Irish and Irish-Americans alike tend to be immensely proud of their surnames.
Many a Irish family proudly declare their Irish roots by displaying the crest of their clan in their homes.
But which last names win in the battle of Irishness?
IrishCentral took a look at the list of the most common surnames in Ireland in order to come up with a top 10 list.
Smith and Murray are two of the most common, but one is of British origins and the other’s Scottish, so they didn’t make the cut.
Here, then, are the 10 most Irish last names:
1. Murphy - the sea battlers
Murphys – you win the prize for most common and widespread name in Ireland, especially in County Cork.
This surname, which means “sea battler,” translates to Gaelic as MacMurchadh (son of Murchadh) and O'Murchadh (descendent of Murchadh), a derivation of the first name of Murchadh or Murragh.
O'Murchadh families lived in Wexford, Roscommon and Cork, in which county it is now most common, with the MacMurchadhs of the Sligo and Tyrone area responsible for most of the Murphys in Ulster.
The name was first anglicized to MacMurphy and then to Murphy in the early 19th century.
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE MURPHY CLAN! CLICK HERE
2. Kelly – the bright-headed ones
Kelly comes second to Murphy as the most common surname in Ireland.
The Kellys are all over Ireland; the name originates from at around 10 different and unrelated ancient clans or septs. These include O'Kelly septs from Meath, Derry, Antrim, Laois, Sligo, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Galway and Roscommon.
O'Kelly comes from the Gaelic O Ceallaigh, meaning "descended from Ceallach," an Irish chieftan. “Ceallach” means war or contention. It is an ancient first name that is no longer used as a first name in Ireland. However, Kelly is a popular first name for women in the U.S.
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE KELLY CLAN! CLICK HERE
3. O'Sullivan – the hawkeyed ones
Kellys may have bright heads, but O’Sullivans have hawk-like eyes.
The O'Sullivans or Sullivans are one of the most populous of the Munster families. In Irish, O'Sullivan is O'Sileabhin, and there is no doubt that origin of the name comes from the word sil (eye), though whether it is to be taken as "one-eyed" or "hawkeyed" is in dispute among scholars.
Originally lords of the territory around Cahir, County Tipperary, in the 12th century, they migrated to what is now West Cork and South Kerry, where the name is still very prominent.
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE O'SULLIVAN CLAN! CLICK HERE
4. Walsh – the Welshmen
The meaning of this “Welsh” name is pretty straightforward.
The name Walsh is one of the most common of the Norman associated names found in Ireland. It seems to have been the name used by the many different groups of Welsh people who arrived in Ireland with the Normans during the 12th century.
The name comes from Welsh, which simply means Welshman, and its early Norman form was "Le Waleys." But this became gradually anglicized to Walsh.
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE WALSH CLAN! CLICK HERE
5. O'Brien – the noblemen
O’Briens are pretty lucky – they are descended from one of the greatest and most famous Irish kings.
The name O’Brien, also spelled O'Bryan or O'Brian, translates to Ó Briain in Gaelic, which means "of Brian.”
The name indicates descendance from Brian Boru, the celebrated High King of Ireland. This gives O’Briens leave to call themselves “high” and “noble.”
Most O’Briens can be found in Counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE O'BRIEN CLAN! CLICK HERE
6. Byrne – the ravens
Byrnes can be found flying around all over Counties Wicklow and Dublin.
Byrne, originally O’Byrne, comes from the Gaelic O'Broin meaning "descended from Bran,” an 11th century King of Leinster.
The O'Byrnes were chieftains of what is now County Kildare until the Norman invasion when they were driven from their lands and migrated (ha!) into the mountains of County Wicklow.
There, together with their allies the O'Tooles, they successfully resisted Norman and English domination for centuries.
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE BYRNE CLAN! CLICK HERE
7. Ryan – the little kings
The meaning of the Irish name Ryan comes from the old Gaelic word "righ" and the old Irish diminutive of "an," which together form the meaning of "little king."
The name Ryan comes from the Irish name O' Riain - a contraction of the older Irish form O'Mulriain, which is now virtually extinct.
