Many of us bear Irish last names or surnames as we say in Ireland. But have you ever wondered about the origins of these Irish names?
What are the most common Irish last names found world wide?
From where in Ireland do these family names hail?
What is the most common surname in Ireland?
Today’s post and wonderful informative graphic was created by the good folks at the Ocean Sands Hotel in Sligo. Hope you find some of the answers to your burning Irish last name questions here.
You may not have found your last name here, but if you want a little more information, why not check out Irish Central’s article, which delves into the Top 300 Irish Family Names.
Here’s what they had to say about my last name “Geary” ….
“O’Gara, Geary – The sept of O’Gara, Ó Gadhra in Irish, is closely associated with that of O’Hara. They have a common descendant down to the tenth century, Gadhra, the eponymous ancestor of the O’Garas, being nephew of Eadhra (a quo the O’haras). From then on they established separate chieftainries, O’Gara taking the territory to the south of the barony now known as Leyney, Co. Sligo, with the O’Haras being to the north of them.”
But I have heard a less kind explanation of our last name. “Gadhar” is the Irish word for hound, and my ancient ancestors were so named because they were vicious like hounds in battle. Oh my, I hope we’ve mellowed over the years.
And so if you’re interested in a little history of your Irish family name, I hope you enjoy this wonderful information.
Slán agus beannacht leat!
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
I loved this! So very interesting. I am a Kelly, my Mom was a Shea (Murphy) and Dad’s Mom was a Sullivan. All from Cork! Thanks and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The corned beef is going in the pot as I email!
Oh my Mary Ann – three names on the list in your ancestral line. I’m so glad I could share this wonderful graphic with you. Best wishes,
Mairead
IAM, my maternal grandmother was an Eagan (Mary) from County Mayo. From the information in your post it would appear somewhere down the line her family lost the “Mac.” My two cousins are the archivists for Dad’s side of the family. They told me they had heard that if a family had a member who rustled sheep, they were punished by having the “O” struck from their surname (O’Riley/Riley).Wonder if “Mac”was struck for the same reason? And are my cousins full of blarney? TMJ
T. M. – I never heard the sheep rustling story for why an “O” was struck from an Irish name, but I must say I like the story. When we were young if you didn’t have an “O” in your name we would say you had drop the “O” for a bowl of soup in the famine. I think many “Macs” and “O’s” got dropped when Irish people arrived in America – it was important not to appear too Irish.
Hope you have a lovely St. Patrick’s Day.
Mairéad
This Can’t be right, O’Shea must be near the top, I’m sure.
Brian – I call for a recount of all the O’Sheas. I thought your clan would be up there too.
Have a Happy Paddy’s Day on Tuesday.
Mairead
O’Hara’s here in Erie, PA… Happy St. PATRICK’S DAY! !
Hi Chris – I hope you have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day in Erie.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
My (p) grandmother was a Doherty, *very* common up on the Inishowen peninsula.
Maternally Mc Donough from Sligo.
Another common name in Donegal, “Mc Laughlin” I think means “son of the lake.”
Happy St. Pat’s to all.
Tomas – Doherty would definitely be in the Top 10 Donegal names. Many O’Donnells, Gallaghers and McFaddens there too.
Thanks so much for checking out this post.
Best wishes, and a very happy Paddy’s Day to you too.
Mairéad
Hi Mairead, I was hoping to find my maiden name on the list of the 300, but it isn’t there. Our family name is Hoy, but I believe it might have originally been spelled Haughey. My great-great grandfather came over in the 1860s (if I’m remembering correctly) so it’s been a while! 🙂
Hi Cheryl – Haughey is a very Irish name. The late Charles Haughey was Taoiseach or Prime Minister of Ireland in the 1980’s. It may not be a name in the Top 10 list, but it sure is Irish.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Hello, what can you tell me about my maiden name , Glennon
Hi Bonnie – I’m afraid I am not an expert in genealogy or name origins but I do know your name originates in Leinster which is Ireland’s eastern province. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Leannain. Mac means son and the word ‘leann’ is a cloak. So I suppose it means ‘son of the cloaked one.”
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Mairéad