400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

Sheenan updates the longtime Irish favorite Shannon, which ranked in the US Top 100 through much of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Shanon fell off the Top 1000 about ten years ago, but Sheenan is a worthy substitute. You might also consider it a form of Sheena, itself a form of Jane or John, with the meaning "God is gracious".

One of the most usable of the fashionable O'Names.

Variation of Cluny best only if you're a major George fan. And even then, better go with George, Georgia, or Georgiana.

See DALEY.

Sullivan has made itself into a first name and O'Sullivan may well follow suit.

Energetic name that's keen to please.

Too fiscal.

Irish surname-names are hugely popular for girls in the US these days, with Riley and Kennedy ranking high on the official popularity lists. Connery is uncommon, but certainly attractive and usable.

The Gaelic name Giolla Dhomhnagh ("servant of Donagh") turned into the patronymic Mac Giolla Dhomhnagh, which was whispered down the alley until it became MacGillowney, and eventually Looney. Although it's similar in sound to popular Luna, this isn't an Irish surname that's likely to get much use.

When British rocker Steven Patrick Morrissey decided to use his last name alone, it became a viable option for baby namers, a lot cooler than Morris or Maurice, with the nice three-syllable lilt of of such other Irish surnames as Finnegan and Flanagan. It can also be spelled Morrisey.