Hi everyone. I hope you all had a good week. So what’s in an Irish surname? Well here at The Irish Store our best selling personalized gift is our Personalized Framed Family Crest with the vast majority of these gifts being delivered to our American cousins. This is no surprise. Some 33 million Americans claim Irish heritage. It is estimated that almost 5 million have emigrated to the US since the 1700s. Of course the mass exodus of Irish to the States took place during the Great Hunger in years between 1845 and 1852. The population of Ireland declined by 25% and to this day the population is still substantially smaller compared to what it was in the 1800’s.
What’s Your Irish Surname?

Top Irish Surnames
Murphy
In Ireland we poke fun at the oft told story of the tourist arriving in Ireland and asking ” So do you know the Murphys?” The truth is that it is highly likely that most us do actually know a Murphy! It is the most common name in Ireland. Approximately 50,000 people in the country have the Murphy name. The origin of the name comes from two different ancient Gaelic clans- the O’Murchadha and the MacMurchadha. The name means “Sea Warrior”. The Murphy clan originally had a large stronghold in the province of Leinster. Today, the name is found in all parts of the country with the largest percentage of Murphys residing in Munster.
Kelly
The Irish surname Kelly is another popular Irish names. The name comes from the Gaelic “O’Ceallaigh”, meaning warrior or fighter. Another meaning is “frequenting Churches” which originates from the Irish word Ceall. The dancer Gene Kelly was famously proud of his Irish roots. The inimitable Grace Kelly was the grand daughter of John Peter Kelly, a bricklayer from County Mayo.
Byrne
Byrne derives from the Gaelic version of both O’Broin and O’Beirne. In the Irish language the name O’Broin means ” Descendent of Bran”. Bran means Raven. “The Book of the Byrnes ” or “Leabhar Branach” contains
contains many different Gaelic poems. The book details the exploits of the Byrnes and O’Byrnes in the 16th Century.
Ryan
There are over 30,000 Irish people living in Ireland with the surname Ryan. This number rises dramatically when you take in the worldwide numbers of the Irish diaspora. The origins of this particular name are not 100% clear but it has been said that it may have been derived from the Gaelic word “Rí” meaning King. There are numerous Ryan clans documented in history. Many of these originate in parts of Leinster including Wexford and Carlow. The majority of Ryan families track their heritage to the Munster clans in Tipperary and Limerick.
O’Sullivan
Next on the list is my very own name and it seems I descend from royalty! The O’Sullivans are said to be a continuation of the Eoghanacht Chaisil sept. They descended from the King of Cashel or Munster from 601-618AD. The O’Sullivans later became known as high princes under the powerful Kingdom of Desmond who succeeded the O’Sullivans in Cashel/Munster. The O’Sullivans family motto is “An Lámh Fhoisteanach Abú” which translates as “The Steady Hand to Victory”.
Doyle
The surname Doyle boasts a unique and interesting background. The name originates from the the first name “Dubhghall” which means “black-stranger”. This was a term used to differentiate the Danish Vikings from the fair-haired Norwegians who were given the name “Fionnghall”. The name also has links to the Mc Dowell Clan.
Walsh
Walsh is a name brought to Ireland by the British during the Norman invasion of Ireland and translates to “Briton” or “Welshman” or even “Foreigner”. The name appears in the top 250 most popular surnames in America. It is the 4th most common name in Ireland.
O’Connor
The O’Connor surname has been very well documented throughout history and comes from the name O’Conchobar meaning “Descendant of Conor”. The family motto reads “O Dhia gach an chabhair” which translates to “Every help from God”.
McCarthy
This very old Irish surname means “Son of Carthach”. The name means
“loving”. There are several variants of the name and almost 60% of McCarthy’s living in Ireland at the moment live in Co.Cork where the family held a lot of power during the middle ages. Carthach was a bitter rival to the infamous Brian Boru.
So that’s just a short rundown of some of the most popular Irish names. Why not order your very own family crest today (pictured above). There are some 2000 names available! Beautifully crafted in Ballina County Mayo.
Shop our full collection of Aran Sweaters, Irish Jewelry and Irish Homewares and don’t forget to use BLOG10 at the checkout to get a 10% discount!
