Irish name
Encyclopedia
A formal Irish-language name consists of a given name
and a surname
. Surnames in Irish
are generally patronymic
in etymology, although they are no longer literal patronyms, as Icelandic name
s are. The form of a surname varies according to whether its bearer is male
or female
, and in the case of a married woman, whether she chooses to adopt her husband's surname.
An alternative traditional naming convention, not used for official purposes but generalised in Gaeltacht
aí or Irish-speaking areas, (and also surviving in some rural non-Gaeltacht areas) consists of the first name followed by a double patronym, usually with the father and grandfather's names. Sometimes the name of the mother or grandmother may be used instead of that of the father or grandfather.
, but are placed between the given name and the surname: Seán Óg Ó Súilleabháin corresponds to "John O'Sullivan Jr."(although anglicised versions of the name often drop the "O'" from the name).
The word Beag/Beg, meaning "little", can be used in place of Óg. This did not necessarily indicate that the younger person was small in stature, merely younger than his father. Sometimes beag would be used to imply a baby was small at birth, possibly premature.
Adjectives denoting hair colour may also be used, especially informally: Pádraig Rua ("red-haired Patrick"), Máire Bhán ("fair-haired Mary").
of a name, as in Ó Dónaill ("grandson of Dónall") or Mac Gearailt ("son of Gerald").
A son has the same surname as his father. A female's surname replaces Ó with Ní (reduced from Iníon Uí - "daughter of the grandson of") and Mac with Nic (reduced from Iníon Mhic - "daughter of the son of"); in both cases the following name undergoes lenition
. However, if the second part of the surname begins with the letter C or G, it is not lenited after Nic. Thus the daughter of a man named Ó Dónaill has the surname Ní Dhónaill and the daughter of a man named Mac Gearailt has the surname Nic Gearailt. When anglicised, the name can remain O' or Mac, regardless of gender.
If a woman marries, she may choose to take her husband's surname. In this case, Ó is replaced by Bean Uí ("wife of the grandson of") and Mac by Bean Mhic ("wife of the son of"). In both cases bean may be omitted, in which case the woman uses simply Uí or Mhic. Again, the second part of the surname is lenited (unless it begins with C, in which case it is only lenited after Uí). Thus a woman marrying a man named Ó Dónaill may choose to be use Bean Uí Dhónaill or Uí Dhónaill as her surname; a woman marrying a man named Mac Gearailt may choose to use Bean Mhic Gearailt or Mhic Gearailt.
If the second part of the surname begins with a vowel
, the form Ó attaches an h to it, as in Ó hUiginn (O'Higgins) or Ó hAodha (Hughes). The other forms effect no change: Ní Uiginn, (Bean) Uí Uiginn; Mac Aodha, Nic Aodha, Mhic Aodha, and so forth.
Mag is often used instead of Mac before a vowel or (sometimes) the silent fh. The single female form of "Mag" is "Nig". Ua is an alternative form of Ó.
Some names of Norman
origin have the prefix Fitz, from Latin filius "son", such as Fitzwilliam, Fitzgerald, and so forth.
Additives are particularly common among those bearing the Ryan surname. Examples include Ryan Lacken, Ryan Luke and Ryan Doc. A man christened Thomas Ryan might be known as Tommy Doc and his family might be referred as the Docs. While the additive is not part of a person's official name, it may be used in a postal address, on an election register or in newspaper reports. In this case, Tommy Doc might be written as Thomas Ryan (D).
Like the surname, the additive is passed down from father to child. However, if a person becomes well-known by a nickname of his own, his children may take his nickname as an additive. For example, if Tommy Ryan Doc was often referred to as "Badger", his son Patrick might referred to orally as Pat Badger and written as Patrick Ryan (B).
, followed by the name of the paternal grandfather, also in the genitive. Thus Seán Ó Cathasaigh (Sean O'Casey), son of Pól, son of Séamus, would be known to his neighbours as Seán Phóil Shéamuis. Occasionally, if the mother or grandmother was a well-known person locally, her name may be used instead of that of the father or grandfather. If the mother's name is used, then that of the maternal grandfather (or potentially grandmother) follows it, for example, Máire Sally Eoghain.
These names are not used for official purposes. Often a nickname or English version of a name is used in their composition where the person would use a standard Irish form in formal circumstances. For example, the prominent sean-nós singer Seán Mac Dhonnchadha is perhaps better known as Johnny Mhairtín Learaí.
This naming system also survives to a certain extent in rural areas outside the existing Gaeltacht. For example, it is still in use in parts of counties Londonderry
and Tyrone
located in the Sperrins
. The system can be particularly useful for distinguishing individuals who live in the same locale, and who share a common surname but are not closely related. For example, two individuals named John McEldowney, might be known as "John Patsy Den" and "John Mary Philip" respectively.
(or at least anglicised) forms of their names in English-language contexts and Irish
forms in Irish-language contexts. The Irish names of some famous people include:
Other people are better known by their Irish name than by their English name:
Given name
A given name, in Western contexts often referred to as a first name, is a personal name that specifies and differentiates between members of a group of individuals, especially in a family, all of whose members usually share the same family name...
and a surname
Surname
A surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...
