Irish surnames o. The Most Common Irish Surnames Popular surnames in Ireland.

Irish surnames o The name O’Rourke comes The Ocean Plague: or, A Voyage to Quebec in an Irish Emigrant Vessel is based upon the diary of Robert Whyte who, in 1847, crossed the Atlantic from Dublin to Quebec in an Irish emigrant ship. This list may not reflect recent changes. Galway; (3) Ó Cathail of Corca Thine, now anglicised Ó BROIN—I—O Birne, O'Byrne, Byrne, Byrnes, (Burns, Byron), &c. As a land that loves wordplay, it makes sense that many common Irish surnames are descriptive monikers. The common Irish surname Collins originated in Limerick, though after Explore More Irish Surnames. It finds its roots in County Clare and the O’Loughlin family was said to be one of the most powerful Viking families on the Atlantic shore. Meaning: Patron of warriors. This seems iffy to me in English, though the prefixes do derive from independent Irish words. Ryan. Byrne and Walsh are also in the top 10 surnames in Ireland. Irish last names. After 1916 and Independence in 1922, that reclamation accelerated dramatically. The name is derived from the Gaelic “Ó Súilleabháin,” meaning The earliest known Irish surname is O’Clery (O Cleirigh); it’s the earliest known because it was written that the lord of Aidhne, Tigherneach Ua Cleirigh, died in County Galway back in the year 916 A. 72 Celtic Irish Surnames 1. ; 'descendant of Síodhachán' (diminutive of síodhach, peaceful); the name (1) of a Dalcassian family, now very numerous throughout Munster, especially in Cork, Kerry and Limerick; and (2) of an old Galway family who were followers of O'Kelly of Ui Maine When researching unusual Irish surnames, it is essential to be aware of possible spelling variations due to Anglicization and to explore both the Gaelic and Anglicized versions of the name. : (1) Ó Dubhlaoich of Feara Tulach who are of the race of Feidlimidh, son of Enna Ceinnsealach, and before the Anglo-Norman invasion were lords of Feara Tulach, now the barony of Fertullagh, in the south-east There are now four O’ names in the Irish top 10 (O’Brien, O’Sullivan, O’Connor, O’Neill). ” Ó MÓRÁIN—I—O Moraine, O Morane, O Moran, Moran; 'descendant of Mórán' (diminutive of mór, great); the name of a branch of the Ui Fiachrach, in the present counties of Mayo and Sligo, who ruled over an extensive district on both sides of the river Moy, and were a highly respectable family. O'Connor, with its variants Connor, Conner, Connors etc, comes from the Irish O'Conchobhair, Ó LABHRADHA—I—O Lowrowe, O Lawry, Lowroo, Lowery, Lowry, Lavery; 'descendant of Labhraidh' (speaker, spokesman); the name of an ancient family in Co. Comparing the statistics of 1890 The surname O’Reilly is often at the tip of people’s tongues when they think of typical Irish surnames, and for good reason. The name is derived from the Gaelic “Ó Súilleabháin,” meaning Irish surnames include prefixes like “O,” “Mc,” or “Mac” (meaning “grandson” or “son of”), indicating lineage or family connections. Irish patronymic surnames frequently feature the distinctive prefix O'. Case Studies of Irish Surname Distribution The O’Sullivan Surname. The O'Neal surname, with its varied spellings including O'Neill, O'Neale, and O'Neil, is steeped in a rich tapestry of Irish history and tradition. The Legacy of Unique Irish Surnames One of the oldest surnames in Ireland, the O Clery surname (anglicized to Clarke) is most prevalent in Cavan. Ó Floinn is the form of the surname The origin and meaning of the surname Ó Laighin, O'Leyne, O'Lane, O'Lyons, Layne, Leyne, Lyne, Lane, Leane, Lean, Leen, Lyons, from Irish Names and Surnames by Rev Patrick Woulfe, 1923 Ó CATHALÁIN—I—O Cahallane, O Cohallan, Cahallane, Cahillane, Cahalane, Cohalane, Cohalan, Callan, Culhane, Clahane, Clehane, &c. ; 'descendant of Cathalán' (diminutive of Cathal, battle-mighty); also written Ó Cathláin, which see; the name (1) of a Roscommon family who were formerly chiefs of Clann Fogartaigh; (2) of a Limerick family, formerly chiefs of Uaitne Cliach, Ó hIOMHAIR, Ó hÍOMHAIR—II—O Hyver, O Heiver, O Hewer, O Hiur, O Houre, O Hoare, O Hawrde, O'Hure, Heever, Hever, Hoare, Howard, Ivors, Ivers, Eivers, &c. ; 'descendant of Donnchadh' (brown-warrior, or strong-warrior, a very common Irish personal name). COSTELLO. Choose the best name for your child. But if a man is going to give his surname as Ó Briain, I would expect his sister's surname to be Ní Briain. In many cases, the Irish were forced to drop the Mac and Ó from their surnames to create a more accepted English version. O’DEA. Many of these surnames date back to the early medieval period (c. Irish surnames are more than just family names—they are a living connection to Ireland’s ancient history, vibrant culture, and storied traditions. The most common prefixes in these early surnames were “O” and “Mac,” indicating “descendant When researching unusual Irish surnames, it is essential to be aware of possible spelling variations due to Anglicization and to explore both the Gaelic and Anglicized versions of the name. Continuing change. Murphy (Ó Murchadha) Meaning: Descendant of Murchadh (sea warrior). Collins. See where Byrne ranks on this