An Irish passport. Photocall Ireland
We all have that one friend whose Christian name is long forgotten because calling them by their last name just suits so much more.
It now appears that the trend has not only stuck but extended as our lovely last names are being used as baby names throughout the States.
The US Department of Social Security released their annual data last May on the country’s most popular baby names. Along with the list, they’ve provided a searchable database that allows you to see the rank and numbers for any name within the top 1000 for a given year.
The Journal.ie, however, noticed a remarkable trend of common Irish last names now surging in popularity in the US.
Here are some of the most popular Irish last names used as baby names in 2014.
1. Delaney
This is an American girl’s name, who knew? Delaney has been in slight decline in recent years dropping almost 20 places since 2013.
Bar in Harehills, Leeds, England. Photo by WikiCommons.
Popularity ranking: 268
Number of Delaneys born in 2014: 1,22
2. McKenna
Makenna is also listed at number 284.
Barney McKenna, The Dubliners. Photo by Rs-foto/Flickr.
Popularity ranking: 233
Number of McKennas born in 2014: 1,388
3. Collins
How would Michael feel if he knew girls were being named after him?
Michael Collins.
Popularity ranking: 838
Number of Collins born in 2014: 327
4. Nolan
Nolan saw it’s most popular year in 2014, rising five places in the rankings.
Nolan's pub in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
Popularity ranking: 81
Number of Nolans born in 2014: 5,181
5. Brennan
Not quite as popular as it was in 2009. Pat the Baker doesn’t even get a look in, though.
Little do they know they're named after a sliced pan.
Popularity ranking: 386
Number of Brennans born in 2014: 802
6. Kennedy
Despite clocking in at almost four and a half thousand girls, only 0.230 percent of total female births in 2014 were called Kennedy.
The most famous of Irish American presidents - John F. Kennedy.
Popularity ranking: 54
Number of Kennedys born in 2014: 4,459
7. Cassidy
Cassidy has fallen over 100 places since 2001.
Photo by hondagizmo/Flickr.
Popularity ranking: 248
Number of Cassidys born in 2014: 1,294
8. Hayes
0.025 percent of total male births in 2014 were named Hayes.
Famed Irish fiddle player, Martin Hayes.
Popularity ranking: 545
Number of Hayes born in 2014: 498
9. Sullivan
I personally thought this would be a girls name but over 600 baby boys were christened Sullivan last year.
The Sullivan family crest.
Popularity ranking: 463
Number of Sullivans born in 2014: 628
10. Quinn
Consistently popular for boys it has seen a recent spike as a girls name since 2009.
The family crest of the Quinn clan.
Popularity ranking: 363 (for boy) and 126 (for girl)
Number of Quinns born in 2014: 2,539 girls and 868 boys
11. Flynn
Only reaching the top 1000 in 2011, Flynn is on the increase.
Irish writer, playwright, actor and politician, Mannix Flynn. Image by Photocall Ireland.
Popularity ranking: 659
Number of Flynns born in 2014: 388
12. Finnegan
Another one that’s new to the list, Finnegan has been moving its way up since 2005.
The statue of "Finnegans Wake" author James Joyce in Dublin.
Popularity ranking: 464
Number of Finnegans born in 2014: 625
13. Cullen
We may be able to blame this one on a certain Twilight character.
Was Edward Cullen to blame for the upsurge in baby boy's named Cullen. Photo by WikiCommons.
Popularity ranking: 603
Number of Cullens born in 2014: 445
14. Logan
Who knew Ireland’s Eurovision star had such a large US fanbase?
Irish Eurovision Legend Johnny Logan. Image: WikiCommons
Popularity ranking: 13
Number of Logans born in 2014: 13,579
15. Beckett
Samuel Beckett.
Popularity ranking: 244
Number of Becketts born in 2014: 1,511
If you want to see did your last name make the cut, you can try it out here.
H/T: The Journal.ie
*Originally published in May 2015