67 Comments

• RosedeJager | Oct 16, 2011, 05:32 AM EDT

  My mother was Mary Grue born in Newry Countydown her father was an Irishman named Cornelius Grue -but sadly i cant find that name, Grue.

• GeorgeDillon | Oct 14, 2011, 10:21 AM EDT

  Posted by alab7777 on Mar 17, 2011, "I have Finnegan's in my family tree". Does he know it's missing?

• scampers2000 | Aug 20, 2011, 03:38 PM EDT

  How about Corrigan?

• irishwxman | May 18, 2011, 02:50 AM EDT

  McLiam....number 26 baby!! woo hoo!!

• babajack | May 16, 2011, 01:38 PM EDT

  Where is my Wilmoth

• derlinclair | Mar 27, 2011, 11:29 PM EDT

  Sorry,but i don,t see my Surname of Clair.Even though it isn,t a common Irish name like O.Neal or Murphy,they still should have included the family name Clair in this list,for good God,s stake.

• walter3ca | Mar 27, 2011, 02:28 PM EDT

  Where is Hallissey?

• mdonovan2 | Mar 18, 2011, 07:35 PM EDT

  No Donovan???

• alab7777 | Mar 17, 2011, 03:43 PM EDT

  I have Finnegan's in my family tree

• Sparklet | Mar 17, 2011, 03:30 PM EDT

  Kiernan.

• maburns | Mar 17, 2011, 02:34 PM EDT

  My dad's last name was Burns and his mother's was lacey

• maburns | Mar 17, 2011, 02:31 PM EDT

  One family name is Lacey and one is Needham. What do they mean

• gabbyshirley | Mar 17, 2011, 01:48 PM EDT

  My family name is Pearce.I need to know if this is irish?My farther was Irish.

• vicmcin | Mar 17, 2011, 01:45 PM EDT

  Our name is McCallister, I think English that migrated to IRELAND, seems that happened alot

• vicmcin | Mar 17, 2011, 01:42 PM EDT

  love everything Irish

• cexiemom | Mar 16, 2011, 10:47 PM EDT

  I don't see Rainey ther either... I do beleive it's Scottish but traced back to Irish decent

• kathyreedy | Mar 15, 2011, 01:25 PM EDT

  On board with Allan O'Grady.....where are the O'Grady's in this mix??

• shadoe | Mar 15, 2011, 08:01 AM EDT

  I am shocked that Butler did not make the top 100, kinda sad really.

• Therese23 | Mar 08, 2011, 06:47 AM EST

  Hello, I wish I had found this earlier. Its very informative. Great x

• Therese23 | Mar 06, 2011, 02:14 PM EST

  Could not find any "Ganley" on he site

• sharlot | Feb 05, 2011, 10:29 AM EST

  ANyone know the origin of the name D'Arcy, Darcy?

• phearne | Feb 04, 2011, 12:42 PM EST

  Our original name was A'Hearn or O'Hearn.The first immigrants dropped the A or O and added the e to seem more English as the Irish were not well liked in America.translates roughly to Lord of the horses or dweller in the valley of the horses.

• cuculin | Feb 03, 2011, 12:57 PM EST

  Kennedy = Son of Uglyhead. Heard it way too many times.

• allanogrady | Oct 04, 2010, 10:07 AM EDT

  We O'Gradys always seem to be forgotten in these lists.

• GeorgeDillon | Sep 19, 2010, 05:25 AM EDT

  mairin67: "The Irish are fierce protectors of their identity". That's complete nonsense. If they were protective of their identity they wouldn't have----1/ abandoned their ancient language, the very essence of national identity, and----2/ undertaken the project of Mass Immigration & Settlement, in which up to 20% of the population of the country are not Irish and have no Irish identity. Check out he Passport office in Dublin--it's full of people filing for Irish passports who clearly do not have an Irish identity.

• lawyer4 | Sep 01, 2010, 06:38 PM EDT

  I'm surprised that more emphasis is not given to the fact that a high proportion of family names in Ireland are of pre-Gaelic (Iberian?) / Scandinavian / Welsh / English / Scottish / French / Flemish / more English / more Scotttish / Dutch / German / Spanish and Italian origin. America was hardly the first "meltingpot" - the same process has been going on (to a greater or lesser extent, and with varying dynamics) for many thousands of years all over the world, including Ireland, which is no more "Celtic" than the USA is WASP.