article of the top 10 Irish surnames in the USA and their meanings, and how it ranks as one of the most stereotypical Irish surnames. Over the centuries, Ireland has attracted people from various cultures, all of which have left their mark on the landscape of Irish surnames. The O'Leannains of Fermanagh were an ecclesiastical family and erenaghs of Lisgoole, near Early Origins of the O'Gara family. In fact, it wasn’t until the Normans and English established their feudal fiefdoms on the island and the markets and cities began to grow, that such names began to become invaluable. Dunne is the most common surname in Laois, where the family originated. The name was also very common in West Cork, where it is now often anglicised Holland; also common in The Ocean Plague: or, A Voyage to Quebec in an Irish Emigrant Vessel is based upon the diary of Robert Whyte who, in 1847, crossed the Atlantic from Dublin to Quebec in an Irish emigrant ship. We’re not denying that there is actually a name “O’Dee”, but that is not a Clare name – as any proud O’Dea will emphatically tell you their surname is. The chief resided at Ardnaree, near Ballina. When these surnames were originally developed, they were formed by adding the Gaelic words O, Hy or Ui denote descendant of, [1] to the name of the original bearer's grandfather or to that of an earlier ancestor. Some may Pages in category "Surnames of Irish origin" The following 200 pages are in this category, out of approximately 699 total. The first known Irish surnames date back to the 11th century and were originally patronymic, meaning they were based on the father’s name. It is also the name of one of Ireland’s oldest aristocratic families. Places; Login. In fact, that Irish A smaller class of Irish surname named the family after an occupation or profession. The Ocean Plague: or, A Voyage to Quebec in an Irish Emigrant Vessel is based upon the diary of Robert Whyte who, in 1847, crossed the Atlantic from Dublin to Quebec in an Irish emigrant ship. Irish surnames often vary due to regional dialects and different spelling conventions. There was another family of the name in Irish surnames offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Ireland’s history and culture. 8. The O'Boyles, who are one of the principal families of Cinel Conaill and of the same stock as the O'Donnells and O'Doghertys, were originally chiefs of the Three Tuaths in the north-west of Co. Remember me. ; 'descendant of Dochartach' (hurtful, disobliging). Ó FOGHLADHA—I—O Folowe, O'Foley, Foley; 'descendant of Foghlaidh' (plunderer); originally a Waterford surname, but now common throughout Munster and South Leinster. It is 'translated' Hunt, in parts of Sligo, and changed to Fenton in In 1996 surname records in Ireland, Higgins (with and without the O prefix), was the 79th most common of Irish family names. The most common prefixes in these early surnames were “O” and “Mac,” indicating “descendant Non-Gaelic Irish Surnames. Healy So if Irish surnames are misspelt and mangled in English-language records, you know why. The revival of Gaelic consciousness in the later eighteen hundreds saw many Irish families reassume the Mac, Mc, Ó or other Irish form of their names although this was reduced in a number of cases depending on the sound of the name (Kelly is still much more prevalent than O'Kelly, Murphy more prevalent than O'Murphy, etc. Gaelic Equivalent: Ó Conchobhair. Meaning: King. Carroll (Ó Cearbhaill) – Meaning “descendant of Cearbhall,” a name Ó DONNCHADHA, Ó DONNCHAIDH—I—O Donochowe, O Donaghie, O Dunaghy, O'Donoghue, O'Donohue, Donaghoe, Donoghue, Donohoe, Donaghy, Donagh, Dunphy, Dunfy, Dumphy, &c. Enter a surname above to plot a map of its distribution for the 1901 and 1911 census of Ireland. Many non-Gaelic names were brought into the country especially during the seventeenth century. ; 'descendant of Bran' (raven). ” This prefix was traditionally used to indicate that the person was a descendant of a noble ancestor. Tyrone; (2) of a family of the Ui Fiachrach who were chiefs of a district on the southern shore of Sligo Bay, now comprised in The prefixes O and Mac are used in Irish surnames. : (1) Ó Cobhthaigh of Corca Laoighdhe, an ancient and once powerful family in West Cork, of the same stock as the O'Driscolls. The Irish were some of the first to begin using hereditary surnames. Ó CATHAIL—I—O Cahill, Cahill; 'descendant of Cathal' (battle-powerful). Alphabetical surnames list. It is now generally anglicised Devine in Ulster, and Davin in Munster and Connacht. The principal Munster sept of the name Callaghan were lords of Cineál Aodha in South Cork originally. Another Ó COBHTHAIGH—I—O Coffie, O Cohy, Coffey, Cowhey, Cowey, Cowhig, &c. Supposedly, the founder of the clan was Eaghra, a 10th-century lord of Luighne. Volume 2, pg. Galway, of the same stock as the O'Shaughnessys; (2) Ó Cathail of Crumthann, in the east of Co. The Most Common Irish Surnames Popular surnames in Ireland. ; 'descendant of Allmhurán' (stranger from beyond the sea); the name (1) of a Galway family who were anciently chiefs of Clann Fearghaile, an extensive district in the neighbourhood of the present city of Galway; and (2) of a Thomond family, of the same Ó DAIMHÍN—I—O Davine, O Dovine, O'Devine, Davine, Devine, Davin, Devin, Deven, Devon, Devins, (Davy, Davis); 'descendant of Daimhín' (diminutive of damh, bard, poet); the name of an Oriel family, of the same stock as the Maguires, who were chiefs of Tirkennedy, in the east of Co. O is derived from the Gaelic word “ua” or “ó” meaning “grandson” or “descendant”. Explore the most common surnames in Ireland. Another meaning is “frequenting Churches” which originates from the Irish word Ceall. ; 'descendant of Uallachán' (diminutive of uallach, proud); the name of several distinct families, the best known being those of Offaly and Thomond. O’Higgins. Rooted in Gaelic, Norse, Norman, and even Jewish influences, these surnames reflect centuries of migration, conquest, and kinship. Tipperary, and their From Murphy to O'Connor - these Irish surnames are now popular across the United States. The practice of dropping the “O” in Irish surnames started in the 19th century when Irish immigrants faced discrimination and sought to assimilate into American and British society. The most common prefixes in these early surnames were “O” and “Mac,” indicating “descendant of” and “son of,” respectively. Not all Irish surnames are of Gaelic origin, however. Etymology and Meaning. Another example is; Hickey (in Irish Ó MURCHADHA—I—O Morchowe, O Moroghoe, O Morphy, O'Muracha, O'Murphy, Murchoe, Murphy, Morphy; 'descendant of Murchadh' (sea-warrior); the name (1) of a family of Cinel Eoghain, who were chiefs of Siol Aodha, in the present Co. The family surname O'Doherty, often anglicized as Doherty, Dougherty, Daugherty, Docherty, Dogherty, or a host of other ways comes from the Irish "Ó Dochartaigh", which literally means "descendant of Dochartach". The Cinel Eoghan and the Earls of Tyrone. ; 'descendant of Cathán' (a 'pet' form of some name commencing with Cath-); the name (1) of a branch of the Cinel Eoghain, who were lords of Keenaght and possessed the greater part of the present Co. ; Angus – a typically Gaelic name meaning “one strength,” traditionally spelled Aonghus. Meaning, Origin, and Miscellaneous information: Internationally recognised as one of the great Irish surnames, O'Suileabhan, meaning 'hawk-eyed' or 'one-eyed', remains the most common name in counties Cork and Kerry. Limerick, but have been long dispersed through Limerick, Cork and Kerry; and (2) of a Monaghan family, now dispersed through Ulster. Geographic Distribution. They were seated in the barony of Barryroe, where Dun Ui Ó RINN—I—O Rinne, O Ring, Rinn, Rynn, Ring, Reen, Wrynn, Wren, Wrenn; 'descendant of Reann' (spear); the name (1) of an old Cork family, a branch of the Ui Macaille, from whom the barony of Imokilly got its name; and (2) of a Roscommon family, still represented in that county. These names are steeped in history, echoing the tales of ancient kings, brave warriors, and noble families that form the foundation of Ireland’s cultural identity. ; 'descendant of Cléireach' (cleric, clerk). One of the most common Irish surnames, O’Sullivan, offers a fascinating case study in the geographic distribution of Irish surnames. They are of the same descent as the O'Neachtains, and both families originally formed one clan, called Ui Fiachrach Finn from their ancestor, Fiachra Fionn, grandson of Maine Mór, the common ancestor of all Irish Surname - Connell or O'Connell. Ó hEIDIRSCEÓIL—I—O Hederscoll, O Hidirscoll, O'Driscoll, Driscoll; 'descendant of Eidirsceól' (interpreter); now shortened to Ó Drisceóil, which see; the name of an ancient West Cork family who were chiefs of Corca Laoighdhe, a district which originally embraced the whole of the south-west of Co. Fermanagh. Most Popular Names. In the province of Ulster, the final e is omitted. Doyle (Ó Dubhghaill) – Meaning “descendant of Dubhghall,” translating to dark or black foreigner, often referring to Viking settlers. , Súil-dubhán, black-eyed); also but less correctly written Ó Súilleabháin; the name of a well-known Munster family of the same stock as the MacCarthys and O'Callaghans. Surnames in Irish: If the surname contains an initial mutation, do not remove it: Páidín and Pháidín are not identical. As many Irish Surname Maps. A rundown of the history behind popular Irish names in America. How others say it: “Cos-TELL-Oh” Ó hALLMHURÁIN—I—O Halowrane, O Halloraine, O'Halloran, O'Hallaran, O'Halleran, O'Halleron, Halloran, Holloran, &c. Campbell - A Scottish surname that means crooked mouth or wry mouth. O’Neill. The family name Regan, along with its cognates O'Regan, O Regan, Reagan, and O'Reagan, is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Riagáin or Ó Ríogáin, from Ua Riagáin. A famous fictional bearer of this surname is Scarlett O'Hara, a character in Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind (1936). For example, the surname O’Brien is derived from “Ó Briain,” which means “descendant of Brian,” a referenc The most common Irish last names. Tipperary, and Owneybeg, in the east of The O’Sullivan surname is of Irish origin. The name comes from the Gaelic surname “O’Ceallaigh”, meaning warrior or fighter. Surname: View Maps. Genealogist