Ryan is also an extremely popular first name, especially in Britain and the U.S.
The Ryan family motto is 'Malo More Quam Foedari', which, when translated, means 'I would Rather Die than be Disgraced'. And they call them “little” kings…
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE RYAN CLAN! CLICK HERE
8. O'Connor – patrons of warriors
They might not be warriors themselves, but at least O’Connors descend from them!
The O'Connor name, with its varied spellings, doesn't spring from a common source. The name arose in five areas of Ireland: Connacht, Kerry, Derry, Offaly and Clare and split into six distinct septs.
The most prominent sept is that of the Connacht O'Connors who gave us the last two High-Kings of Ireland: Turlough O'Connor (1088-1156) and Roderick O'Connor (1116-1198). They trace their heritage and name from the Irish "Ua Conchobhair," meaning from Conchobhar, a king of Connacht.
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE O'CONNOR CLAN! CLICK HERE
9. O'Neill – from a champion, Niall of the Nine Hostages
The O'Neill family traces its history back to 360 A.D. to the legendary warrior king of Ireland, Niall of the Nine Hostages, who is said to have been responsible for bringing St. Patrick to Ireland.
Niall is also said to have been incredibly fertile – he has 3 million descendents worldwide.
“O’Neill” is derived from two separate Gaelic words, "Ua Niall," which means grandson of Niall, and "Neill" meaning "champion."
Ireland’s O'Neills were known by the nickname "Creagh," which comes from the Gaelic word "craobh" meaning branch, because they were known to camouflage themselves to resemble the forest when fighting the Norsemen. Crafty fellows, those O’Neills.
READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE O'NEILL CLAN! CLICK HERE
10. O'Reilly - ?
The O'Reillys round out the top 10 most popular names in Ireland.
Their family name is derived from the Gaelic "O'Raghailligh," meaning descendants of Raghaillach.
The O'Reillys were the most powerful sept of the old Gaelic kingdom of Breffny (Cavan and the surrounding counties), and the family is still prominent in the area.
Reilly, often spelled Riley, has become a trendy given name in the U.S., for both baby boys and girls.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.kelley | Mar 22, 2013, 05:18 PM EDT
Hey Stevenstar you sound like a real jerk. I have traveled to Ireland several times...always met with warm reception and very nice folks. You need to sober up.
STEVENSTAR | Mar 13, 2013, 11:44 AM EDT
@@Liamkeyes | Mar 16, 2011, 10:50 AM EDT If your name is Murphy, Automatically they call you "Spud". White, they call you "Chalky" and Clark(e), they call you "Nobby". Don't ask me why. It's what it is jus like O'Connor is "Okie" Sullivan is 'Sully" Fitzpatrick, Fitzgerald, Fitzsimmons etc., it's "Fitzy" and so it goes. >>>>>>>>.HAHA ARE YOU FOR REAL DEAR ? IF THATS WHAT YOU THINK .. YOU SHOULD BE OVER HERE IN IRELAND AND HEAR WHAT MOST OF US THINK ABOUT THIS .. MOST IRISH CITIZENS THINK AMERICANS ARE 'BARKING MAD' THEY WAY THEY OBSESS ABOUT IRELAND AND US IRISH .. PERSONALLY IT SCARES ME ...
STEVENSTAR | Mar 13, 2013, 11:42 AM EDT
'Irish and Irish-Americans alike' IRISH CITIZENS LIKE MYSELF WHO LIVES IN IRELAND ARE CULTURALLY POLES APART FROM AMERICANS BORN IN AMERICA WHO WOULD HAVE AN IRIHS RELATIVE... THERE IS NO COMPARISONS... Please stop calling your self Irish as people over here in Europe are only laughing at you :)
Eireannach | Mar 06, 2013, 02:10 PM EST
A lot of 'Irish Americans' are in fact 'Scots-Irish'. However few realise it. If your name is Scottish or pre-fixed by Mc/Mac then your most likely of Scottish ancestry. If you are presbyterian or baptist, and have red hair and freckles - you're probably a Scot. If you're from 'the south' (US) - very likely! But Scotland is a beautiful country too - mountains, glens and isles. on the flipside however - heavy drinking and violence (see stats for glasgow) are real problem areas for scots.
oldirishlady | Nov 01, 2012, 02:19 PM EDT
I am sad that my maiden name Brice isn't here, and also my grandmothers maiden name, Nata Cathrine Conroy, I've been trying to find out about my Grandma's first name (Nata), as I have never heard it anywhere since....