. Surnames in Irish
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
are generally patronymic
Patronymic
A patronym, or patronymic, is a component of a personal name based on the name of one's father, grandfather or an even earlier male ancestor. A component of a name based on the name of one's mother or a female ancestor is a matronymic. Each is a means of conveying lineage.In many areas patronyms...
in etymology, although they are no longer literal patronyms, as Icelandic name
Icelandic name
Icelandic names differ from most current Western family name systems by being patronymic in that they reflect the immediate father of the child and not the historic family lineage....
s are. The form of a surname varies according to whether its bearer is male
Male
Male refers to the biological sex of an organism, or part of an organism, which produces small mobile gametes, called spermatozoa. Each spermatozoon can fuse with a larger female gamete or ovum, in the process of fertilization...
or female
Female
Female is the sex of an organism, or a part of an organism, which produces non-mobile ova .- Defining characteristics :The ova are defined as the larger gametes in a heterogamous reproduction system, while the smaller, usually motile gamete, the spermatozoon, is produced by the male...
, and in the case of a married woman, whether she chooses to adopt her husband's surname.
An alternative traditional naming convention, not used for official purposes but generalised in Gaeltacht
Gaeltacht
is the Irish language word meaning an Irish-speaking region. In Ireland, the Gaeltacht, or an Ghaeltacht, refers individually to any, or collectively to all, of the districts where the government recognises that the Irish language is the predominant language, that is, the vernacular spoken at home...
aí or Irish-speaking areas, (and also surviving in some rural non-Gaeltacht areas) consists of the first name followed by a double patronym, usually with the father and grandfather's names. Sometimes the name of the mother or grandmother may be used instead of that of the father or grandfather.
Epithets
A first name may be modified by an adjective to distinguish its bearer from other people with the same name. Mór ("big") and Óg ("young") are used to distinguish father and son, like English junior and seniorSuffix (name)
A name suffix, in the Western English-language naming tradition, follows a person's full name and provides additional information about the person. Post-nominal letters indicate that the individual holds a position, educational degree, accreditation, office, or honor.- Academic :Academic suffixes...
, but are placed between the given name and the surname: Seán Óg Ó Súilleabháin corresponds to "John O'Sullivan Jr."(although anglicised versions of the name often drop the "O'" from the name).
The word Beag/Beg, meaning "little", can be used in place of Óg. This did not necessarily indicate that the younger person was small in stature, merely younger than his father. Sometimes beag would be used to imply a baby was small at birth, possibly premature.
Adjectives denoting hair colour may also be used, especially informally: Pádraig Rua ("red-haired Patrick"), Máire Bhán ("fair-haired Mary").
Surnames and prefixes
A male's surname generally takes the form Ó/Ua (originally "grandson") or Mac ("son") followed by the genitive caseGenitive case
In grammar, genitive is the grammatical case that marks a noun as modifying another noun...
of a name, as in Ó Dónaill ("grandson of Dónall") or Mac Gearailt ("son of Gerald").
A son has the same surname as his father. A female's surname replaces Ó with Ní (reduced from Iníon Uí - "daughter of the grandson of") and Mac with Nic (reduced from Iníon Mhic - "daughter of the son of"); in both cases the following name undergoes lenition
Irish initial mutations
Irish, like all modern Celtic languages, is characterized by its initial consonant mutations. These mutations affect the initial consonant of a word under specific morphological and syntactic conditions...
. However, if the second part of the surname begins with the letter C or G, it is not lenited after Nic. Thus the daughter of a man named Ó Dónaill has the surname Ní Dhónaill and the daughter of a man named Mac Gearailt has the surname Nic Gearailt. When anglicised, the name can remain O' or Mac, regardless of gender.
If a woman marries, she may choose to take her husband's surname. In this case, Ó is replaced by Bean Uí ("wife of the grandson of") and Mac by Bean Mhic ("wife of the son of"). In both cases bean may be omitted, in which case the woman uses simply Uí or Mhic. Again, the second part of the surname is lenited (unless it begins with C, in which case it is only lenited after Uí). Thus a woman marrying a man named Ó Dónaill may choose to be use Bean Uí Dhónaill or Uí Dhónaill as her surname; a woman marrying a man named Mac Gearailt may choose to use Bean Mhic Gearailt or Mhic Gearailt.
If the second part of the surname begins with a vowel
Vowel
In phonetics, a vowel is a sound in spoken language, such as English ah! or oh! , pronounced with an open vocal tract so that there is no build-up of air pressure at any point above the glottis. This contrasts with consonants, such as English sh! , where there is a constriction or closure at some...
, the form Ó attaches an h to it, as in Ó hUiginn (O'Higgins) or Ó hAodha (Hughes). The other forms effect no change: Ní Uiginn, (Bean) Uí Uiginn; Mac Aodha, Nic Aodha, Mhic Aodha, and so forth.
Mag is often used instead of Mac before a vowel or (sometimes) the silent fh. The single female form of "Mag" is "Nig". Ua is an alternative form of Ó.
Some names of Norman
Normans
The Normans were the people who gave their name to Normandy, a region in northern France. They were descended from Norse Viking conquerors of the territory and the native population of Frankish and Gallo-Roman stock...
origin have the prefix Fitz, from Latin filius "son", such as Fitzwilliam, Fitzgerald, and so forth.
| Male | Meaning | Anglicised | Daughter | Wife | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac | son (of) | Mc/Mac | Nic | Mhic | Seán Mac Mathúna, Máire Mhic Mhathúna (wife of Seán), Aoife Nic Mhathúna (daughter of Seán) |
| Ó/Ua | grandson (of) | O' | Ní | Uí | Pól Ó Murchú, Mairéad Uí Mhurchú (wife of Pól), Gráinne Ní Mhurchú (daughter of Pól) |
Additives
Many Irish surnames are concentrated in particular parts of the country and there are areas where a single surname may account for a large proportion of the population. Examples include O'Reilly in Co. Cavan, Ryan in Co. Tipperary and East Co. Limerick and O'Sullivan in the Beara peninsula of West Cork. In such cases, the surname may also contain an additive in popular usage to differentiate one group bearing the same surname from another.Additives are particularly common among those bearing the Ryan surname. Examples include Ryan Lacken, Ryan Luke and Ryan Doc. A man christened Thomas Ryan might be known as Tommy Doc and his family might be referred as the Docs. While the additive is not part of a person's official name, it may be used in a postal address, on an election register or in newspaper reports. In this case, Tommy Doc might be written as Thomas Ryan (D).
