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The ten most popular Irish last names

Click links after each family to see complete clan story and photos

ANTOINETTE KELLY,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:44 AM

Updated Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:44 AM

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Coats of arms representing Irish clans

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.

READ THE WHOLE STORY OF THE O'REILLY CLAN! CLICK HERE

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19FRED53 | Feb 18, 2011, 11:23 PM EST

Hey, what happened to the name Joyce? I couldn't find it on the list. It happens to be my maiden name & I thought it was a common Irish surname??

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Sligo236 | Feb 17, 2011, 07:19 PM EST

I'm not too pleased at all. First, I consider "Smith" a popular name not a common one. Second, I'm a Celtic Smith with origins in County Cavan, after being chased from County Down by the plantation. Perhaps you should read my book "The Last of the Fenians" available on Kindle. James Francis Smith

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LinLinisme | Feb 17, 2011, 05:34 PM EST

CARDIN what is that from? Can't find any information

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skinnyryan2 | Feb 17, 2011, 05:34 PM EST

What about Burke,Bourke, de Burgh.where do they come in ????

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borefield | Feb 17, 2011, 04:54 PM EST

Since my maiden name was Kelly I am proud to be in the top ten.

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WoundedKnee | Feb 17, 2011, 04:21 PM EST

I have never heard that BRAY was an Irish name. But BRAY is what donkeys do, so maybe there is some connection.

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rocks290 | Feb 17, 2011, 03:06 PM EST

I have heard in checking the family name out, that BRAY is an Irish name, could this be true. We have stayed in Bray Ireland so do hear the name when in Ireland.

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proudtobeirish | Feb 17, 2011, 02:40 PM EST

Great. They are all lovely names. Just wonder about the Kehoe's....:)

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GeorgeDillon | Feb 17, 2011, 01:09 PM EST

Where's Singh? And Oblachayava? Ngombo not there either? How about Chen and Yang? That list is completely out of date.

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floridafinn | Feb 17, 2011, 12:28 PM EST

Well, now look at yer man---he's contradicted himself! 'Walsh' means 'Welsh' as from Wales. If you can include the Welsh, include the Scots, but never include the English! (Though Marie Smith from South Florida is more Irish than I!)

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Juanice | Feb 17, 2011, 11:32 AM EST

What happened to Bailey,Clark and Hallford?

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MikeRock | Feb 17, 2011, 10:54 AM EST

So What.

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canadagaa | Feb 17, 2011, 09:26 AM EST

They all are solid surnames - would O'Flynn have made it in the top 20?

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