior).
Moroney: From the Gaelic “O’Morónaigh,” meaning “descendant of Morón” (sailor).
Morris: English form of Maurice, ultimately from Latin “Mauritius” (Moorish).
Morrison: Meaning “son of Morris.”
Morrissey: From the Gaelic “O’Muirgheasa,” meaning “descendant of Muirgheas” (sea-choice).
McMorrow: From the Gaelic “Mac Muireadhaigh,” meaning “son of Muireadhach” (lord).
Morrow: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “sea-settlement.”
Moynihan: From the Gaelic “O’Muimhneacháin,” meaning “descendant of Muimhneachán” (Munsterman).
Mulcahy: From the Gaelic “O’Maolchathaigh,” meaning “descendant of Maolchathach” (devotee of the battle).
Mulcreevy: See Rice, from the Welsh “Rhys,” meaning “enthusiasm.”
Mulhall: From the Gaelic “O’Maolchathail,” meaning “descendant of Maolchathail” (devotee of Cathal).
Mulholland: From the Gaelic “O’Maolchallan,” meaning “descendant of Maolchallan” (devotee of St. Callan).
Mullally: See Lally, from the Gaelic “O’Maolalaidh,” meaning “descendant of the follower of Alladh.”
McMullan, Macmillan: From the Gaelic “Mac Maolain,” meaning “son of Maolán” (little bald one).
Mullan, Mullen, Mullin: From the Gaelic “O’Maoláin,” meaning “descendant of Maolán” (little bald one).
Mullane: From the Gaelic “O’Maoileáin,” meaning “descendant of Maoileán” (little bald one).
Mullany: From the Gaelic “O’Maoileanagh,” meaning “descendant of Maoileanach” (disciple).
Mulligan: From the Gaelic “O’Maolagáin,” meaning “descendant of Maolagán” (little bald one).
Mullins: English origin, meaning “son of Meulin” (from the mill).
Mulrooney: See Rooney, from the Gaelic “O’Ruanaidh,” meaning “descendant of Ruanadh” (champion).
Mulvey: From the Gaelic “O’Maoilmhiadhaigh,” meaning “descendant of Maolmhiadhach” (honorable chief).
Murphy: From the Gaelic “O’Murchadha,” meaning “descendant of Murchadh” (sea-warrior).
Murray: Scottish origin, from a place name meaning “settlement by the sea.”
Murtagh: From the Gaelic “O’Muircheartaigh,” meaning “descendant of Muircheartach” (sea-warrior).
N
Nagle: Norman origin, from “de Angulo,” meaning “from the angle.”
MacNamara: From the Gaelic “Mac Conmara,” meaning “son of Cú na Mara” (hound of the sea).
McNally, McAnally: From the Gaelic “Mac an Fhailghigh,” meaning “son of the poor man.”
McNamee: From the Gaelic “Mac Con Midhe,” meaning “son of the hound of Meath.”
Naughton: From the Gaelic “O’Neachtain,” meaning “descendant of Neachtan” (pure).
Neary: From the Gaelic “O’Naraigh,” meaning “descendant of Narach” (modest).
Neilan, Nilan: From the Gaelic “O’Nialláin,” meaning “descendant of Niallán” (little Neil).
MacNeill: From the Gaelic “Mac Néill,” meaning “son of Niall” (champion).
O’Neill: From the Gaelic “O’Néill,” meaning “descendant of Niall” (champion).
Nelson, Neilson: Meaning “son of Neil.”
Nesbitt: Scottish origin, from a place name meaning “nose-shaped piece of land.”
Neville: Norman origin, from “de Neuville,” meaning “from the new town.”
Nicholl: From the Greek name Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people.”
Nicholson: Meaning “son of Nicholas.”
Nixon: Meaning “son of Nick” (a diminutive of Nicholas).
Nolan, Nowlan: From the Gaelic “O’Nualláin,” meaning “descendant of Nuallán” (famous).
Noonan: From the Gaelic “O’Nuanáin,” meaning “descendant of Nuanán” (little fierce one).