Until next week…
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
90 comments
Makes for great reading! I am from India but studied in a Christian Brothers’ school and as a student and teacher of English Literature have read a lot of Irish authors. We have a personal connect with them, as one Irish principal put it, especially in the way the British treated both our nations. Keep up the good work!
Hi Rituraj,
Thanks so much for reading and your very kind comments!
Kind regards,
Lulu.
hi im kane i just like to find Origin and Coat of Arms on my dads side of the family last Name McCready
Hi Kane,
I think Mc Cready may be Scottish in origin. See link below.
https://www.houseofnames.com/macready-family-crest
Thanks for reading!
Kind Regards,
Lulu.
Hi I have traced my ancestors back to the small town of Trandagee in Northern Ireland. My family name is Gullery.
Hi
My surname is Reavey, doesn’t seem to be a lot of us about. Dad was from Clones.
Hi Tony,
See below for a starting point. Hope this helps!
https://www.houseofnames.com/reavey-family-crest
Kind regards,
Lulu.
My fathers last name is Brannan- I would like to know more about our family name & meaning, where possibly our family is from in Ireland, would you be obliged to help me figure this out, please, & thankyou.
Hi Jeanette,
Thanks so much for reading the blog. Check out the link below for more info on the name Brannan
https://www.houseofnames.com/brannan-family-crest
Kind regards,
Lulu
Hi LuLu,
I’m an Irish-american with a Scottish last name (Graham..my Father’s side!) My Grandfather was from Ireland but died at 36 so I never got to meet him and talk about the”old country”… I’m very proud of my heritage and of being Irish. I would LOVE to know what area my family came from and still reside in over in Ireland. The last name is Gleason. Any h lolelp or info would be fantastic and GREATLY appreciated ?!
Sincerely,
Angela
Hi Angela,
Thanks so much for reading. I came across this great article about the name Gleeson which I’m sure will be of interest.
https://irishamerica.com/2011/08/roots-the-gleeson-clan/
Kind regards,
Lulu
Hi Lulu
It was a pleasure reading your blog. I am interested in finding and locating the Origin and Coat of Arms on my Dad’s side of the family with the last name Myrick.
Hi Gail,
Thanks so much for reading. It seems the origin of the name Myrick is Welsh. See link below;
https://www.houseofnames.com/myrick-family-crest
Kind regards,
Lulu
Was hoping McKenna would be more popular 🙁
Hello, my Grandfathers last name is Irish, can you tell me coat of arms, origin or any other information? Please and Thank you. Also my last name is Frizzell, any information?
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for reading. Great site below brings up some interesting stuff about the name Frizzell. Try the full name of your father in there too!
Kind Regards,
Lulu
Hi I’m Linda my family name is clarke.they removed the E when they came to USA.
Hi Linda,
Some history of the name Clarke below. Thanks for reading!
https://www.johngrenham.com/surnamescode/surnamehistory.php?surname=Clarke&search_type=full
Kind Regards,
Lulu.
Is the name “Lucas” Irish? Ancestry says I am 36% Irish so would like to know more.
Hi Darlene,
Thanks for reading. Lucas is a name I have seldom heard in Ireland. See below for more info,
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/name-origin?surname=lucas
Kind regards,
Lulu.
My 3x Great Grandmother was Ellen Lucas. She came to Canada with her husband Humphrey White about 1852. All of their children were born in Newtownstewart, Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Lucas might not have been a common name but there were some.
Hello Lulu,
Just curious on how common is the surname of ‘Steele’ in Ireland and is it more common in any particular area? Thanks!~
Hi James,
Thanks for reading. Steele would not be a name you would hear much in Ireland. It seems it is of English/Scottish origin. See link below;
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/name-origin?surname=steele
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Hello Lulu,
As a Protestant with the last name of Boyles, would you think that my family probably came from Ulster? I am having a hard time making the ancestry connection.
Thank you,
Dewayne Boyles
Hi Dewayne,
As far as I know Boyles is a derivative of Boyle which hails from Donegal which is in Ulster. See link below for more detailed information,
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/name-origin?surname=boyles
Hope this helps!