Barry Griffin has compiled a robust online resource for Irish surnames using data from the 1901 and 1911 censuses in Ireland. Galway in the year 916. Search 31 million family names. Mogue, or erenaghs of Drumlane, in Co. Each name is a testament to Ireland’s rich Gaelic traditions, reflecting ancient clans, warriors, and storytellers whose legacies continue through these timeless family names. ; 'descendant of Faolán' (dim of faol, a wolf); the name (1) of a numerous and once powerful Munster family, who before the Anglo-Norman invasion were lords of the Decies, in the present counties of Waterford and Tipperary; and (2) of a numerous Ó LAOGHAIRE—I—O'Leary, Leary, &c. You may recognise some of the most common last names in Ireland. There are several distinct families of this name in Ireland, of which the following are the According to Fr. Surname Search. ; 'descendant of Maolán' (diminutive of maol, bald). The original Irish for the surname Sullivan is O'Suileabhain, but the actual derivation of the name is often disputed. In 1161, he became the first Irish Archbishop of Dublin, having served at the monastic settlement in Glendalough. The surname means descendant of Ceallachán who was the Eóganachta King of Munster from AD 935 until 954. Galway. Down, where it is still common. 102 Impressive and Inspiring Irish Last Names. [4] The name was borne by two distinct families: one seated in Ó SÚILEABHÁIN—I—O'Sullivan, Sullivan, Sullevan, Soolivan, &c. 68 Rare Irish Surnames. They were one of the most powerful families in Connacht, and as chiefs of Ui Maine ruled over an extensive territory in the counties of Galway and Ó SÉAGHDHA—I—O'Shea, O'Shee, Shea, Shee, &c. There are three distinct families of this name, viz. The surname O'Flynn is derived from the Gaelic personal name Flann; the adjective "flann" denotes a dull red color and means "ruddy" when applied to persons. Origin: Murphy is the most common surname in Ireland. Irish spelling: Ó Cleireigh(Clery) Meaning: ‘clergy’ or ‘priest. Login Forgot Irish surnames. Toggle navigation. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion, they were lords of South Breagh in Meath and the north of the present Co. One “Mc” name in the top 10 is McCarthy. Gall (Mac Gall) – Meaning “son of Gall,” with Gall translating to foreigner, often associated with Norse invaders or settlers. For example, Reilly and O'Reilly are Irish surnames commonly found throughout Ireland and its diaspora The first known Irish surnames date back to the 11th century and were originally patronymic, meaning they were based on the father’s name. The Irish surname Kelly is another popular Irish names. Irish Coat of Arms, Family Crest - 100 Free Irish Surnames Images and Name Origin History and Meaning of Symbols For example, the Irish name O'Connor has dozens. 116 Popular Irish Surnames Ancient influences on Irish last names are mixed between Irish and Scottish Gaelic words used in surnames and Anglicized Latin surnames that came through Roman and English occupation and migration. they underscore the longstanding significance of the O’Neill dynasty in Irish lore. Maelíosa Ó Foghladha was Archbishop of Cashel early in the 12th century. It indicates a patronymic relationship, signifying that the person with the surname is the descendant of someone with a specific name. Irish Ancestors Pronunciation clear help?: case sensitive: see the pronunciation key for a guide on how to write the sounds; sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations * is a wildcard that will match zero or more letters in the pronunciation example: *lee matches names which end with the sound lee _ is a wildcard that will match exactly one letter in the pronunciation The story of Irish surnames is deeply rooted in the Gaelic language. Surname appendices This page was last edited on 30 October 2024, at 20:34. The O'Dohertys, who are a branch of the Cinel Conaill and of the same stock as the O'Donnells, were originally chiefs of Cinel Enna and Ard Miodhair, now anglicised Ardmire, in the barony of Raphoe, but about the beginning of Ó CEALLAIGH—I—O'Kelly, Kelly, Kelley; 'descendant of Ceallach' (war, contention); the name of several distinct families, of which the following are the best known: (1) Ó Ceallaigh of Ui Maine, a branch of the Oirghialla of Ulster. This surname, which is one of the commonest in Ireland, is found in almost every part of the country, but under a great variety of anglicised forms. In fact, some of the best-known Irish surnames, such as Fitzgerald, Joyce, Walsh, Power, and Burke, come to us from the At least in Irish (not sure about Scottish), ó specifically means ‘grandson’, though in surnames it is better to see it as just a vague ancestral relation (basically anything further removed than ‘son’). For example, the surname O'Neil literally means descendant of Neil (Niall). The personal name Cellach means 'bright-headed'. The different branches of the family are distinguished by epithets attached to the name, as Ó Labhradha Bán, Ó Labhradha Ruadh, and Ó Labhradha Tréan, which see. By dropping the “O” from their surnames, they hoped to blend in with the dominant culture and avoid discrimination. Baby