Noone: From the Gaelic “O’Nuadhain,” meaning “descendant of Nuadhán” (new).
de Nugent, Nugent, Gilsenan: Norman origin, from “de Nogent,” meaning “from Nogent” (a place in France). Gilsenan is the Gaelic form.
McNulty: From the Gaelic “Mac an Ultaigh,” meaning “son of the Ulsterman.”
O
Orr: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “border” or “edge.”
Owens: Welsh patronymic, meaning “son of Owen.”
P
Parker: English occupational name for a gamekeeper.
MacParland, McPartlan, McPartlin, MacFarland: From the Gaelic “Mac Pharlain,” meaning “son of Parlan” (sprightly).
Patterson: Meaning “son of Patrick.”
Patton, Patten: Diminutive of Patrick.
Pearson: Meaning “son of Piers” (a form of Peter).
Phelan: See Whelan, from the Gaelic “O’Faoláin,” meaning “descendant of Faolán” (little wolf).
Phil(l)ips: From the Greek name Philip, meaning “lover of horses.”
Pierce: From the personal name Piers, a form of Peter.
Plunkett: Norman origin, possibly meaning “wood planter.”
Pollock: Scottish origin, from a place name meaning “pool farm.”
Porter: Occupational name for a gatekeeper.
Power, de Paor, le Paor: Norman origin, from “le Poer,” meaning “the poor.”
de Prendergast: Norman origin, from a place name meaning “Pren’s dwelling.”
Price: Welsh origin, from “ap Rhys,” meaning “son of Rhys.”
Purcell: Norman origin, possibly meaning “little pig” or “piglet.”
Q
McQuaid, McQuade: From the Gaelic “Mac Uaid,” meaning “son of Uaid” (proud).
Quigley: From the Gaelic “O’Coigligh,” meaning “descendant of Coigleach” (untidy-haired).
McQuillan: From the Gaelic “Mac Uighlín,” meaning “son of Hugelin” (little Hugh).
Quinlan: From the Gaelic “O’Caoindealbhain,” meaning “descendant of Caoindealbhan” (fair-shaped).
Quinn: From the Gaelic “O’Cuinn,” meaning “descendant of Conn” (chief).
Quirke: From the Gaelic “O’Cuirc,” meaning “descendant of Corc” (heart).
R
Rabbit: See McAneny, from the Gaelic “Mac an Eanaigh,” meaning “son of the marsh.”
Rafferty: From the Gaelic “O’Rabhartaigh,” meaning “descendant of Rabhartach” (flood tide).
Rainey: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “counselor” or from a place name.
Rankin: Scottish origin, diminutive of Randolph, meaning “shield wolf.”
Rea: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “roe deer.”
Reddy: From the Gaelic “O’Rodaigh,” meaning “descendant of Rodach” (valiant).
Redmond: Norman origin, from the personal name Raymond, meaning “wise protection.”
Regan: From the Gaelic “O’Riagain,” meaning “descendant of Riagan” (little king).
Reid: Scottish origin, meaning “red-haired.”
Reidy: From the Gaelic “O’Riada,” meaning “descendant of Riada” (ready).
O’Reilly: From the Gaelic “O’Raghailligh,” meaning “descendant of Raghallach” (valiant).
Reynolds: English origin, from the personal name Reynold, meaning “counsel rule.”
Rice: Welsh origin, from “Rhys,” meaning “enthusiasm.”
Richardson: Meaning “son of Richard.”
O’Riordan: From the Gaelic “O’Riordain,” meaning “descendant of Rioghbhardan” (royal bard).
Roberts: Patronymic form of Robert, meaning “bright fame.”
Robinson, Robertson: Meaning “son of Robin/Robert.”
Roche, de la Roche: Norman origin, meaning “of the rock.”
Rogers, Rodgers: From the personal name Roger, meaning “famous spear.”
Rooney: From the Gaelic “O’Ruanaidh,” meaning “descendant of Ruanadh” (champion).
Ross: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “headland” or “wood.”
O’Rourke: From the Gaelic “O’Ruairc,” meaning “descendant of Ruarc” (champion).
