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The 10 most popular Irish last names

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ANTOINETTE KELLY,

IrishCentral.com, Staff Writer

Published Sunday, May 1, 2011, 7:08 AM

Updated Sunday, May 1, 2011, 7:50 AM

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Coats of arms representing Irish clans

Reilly, often spelled Riley, has become a trendy given name in the U.S., for both baby boys and girls.

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14 Comments

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Bythebay | Jun 20, 2012, 04:22 PM EDT

Kendall, then you don't know very much about Irish surnames at all.

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mstillarose | Aug 20, 2011, 10:40 AM EDT

I was surprised not to see "McCarthy" on the list.

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casper62775 | May 06, 2011, 12:02 PM EDT

I though I would see Barry as well....

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canadianirish | May 05, 2011, 11:18 AM EDT

Where's 'Collins'? Thought it would've made the top 10.

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GeorgeDillon | May 04, 2011, 02:18 PM EDT

Kendall: Popular isn't a common surname in Ireland--where did you get that idea?

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GeorgeDillon | May 02, 2011, 03:53 PM EDT

Smith is a very common name in Ireland, and most of the Irish Smiths are of Gaelic stock. It's especially strong in Cavan. In fact variations on Smith are very common throughout Europe.

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Kendall | May 02, 2011, 12:21 PM EDT

Seems to not include Smith because it’s not Irish is arbitrary and in error. There is a Gaelic origin for Smith (MacGabhann) just like Murphy. Many of the Irish names that you have noted have been anglicized, so why Smith should be singled out? I say this because Smith is one of the surnames, in my Irish linage along with Fitzgerald, Kennedy and Fitzpatrick. In my mind and I’m sure many others. I never think of Smith to be any less Irish, than the other names I listed.

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Tigearnan | May 02, 2011, 12:05 PM EDT

So ... that means O'Braoin is uncommon (ie not to many of us) ... damn ...

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Kendall | May 02, 2011, 12:01 PM EDT

I think Popular is a bad word choice. You're born with a surname you don't pick it out like a first name.

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IrishGirlyGirl | May 01, 2011, 08:01 PM EDT

My family is all Irish, and names vary from: Rainey (My last name, and yes, it is Irish) Collins (Mother's maiden name) Walsh (Grandmother's maiden name, did appear on this list) O'Reilly (Great-Grandmother's maiden name and the rest of that side of the family) I know there are plenty more though just in my roots alone. George Dillon, what you said is true, but this post is referring to Irish heritage last names, not of the people currently in Ireland from other countries and cultures.

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GeorgeDillon | May 01, 2011, 03:30 PM EDT

Where's Ying Yang? Jaryczevski? Singh? mBongo? Your list is quite inadequate, since it leaves out some of the most common names in Ireland right now.

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ardgehane | May 01, 2011, 12:56 PM EDT

What about O'Hanlyranohan? Must have come in #11.

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pugsmom | May 01, 2011, 11:37 AM EDT

Patrick? O'Padraig? I'm not certain of that second spelling, but have been told that "Patrick" was derived from it. However, I can't seem to find either spelling amongst the Irish clans. Can it be I'm NOT of Irish extract?!?

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Celticlass44 | May 01, 2011, 10:07 AM EDT

Was hoping to see McGroarty!

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