Name Generator. Two “O” names in the top 10 include O’Connor and O’Sullivan. The O’ prefix in Irish surnames is derived from the Gaelic word “Ó,” which means “descendant of” or “grandson of. How can Ó LEANNÁIN—I—O Lennane, O Lennan, Linnane, Lannan, Lannen, Lannon, Lennon, (Leonard); 'descendant of Leannán' (diminutive of leann, a cloak or mantle); the name of at least three distinct families, seated respectively in the counties of Fermanagh, Mayo and Galway. Doherty is an example of a surname in which the resumption of its prefix 0 during the recent century has been very marked. Donegal; but when these territories passed into the possession of the Ó DUBHÁIN—I—O Dovayne, O Dwane, O Duan, O Dowane, O Doane, O Downe, Dewane, Devane, Divane, Divan, Dwane, Duane, Dwan, Duan, Dune, Doane, Dooan, Doon, Down, Downes, (Devine, Devany), &c. It seems likely that this is the oldest surname recorded anywhere in Europe. The original patrimony of the O'Sullivans lay along the River Suir, in the present Co. The first section of our guide tackles the most common 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 Looking for Irish surnames starting with o? We've sorted all the Irish surnames starting with o in order of popularity. Although the creation of surnames in Ireland may have began at an early time, it slowly continued for the next three hundred The Most Common and Popular Irish Surnames. Below is a list of some of the most common surnames in Ireland, along with a brief description of their origin and meaning: Murphy: One of the most common surnames, it The use of O-prefixes could create the next wave of Irish-inflected names, offering an innovative way of honoring a relative with the old-fashioned moniker Brian. Ó CIARÁIN—I—O Kearane, O Kirrane, O'Kieran, Kieran, Kearon, Kearn, Keern, Keirans, Kearons, Kerans, Kerons, Kearns, Kerns, Cairns, Comber, Comer, (Carey); 'descendant of Ciarán' (diminutive of ciar, black); the name (1) of a Tirconnell family who were formerly lords of Fearmhaigh in Co. The surname O'Gara was first found in County Sligo (Irish: Sligeach), in the province of Connacht in Northwestern Ireland, where they were Chiefs of Coolavin aad Sliabh Lugha. ; 'descendant of Cobhthach' (victorious); the name of several distinct families in different parts of Ireland, viz. O'Connor is among the top 10 commonest surnames in Ireland with the name deriving from at least six distinct Gaelic septs located in different parts of the country. Surnames starting with Mac, meaning “son of”, were in general use in Ireland by the late Murphy is the number one most common Irish surname, followed by Kelly, O’Brien, and Ryan. 33 Irish Viking Surnames. How others say it: “Oh-DEE” How it should be said: “Oh-DAY”. 43. With the revival of interest in Irish at the end of the nineteenth century, individuals began to reclaim the O and Mc prefixes. Maps are based on the 1901 and 1911 Census of Ireland. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and O'Hara Irish From the Irish Ó hEaghra, which means "descendant of Eaghra", Eaghra being a given name of uncertain origin. Literally meaning ‘Descendants of Raghillach,’ this name has recently inspired the name ‘Reilly’ Irish Surname - Sullivan / O'Sullivan. Revised and adapted from "Irish Pedigrees" by John O'Hart, (Dublin 1892) Volume 1, pg. This way we can offer you a list with the most common Irish surnames beginning with o. Gaelic Equivalent: Ó Néill Ó CATHÁIN—I—O Caghane, O Cahaine, O Cahane, O Kahane, O Kaane, O'Cahan, O'Caughan, O'Kane, O'Keane, Cahane, Cahan, Cane, Cain, Kane, Keane, &c. Search 30 million given names. Gaelic Equivalent: Ó Maoilriain. Forenames. In old Scottish Gaelic 'siol cuin' or 'con', literally meant 'the seed or race of Con', which in turn was a byname from the Ancient Irish Surnames AND HISTORY All materials on this page are used with the kind permission of Pat Traynor. Derry until their Following on from the great interest we have had in Irish Surnames, we bring you the latest Irish name O'Doherty again kindly supplied by Eddie from Araltas. The family were dispossessed of their ancestral home Explore More Irish Surnames. The Irish surname O’Higgins, meaning ‘descendent of Higgins’ is the subdivision of the Irish family name O’Neil of the Uí Néill dynasty which was the foremost dynasty of Ireland. They're both the same name, Anglicized from the Irish Ó Raghailligh. The Irish last name O'Clery (Ó Cléirigh), from 'clerk', is thought to be one of the earliest hereditary surnames in Europe. Ó RIAGÁIN—I—O Riegaine, O Regane, O'Regan, Regan; 'descendant of Riagán'; the name of two distinct families. 