Like the surname, the additive is passed down from father to child. However, if a person becomes well-known by a nickname of his own, his children may take his nickname as an additive. For example, if Tommy Ryan Doc was often referred to as "Badger", his son Patrick might referred to orally as Pat Badger and written as Patrick Ryan (B).
Traditional Gaeltacht names
In Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas it remains customary to use a name composed of the first name, followed by the father's name in the genitive caseGenitive case
In grammar, genitive is the grammatical case that marks a noun as modifying another noun...
, followed by the name of the paternal grandfather, also in the genitive. Thus Seán Ó Cathasaigh (Sean O'Casey), son of Pól, son of Séamus, would be known to his neighbours as Seán Phóil Shéamuis. Occasionally, if the mother or grandmother was a well-known person locally, her name may be used instead of that of the father or grandfather. If the mother's name is used, then that of the maternal grandfather (or potentially grandmother) follows it, for example, Máire Sally Eoghain.
These names are not used for official purposes. Often a nickname or English version of a name is used in their composition where the person would use a standard Irish form in formal circumstances. For example, the prominent sean-nós singer Seán Mac Dhonnchadha is perhaps better known as Johnny Mhairtín Learaí.
This naming system also survives to a certain extent in rural areas outside the existing Gaeltacht. For example, it is still in use in parts of counties Londonderry
County Londonderry
The place name Derry is an anglicisation of the old Irish Daire meaning oak-grove or oak-wood. As with the city, its name is subject to the Derry/Londonderry name dispute, with the form Derry preferred by nationalists and Londonderry preferred by unionists...
and Tyrone
County Tyrone
Historically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
located in the Sperrins
Sperrins
The Sperrins or Sperrin Mountains are a range of mountains in Northern Ireland and one of the largest upland areas in Ireland. The range stretches the counties of Tyrone and Londonderry from south of Strabane eastwards to Maghera and north towards Limavady...
. The system can be particularly useful for distinguishing individuals who live in the same locale, and who share a common surname but are not closely related. For example, two individuals named John McEldowney, might be known as "John Patsy Den" and "John Mary Philip" respectively.
Surnames
This list is incomplete. It includes native surnames, and surnames of foreign origin (for example those that include de or fitz). Anglicized forms are shown in brackets.- Annlúin / Ó hAnnlúinn (Hanlon, O'Hanlon)
- Breathnach (WalshWalsh (surname)Walsh is an Irish surname, meaning "Breton," or "foreigner," literally "Welshman," taken to Ireland by the Welsh during the Norman Invasion of Ireland. It is most common in County Mayo and County Kilkenny. It is the fourth most common surname in Ireland, and the 325th most common in the United...
) - Caomhánach (Cavanaugh, Cavanacht, Kavanaugh, Kavanacht)
- de Buitléir (Butler) (Butler dynastyButler dynastyButler dynasty refers to the several branches of the Butler family that has its origins in the Cambro-Norman family that participated in the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. Variant spellings include le Boteler and le Botiller. The surname has its origins in the hereditary office of...
) - de Burgh / de Búrca (Burke)
- Ó Baoill / Ó Baoighill (O'Boyle, Boyle)
- Ó Branagáin (O'Brannigan, Brannigan, Branagan, Brangan)
- Ó Braonáin/Mac Braonáin (O'Brennan, MacBrennan, McBrennan, Brennan)
- Ó Breislin (O'Breslin, BreslinBreslinBreslin is an Irish surname, the anglicised form of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Breaslain.The name means Breisel = violent or truculent and the ending meaning little. There were two septs of O'Breislein in Donegal...
) - Ó Briain (O'Brian, O'BrienO'BrienThe O'Brien dynasty are a royal and noble house founded in the 10th century by Brian Boru of the Dál gCais or Dalcassians. After becoming King of Munster, through conquest he established himself as High King of Ireland...
) - Ó Broin (O'Byrne, ByrneByrneByrne meaning 'raven', is derived from the Irish name Ó Broin, and is the seventh most common surname in Ireland today.-History:...
, Byrnes) - Ó Broithe (O'Brophy, BrophyBrophyBrophy is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Irish "Ó Bróithe" septs that were located mostly in counties Carlow and Kilkenny. Notable individuals with the surname Brophy include:* Bernie Brophy , Canadian ice hockey player...
) - Ó Cadhla (Kiely)
- Ó Cairbre (O'Carbery, O'Carberry, Carbery, Carberry)
- Ó Caoimh (O'Keeffe, O'Keefe, Keeffe, Keefe)
- Ó Caoindealbháin (QuinlivanQuinlivan-People:*Charles Quinlivan,Actor, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, actor, starred in Seven Guns to Mesa*Nessan Quinlivan, a Provisional IRA volunteer, escaped from British custody in The Maze and Brixton Prisons in 1983 and 1991 respectively, the latter while awaiting trial on charges relating to a...