Ruane: From the Gaelic “O’Ruadháin,” meaning “descendant of Ruadhán” (red-haired).
Russell: Norman origin, possibly meaning “red-haired” or “fox-colored.”
Ryan: From the Gaelic “O’Riain,” meaning “descendant of Rian” (little king).
S
Savage: Norman origin, from the Old French “sauvage,” meaning “wild” or “untamed.”
Scanlon: From the Gaelic “O’Scannláin,” meaning “descendant of Scannlán” (contention).
Scannell: From the Gaelic “O’Scannail,” meaning “descendant of Scannal” (scandal).
Scott: Originally an ethnic name for a Scot or someone from Scotland.
Scully: From the Gaelic “O’Scolaidhe,” meaning “descendant of the scholar.”
Sexton: Occupational name for a church officer or custodian.
Shanahan: From the Gaelic “O’Seanachain,” meaning “descendant of Seanachán” (wise one).
Shannon: From the Gaelic “O’Seanáin,” meaning “descendant of Seanán” (little wise one).
Sharkey: From the Gaelic “O’Searcaigh,” meaning “descendant of Searcach” (loving).
McShane: From the Gaelic “Mac Seáin,” meaning “son of Seán” (John).
McSharry: From the Gaelic “Mac Searraigh,” meaning “son of Searrach” (foal).
Shaughnessy: From the Gaelic “O’Seachnasaigh,” meaning “descendant of Seachnasach” (avoiding).
Shaw: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “dweller by the wood.”
O’Shea: From the Gaelic “O’Séaghdha,” meaning “descendant of Séaghdha” (hawk-like).
Sheehan, Sheahan: From the Gaelic “O’Siodhachain,” meaning “descendant of Siodhachán” (peaceful).
Sheehy: From the Gaelic “O’Siothcháin,” meaning “descendant of Siothchán” (peaceful).
Sheeran: From the Gaelic “O’Sirin,” meaning “descendant of Sirín” (little long-lived one).
Sheridan: From the Gaelic “O’Sirideáin,” meaning “descendant of Sirideán” (searcher).
Shields, Sheilds: English topographic name for someone living by a shed or temporary shelter.
Shiels, Sheils: Variant of Shields.
Simpson, Simson: Meaning “son of Simon.”
Sinnott, Synnott: Norman origin, from the personal name “Sinod” or “Sinott.”
Slattery: From the Gaelic “O’Slatara,” meaning “descendant of Slatara” (robust).
Sloan, Sloane: From the Gaelic “O’Sluagháin,” meaning “descendant of Sluaghán” (warrior).
Small: English descriptive surname for someone of small stature.
Smith, Smyth, Smythe: Occupational name for a metalworker or blacksmith.
Somers: English topographic name for someone who lived near a summer pasture.
Speers: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “watchman” or “lookout.”
Spelman: Occupational name for a speaker or orator.
Spence: Scottish origin, meaning “dispenser” or “butler.”
Spillane: From the Gaelic “O’Spealáin,” meaning “descendant of Spealán” (scythe).
Stack: English topographic name for someone who lived near a haystack.
Staffard, de Stafford: English origin, from a place name meaning “landing-place by a ford.”
Stanton, Staunton: English origin, from a place name meaning “stone settlement.”
Steel(e): Occupational name for a steelworker.
Stenson: Meaning “son of Steven.”
Stephens: Patronymic form of Stephen, meaning “crown” or “garland.”
Stevenson, Stephenson: Meaning “son of Steven/Stephen.”
Stewart, Stuart: Scottish origin, originally an occupational name meaning “steward.”
O’Sullivan: From the Gaelic “O’Súileabháin,” meaning “descendant of Súileabhán” (one-eyed).
Sutton: English origin, from a place name meaning “south settlement.”
(Mac)Sweeny, (Mac)Swenney: From the Gaelic “Mac Suibhne,” meaning “son of Suibhne” (pleasant).
T
Taggart: From the Gaelic “Mac an tSagairt,” meaning “son of the priest.”