10. The Irish surname of ‘O’Loughlin’ literally means Viking. Some people introduce spaces and write O'Brien as O Brien, MacDonald as Mac Donald, and McDonald as Mc Donald. It is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic “Ó Súilleabháin,” which was the name of an important family in southern Ireland during medieval times. These names, steeped in centuries of tradition, reflect the diverse influences that have shaped the Emerald Isle. 855. Irish surnames like O’Leary (from Ó Laoghaire, meaning calf-herder) or McLoughlin (from Mac Lochlainn, meaning Viking) tell the tale of sons who followed in the footsteps of their fathers. Next to the surname beginning with o you will be able to see the number of people who carry that surname in the world. In some cases, the Ó was kept but the fada (the line above the letter Explore the enduring appeal of 116 popular Irish surnames with origins tracing back thousands of years. Using information from 1990s telephone directories, this paper identifies the most common Irish surnames Ó SÍODHACHÁIN—I—O Shieghane, O Shehane, O'Sheehan, O'Sheahan, Sheehan, Sheahan, Sheean, Sheen, Shean, &c. Mac Amhlaoibh (MacAuliffe) – Derived from “son of Olaf,” a Norse-influenced Gaelic name, rarely encountered outside historical records. The O’Connors of Connacht, descendants of Conchobhar, a king of Connacht in the 10th century, were one of the first families to adopt this surname. The surname also spelled Ó MAONAIGH—I—O Moeny, O Mooney, (?) O Moyney, O Money, Meany, Meeny, Mooney, Moany, Money; 'descendant of Maonach' (wealthy); the name (1) of a Roscommon family who were anciently chiefs of Clann Murthuile; (2) of a family of the Ui Fiachrach who were seated on the southern shore of Sligo Bay, in the barony of Tireragh; and (3) of a branch of the Siol Ó FAIRCHEALLAIGH—I—O Ferrally, O'Farrelly, Farrelly, Farley, &c. ) Surnames today Ó DOCHARTAIGH—I—O Doghartie, O'Dogherty, O'Dougherty, O'Doherty, Dogherty, Dougherty, Doherty, &c. He was a great church reformer and was canonised in 1220. Consulting with Irish surname experts or A formal Irish name consists of a given name and a surname. Surnames. O’Brien is an Irish surname that many people in the US have today. ; 'descendant of Baoigheall' (probably for baoithgheall, vain-pledge). Ó Meachair literally means grandson/descendant of ('O' prefix) the kind, generous or hospitable (Meachair). Although common variations exist in England and Scotland as well, when Irish, this surname may refer to the Gaelic, 'O hAodha,' from the Old Irish 'Aed,' meaning fire. e. For example, Reilly and O'Reilly are Irish surnames commonly found throughout Ireland and its diaspora communities abroad. In 1992 The stock of Irish surnames of course also encompasses those derived from Norman, English, Scottish and other settler groups. a; The complete guide to Irish Surnames. D. Ó DUBHLAOICH—I—O Dowlee, O Dowley, O Dooly, Dowley, Dooley, Dooly; 'descendant of Dubhlaoch' (black hero). Not all Irish last names have an O' or a Mc in their Anglicized forms these days, though they do in the Irish language. This is a collection of surnames that developed from the work of the Irish Folklore Commission. one seated in ancient Meath, and the other in Thomond. The O'Regans of Meath were a branch of the southern Ui Neill and one of the four tribes of Tara. In a survey of North and East Cork families in 1766, only 3% still used the Mac or O' form. Derry, and are still numerous in Derry and Antrim. Some Irish last names are associated with specific clans or septs, extended family groups. Irish surnames offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Ireland’s history and culture. Jul 29, 2024. Cork, namely, the baronies of Carbery, Beare and Bantry, but shortly after the Ó MAOLÁIN—I—O Mollane, O Melane, O Moylane, O'Mullane, O'Mullan, Mullane, Mulhane, Melane, Millane, Millan, Mullan, Mullen, Mullon, Mollan, Moylan, Mullins, &c. Many Irish surnames have a O’ in front in their Irish version, this list is mainly confined to those names where the O’ is commonly used in the English version of the name. There are several distinct families of this name, of which the following are the most important: (1) Ó Cathail, of Cinel Aodha, in the south-west of Co. Cavan, and are now very numerous throughout the county. a; Case Studies of Irish Surname Distribution The O’Sullivan Surname. This surname was borne by Bernardo O’Higgins, a Chilean independence leader who majorly contributed to the freedom of Chile from Spanish rule. In the Irish language, most surnames are patronymic surnames (distinct from patronyms, which are seen in Icelandic names for example). Looking for Irish surnames starting with o? We've sorted all the Irish surnames starting with o in order of popularity. ; 'descendant of Iomhar' or 'Íomhar' (the Norse personal name Ivarr); the name (1) of a Sligo family of the Ui Fiachrach race who were formerly seated at Leacan, now anglicised Lackan, on the east side of Killala Ó MOCHÁIN—I—O Mochane, O Moghane, O Muoghane, O Moughan, O Moone, Moghan, Mohan, Moughan, Moohan, Moan, Moen, Mowen, Moon, Mahon, Maughan, Voghane, Vaughan; 'descendant of Mochán' (a 'pet' form of some name commencing with moch-, early); also Ó Macháin, which see; the name (1) of a family of Cinel Ianna, in the diocese of Kilmacduagh, The Ocean Plague: or, A Voyage to Quebec in an Irish Emigrant Vessel is based upon the diary of Robert Whyte who, in 1847, crossed the Atlantic from Dublin to Quebec in an Irish emigrant ship. Step into the world of Celtic heritage with this list of 72 Irish surnames that have endured for centuries. 