Origin & Meaning of Irish Surnames
Posted in: Irish Surnames
Irish surnames reflect the history of Ireland and in particular the various waves of immigrants and invaders who came to the country over the centuries, intermarried with the Irish population or simply never went home.
Over the centuries the Irish emigrated in such large numbers to every corner of the globe, that it is now a rare place that you will not find surnames which originated here.
The Origins of Ireland’s Surnames
It is easy to think that Irish surnames are all Gaelic in origin, but it’s far from the case. While the majority have Gealic roots, the various waves of settlers and conquerers that came to Ireland over the centuries brought their names with them and many surnames which are nowadays looked on as ‘typically Irish’ are not in fact Gaelic in origin.
Alongside the most numerous Gaelic surnames, which are invariably the oldest found in Ireland, there are almost as many names of Norman or English origin and quite a few with less common but often fascinating histories, such as those of Viking and Huguenot origin.
For information about each of these categories of names, please use the links below:
Gaelic Names | Norman Names | English Names | Viking Names | Huguenot & Palatine Names
300 Most Common Irish Names
We have listed more than 300 of the most frequently found names in Ireland, with some brief information about the origins of each and their distribution in Ireland in the past and to-day.
Many names have complex histories, so while we have tried to be as accurate as possible in these listings there may be errors or omissions.
If you see any, please let us know!
I am seeking the origin of the surname Hession. I believe it to be a name from the West of Ireland. Thank you in advance for your help.
Good evening,
I am looking for the origin and area of my family name Larkin. I have been told Galway but not sure. My family left Ireland and went to Philadelphia but not sure when. That side didn’t talk about it and by the time I was old enough to inquire they were all dead.
Thanks
I am looking for the surname Bohan or Bowen from Muir or Latherham. The family came to England in the late 1840’s. Can’t find the places either, assume they were small villages which disappeared in the famine?
thanks
margaret
Muir and Latherham are not Irish places and I am certain they never were. They sound like places in England to me, or possibly Scotland. While many small villages disappeared during and after the famine, the place names tended not too, so would still be around if they had existed.
Can anyone out there shed any light on the name LARRISSEY?
Possibly some Armada link, or urban myth?
Thanks in advance.