MacTaghlin, Houston: MacTaghlin is from the Gaelic “Mac an Taoisigh,” meaning “son of the chief.” Houston is a Scottish place name meaning “Hugh’s town.”
Tate, Tait: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “cheerful” or “merry.”
Taylor: Occupational name for a tailor.
Thompson: Meaning “son of Thomas.”
Thornton: English origin, from a place name meaning “thorn settlement.”
MacTiernan, (Mac)Kiernan: From the Gaelic “Mac Tighearnáin,” meaning “son of Tighearnán” (little lord).
Tierney: From the Gaelic “O’Tighearnaigh,” meaning “descendant of Tighearnach” (lordly).
Tighe: From the Gaelic “O’Taidgh,” meaning “descendant of Tadhg” (poet).
Tobin: Norman origin, from “St. Aubyn,” a place name in France.
Todd: Scottish origin, meaning “fox.”
Toner: From the Gaelic “O’Tomhrair,” meaning “descendant of Tomhrar” (protection).
O’Toole: From the Gaelic “O’Tuathail,” meaning “descendant of Tuathal” (people-mighty).
Towey: From the Gaelic “O’Tuathaigh,” meaning “descendant of Tuathach” (lordly).
Travers, Trover: Norman origin, possibly meaning “bridge-toll collector.”
Traynor, Treanor, Trainor: From the Gaelic “Mac Threinfhir,” meaning “son of the strong man.”
Treacy, Tracey, Tracy: Norman origin, from a place name meaning “Thracius’ estate.”
Troy: From the Gaelic “O’Troighthigh,” meaning “descendant of Troightheach” (foot soldier).
Tully: From the Gaelic “O’Maoltuile,” meaning “descendant of the devoted one.”
Tuohy: From the Gaelic “O’Tuathaigh,” meaning “descendant of Tuathach” (lordly).
Turner: Occupational name for someone who worked with a lathe.
Twomey, Toomey: From the Gaelic “O’Tuama,” meaning “descendant of Tuama” (bent one).
Tyrrell: Norman origin, from the personal name “Tirel,” possibly meaning “stubborn.”
V
Vaughan: Welsh origin, meaning “small” or possibly “junior.”
McVeigh: From the Gaelic “Mac an Bheatha,” meaning “son of life.”
W
Waldron: English origin, meaning “settlement in the woods.”
Walker: Occupational name for a fuller of cloth.
Wall: English topographic name for someone who lived near a wall.
Wallace: Scottish origin, meaning “Welshman” or “foreigner.”
Walsh(e): Meaning “Welshman” or “foreigner,” often used for people of Welsh origin in Ireland.
Ward: Occupational name for a guard or watchman.
Warren: Norman origin, from a place name meaning “animal enclosure” or “game park.”
Waters: Topographic name for someone who lived near water.
Watson: Meaning “son of Wat” (a diminutive of Walter).
Watt(s): From the personal name Walter, meaning “ruler of the army.”
Webb: Occupational name for a weaver.
Webster: Occupational name for a weaver.
Weir: Scottish origin, topographic name for someone who lived near a dam or fishing trap.
Welsh: Ethnic name for someone of Welsh origin.
Whelan, Phelan: From the Gaelic “O’Faoláin,” meaning “descendant of Faolán” (little wolf).
White: Descriptive name for someone with light hair or pale complexion.
Wilkinson: Meaning “son of Wilkin” (a diminutive of William).
Williams: Patronymic form of William, meaning “resolute protection.”
McWilliams: From the Gaelic “Mac Uilliam,” meaning “son of William.”
Williamson: Meaning “son of William.”
Willis: From the personal name William.
Wilson: Meaning “son of Will” (a diminutive of William).
Wood(s): Topographic name for someone who lived near or in a wood.
Wright: Occupational name for a craftsman or maker.
Wylie, Wiley: Scottish origin, possibly meaning “tricky” or “crafty.”
Wynne: Welsh origin, meaning “fair” or “blessed.”
Y
Young: Descriptive name for a young person or the younger of two people with the same name.
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