566. Donegal; and (2) of a Cork family, originally seated in the barony of Ó MAOILRIAGHAIN, Ó MAOILRIAIN—I—O Mulrigan, O Mulryan, O Mulrean, Mulryan, Mulroyan, Mulryne, Mulrine, Mulrain, O'Ryan, Ryan; 'descendant of Maolriain' (follower of Riaghan or Rian); the name of a family of Leinster origin who settled in the 13th or 14th century in Uaithne-tire and Uaithne-cliach, now the baronies of Owney, in Co. Rebecca Dalzell @Ancestry. It comes from the Irish Ó Briain, meaning ‘descendant of Briain’, and means ‘exalted one’. From the Irish for brown (donn), the original Irish name Ó Duinn has by now lost the O prefix. Explore More Irish Surnames. The form of a surname varies according to whether its bearer is a man, a woman, or a woman married to a man, who adopts his surname. An alphabetical list of Irish surnames beginning with the letter O, from O'Brien to O'Toole Read More » 10 An alphabetical list of Irish surnames beginning with P and R, from Plunkett to Ryan Not all Irish last names have an O' or a Mc in their Anglicized forms these days, though they do in the Irish language. For example; McInerney ( Mac an Airchinnigh in Irish) which means “son of the eranagh” (a type of lay abbot). A list of Irish surnames beginning with the letter O. Ó FIONNÁIN—I—O Finane, O Fenane, O Fanane, O'Finan, Finan, Finnan, Fannon, (Fannin, Fanning); 'descendant of Fionnán' (diminutive of Fionn, fair); also written Ó Fionáin; the name of a Mayo family who were chiefs of Coolcarney, a district which embraced the parishes of Kilgarvan and Attymas, but now long dispersed; also, according to MacFirbis, of a family of Cinel Irish surnames beginning with “O’” are still among the most common. Famous People with Higgins as their Surname Michael D Higgins, ninth and current President of Ireland, was born on April 18, 1941 in Limerick city and was brought up in County Clare. See “Kinsella”. Consulting with Irish surname experts or joining genealogy forums and groups can also offer valuable insights and guidance. , and by 'translation' Kidney; 'descendant of Dubhán' (a diminutive of dubh, black); the name of several distinct families, viz. This surname is to be distinguished from Ó Ó FIACHNA, Ó FIACHNACH—I—O Fiaghny, O Fieghny, O Feoghny, Feighney, Feeheny, Feoghney, Feghany, Faheney, (Fenton), and, by 'translation,' Hunt; 'descendant of 'Fiachna' (an ancient Irish personal name); the name of a family of Sil-Murray in Co. Doyle rounds out the current top ten surnames in Ireland . Woulfe, an early authority on Irish surnames, the first recorded fixed surname is O'Clery (Ó Cleirigh), as noted by the Annals, which record the death of Tigherneach Ua Cleirigh, lord of Aidhne in Co. There is no doubt that the root word is 'suil' meaning eye, but whether it is to be taken as 'one-eyed' or Bid to end discrimination against Irish surnames with apostrophes by O'Leary family Unless your last name includes an apostrophe, you’ll never know the plight of getting computer systems – for Ó CLÉRIGH—I—O'Clery, O'Cleary, Clery, Cleary, Clarke, &c. Evoke the luck of the Irish by learning more about these amazing Irish surnames! Ahern – meaning “lord of horses,” Ahern is a rare yet valiant pick among Irish last names for boys. The surname O’Sullivan is derived from the Gaelic “Ó Súilleabháin,” meaning “descendant of Súilleabhán. : (1) a Meath family, anciently lords of Ó MAOLALAIDH—I—O Mullaly, O Mullally, Mullally, Mullaly, Lally; 'descendant of Maolaladh' (speckled chief); the name of a branch of the Ui Maine in Co. Ó FAOLÁIN—I—O Whealane, O Phelane, O Foelane, O Folane, O Fylane, O'Phelan, Phelan, Whelan, Philan, Fylan, &c. 1. More information. Names. By the Irish name convention, this becomes "descendant of a kind, hospitable chief (clan leader)". surnames and famiy names are names that have been commonly associated with individuals who hail from the island of Ireland. O’Brien (Ó Briain) Meaning: Descendant of Brian. Irish surname maps were created using the 1901/1911 Irish Ó SPEALÁIN—I—O Spallane, O Spillane, O Spollane, Spalane, Spellane, Spillane, Spollane, Spollan, Splane, Splaine, Smallen, Smollan, Smullen, (Spelman, Spellman), &c. ; 'descendant of Súileabhán' (i. Enter a surname in the box, and see: The number and location of households of the name in Ireland 1848-64; A surname map from the 1850s, showing numbers and locations throughout Ireland; Variant spellings or associated names; Surname dictionary entries; Surname and Irish Surname - O'Connor. His account of the journey provides invaluable eyewitness testimony to the trauma and tragedy that many emigrants had to face en route to their new lives in Canada and America. On Downton Abbey, the surname O'Brien was heard so often, it began to seem like a first. Definitions and other text are available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. The meaning is likely to have originated in ancient Gaelic ri "sovereign, king" and the diminutive suffix -in; thus "the king's child" or "big king". Berry (Ó Béara) – Meaning “descendant of Béara,” tied to the Beara Peninsula, often associated with Travellers. Ó BAOIGHILL—I—O'Boyle, Boyle, &c. Many Irish surnames have been anglicised, owing to both British rule in Ireland and the Irish diaspora in Anglophone countries. This way we can offer you a list with the most common