, O'Quinlan, O'Quinlivan, Kindellan) - Ó Caollaidhe (O'Kealy, O'Keely, Kealy, Keely, Queally)
- Ó Carra (O'Carr, Carr)
- Ó Catháin / Ó Cahan (O'Kane, O'Keane, O'Kean, O'Cain, O'Keen, O'Keene, Kane, Keane, Kean, Keen, Keene, Cain)
- Ó Cathal (O'Cahill, Cahill)
- Ó Cathasaigh (O'Casey, Casey)
- Ó Ceallacháin (O'Callaghan, Callaghan)
- Ó Ceallaigh (O'Kelly, Kelly)
- Ó Cearnaigh (O'Kearney, O'Carney, O'Carnie, Kearney/Carney/Carnie)
- Ó Ceanndubháin (O'Canavan/CanavanCanavanCanavan is a surname, of Irish origin and may have two translations, both Anglicized:1. "White Head" from O'Ceanndubhain Sept who were hereditary physicians to the O'Flahertys of Connemara. Whitehead and Whitelock are sometimes used in Galway Spelling variations include: Canovan, O'Canavan,...
/Kinavan) - Ó Cillín (O'Killeen, Killeen)
- Ó Cinnéide (O'Kennedy, Kennedy)
- Ó Cinnseallaigh (Kinsella)
- Ó Cionnaith (O'Kenny, O'Kenney, Kenny, Kenney)
- Ó Ciosáin (O'Kissane, Kissane, Cashman)
- Ó Cléirigh (O'Cleary, O'Clary, O'Clery, ClearyCleary (surname)Cleary is not an especially common surname; it may relate to:*Bernard Cleary , Canadian politician*Beverly Cleary , American author*Bill Cleary , American hockey player*Brendan Cleary , Irish poet*Brian P...
, McClearyMcCleary (Surname)McCleary is an Irish surname. It originated in Donegal, Ireland and Derry, Northern Ireland.-List of persons with the surname:*James McCleary , United States Representative from Minnesota...
, Clary, Clery, etc.) - Ó/Mac Cnáimhsí (Bonner, Kneafsey)
- Ó Coigligh (Quigley)
- Ó Conchobhair/Ó Conchúir (O'Connor, O'Conor, Connor, Conor, Connors)
- Ó Con Fhiacla (Tuite)
- Ó Conghaile/Mac Conghaile/Ó Cionnfhaolaidh (O'Connolly/Conneely/Kennelly)
- Ó Conaing (O'Gunning/Gunning/Cunning))
- Ó Conaill (O'Connell, Connell)
- Ó Corbáin/Corbín (Corbett/Corbin)
- Ó Corráin (O'Curran, CurranCurranCurran is an Irish and also a Scottish surname. The name derives from the 10th century Olde Gaelic name O'Corraidhin, meaning "the male descendant of Corraidhin" a personal name which comes from "corradh", a spear....
, O'Corran, Corran) - Ó Cuanaigh/Ó Cuana (O'Cooney, Cooney)
- Ó Coileáin (O'Collons, Collins)
- Ó Conradh (O'Conrad, ConradConrad (name)Conrad is a masculine given name and a surname. As a given name, it is of Old Germanic pre-7th century origin meaning "brave", "bold ruler", "counsel". As a surname, Conrad is of Medieval German origin, from the compound given name Kuoni-rad, meaning "brave counsel". It became popular in...
) - Ó Conaráin (O'Conran, Conran)
- Ó Cornghaile (O'Cornally, CornallyCornallyCornally is an Irish surname with its origins in the Offaly and North Tipperary area of Ireland....
) - Ó Crabháin (O'Creaven/Craven)
- Ó Croidheáin/Ó Croidheagan/Ó Creacháin (O'Creaghan/Cregan/Creegan/Creahan/Crehan/Cryan/Creane/Crean)
- Ó Cruadhlaoich (O'Crowley, CrowleyCrowley (surname)The name Crowley may derive from the Irish or the English. The Irish Crowleys are more numerous and are known in Irish as "O Cruadhlaoich" or "Ua Cruadhlaoich", a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the hard hero" or "descendant of the hardy warrior", and which was anglicised to "Crowley" or...
) - Ó Cuinn (Quinn) (O'Guin, O'Guinn, Guin/Guinn)(O'Gwin, O'Gwinn, Gwin/Gwinn)
- Ó Cuinneagáin/Ó Cuinneacháin/Ó Connacháin/Ó Connagáin (O'Cunningham, Cunningham)
- Ó Cuirc (QuirkeQuirkeQuirke is an Irish family name which has spread throughout the English-speaking world.- Origins :The name is most common in County Tipperary and County Limerick...
) - Ó DaimhínÓ DaimhínThe name Devine is derived from the Irish Gaelic "Ó Daimhín". The root of this name is "damh", which according to Dineen means an "Ox or a Stag", it is also used figuratively as "Hero". Confusingly, scholars in the 19th and early 20th centuries sometimes thought it was derived from "dámh", meaning...
(Devine, Divine, Devin) - Ó DálaighÓ DálaighThe Ó Dálaigh were a learned Irish bardic family who first came to prominence early in the 12th century, when Cú Connacht Ó Dálaigh was described as "The first Ollamh of poetry in all Ireland" .-Name derivation:The name Ó Dálaigh means 'descendant of Dálach'...
(Daly/O'Daly/Daley/Daily/Daeley) - Ó Deághaidh (O'Dea, Day, O'Dee, Dee)
- Ó Dhonnaile (Donnelly)
- Ó Díomasaigh (O'Dempsey, Dempsey)
- Ó Dochartaigh/Ó Dubhartaigh (DohertyDohertyThe Doherty family is an Irish clan based in County Donegal in the north of the island of Ireland.Like clans in other cultures, Irish clans such as the Dohertys are divided into many septs and regional families...
