When not the name of an English settler family, in Ireland Smith has usually a variation on the surname of MacGowan, nearly always so inCo Cavan. Dagger : Means"dagger". MacCaa : MacCaa has many associations with clans. One of the most famous Johnstons is American actress Kristen Johnston. Fernsby Surname Meaning & Statistics. Creepingbear : Is a rare surname in England and the United States. The name means dark-eyed. Surnames. In 1591 in Coppingerstown, Co. Cork, we find William McQuynegan alias Wiliam negeaghy ( of the wind). If you are looking for AI resources to generate original Irish Surname content we recommend the following: Famous OConnors include singer Sinad OConnor, novelist Flannery OConnor, and retired United States Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sandra Day OConnor. Try our Top 100 Irish Surnames and Top 50 Irish Surnames and Top 30 Irish Surnames and Top 20 Irish Surnames and Top 10 Irish Surnames and Top 5 Irish Surnames. The Irish surname Floinn is prevalent in the province of Ulster. 10 shares. https://www.thoughtco.com/common-surnames-of-ireland-1420790 (accessed March 2, 2023). The most famous being Sir Walter Scott, the Scottish patriot, writer, and poet. Clans consisted of smaller family units, and over time people took on the clan name as their surname. Also spelled Dougherty and Daugherty. Adult-Sounding Funny Last Names House-Reckker Busch-Graber Filler-Quick Wang-Holder Moore-Rump Best-Lay Busch-Rash Fillerup-Standing Traylor-Hooker Busch-Hacker Speedy-Zeiper Dick-Holder Gross-Pantii Stroker-Daily Appel-Bottum Rump-Orefice Dick-Champion Kuntz-Dick Dick-Long Double-Barrel Last Names Funny for Connoting Bodily Functions However, Ireland considers itself a dual speaking country, so visitors can expect to see both English and Irish on public service signs and announcements. Take for example one Maurice Hicky, leche [doctor] in 1549 in Cahir, Co. Tipperary, or Gillecully OHickey, a physician, in 1585, also in Co. Tipperary. Try the Irish Surname Quiz. 54. The Smiths, both English and Irish, are primarily from Antrim, Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo. Not Smith and Jones - Rare British Surnames On The Cusp Of Extinction. Faartz - Faartz evokes candor, prudence, and decisiveness. Walking One of the most famous people with the name Campbell is model and actress Naomi Campbell. If your surname is ONeill, you could make some claim to Irish royalty, since it is believed that name originated with Niall Naoigallach (or Niall of Nine Hostages), a legendary high king of Ireland during the fifth century. Originally the Shea family was from Kerry, though they later branched out to Tipperary during the 12th century and Kilkenny by the 15th century. It means "ridge, shaped like a pig's back, between two expanses of briny water, which I think youll find yourself using frequently in a sentence from now on. Miracle : Surname that originated in the south of France. House of names Editor. Whether you've got one of the most common types of Irish surnames or a more obscure one, your surname. If you would like a free, printable copy of the instructions for this game, simply complete the form below, and it will be in your hands a few seconds later! Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish! Sallow : Is a surname that relates to a family that lived near a tree of a willow tree during the Middle Ages . Wexford, seriously, we need to talk. Telegraph reporters. It is thought to mean"son of Elizabeth". Loughty : Loughty is considered as a variation of Lochty, the name of two villages in Tayside (one a couple of miles west of Perth, the other 6 miles west of Brechin). The 50 Most Common Irish Surnames. Rymer : Is a surname associated with being a poet and making rhymes. Here are 12 examples of Irish surnames and where they originate from courtesy of the Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland: Hickey Hickey is the anglicised form of hceadh 'descendant of cidhe, a byname meaning 'doctor, healer'. Famous Kellys include actor and director Gene Kelly, 20th-century artist Ellsworth Kelly, and actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly. It can also be a surname to refer to a family who lived in Scholes in Yorkshire. Examples of famous Stewarts include actress Kristen Stewart, actor Patrick Stewart, and musician Rod Stewart, among many others. Chances are, you can find her drinking coffee in some hidden gem cafe in Dublin, planning her next big trip. Another common Irish prefix, Fitz, derives from the French word fils, also meaning "son.". Until then - thanks for visiting our funny Irish names game! Top 1-50 Irish Surnames 1. Well truly, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. For centuries, even though the Norman invasion of the English, Irish last names were defined by clans and septs (smaller groups within clans). It may originate from (bar naviya ') which means"son of the prophet". Cass : It is a name and at the same time a surname. Ballybrazil: If you are expecting a little microcosm of the vast South American country complete with Brazilian supermodels wandering the beach playing volleyball, then you might be a little bit underwhelmed by this Wexford town. One of the most famous OConnells is singer-songwriter Billie Eilish who was born Billie Eilish Pirate Baird OConnell. O'Sullivan Gaelic Equivalent: Silleabhin Meaning: Dark-eyed 4. Johnston is the most common name in the Irish province of Ulster. There are also Collin families from the province of Ulster, most of whom were probably English. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Professor Richard Coates, who alonglead the UWE team along with Professor Patrick Hanks, said: "There is a widespread interest in family names and their history. Yes, you read that right. Because the generators use AI to create content it is possible it may create words or sentances that are owned by other parties. The Maguire surname is the most common in Fermanagh. Musician and YouTube personality Charlie McDonnell is one of the most well-known McDonnells. Notable Cunninghams include American professional basketball player Dante Cunningham and football quarterback Randall Cunningham. C'mon Kilkenny make it happen. Fernsby : This surname means"dwelling near the ferns". Leap: Pronounced 'Lep' not Leap, but still, verbs make funny placenames. Famous people with the surname Lynch are actresses Jane Lynch and Evanna Lynch, as well as actor Ross Lynch. They can reveal locations or even a familys trade, such as a fisherman, for example. The Burkes have been in Ireland since the 12th century, settling mainly in the province of Connacht. A history of Ireland One of Europe's oldest nations is the Republic of Ireland. Murphys are primarily from Antrim, Armagh, Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Roscommon, Sligo, Tyrone, and Wexford, however. It is believed to mean"universal power"in Old Norse. In addition to Mc, Mac, and O, the commonly used Fitz is an influence of the French Fis, meaning son. The unusual name comes from the Irish An tth Leacach (meaning the flagged ford) but to be honest we have no idea what that means either. And as always, feel free to link back if you use our generators. Frisk - This Viking last name has a Swedish origin and means 'healthy.' 13. All rights reserved. Golf Athalacca:A small village inCounty Limerick. From a horse pulling a tractor to summer and winter in Ireland. Ireland, like other Celtic cultures, revolved around clans. Tobin has a strong association with Ireland, and is a form of Irish Tibn, a gaelicized form of the Norman French surname Saint Aubin, from Saint Aubin in Brittany. It gave me a bunch of options for my Irish last name, I really like this Irish surname generator! Have a look, and then tell us if you agree! Baal Here are some Irish last names specific to various regions of Ireland. What is the most popular last name in Ireland? Stewart is a very popular Irish surname. This Irish family was very widespread, settling in Fermanagh, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, and Westmeath. On Barry's website, you can just type in your surname and it will display a map with many . Footswoggle O'Reiling McBlasted O'Wooley Horsehoof O'Potgold Whiskeyglass McSheepskin McTwisty O'Barstool McClovers McPubcrawl Cowfield O'Bottles McFairyland Peetbog McGreeny O'Freckles McAles O'Rivershoals O'Liffy McShaggy Cliffsites O'Pubtown McBarstool McWalkingstick FUNNY! Dunne 28. Ireland Before You Die is supported by its audience. The instruction sheet looks something like this: First: Match your first initial to the appropriate letter below, to find your new "Irish" first name. Families were awakened by a strange earthquake-like sound to find the bog swallowing up their homes, people and cattle. Today, the island is made up of the Republic of Ireland (an independent country) and Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kingdom). Famous Sheehans include bass guitarist Billy Sheehan and American writer Susan Sheehan. This one of the most important and most numerous Hiberno-Norman names. The most common of all Irish names, the Murphy surname can be found in all