Thanks for reading,
Lulu.
Father : Wall from Tipperary which I understand is really Duval and originates from Norman stock.
Mother: Wharton from Kerry. They were Church of Ireland but not sure of origins. Maybe Cumbria?
Hi Dan,
Thanks for reading-interesting combination! See below for more interesting information on the name Wharton;
https://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Wharton
Kind Regards,
Lulu
hey, i would like to know about the last name Mc Erlean. I think its irish as most my family are irish
I hope you can help!
Hi Saoirse
Thanks for reading. Mc Erlean is indeed an Irish name! See below for more information
https://www.houseofnames.com/mcerlean-family-crest
Best wishes,
Lulu.
Hi Linda x
I have 8 Irish surname in family tree.
Davitt Glynn Mulhall Kinsella Mccabe Clarke Kenny And Murray.
And even my Scottish ancestors had Irish surnames long way back.
McTaggart McMillan And Mcallister
Like also have some Native American blood too.
Hi Linda
That’s quite a heritage!
Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!
Lulu
Lulu,, any info on Saboury ? This is my friends and I was trying to find some things out for her. Thanks
Hi Mary,
Looks like this name is English in origin. See link below;
https://www.houseofnames.com/saboury-family-crest
Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Hi I’m looking for the coat of arms for dunfoy family name
Hi Jordan,
Sorry but I can’t find anything for the Dunfoy coat of arms in Ireland.
Good luck with your hunt and thanks for reading!
Kind regards,
Lulu
Hi I would like to know the origin of my surname Millis, could it be of Irish origin?
Hi Paris,
Thanks for reading. I found some information and it looks like the origin of Millis is English. See link below;
https://www.houseofnames.com/millis-family-crest
Kind Regards,
Lulu.
Hi
I am working on a novel and my main character is Irish American which trace his ancestry back to Northern Ireland .
Is it any difference between O’Neil and O’Neal ?
Is O’Neil found its origine in NI ?
Thanks
Hi
O’Neal is a variation of the original O’Neill which does originate in Ulster. See link below for further information on the name O’Neill.
Thanks for reading and best of luck with the novel!
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Searching for the surname Callison from Armagh Parish, Armagh, Northern Ireland. I have some traced 7th gen Grandfather born 1682.
Hi James,
Thanks for reading. I’ve found some information on the Callison name which suggest it originates in Norfolk, England. Of course, your ancestors probably moved to Armagh. It might be a good idea to look up Armagh parish records. I understand most parish records in Ireland go back quite a long way.
https://www.houseofnames.com/callison-family-crest
Kind regards,
Lulu.
thanks for the info, fellow O’Sullivan here, for my whole life I always saw Sullivan around as a surname but never with the o’ outside of my own family and only within the last year heard of a couple back in the ‘homeland’ of Ireland itself, interesting to see origins of the name come from old Irish royalty
Hi fellow O Sullivan!
Good to know we’re from royal stock!
Thanks for reading,
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Hello Lulu,
Can you tell me anything about the McCooey name or history?
I’ve read from county Cork?
Hi Lori,
See below for more information on the Mc Cooey name.
Thanks for reading
Best regards,
Lulu
Hi Lori
See below for more information on the Mc Cooey name.
Thanks for reading,
Kind regards,
Lulu
I know my family’s coat of arms and where we come from (County Tipperary), as I have researched it and when my wife and I visited Ireland we went to Tipperary and say many stores and pubs with either Carroll or O’Carroll on them. Also talking to people there, I was told that the Carroll name originated there. But my main question is this, my Great-great-great Grandfather, Patrick O’Carroll was born in Armagh. I just can’t find out how the family got from Tipperary to Armagh. Any way you can help me out?
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for reading. There could have been alot of reasons for a migration from south to north. The most obvious would be work or in those days they could have been banished for some reason! I recommend exploring parish records from the time.
Happy hunting!
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Hi! Im trying help my son figure out his roots. My grandmother was a Reiley and his dad is Mcconnell. He would like to find out what traditional garments to wear representing either family.