• RobbCobb | Aug 29, 2010, 02:20 PM EDT

  Saw Kelly but no Keller - what's up with that? Good thing I have friends in low places - LOL.

• HughesDohmann | Aug 29, 2010, 12:15 PM EDT

  I see that Hughes means fire: I wonder if that means acutual fire or a mental state of mind. As in someone with "fire in his belly" so to speak.

• Liamkeyes | Aug 15, 2010, 01:31 PM EDT

  O'Suilleabhain is translated as "The One Eye". Clancy,Tracy, Patterson , they shouls be all in the top 100. Power is another Norman name, it comes from De Paor and is tyoped like that in Gaelic. "More Power sez Oul Power when young Power was born!!!

• janetmarie1942 | Aug 11, 2010, 09:25 PM EDT

  Didn't find Clancy/Clancey.

• jwwokie1 | Aug 09, 2010, 05:13 PM EDT

  very interesting, I was looking for Patterson, and Finley but may have missed them glad to see Kennedy though

• MalcomAC | Jun 27, 2010, 11:58 AM EDT

  No mention of Tracy/Tracey.

• conchobhar | Jun 09, 2010, 02:33 PM EDT

  It seems there are as many ways to translate Irish words/names as there are ways to spell them. For instance, I've seen Conchobhar translated as "high will," "lover of hounds," (which makes sense, given the translations here of Connelly, O'Connell and MacNamara {MacConMara}) and now, as "patron of warriors." Well, they're all better than Power/poor or Mullan/bald, so I'm not complaining.

• mamaruss | Jun 07, 2010, 01:29 PM EDT

  I think it is hard for citizens of other countries to understand us Americans.. our history is only 200 plus years old while the rest of the world has thousands of years of history. It is so much easier for you to search where you came from..your roots. Me...I am an American of Irish/Scot heritage . Proud of all my heritage but prouder yet of my g-g grandparents who without there struggles and what they gave up , I would not be an AMERICAN.

• Liamkeyes | May 31, 2010, 11:06 AM EDT

  People who emigrate to America become citizens and then return to Ireland in their latter years are referred to as "Returned Yanks".

• edwardkeating | May 12, 2010, 05:35 PM EDT

  i don't see the keating name in all the responses. with the keating coat of arms up there in the top row #13. so what do i think ? nothing.

• Liamkeyes | May 07, 2010, 06:08 PM EDT

  It does'nt matter where you;re born. Just because an Ass is Born in a Stable it does'nt make him Horse!

• Liamkeyes | May 07, 2010, 06:06 PM EDT

  Very helpful. There are a few stores in Dublin City that cater to to this.

• Mairin67 | May 05, 2010, 02:50 PM EDT

  I agree with GuinnessGrrl.....please read the title....these are the 100 most common names...not ALL Irish names that ever existed. Geez people, don't get insulted just because yours isn't listed... some of these postings look pretty desperate....please, please, I wanna be Irish....

• Mairin67 | May 05, 2010, 02:43 PM EDT

  It is all very confusing. Technically, if you are born in the states, you are first and foremost, an American. Your heritage is Irish. The Irish are fierce protectors of their identity and I do not blame them since everyone seems to want to call themselves Irish. However, American s do not mind who calls themselves Americans. The more the merrier. There are many Irish born people who have American citizenship and refer to themselves as American and we do not question them because this is what the US is all about - people from many countries. When I was young and lived in Ireland (born in the US), I was the same as all the other kids - I looked no different. My accepnt gave me away and then I was and oddity. The Irish also do not accept too openly, people who are borm and raised in Ireland, emigrate and then return. Suddenly, they are no longer one of them. I believe the term is "blow-ins".

• travelercarroll | May 05, 2010, 01:46 PM EDT

  I'm henry carrroll of the green horn carrolls and I disagree with simplysandy cus I waz bornin america but I'm full irish carroll daley donohue burke and I have an acient and know more of my family than any one

• snuffey | May 03, 2010, 04:31 PM EDT

  No McLaughlin's posted

• Nelliegrace | May 03, 2010, 03:46 PM EDT

  I love the meaning of the names. But sadly, did not find Madigan listed. Great-Grandma Nellie Madigan would be disappointed.