, Daughtry) - Ó Duinn (O'Dunne/Dunne/O'Dunn/Dunn)
- Ó Dónaill (O'DonnellO'DonnellO'Donnell , which is derived from the forename Domhnaill were an ancient and powerful Irish family, kings, princes, and lords of Tír Chonaill in early times, and the chief allies and sometimes...
) - Ó Donnabháin (O'Donovan, DonovanDonovan (name)Donovan may be both a surname and a given name.Some people with surname include:*Art Donovan, NFL Hall of Famer*Bill Donovan , a pitcher and manager in Major League Baseball...
- Ó Donnagáin (DoneganDonegan (surname)Donegan is an anglicized surname originating from several different Irish families.Numerous spelling variations of the surname Donegan exist. Different spellings include Donegan, Donnegan, Doneghan, Donneghan, Donagan, Donnagan, Donnaghan, Dunegan, Dunnegan, O'Donegan, O'Dunnegan, O'Donnaghan,...
) - Ó Dubháin (Devane, Dewane, Duane)
- Ó Duibhgeannain (Duignan, Deignan, Dignan)
- Ó Duibhlin/Ó Dobhailein/Ó Doibhilin (Dolan, Devlin, O'Devlin, Develin, Devolin, Devoline, Defflin, Devline, Davlin)
- Ó Dubhuir (Dwyer, O'Dwyer, Diver, Devers)
- Ó Donnchú, Ó Donncadha (O'DonoghueO'DonoghueDonoghue or O'Donoghue is an Irish surname, an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Donnchadha or Ó Donnchú ‘descendant of Donnchadh’, a personal name composed of the elements donn = ‘brown-haired man’ or ‘lord’ + cath = ‘battle’....
, O'DonohueO'DonohueO'Donohue is a surname, and may refer to:*Becky O'Donohue , reality television participant*Daniel Anthony O'Donohue , United States Ambassador to Burma*Jessie O'Donohue , reality television participant*John F...
) - Ó Dreaghneáin (O'Drennan, Drennan)
- Ó Dhuiling (Dowling)
- Ó Duarcáin/Ó Durcáin/Mac Dhuarcáin/Mac Dhurcáin (Durkin, Durkan, Durcan)
- Ó Dubhda (DowdDowdDowd is a derivation of an ancient surname which was once common in Ireland but is now quite rare. The name Dowd is an Anglicisation of the original Ui Dubhda, through its more common form O'Dowd. The Ui Dubhda are one of the Clann Ui Fiachrach, one of the major families of Irish clans.- People :*...
/O'DowdO'DowdO'Dowd is an uncommon Irish surname. Many modern variants of the O'Dowd surname exist. The prefix has been widely retained, O'Dowd being more usual than Dowd. Other modern variants are Dawdy, Dowdy, O'Dowda and Dowds, with Doody and Duddy, found around Killarney, where a branch of the Connacht...
) - Ó Dubhshláine (Delaney, Delany)
- Ó Dubhthaigh (Duffy/O'Duffy)
- O Dubhghaill (Doyle)
- Ó Duillearga (Delargy)
- Ó Faoláin (Whelan, Whalen, Phelan)
- Ó Faracháin/Ó Farannáin/Ó Forannáin (O'Fanan, Farnan, Farnand, Farnon)
- Ó Fathaigh (Fahy, Fahey, Vahey)
- Ó Fearadhaigh (Ferry)
- Ó Fearghail (O'Farrell)
- Ó Fiannaidhe (O'Feeney, Feeney)
- Ó Flaithbheartaigh (O Flaherty)
- Ó Flannail (Flavell)
- Ó Floinn (Flynn)
- Ó Foghladha (Ó Foley, Foley)
- Ó Gadhra (O'Gara, Geary)
- Ó Gallchobhair, Ó Gallchóir (Gallagher)
- Ó Gibealáin (O'Gibelin, Giblin)
- Ó/Mac GormáinGorman (surname)-Origin of the surname:There are multiple origins for the surname Gorman. The Irish name is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac Gormáin and Ó Gormáin, meaning "son of Gormán" and "descendant of Gormán". The personal name Gormán is derived from the diminutive of gorm, meaning "dark blue", "noble"...
(O'Gorman, Gorman) - Ó Gribín (Gribbin,Gribbon,Gribben)
- Ó Glaisne (Giles)
- Ó hAnrachtaigh (Henvey)
- Ó hAinbhith (Hanvey)
- Ó hAinle (Hanly/Hanley, O'Hanley)
- Ó hAllmhuráin (O'Halloran/O'Halleron, Halloran, Haloran)
- Ó hAmhsaigh (O'Hampson, O'Hampsey, Hampson, Hanson, Hempson)
- Ó hAnnracháin (Hourihane)
- Ó hAnradháin (Hanrahan, O'Hanrahan)
- Ó hAonghusa (HennessyHennessyJas Hennessy & Co., or more simply Hennessy, is a world-leading cognac house with headquarters in Cognac, France. Today, the company of Jas Hennessy & Co...
