400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

Right in step with the two-syllable irish surname-names now on the rise.

Connelly is an open, inviting, and rarely used Irish surname that can make a perfect alternative to the overused Connor or Colin for a boy.

In Cool Names, we cite this as an "Artist Name," for twentieth-century abstract painter Grace Hartigan, though for you it may just be an upbeat Irish surname.

Irish name with an intriguing lilt.

Can be used either with or without the addition of Mac.

Male name from Irish mythology makes stylish-sounding choice for girls.

More common as a surname, Galvin is a possible alternative to Gavin and Calvin.

Dugan is an open, friendly, and cheery Irish surname that would be suited to a dark-haired boy.

Another animated Irish surname, this one with jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American Jive," Cab Calloway.

McDermott is a common Irish surname that means, as all Mc or Mac names do, "son of" --then Dermott or Dermot, which is an Anglicization of the Irish Gaelic Diarmaid. The legendary Diarmaid was the lover of Grainne and the real King Diarmaid, in the twelfth century, first invited the English into Ireland. Actor Dermot Mulroney made his name famous in the U.S.

The double 'e' gives this Celtic surname a genial sound. It derives from an old Irish name — Suibhne (SHEEV-ne) that was borne by several early saints and kings, including, unfortunately, one known as Mad Sweeney who spent his life living in trees and composing nature poetry. Another possible drawback is the association with Sweeney Todd, the bloodthirsty butcher of Sondheim stage-musical fame.

Has a decidedly Roman Catholic feel, thanks to the bishop.

Bold Irish surname, full of energy and cheer.

Likable Irish surname name, but bound to be confused with Clooney.

Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.

Flanagan is an elabortion of Flann, and cousin of Flynn and Finn: a member of the family of colorful Irish red-headed names. This one is lively and undiscovered.

The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.

Surname that could have pronunciation problems -- it's Dorrity -- as well as having an off-putting meaning.

Makes Donna into a cool twenty-first-century unisex Irish surname.

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. On Downton Abbey, the surname O'Brien was heard so often, it began to seem like a first.