Siobain | Sep 30, 2012, 05:51 PM EDT
The Scotts use Clan, The Irish use Clann.
Redneck56 | Sep 12, 2012, 06:37 PM EDT
O'Mahoney and Mahoney are as common in southern Ireland as Smith is here in the U.S.
Murragh | Aug 12, 2012, 09:01 PM EDT
Not sure of the basis of this 100 but O'Mahony, McCarthy and O'Driscoll could be considered.All Irish names are TOP
casualMBA | May 26, 2012, 08:48 AM EDT
I thought Spain was a popular Irish name, no?
GeorgeDillon | May 24, 2012, 03:54 PM EDT
Petford: You should direct these queries to the poster ciaradexy. She's an expert.
petford | Mar 18, 2012, 07:17 AM EDT
My husbands Great Grandfather was Michael Lenihan who was born Kerry, Ireland, approx. 1864. Michael's parents were Michael and Catherine (nee Kosane- Maybe spelt differently). They travelled to NZ on the ship Earl of Granville from Plymouth 1879. Can someone please tell me more about this Family. I am also wondering if there is O'neill in the family tree as Michael's secong name was O'neill. Thanks Bev
petford | Mar 18, 2012, 07:03 AM EDT
My Grandfather was Henry Joseph Christian born in Dublin. Mother was Lucy (Nee Murray) Christian. Father John Albert Christian of 51 High Street. Present at the birth of Joseph at 1 Johns Lane on 2nd June 1886 was Mary J Murray. If anyone could shed some light on this family or relatives that may be still living in Ireland I would be greatful Thanks Bev
OLarkin75 | Mar 17, 2011, 10:07 PM EDT
My Great Grandfather, Patrick Larkin immigrated to the U. S. during the potato famine. He was from County Galway. Several of my family, especially my sister, daugher and I, want to visit Ireland some day.
Liamkeyes | Mar 16, 2011, 10:50 AM EDT
If your name is Murphy, Automatically they call you "Spud". White, they call you "Chalky" and Clark(e), they call you "Nobby". Don't ask me why. It's what it is jus like O'Connor is "Okie" Sullivan is 'Sully" Fitzpatrick, Fitzgerald, Fitzsimmons etc., it's "Fitzy" and so it goes.
CrimGillespie | Mar 13, 2011, 07:07 PM EDT
I was told that my Great Grandfather came to America from Ireland with the last name Krime and once in America changed it to Crim to help him escape arrest. Anyone have any thought on these names? There is supposed to be a family crest, however without much information (and what I have is all word of mouth) I am almost at a loss.
bootsjoyce4 | Feb 15, 2011, 03:32 PM EST
I think it's great. I come from a small coal region town where the people speak with Irish brogues. Girardville, Pa. Molly Maguire Country.
countycork | Feb 15, 2011, 03:06 PM EST
I was hopin' to see Lynch...oh well....it's MY favorite!
GeorgeDillon | Dec 29, 2010, 07:50 AM EST
jacersisityourself: I think that guy Myles Long had nothing to complain about. Of course sometimes what it says on the tin is not what's in the soup.
GeorgeDillon | Dec 29, 2010, 07:48 AM EST
Towngate: Have you always been a racist or is it something you gravitated towards in later years? Some of your posts here are frankly disgusting.
catlover81 | Dec 06, 2010, 04:02 PM EST
i wish McShea was on the list. that is my maiden name.
Towngate | Nov 12, 2010, 12:15 PM EST
Just glad my Family name is included here,AK, so I will let you off this one! X .............GeorgeDillon are you possibly Chinese? Are you one of the Xenophobe Dillons.?