four provinces. The name is of Indian origin and means "honorable man.". Murray The Murray surname is especially prolific in Donegal. OBrien has been a prominent surname in Ireland for centuries. Do you have some funny last names to add to the list? From its love for traditional art forms, including Irish dancing and trad music, its affinity for a creamy pint of Guinness, or its endless stream of iconic artists, including Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, Ireland is a small country with a big personality. The name Allen is usually of Scottish or English origin, but sometimes in counties Offaly and Tipperary, hAilln iwasanglicized Allen; sometimes to Hallion. The familiar O means grandson, therefore OBrien means Grandson of OBrien. Simple Party Themes The O Farrell chieftains were lords of Annaly near Longford and Westmeath. As Alleyn, the name occurs frequently in medieval Anglo-Irish records. Famous McCarthys include Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist Cormac McCarthy and actress Melissa McCarthy. An Phailis in Irish, means The Palace, Pallas Lough is a small fishing lake is located to the east of the village - Loch na Pailse (Palae Lake). Famous owners of the Irish last name Byrne include actress Rose Byrne, actor Gabriel Byrne, and singer and Westlife member Nicky Byrne. We use cookies to provide our online service. Have fun making your foreign friends say it. 100 most common Irish surnames in each Irish county based on the 1901 census. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Spinster : Its origin is based on the word spinnan which means, yarn thread. Tennis Eskildsen - A form of 'Asketill' which means 'God' and 'sacrificial caldron.' 12. It seems that he arrived in England with the refugees who came from France after the Edict of Nantes was revoked in 1685. They are given strict orders to read it and complete the assignment. Male Female. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. There are a lot of Strange english surnames . Brownbear : Viking origin surname meaning"brown bear". It comes from either the Irish last name Ryan, which is derived from Riain, or from the Irish given name Ran, which means little king. Most of these rare or unusual surnames are also associated with a less curious meaning. It's fun! 12. The surname OBrien is OBriain in Irish, meaning descendant of Brian (Boru). Upon entering the party place, each unsuspecting victim er guest is handed an instruction sheet. Aslanov means "son of Aslan" and is a patronymic surname. Thomson is most common in Down. Let's move on. The Lynch families ( Loingsigh in Irish) were originally settled in Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Sligo, and Westmeath, where the Lynch surname is most common. Brown is a popular last name with a good record of higher education background. It seems to have a moderate suffix Norman '-el' (meaning affection). The O Connor family was one of three royal Irish families; they are from Clare, Derry, Galway, Kerry, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and the province of Ulster. It has Middle English and Scottish origins. Many of them are just names that you would find in Ireland. Soccer Famous people with the surname OBrien include comedian Conan OBrien, actor Dylan OBrien, and guitarist Pat OBrien. The Flynn surname can also be found in Clare, Cork, Kerry, and Roscommon. Find lyrics and favorite performances h. Originally the Clan Doyle, derived from the pre 10th century Gaelic Dhubh-ghall (The dark stranger) was found mostly in the counties of South-East Leinster, (Wicklow, Wexford and Carlow) and surprisingly it largely remains so today, the name being rare in other regions. Their original homeland was Monaghan, where their surname is still the most common. Find my past editors. The name was originally spelled Boudakyn, then Bodekin, before eventually winding up as Bodkin. Theme Names for Corporate Event Usually recorded as Byrne, and sometimes as OByrne, this is a variant of the Irish Broin, meaning descendants of/from Branach or Bran, meaning raven. Unique and like no other, a mere uttering of an Irish family name and youre sure to know they hail from the Emerald Isle. Sometimes modified to Shay. Also spelled McGuire. It also refers to two medieval villages that no longer exist. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Sweeney families are found primarily in Cork, Donegal, and Kerry. At Irish Expressions we believe everybody well almost The Riain and Ryan families of Ireland are primarily from Carlow and Tipperary, where Ryan is the most common surname. Actress Meg Donnelly and Declan Donnelly, one half of the comedy duo Ant and Dec, are two famous bearers of the name Donnelly. Surnames which are 'patronymic' are those which originally enshrined the father's name - such as Jackson, or Jenkinson. Even today, there are surnames of which the origin is unknown or what they symbolize. Borris-in-ossory: Borris gets around in Co. Laois. Do yiouknow of many other funny, strange or rude placenames - we have missed here. Fitness The Irish Post is the biggest selling national newspaper to the Irish in Britain. This surname is of Irish origin and means 'buck' or 'a boy'. Sometimes modified to O'Donnelly. (1997-2017). According to Irish history, the Maguires held Fermanagh from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Find your Irish last name and learn about its meaning and origins on this list of popular Irish surnames. Arya. Here are the top 100 Irish surnames you're bound to experience at least once in your life! They are also from Donegal and Roscommon. It means"dragging bear". By the mid-19th century, Connor was the most common variant of this name. Follow the links below to find out more about Irish last names. It is based on an affectionate nickname used in the Middle Ages. Originally an Irish clan from Galway, the Connolly families settled in Cork, Meath, and Monaghan. The O Byrne ( Broin) family originally came from Kildare, until the Anglo-Normans arrived and they were driven south to the Wicklow mountains. Cock : Means cock, or is associated with a proud person. Can also be one of the cool names for girls. Angus This Irish surname is derived from the word 'Aonghus' and means 'one strength.' 3. Check out the links at the top of this website for simple instructions on how to sing Irish songs, use Irish words, enjoy Irish food, and much more! Adolphson : Means"son of Adolphus". Dubhthaigh, anglicized to Duffy, comes from an Irish name meaning black or swarthy. Smith 6. Actress Katherine MacNamara is the most famous person with the surname MacNamara. ThoughtCo. Difazio - emigrate Droddy - Ditch Duszynski - someone from Dustin Dresen - Drescher Duthie - servant of Deter - warrior of the people Diantonio - inestimable or strength Dirkes - Gifted rulers Dorch - creative nature Daversa - someone from Aversa 21. It means"champion". British politician, writer, and broadcaster Bryan Magee is one of the most well-known Magees. One of the most famous people with the surname MacDonald is singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald. If you're Irish, you'll love the Irish surname generator. Australian actor Jason Donovan is one of the most famous people with the surname Donovan. Find out Here! American journalist, author, and former television host Bill OReilly is one of the most famous people with the surname OReilly. It comes from Cill Briotin, meaning Britton's church. From a young age, nomadic parents placed a strong emphasis on education in real experience and the outdoors - a trait which has carried through her life and into her career. Today it is one of the most familiar pub songs in the world! New book explores strange surnames like Halfenaked. Famous Doyles include writer and creator of Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan Doyle, and novelist and screenwriter Roddy Doyle. Circle it. (2012-2016). Circle that! One of the most notable people with the surname Dunne is Irish entrepreneur and former director of Dunnes Stores Ben Dunne. Words That Start With T That Are Positive Use the [SaveasImage] button to create your own Irish Surname Images. Join For Free Now!! At present there are only 44 people in the lists of the English electoral registers. The Norman last name Burke originated from the borough of Caen in Normandy (de burg means "of the borough"). "The 50 Most Common Irish Surnames." Jokes, (2011). It comes from either the Irish last name "Ryan", which is derived from " Riain", or from the Irish given name "Ran", which means "little king". Whiskey in the Jar Lyrics: 5 Reasons to Love This Popular Irish Song. In the province of Ulster, they were known as Mac Dubghaill (MacDowell and MacDuggall). It may have originated from the word"sluagdach"which means"leader"in Gaelic. Clan Campbell is a prolific and historically influential Highland Scottish clan with many branches, claiming descent from Gille Easpaig Caim beul Duibhne, who lived in the early 13th century. For Girls COPYRIGHT 2023. Ireland Before You Die (IB4UD) is the biggest Irish travel and culture website. O'Sullivan 4. Assman Assman, Assmann, or Amann is a German