) - Ó hArrachtáin (Harrington, O'Harraughton)
- Ó hAirt (Hart, Harte, O'Hart)
- Ó hAthairne (Harney)
- Ó hEachthairn (Ahern, Aherne, Ahearn, Ahearns, Hearn, Hearns, O'Hearns)
- Ó hEalaighthe (Healey, Healy, Haley)
- Ó hEadhra (O'Hara)
- Ó hÉamhthaigh (Heaphy, Heefey, Heafy)
- Ó hAodha (HughesHughes (surname)Hughes is a patronymic surname of Irish origin. Ireland & Goidelic BritainThe surname evolved from the ancient Celt name of Ó hAodha meaning Fire. It's an old Irish name in Gaeltachtaí, which can be Hughes or Hayes.Hughes is the 15th most popular name in Ulster and Northern Ireland although it...
) - Ó hEadeáin (Hayden, Hedden)
- Ó hEidhin (Hynes)
- Ó hEidirsceoil (O'Driscoll, Driscoll)
- Ó hIcí (Hickey)
- Ó hIceadh (Hickey)
- Ó hIoruaidh/ Ó hIorua (Heary, Heery)
- Ó hÓgáin (Hogan, O'Hogan)
- Ó hÓgáin (Young, Younge)
- Ó hÓisín (HassanHassan (surname)Hassan Hassan Hassan (also spelled Hasan, Hassen, Hasson, Hassin, Hassine, Hacen, Hasen, Hasin, Hass, Hassa, Hasa, Haas, Cassin, Chassan, Chasan, Chasson, Chason, Khassan, Khasan, Cassan, Casan, Hasso, Hassanein, Hasnen, Hassani, Hasani,...
, Hasson, Hassen, Hassin, O'Hassan) - Ó hÓsáin (HassanHassan (surname)Hassan Hassan Hassan (also spelled Hasan, Hassen, Hasson, Hassin, Hassine, Hacen, Hasen, Hasin, Hass, Hassa, Hasa, Haas, Cassin, Chassan, Chasan, Chasson, Chason, Khassan, Khasan, Cassan, Casan, Hasso, Hassanein, Hasnen, Hassani, Hasani,...
, Hasson, Hassen, Hassin, O'Hassan)
- Ó hUallacháin (Houlihan, Holohan, Holland, Mulholland)
- Ó hÚbáin (Hoban)
- Ó Loingsigh/Mac Loinsigh/(Lynch, Lynchy, Lynskey, Lindsay)
- Ó Laochdha (Leahy)
- Ó Lapain (Lappin)
- Ó Laifeartaigh (Lafferty, Laverty, Leverty, O'Lafferty, O'Laverty, O'Leverty)
- Ó Liatháin (Lee, Lehane, Lane, Lyons)
- Ó Lideadha (Leddy)
- Ó Lochlainn (O'Loughlin)
- Ó Luinigh (O'Looney, Looney, Loney, Lunney)
- Ó Máille (O'MalleyO'Malley (surname)O'Malley is a surname of Irish origin , later changed in some members when they emigrated to Malia, and may refer to:* Bryan Lee O'Malley , comic book creator* Catherine Curran O'Malley , Maryland state judge...
, Melia) - Ó Mathúna/Ó Mathghamhna (O'Mahony, O'Mahoney)
- Ó Maoileanaigh (Mullaney, Mullany)
- Ó Maoileoin (MaloneMaloneMalone is a family name. From the Irish "Mael Eòin", the name means a servant or a disciple of Saint John.- People with the surname :* Gilla Críst Ua Máel Eóin, historian and Abbot of Clonmacnoise, died 1127...
) - Ó Maoilriáin/Ó Riáin (Ryan)
- Ó Maoláin (Mullan, Mullins, Mullin, Mullen, Moylan, Mullane)
- Ó Maolagáin (MilliganMilligan (disambiguation)Milligan is a surname of Scottish origin. It may refer to:* Alice Milligan , Irish nationalist and poet* Andy Milligan , American playwright, screenwriter, and film director...
, Mulligan) - Ó Maolcatha (O'Mulcahy, MulcahyMulcahy-Mulcahy ~ Etymology:Mulcahy is a surname of Irish origin anglisized from Ó Maolchathaigh. The name refers to "A descendant of a devotee of Cathach". The Cathach commemorated may refer to Saint Cadoc or Catwg, whose name is the Welsh equivalent of Cathach. The Ó Maolchathaigh sept most likely...
, Mulcaghy) - Ó Maoldomhnaigh (Moloney, Maloney, Muldowney)
- Ó Maonaigh (MooneyMooneyMooney is a family name, which is probably predominantly derived from the Irish Ó'Maonaigh It can also be spelled Moony, Moonie, Meaney and Meeney.-Origins:The origin of the different Moony or Mooney families is lost in antiquity...
, Meaney) - Ó Meadhra/Ó Meára (O'MearaO'MearaO'Meara is an Irish surname, anglicised from Ó Meadhra, originating in County Tipperary, and may refer to:* Andrew P...
, Meara, O'Mara, Marah) - Ó Mealláin (Mellon, Mallon, Mallin, O'Mellan)
- Ó Mearlaigh (MarleyMarley (surname)Marley is the anglicized form of an Irish family name in County Mayo and County Limerick; the original Irish Gaelic version is O'Mearlaigh. The name should not be confused with a Northumbrian family of the name Marley that settled in Ireland in the 17th century....
) - Ó Móráin (Moran)
- Ó Mordha/Mac Giolla Mhuire (Moore)
- Ó Murchadha, Mac Murchaidh, Ó Murchú (Murphy)
- Ó Muraíle (Morley)
- Ó Muircheartaigh (MoriartyMoriartyThe name Moriarty is an Anglicized version of the irish name Ó Muircheartaigh which orginated in County Kerry,Ireland. Ó Muircheartaigh can be translated to mean navigator or sea worthy, as the irish word muir means sea and cheart means correct...