GreenGodess | Sep 09, 2010, 11:36 AM EDT
I'm seeking news or information on my Grandmother Johann O'Bryan (Brien) born 4 Mar 1870 at 805, Tralee (2), Kerry, I believe her parents might have been Michaelum & Margaret (nee Lynch) Brien of Roscommon & Kilteevan : County Cork, Margaret may have haled from Mallow, Nr Cork. Also seeking others who may have an interest in the Callaghans from 488, Doneraile, County Cork, David (O') Callaghan married Johanna O'Bryan circa 1872 in St Giles, London. Any help or confirmation would be gratefully appreciated ribblehead@gmail.com
judykay777 | Aug 31, 2010, 01:05 PM EDT
I'm looking for Killingsworth & Damron's - family please reply.
Liamkeyes | Aug 23, 2010, 03:22 PM EDT
The surname Ryan originates and is numerous in Tipperary. The name Myles often shows up as in Myles Furlong. Myles from Co. Wexford tells that he was the eight child in his Family, hence the name.
jacersisityourself | Aug 19, 2010, 05:43 PM EDT
BTW - there's a difference between "Most popular... last names" and "Most common Last Name". You have to be careful how you name children - 'Ryan Ryan' sounds bad enough but my mother told me of her neighbours, whom she knew as Mr & Mrs Long. They called their first born boy Myles. Can you imagine what the young fellow went through in life? Headline in Newspaper 'Man sues police (or schoolmaster) for clattering him on the ear after asking him for his name -'What's your name please?' - 'It's Myles Long, Sir' *Clatter across the ear*.
jacersisityourself | Aug 19, 2010, 05:28 PM EDT
spiritwindtoo: it's easy peasy to find any Irish family's coat of arms. For you, just google search Ryan family coat of arms and you'll get results and symbols of coats of arms. As for meanings, Ryan come from 'rionn' - (pron ree-on)- the ancient celtic word for 'king'. Ryan comes from the stupid english way of saying things. It's a family name, wrongly adopted in America and Australia as a first name. Can you imagine meeting Mr/Ms Ryan O'Ryan? Or worse - Ryan Ryan as in Ryan (first name) Ryan (family name).
spiritwindtoo | Jul 25, 2010, 01:08 AM EDT
I would like to find the Ryan coat of arms? and the meaning of can you help me ? :):):):0 ♥♥♥
GeorgeDillon | Jul 14, 2010, 08:35 PM EDT
Considering the huge number of foreign settlers in Ireland, in a decade or two the most popular Irish name will be Chen or mBongo or Yazcylevszki.
IowaBruin | Jul 09, 2010, 08:10 PM EDT
I was just wondering where DUGAN or TOBIN or MURPHY fall on the list? Those are my grandparents names. And that poster image of all the coats-of-arms, where can I get a closer look at that poster and see if any of my family names are in there and what the coat is? thanks
JamesMurphy | Jul 09, 2010, 03:23 PM EDT
Well, everyone knows that the Murphys are the Smiths of Ireland. And instead of "sea battler" please read "Sea Warrior."
Siobhan39 | Jul 09, 2010, 12:14 PM EDT
While growing up I knew my grandfather came from Ireland. But his name - Coleman - never sounded Irish to me. Imagine my surprise when in Dublin many years ago I opened a phone book and found multiple columns of Colemans.
carrickcourt | Jul 09, 2010, 11:17 AM EDT
Good to see my Irish third cousin's wife's surname of O'Brien on the list, though I was not surprised that O'Brien made the list. When my cousin's wife found out that pikes had been found in the roof of her O'Brien ancestral farm house in Co. Wicklow she told her husband that her ancestors were likely chasing his ancestors. O'Reilly is a good Co. Cavan name. When I stayed at B & B in Dublin City once the older woman who made the breakfast there was an an O'Reilly from Co. Cavan. It turned out her brother's family farm in Co. Cavan overlooked the Presbyterian Church where my Ulster Scot great great grandfather was buried!