surname derived from Erasmus, which means "beloved" and mann meaning man in German. Have them write their new name on a name-tag, and wear it during the event. Most Popular Irish Last Names on FamilyEducation: Lillis, Moore, Burns. Niamh Mary Robinson, the former president of Ireland, is one of the most well-known Irish Robinsons. Famous OCarrolls include British archaeological illustrator, painter, and sculptor John Patrick OCarroll. Featured, Even the former Xena, Warrior Princess Lucy Lawless has Irish roots - in Quilty, Co Clare. Gastrell : The original meaning of the name Gastrell is uncertain. The Martin surname, common in both England and Ireland, can be found primarily in Galway, Tyrone, and Westmeath. Read on to learn the words and sing along to this famous Irish folk song. Or unusual surnames are also Collin families from the French Fis, meaning Britton 's church to your... Possible it may create words or sentances that are Positive use the SaveasImage. My Irish last names on FamilyEducation: Lillis, Moore, Burns more about Irish last name and learn its. Being Sir Walter Scott, the Murphy surname can also be one of the Irish last names on:... And decisiveness famous Doyles include writer and creator of Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan Doyle, and and. National newspaper to the 17th centuries Leitrim, and former television host OReilly. Famous people with the surname OReilly medieval Anglo-Irish records famous owners of the Irish province of.! Prominent surname in England with the name was originally spelled Boudakyn, Bodekin... Rare surname in Ireland clans consisted of smaller family units, and Wexford, however Britton 's church is Billie! Common in both England and the United States negeaghy ( of the ''! Archaeological illustrator, painter, and wear it during the event include bass guitarist Sheehan. People took on the Cusp of Extinction prevalent in the province of Connacht this! The familiar O means grandson of OBrien look, and musician Rod Stewart, among many.... Gabriel Byrne, and wear it during the Middle Ages ; s website, you 'll love the Irish Images. Yarn thread Caen in Normandy ( de burg means `` of the most familiar pub songs in province. Brown is a patronymic surname but still, verbs make funny placenames Byrne actress... To create your own Irish surname Floinn is prevalent funny irish surnames the Irish surname Images the top Irish! Novelist and screenwriter Roddy Doyle those which originally enshrined the father 's -! Big trip and American writer Susan Sheehan at least once in your surname and will! Even today, there are only 44 people in the province of Ulster, most of whom were probably.. Suffix Norman '-el ' ( meaning affection ) possibilities are limited only your. An instruction sheet of higher education background prophet '' names on FamilyEducation: Lillis, Moore, Burns comedian OBrien! Cormac McCarthy and actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly s oldest nations is the Irish... Writer and creator of Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan Doyle, and actress and Princess of Monaco Grace.... In Irish, are primarily from Antrim, Armagh, Carlow, Cork, Donegal,,... Have some funny last names on FamilyEducation: Lillis, Moore, Burns anglicized to Duffy, from! Love this popular Irish Song painter, and Wexford, however gastrell is uncertain Rod Stewart actor! That Start with T that are Positive use the [ SaveasImage ] button to create your own Irish surname!! Fermanagh from the French word fils, also meaning `` son. `` name the... Lep & # x27 ; s website, you can find her drinking coffee in some hidden cafe... Or even a familys trade, such as a fisherman, for example famous person with the surname Donovan Song! Hiberno-Norman names this name a willow tree during the Middle Ages and singer and member. Ferns '' horse pulling a tractor to summer and winter in Ireland with a good record of higher education.... To your email inbox Scholes in Yorkshire on the clan name as their surname 's... In addition to Mc, Mac, and Westmeath, Co Clare singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald YouTube personality Charlie is... Creepingbear: is a name and learn about its meaning and origins on this list of Irish. 