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What does your Irish family name mean? Here are top 100 clans!

Published Sunday, November 6, 2011, 9:10 AM

Updated Friday, April 6, 2012, 12:21 PM

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Coats of arms representing Irish clans

These are the Top 100 Irish surnames as compiled by the website http://www.ireland-information.com, based on census records. Enjoy, and hope you find your family!

1. Murphy ó Murchadhasea battler

2. Kelly ó Ceallaigh bright-headed

3. O'Sullivan ó Súilleabháin dark-eyed

4. Walsh Breathnach Welshman

5. Smith Mac Gabhann son of the smith

6. O'Brien ó Briain high, noble  

7. Byrne ó Broin a raven  

8. Ryan ó Maoilriain king  

9. O'Connor ó Conchobhair patron of warriors  

10. O'Neill ó Néill from Niall of the Nine Hostages  

11. O'Reilly ó Raghallaigh   

1 2 3 4 Next page >

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lindabranley | Apr 01, 2013, 12:44 PM EDT

can anyone help me find what clan i belong to please, my surname is branley but there is also kerrigan, rice and farmer along the lines.

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LittleMac | Oct 13, 2012, 02:58 PM EDT

Actually, a few days ago I was told to look up the history of the Isle of Lewis. Apparently, people from Ireland, Scotland, even Vikings escaped to this Island, people who wanted to escape the wars. My last name is McCauley and I was told that it was actually spelled differently long ago and the possibility is that it might not even be Irish. Haven't had a chance to look it up. Any info on this last name? Glad I found this site.

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Tooreenagrena | Apr 07, 2012, 08:38 PM EDT

Harrington is always ignored. Must be because the anglisied name sounds too English. Dan Harrington (O'hlongardail)

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stmungo | Nov 06, 2011, 11:58 PM EST

It is hard to believe that a name like Heggarty is not in the top 100. You have included scottish names instead of other irish names

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christilcaugh | Nov 06, 2011, 03:40 PM EST

Sure wish I could find more about our family the Caughey's! We know a bit but have been searching for so long to connect in Ireland!! We know we're Catholic in origin, but other than our ancestors landing in Canada during the late 1800s we aren't sure of much! This is still interesting though!

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fuiseog | Nov 06, 2011, 10:55 AM EST

My name is ÓBraonáin. I know that the root word is Bran; old Irish for Raven, the totem of our clann. The root for sorrow; is Brón. I never heard of this derivitive. Maybe we need to check the scholarship of the authors?

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