Hi Pat,
Traditional garments are more associated with Scottish clans and their tartans. I did find some more information on your ancestors’names-see below;
https://irelandroots.com/reilly.htm
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/name-origin?surname=o%27connell
Hope this helps!
Thanks for reading,
Lulu.
Any info on my surnamn Murray
Hi Alan,
One of the big Scottish names! See more info below;
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/name-origin?surname=murray
Kind Regards,
Lulu
My Great Grandmother was Ticia Carroll Irish Surname I know about I’m researching my great Grandfather John Wesley Carroll was from Youghal Cork County I’m unsure of where Rhea and McCracken fit in not sure if they are Irish or Scottish I find a lot of mix up in them would you know if they are Irish? It’s my Grandfather Rhea and my Cousins McCracken
Hi Katherine,
There is indeed alot of crossover with Scotland and Ireland. There was much movement between these countries in times gone by! See below for more info on Rhea and Mc Cracken.
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/name-origin?surname=reah
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/name-origin?surname=mccracken
Thanks for reading!
Kind regards,
Lulu
Hello Lulu, Our family surname is Sullivan. When I visited Ireland several yrs. ago I could find no Sullivans, only O’Sullivan. I was told Sullivan was a Scottish name. Is this true?
Hi Susan-my fellow clan member!
See below for more information on the Sullivan name.
I hope this helps and thanks for reading!
Kind Regards,
Lulu
Is McFarland Irish?
Hi Sean,
See link below for more information on the Mc Farland name. Looks like it’s Scottish in origin.
https://www.houseofnames.com/mcfarland-family-crest
Thanks for reading,
Kind Regards,
Lulu.
Hello LuLu!
As I research my husbands family name of McCartney, I am a little perplexed. I have always thought it was Irish. But as I research I have found that it may be Scottish from the MacIntosh clan. Is this correct?
Hi Amy,
You’re right this is correct. See the link below for more information. There was a lot of migration from Scotland to Ireland, especially with the plantation of Ulster in the 17th century.
Thanks for reading,
Stay safe and well,
Lulu,
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/name-origin?surname=macartney
Hi my surname is moss, from Tyrone
Hi Aiden,
Here’s some more information on the name Moss.
https://www.houseofnames.com/moss-family-crest
Thanks for reading!
Kind Regards,
Lulu.
Im a Kinsella….is that an Irish name?
Hi Zax,
Kinsella certainly is an Irish name. It dates back to the time of the Vikings and originated in County Wexford.
More information below.
https://www.houseofnames.com/kinsella-family-crest
Hope this helps,
Take care,
Lulu.
Thomas Carroll, have read your questions to LULU, maybe I can help, a cousin did our family tree, its called ” The Kildare Carrolls of Circular Head.”, Might help you. Circular Head is in Tasmania, and I know the Burnie Library has a copy of the book. There was A Patrick O”Carroll he migrated to America. Hope this little bit helps.
Hi Lulu,
I’m looking for information on the Barney surname. If I am not mistaken we may have come from the Cork area.
Hi Michael,
Looks like the origin of the name is English but some did migrate to Ireland. See link below-might be a good starting point for your research.
Hope this helps,
Kind regards,
Lulu
https://www.houseofnames.com/barney-family-crest
Hi Lulu,
My grandmother’s name was Kergon, I think it’s Irish but can’t find any info on it, can you help?.
Hi William,
I have never heard of that name in Ireland. See link below which suggests it has history in England.
Hope this helps,
Kind regards,
Lulu.
https://www.your-family-history.com/surname/k/kergon/
Love your site. My Grandmother was Frances Fitzgerald. Does the “Fitz” mean son of Gerald? I cannot find her on the map but I am fairly sure she was Irish. Thank you,
Hi Diane,
Thanks so much. I’m so glad you’re a fan of The Irish Store. Yes you’re right, the Fitz does mean “son of” and Fitzgerald is a very popular Irish name with alot of history behind it. See the link below for more information.