• McKenzie | May 03, 2010, 12:28 PM EDT

  Great did not find Mckenzie or Sloane thanks

• simplesandy | May 03, 2010, 05:15 AM EDT

  WELL PEOPLE LISTEN UP.... now I hate to bust everyone's bubble that is Irish born in USA...but..... unless you were born in Ireland you are NOT Irish..... now before I get alot of name calling ..let me explain why I made this comment... I am from America living here in Ireland for 5 yrs now... and when someone says where r u from I say America but my grandmothers were both Irish so I have some Irish in me / and their response is always ...that does not make you Irish.. so in defense to alllll the Irish in America (which btw is the 2nd most culture in us... German being number 1) I defend by saying the Irish Americans lover their heritage...and love the country their fore fathers and mothers came from.....and if they heard how you feel would not make them happy... the Irish are very proud of their country over here...

• papertiger | May 02, 2010, 04:59 PM EDT

  Great!! Where is Allen???

• LinLinisme | May 02, 2010, 01:29 PM EDT

  Listing for CARDIN THANKS

• travelguy13 | May 02, 2010, 12:29 PM EDT

  Very helpful. Do you have a listing for Dempsey?

• odubhlaoich | May 02, 2010, 10:54 AM EDT

  Dooley Dubhlaoich Dark haired warrior is not in the top 100? Were the ballots counted in Florida?

• Patcee001 | May 02, 2010, 09:07 AM EDT

  #10 O'Neill and # 46 Mahoney Patricia Rose I guess I'm Irish! By the way both grandads were William Patrick and as well as my dad.

• GuinnessGrrl | Apr 30, 2010, 04:01 PM EDT

  For those of you asking about surnames & why yours isn't on the list, look at the title of the article again...it says it is the Top 100 Irish surnames, not ALL Irish surnames!

• cathy/marty | Apr 30, 2010, 09:58 AM EDT

  What about LACEY -DeLacy

• Marion211 | Apr 30, 2010, 09:29 AM EDT

  My maiden name is Parnell. My maternal grandmother was a Dilling, paternal grandfather a Norris, and my paternal grandmother a Sims. Any information about these would be appreciated.

• sharonkay | Apr 30, 2010, 08:58 AM EDT

  What about Hickey

• murphy66 | Apr 30, 2010, 02:23 AM EDT

  Monsoonman, I did it.

• nevergetinold | Apr 29, 2010, 11:53 AM EDT

  Where are the Donovan's?Michael married Hanora G. Murphy who were my grandparents.

• MarinaWhelan | Apr 28, 2010, 09:54 PM EDT

  Irish to the bone, my roots run deep.

• srcarrvt | Apr 28, 2010, 06:56 PM EDT

  and where is the Donnelly's?

• Monsoonman | Apr 28, 2010, 06:32 PM EDT

  Mrs. Murphy is still looking for the individual who ruined her chowder. Come on, fess up.

• patrick1225 | Apr 28, 2010, 05:48 PM EDT

  great info i was in ireland twice and can not find my grandfather sur name he was born in county cork last name is mansfield other wise the article is great

• harper213 | Apr 28, 2010, 01:45 PM EDT

  Great info, but could not locate my grandmother's surname. It was Hill

• Reilleyfam | Apr 28, 2010, 01:07 PM EDT

  mrkennedy, please leave politics out of this. How do YOU feel having the name of one of the most liberal families in US history? Ironic you would be a "Kennedy" and make cracks about having the name of a liberal. I'm not a Dem either. Kennedy is a good name - best wishes.

• Killacky | Apr 28, 2010, 11:52 AM EDT

  The surname KILLACKY or KILLACKEY from Galway, Tipperary would perhaps qualify as in the Top 100 LEAST KNOWN IRISH SURNAMES?

• Scrivner | Apr 28, 2010, 11:06 AM EDT

  So what happened to Michalowski?

• | Apr 28, 2010, 10:58 AM EDT

  I find it hard to believe that O'Malley is not on this list

• mrkennedy | Apr 28, 2010, 10:15 AM EDT

  I I wonder how individuals listed as #81 must feel when the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives has this name? Thank God he will be voted out of office come 2011!!!

• MikeyMurphs | Apr 28, 2010, 09:56 AM EDT

  Are these definitely correct? I have been told otherwise for my surname Murphy, the meaning is somewhat correct but the Irish form of the word is not.