400+ Irish Last Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

A small number of girls are given this Irish surname as a first name each year.

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.

Sorley is an anglicization of the Irish name Somhairle, itself derived from the Old Norse Sumarliði, a nickname for a summer traveler (perhaps meaning a viking raider!). It is sometimes used as a boy name in Britain, but very rarely in the US. The similarity to the word "sorely" may put some off, but we still think it makes a jaunty, unusual surname-style option.

Keefe is an energetic Irish surname occasionally used as a first. Only caveat: Will people think your little Keefe is a Keith with enunciation problems?

Anglicized form of Irish Ó Cearmada, which is reminiscent of other jaunty Irish surnames like Cassidy and Connolly.

A common Irish surname that's seldom heard as a first name, but has an appealing meaning.

Out-of-date for a boy, innovative for a girl.

Actor Pierce made both his first and last name appealing.

The O'Haras are descended from Eaghra -- pronounced and phonetically spelled Ara -- the lord of Luighne, the modern Leyney in County Sligo. As a name, this makes a satisfying new twist on Harry.

We'd be leery of this one.

Curran is a curry-flavored Irish surname-y name that could work as well for girls as boys. Curran can be a fresher spin on the Twilight-inflected Cullen.

Reilly and Riley are hugely popular, but O'Reilly is still an up-and-comer.

A nickname style name, Neely could derive from the strong, elegant Cornelius, as an elaboration of Neal or Neil, or as a variation of the Scottish surname McNeilly, with the cool meaning "son of the poet".

If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.

A merry surname cousin of Kerrigan, could make a lively choice for a happy little girl.

One Irish surname that will never make it as a first.

Magee has a broad and bouncy appeal for the sons of anyone from Adam to Zachary.

Farrell is usually considered a boy's name, though the soft sound of this Irish surname makes it perfectly appropriate for a girl, reminiscent of Farrah.