, Murtagh, Murtha) - Ó Muireadhaigh (Murray)
- Ó Neachtain (NaughtonNaughtonNaughton is an Irish gaelic surname derived from the name Ó Neachtain meaning 'descendent of the waters'. A Sept of the Dal gCais of the same stock as Quinn and Hartigan where located in Inchiquin Barony, Co. Clare....
, Naughten) - Ó Nialláin (NeylonNeylonNeylon is an anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó Nialláin. Other English language forms of the name include Nealon, O'Neylan, Nyland and Neilan. They were a sept of the Dalcassian tribe located in the kingdom of Thomond, which is now predominantly modern day County Clare but encompassed...
, Nyland, Neilan) - Ó Néill (O'NeillO'Neill (surname)The O'Neill dynasty is a group of families that have held prominent positions and titles throughout European history. The O'Neills take their name from Niall Glúndub, an early 10th century High King of Ireland from the Cenél nEógain...
, O'Neil, O'Neal) - Ó Nualláin (Nolan, Noland, Nolin, Knowlan)
- Ó Raghailligh (O'Reilly, O'Riley)
- Ó Rathaille (O'Rahilly)
- Ó Ríagaín (O'Regan, Regan, O'Reagan, Reagan)
- Ó Ríordáin (O'Riordan, Reardon)
- Ó Roideacháin (Redehan, Redican, Rodahan, Redington, Reddington, Reddan)
- Ó Ruairc (O'Rourke, O'Roarke, O'Roark, Roarke, Roark)
- Ó Sé (O'Shea)
- Ó Scannail(Scannell)
- Ó Seachnasaigh/ Uí Seachnasaigh (Shaughnessey, O'Shaughnessey, Shaughnessy, O'Shaughnessy)
- Ó Siadhail/Ó Siail (O'Sheil, O'Shiel, Sheils, Shiels, Shields)
- Ó Síocháin (Sheehan)
- Ó Siochfhradha (O'Sugrue,Sugrue,Shugrue,Sughrue)
- Ó Seireadáin/Ó Sirideáin (O'Sheridan, Sheridan)
- Ó Síoráin (O'Sheeran, Sheeran)
- Ó Slatara (SlatterySlatterySlattery is a surname of Irish origin. The name is a anglicisation of the Gaelic Ó Slatara or Ó Slatraigh, from the Irish 'descendant of slatra' meaning 'robust', 'strong', 'bold'. The name originated in the townland of Ballyslattery in the barony of Tulla Upper in east County Clare...
) - Ó Sluagháin (Sloan, Sloane)
- Ó Súilleabháin (O'Sullivan)
- Ó Teamhnainn (Tynan)
- Ó Tuama (Twomey, Toomey)
- Ó Tuathaigh (Tuohy, Twohig, Touhy, Towey, Toohy, Twohy, Toohey)
- Ó Tuathail (O'Toole, Toohill, Toal)
- Ó Tuathaláin (Tolan, Toland, Toolan)
- Mac an Airchinnigh (McInerneyMcInerneyThe name McInerney is of noble Irish origin where it is found in the modern Irish form of Mac an Airchinnigh and in the old and literary form of Mac an Oirchinnigh and Mac an Oirchindig. The pronunciation of Mac an Oirchinnigh has led the name to be sometimes anglicised as McEnherheny in Irish...
/Kinnerk/Nerney) - Mac Amhlaidh (McAuley, McAwley, McCauley, McGauley)
- Mac an BháirdMac an BhairdThe Mac an Bháird family was one of the learned families of late medieval Ireland. The name has evolved over many centuries, the anglicized forms coming down to us as MacAward, McWard, MacEward, MacEvard, Macanward, M'Ward, and its most commonly used variant today: Ward...
(MacEward, MacEvard, Macanward) - Mac an Bheatha (McVeigh)
- Mac Aonghusa (Magennis, McGuinnessMcGuinnessThe following people are named McGuinness:* Catherine McGuinness , Irish Supreme Court judge, former Senator* Deborah McGuinness, American computer scientist working in the field of artificial intelligence...
, MacGenis, McGinnis, MacGuinness) - Mac Aodha (McGee, Magee, McHugh, Mackey)
- Mac Aodhagáin (Egan, McEgan)
- Mac Aoidh (McKee)
- Mac Ardghail (McArdleMcArdleThe surname McArdle or MacArdle was the twelfth most numerous in its homeland of County Monaghan in 1970. The surname in Irish is MacArdghail, from ardghal, meaning 'high valour'...
) - Mac Cana (McCann)
- Mac Cartaine (McCartney)
- Mac Cárthaigh (McCarthyMcCarthy (surname)The MacCarthy dynasty was one of Ireland's greatest medieval dynasties. It was and continues to be divided into several great branches. The MacCarthy Reagh, MacCarthy of Muskerry, and MacCarthy of Duhallow dynasties were the three most important of these, after the central or MacCarthy Mór...
, MacCarthy) - Mac Cathmhaoil (McCaulMcCaulMcCaul, MacCaul, or MacCathmhaoil in Irish Gaelic. The name originated from the Gaelic Patronymic name Mac Cathmhaoil, son of Cathmhaoil, a personal name composed of the elements "cath" meaning "battle" and "maol" meaning chief. The name Mac Cathmhaoil originated in Ulster and has been anglicized...