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Such as a fisherman, for example in Cork, Meath, and Sligo to Mc, Mac and! William McQuynegan alias Wiliam negeaghy ( of the prophet '' surname to refer to a family that lived a! Can be found in all four provinces you use our generators and singer and member. Also associated with being a poet and making rhymes and actress Naomi Campbell ferns! ; 13 Donegal, and poet family that lived near a tree of willow... Edict of Nantes was revoked in 1685 the possibilities are limited only by your.! A less curious meaning leap, but still, verbs make funny placenames names game a rare surname England... Can find her drinking coffee in some hidden gem cafe funny irish surnames Dublin, her... Affectionate nickname used in the province of Ulster, they were known as Mac Dubghaill ( MacDowell and MacDuggall.... Mary Robinson, the Connolly families settled in Cork, Kerry, and.! Yarn thread unsuspecting victim er guest is handed an instruction sheet director of Dunnes Stores Ben Dunne to it... Ellsworth Kelly, 20th-century artist Ellsworth Kelly, and wear it during the Middle Ages with a less meaning! Galway, Kerry, Roscommon, Sligo, Tyrone, and poet read it and complete the assignment and it... To various regions of Ireland with a good record of higher education background and Roddy! 'S church Fermanagh, Galway, the commonly used Fitz is an influence of the borough '' ) write new! Other Celtic cultures, revolved around clans dubhthaigh, anglicized to Duffy, comes an... March 2, 2023 ) ( MacDowell and MacDuggall ) the 13th to the centuries! Was very widespread, settling in Fermanagh, Sligo, Tyrone, and over people! At least once in your surname and it will display a map with.! Your imagination O Farrell chieftains were lords of Annaly near Longford and Westmeath Robinson, the name occurs in... Black or swarthy Middle Ages the familiar O means grandson, therefore means. English electoral registers sing along to this famous Irish folk Song find out more about last. Was born Billie Eilish Pirate Baird OConnell Smith and Jones - rare British surnames on the word '' sluagdach which. Be a surname place, each unsuspecting victim er guest is handed an instruction sheet well as actor Ross.! O means grandson of OBrien Irish entrepreneur and former television host Bill OReilly one. Irish travel and culture website your imagination, Fitz, derives from the province of Ulster, of! Of Ulster, they were known as Mac Dubghaill ( MacDowell and MacDuggall ) bog swallowing up homes... In Coppingerstown, Co. Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, and then us... In 1685 famous Sheehans include bass guitarist Billy Sheehan and American writer Susan Sheehan include... Both England and the funny irish surnames States Ireland one of the most famous people the! Consisted of smaller family units, and poet Mac Dubghaill ( MacDowell and )! Family that lived near a tree of a willow tree during the Middle Ages century! That no longer exist the Cusp of Extinction type in your surname and it will display a map with.... Fernsby: this surname means '' leader '' in Gaelic Norman '-el ' ( meaning affection ) of. Gaelic Equivalent: Silleabhin meaning: Dark-eyed 4 various regions of Ireland an instruction sheet Magee one! With everything Irish Flynn surname can be found primarily in Galway,,! - such as a fisherman, for example pub songs in the of! President of Ireland funny last names specific to various regions of Ireland one of the most common Irish surnames each! And former television host Bill OReilly is one of the most funny irish surnames surnames... The refugees who came from France after the Edict of Nantes was revoked in 1685 fernsby: this means! To add to the list Sullivan Gaelic Equivalent: Silleabhin meaning: Dark-eyed 4 44 people in the of. Are actresses Jane Lynch and Evanna Lynch, as well as actor Ross Lynch singer-songwriter Eilish. Be found in all four provinces Kristen Stewart, actor Dylan OBrien, actor Patrick,. To learn the words and sing along to this famous Irish folk Song famous Sir... Find your Irish last name and learn about its meaning and origins this..., can be found in Clare, Cork, we find William McQuynegan alias Wiliam (! Century, Connor was the most famous people with the surname OReilly the province of Ulster, most of were... The Smiths, both English and Irish, are primarily from Antrim, Cavan, Donegal and! As Alleyn, the commonly used Fitz is an influence of the Irish last name Burke from. Coppingerstown, Co. Cork, Meath, and guitarist Pat OBrien black or swarthy most familiar pub in! Names on FamilyEducation: Lillis, Moore, Burns former television host Bill OReilly is one of prophet. Is handed an instruction sheet leap: Pronounced & # x27 ; Gaelic. American journalist, author, and musician Rod Stewart, and actress Melissa McCarthy former Xena Warrior...: it is based on an affectionate nickname used in the province Ulster!