Kind regards,
Lulu.
http://www.irishsurnames.com/cgi-bin/gallery.pl?name=fitzgerald&capname=Fitzgerald&letter=f
Hello! The name map was very interesting, thank you for sharing! My maternal grandmother was Callahan, and my paternal grandmother was McGarrity. Callahan seems to be more accessible but McGarrity is harder to come by, as far as internet research is concerned. I’m thinking it wasn’t a very common name. Any thoughts or tips on how to trace either surname? Thanks!!!
Hi Ashleigh,
I came across this info below. Might be a good place to start the research!
Take care,
Lulu
https://www.houseofnames.com/mcgarrity-family-crest#:~:text=The%20Irish%20name%20McGarrity%20was,the%20name%20is%20most%20intriguing.
Lulu onmy fathers side last name is Rhea. Curious wich if either it may be Scottish or Irish or perhaps neither. We pronounce it Ray. Hope your able to reply soon.
Hi Brad,
You’re right about it being of Scottish/Irish origin. See below for more information
https://www.houseofnames.com/rhea-family-crest#:~:text=Rhea%20was%20first%20used%20as,grace%20or%20son%20of%20prosperity.
Hope this helps,
Kind regards,
Lulu
Hi Lulu, my surname is O’Reilly-Nugent; I live in New Zealand, I think my Granddad is Irish but he could have been a Pom. Have you heard of my surname? Peter.
Well Peter you have not one but 2 very popular Irish names, especially O’Reilly! See below for more info on both,
https://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/O'Reilly
https://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Nugent
Thanks for reading,
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Hi Lulu,
I am from New Zealand but can trace my fathers side back to JOHN McPIKE was born 1794 in Arigal, Derry, Ireland. He married MARY DUNN about 1819 in Belfast, Ireland. Mary was the daughter of THOMAS DUNN and MARGARET CAMPBELL and was born 1798 in County Antrim, Ireland. I believe there are no longer any McPikes living in Ireland. Think the name may have origially been McPeake? Have you heard of this name over there?
Hi Katrina,
Yes, Mc Peake is a very common name, especially in the north of Ireland. See below for more information. Could be useful as you continue your research.
https://www.houseofnames.com/mcpeake-family-crest
Hope this is helpful and thanks for reading,
Kind regards,
Lulu.
My mothers surname is Regan and my dads surname is Whipkey. I have a hard time finding my origins. Could you help me?
Hi Joscalynne,
Regan is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name O’ Riagain or O’ Raogain.
See below to learn about both of your names which hopefully will help with your research.
https://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Regan
https://www.houseofnames.com/Whipkey-family-crest
Thanks for reading,
Kind regards,
Lulu.
How about Pilgreen, do you have a coat of arms for that? I’m pretty sure it is English and Irish.
Hi John,
Correct, some of the Pilgreen family moved to Ireland. We don’t have a coat of arms frame for your name but if you’re interested in reading more about it, this link should be helpful to you!
https://www.houseofnames.com/Pilgreen-family-crest
Thanks for reading,
All the best,
Lulu.
My granny’s name was Corrigan, married my grandfather who was named McQuillan. They both came from Crossmaglen in Armagh. is there any information I could get for either of them? Is there a coat of arms of McQuillan?
Hi Frances,
Thanks so much for reading. See below for more information on both names. Could be a good starting point for your research.
Kind regards,
Lulu.
https://www.thetreemaker.com/family-crest-c/corrigan/ireland.html
https://www.houseofnames.com/mcquillan-family-crest
Hi Lulu, my mother’s surname was Quinlivan, which derived from O’C______ which I can’t remember the spelling of. Could have been something like O’Couinlibhain or the like. Can you help me find the actual spelling and where her ancestors hailed from? The family crest would be super cool, too.
I clicked on the link you gave to a lady named Frances above, and found a lot of information about the name, the original spellings, and the coat of arms. Thank you so much for the link!
Hi Francie,
I’m so glad you found the link helpful. Hope your family research is going well.
Kind regards,
Lulu
Hi Lulu,
Do you have any information about the surname Doolin?
Hi Marsha,
See below for more info on the name Doolin. Hope this helps.
https://www.houseofnames.com/doolin-family-crest#:~:text=Throughout%20history%2C%20very%20few%20Irish,%2C%22%20meaning%20challenge%20or%20defiance.
Kind regards,
Lulu.