Irish surnames A lot of Irish surnames begin with the prefix ‘O’ (‘grandson of’) or ‘Mc’/’Mac’ (‘son of’). ; 'descendant of Laoghaire' (calf-keeper); the name of a family of Corca Laoighdhe, who were originally chiefs of the country lying around Rosscarberry, in West Cork, but removed from there about the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion and settled in the parish of Inchigeelagh, where they became lords, under the MacCarthys, of the country The prefix ‘O’ in Irish surnames, derived from ‘Ó’ meaning ‘grandson’ or ‘descendant’, signifies a patrilineal lineage. The O’Neills were the ruling family of the Cinel Eoghan, Laurence O’Toole is the patron saint of Dublin. The name O'Connell in Ireland is derived from the famous Gaelic clan O'Conaill, meaning 'strong as a wolf'. Origin: Derived from the name Brian Boru, a legendary High King of Ireland, it is one of the most prominent Irish surnames, particularly in Munster. Ó hUALLACHÁIN—I—O Huolighane, O Holeghane, O Holohan, O'Houlihan, Houlihan, Hoolihan, Holohan, (Holland, Nolan), &c. It’s not on, lads. The O’Connor surname can be found throughout Ireland, with The Ocean Plague: or, A Voyage to Quebec in an Irish Emigrant Vessel is based upon the diary of Robert Whyte who, in 1847, crossed the Atlantic from Dublin to Quebec in an Irish emigrant ship. ; 'descendant of Spealán' (diminutive of speal, a scythe); the name (1) of a family, said to be of Dalcassian origin, who were anciently chiefs of Ui Luighdheach, or Ileagh, in the present barony of Eliogarty, Co. These names weren’t just labels – they were like little pieces of poetry that told you about: A person’s ancestors; Their profession or skills; Where they came from; Special characteristics they had; The first recorded Irish surname is O’Clery (Ó Cléirigh) in what is now modern County Galway about 920 AD. And using ‘Gaelic’ on its own to refer to both Irish and Scottish—as well as Manx, by definition—is generally frowned upon in the field. Mac an Chrosáin (MacCrossan) – Derived from “son of the little cross,” a surname with religious connections, rarely seen now. Roscommon; now also in Cork, Limerick and Tipperary. Clan O'Dwyer; Clancy; Clare (surname) Clarke; Clyne (surname) Cochrane (surname) Coghlan (surname) Cohan; Colbert (name) Coleman (surname) Colgan; Collins (surname Ó Meachair or O'Meachair (anglicised as Mahar, Maher, Mahir, Marr, Meagar, Meagher, Meaher, O'Maher and O'Meagher) is a Gaelic Irish surname. 53 Irish Gypsy Surnames. Names beginning with “O’,” stemming from “Ó” meaning “the grandson of” or “descendant of,” are still Ó DIAMÁIN—I—O'Diamain, Diaman, Diamon, Diamond, Dimond; 'descendant of Diamán' or 'Déamán' (more correctly Díomán, diminutive of Díoma, a personal name); the name of an old ecclesiastical family in Ulster who were erenaghs of Kilrea, in Co. 500–1000) and are over a millennium old, making them some of the oldest fully formed surnames found anywhere in Europe. Surnames like O’Brien, which means ‘descendent of Brian,’ are common because of their ancestral ties, and others like O’Keefe, meaning ‘gentle,’ are popular because of their Irish Surnames Based on Personality or Physical Traits (and Meanings) The Irish have always loved words and language, and Ireland is known as a land of poets and playwrights. Ó LUAIN—I—O Loaine, O Loane, O'Loan, O'Lone, Loane, Lamb, Lambe; 'descendant of Luan' (warrior, champion); the name (1) of a Limerick family who were anciently lords of Deisbeg, now the barony of Smallcounty, in the east of Co. This surname derives from the tenth-century King of Ireland, Brian Boru. . This family derives its name and descent from an ancestor named Cléireach who flourished about the middle of the 9th century, and was the seventh in descent from the celebrated Guaire the Hospitable, King of Connacht. By country & year of birth. You can enter wildcards using * characters, which will return multiple surnames. 24. ; Ardan – meaning “high aspiration,” this stylish An online database of Irish surnames provides detailed explanations and backgrounds for almost all family names on the island of Ireland. This area is west of Mallow along the Blackwater river valley. This family derives its name and descent from Bran, son of Maolmórdha, King of Leinster, whose death at Cologne is recorded by the Four Masters under the year 1052. Irish names. ; 'descendant of Faircheallach' (super-war); the name of a distinguished ecclesiastical family who, until the suppression of the monastery, were coarbs of St. A branch of the family settled, about the beginning of the 15th Origin of the O'Doherty Surname. 9. Share Share Post. Filters . This prefix denoted a person’s ancestral lineage, commonly traced to a notable ancestor. ; 'descendant of Séaghdha' (stately, majestic, courteous; also learned, scientific, ingenious); the name of a family of Corca Dhuibhne in West Kerry who until about the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion were lords of Ui Rathach, now the barony of Iveragh. O’Connor. For example, Murphy, Byrne, and O’Brien are a few of the oldest and most common surnames in Ireland. 2. htgf pmaqcyqa egmwuh euljtgg trxp fhlh ylz ksiu sshj gos