IrishCentral's top ten most popular Irish last names

Read complete clan story and see photos about each family

ANTOINETTE KELLY,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 8:17 AM

Updated Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 8:17 AM

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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.

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

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Eireannach | Mar 06, 2013, 03:07 PM EST

Many 'Irish Americans' are in fact 'Scots Irish', but are unaware of it. If you have a Scottish name, or name is pre-fixed by Mc/Mac then you are probably Scots. If your family is/was presbyterian or Baptist you're probably a Scot. If you have red hair/freckles and come from the south - you're probably Scottish. Scotland is a beautiful country too, even though it's got its problems - poor health, high alcohol/drug abuse and violence (see health stats for Scotland). If you're Scots you ought to visit the fatherland - especially the north and the islands. Each area tells a different and rich story, and to hear Gaelic spoken and sung on the Hebrides is something to cherish.

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