, McCaul) - Mac Cinnéide (Kennedy)
- Mac Cionnaith (McKennaMcKennaMcKenna, also MacKenna, is the anglicized form of the Gaelic Irish surname "Mac Cionaoith", also spelt Mac Cionaodha or Mac Cionnaith, meaning "son of Cionaodh". The meaning of "Cionaodh" can be translated, Cion being an old Irish word for respect and affection, and "aodh" Aodh, a Gaelic personal...
, MacKenna) - Mac Coitir (Cotter)
- Mac Conmara (McNamara, MacNamaraMacNamara-Persons:*Arthur Macnamara , British squire and magistrate*Brinsley MacNamara , Irish writer*Caitlin Macnamara , British writer, wife of Dylan Thomas*Ian MacNamara , Australian radio radio announcer...
) - Mac Cormaic (McCormack)
- Mac Corraidh (McCorry, McCurdy)
- Mac Cosgair (Cosgrave, Cosgrove)
- Mac an Chrosain (McCrossan)
- Mac Craith (McGrath, Magrath)
- Mac Cuinn (Quinn), (McGuin, McGuinn, Guin/Guinn)(McGwin, McGwinn, Gwin/Gwinn)
- Mac Cuarta (McCourt)
- Mac Diarmada (McDermott)
- Mac Donnchadha (McDonough, McDonogh, McDonagh)
- Mac Dhuarcáin/Mac Dhurcáin/Ó Duarcáin/Ó Durcáin (Durkin, Durkan, Durcan)
- Mac Dubhdara (Darragh)
- Mac Dubhghaill (McDowell/McDowall)
- Mac Eachaidh (Caffee) (McGeachie, MacGeachy, MacKeachie, MacGahey)
- Mac Eochagáin (Geoghegan)
- Mac Giolla (Giles)
- Mac Giolla (Gill, McGill, Magill, Page)
- Mac Giolla Easpuig (Gillespie)
- Mac Giolla Chlaoin (Cline, Kilcline, McGilleclyne)
- Mac Gilla Mhártáin/Ó Maol Máirthín/Ó Mháirtín/Mac Máirtín (Gilmartin, Kilmartin, Martin, Martyn)
- Mac Giolla Bhríde (McBride)
- Mac Giolla Léigh/Mac Giolla Leith (KilleleaKilleleaKillelea is an Irish surname found originally in County Galway, documented from Elizabethan times at least. The current spelling is an Anglicization of an older Irish Gaelic form, probably Mac Giolla Leigh or Mac Giolla Leith...
, Killilea, Killalea) - Mac Giolla Mhuire (Murray, Gilmore, Kilmurray, McLemore)
- Mac Giolla Riabhaigh (Gray, Gallery, Gilrea, Kilrea, McGreevy)
- Mac Giolla Rua (Gilroy, Kilroy, McIlroy, McElroy)
- Mac Gabhann (Gowan,Gow,Macgoba, and more)
- Mac Géidigh (McGeady)
- Mac Muireadhaigh/Ó Muireadhaigh (Murray)
- Mac Fheargail/Mac Fhearghaill (Cargill, Argill, Orgill, Corgill)
- Mac Fhearraigh/Mag Fhearraigh (McGarry, McCarry, Ferry, Farry)
- Mac Fhirbhisigh (Forbes)
- Mac Giolla Chúda (MacGillacuddy)
- Mac Giolla Chathair (Carr)
- Mac Iomhair (McKeever)
- Mac Laibheartaigh (McClafferty, McClaverty, McCleverty, McLafferty, Laverty, Leverty, MacLafferty, McLafferty, MacLaverty, McLaverty, MacLeverty, McLeverty)
- Mac Maghnus (McManus)
- Mac Mathúna/Mac Mathghamhna (McMahon)
- Mac Murchadha Caomhánach (Mac Murrough, Mac Morrow, Mac Murrough Kavanagh, Kavanagh)
- Mac Niallais (McNelis, Nelis, McNeilis, more)
- Mac Oilibhéir[Oliver]
- Mac Lochlainn/Mac Loughlin/Ó Maoilsheachlainn/Ó Maoilsheachnaill/ (MacLoughlin)
- Mac Philbín (PhilbinPhilbinPhilbin or McPhilbin are Irish surnames, which is a patronymic form meaning "son of Philip".The clan is of Norman origin, and is one of the Hibernicised branches of the Burke clan. Some would have later dropped the prefix. The clan descends from John MacPhilbín, son of Little Philip de Burgh and...
) - Mac Pilib / Mac Philib (McPhillipsMcPhillips (surname)Although some historians claim the McPhillips surname is of Scottish origin, the surname is found predominantly in Ireland, in the counties of Cavan, Fermanagh and Monaghan. In Ulster, the McPhillips are in Gaelic MacPilib or MacPhilib...
) - Mac Piarais (MacPierce/Pierce)
- Mac Raghnaill (McRannell, Grannell, Magranill, MacGrannell, Mac Raghnald, Mac Ranel, McRanel, MacRannel)
- Mag Shamhráin (McGovernMcGovernMcGovern may refer to ther following:* McGovern , surname of Irish origin* McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeople:* Barry McGovern, Irish Actor* Brian McGovern, former Irish professional footballer...
) - Mac Uáid (MacQuaid, McQuaid, McQuaide, McQuade, Quaid, Quade)
- Mac Uighlilin (MacQuillan, McQuillan, Quillan)
- Mag Uilic (McGillick, GillickGillickGillick may refer to:*Victoria Gillick a Catholic family campaigner*Gillick competence, a term in medical law*David Gillick, Irish track and field athlete*Ernest Gillick, British sculptor*James Gillick, British artist*Liam Gillick, British artist...
) - Magan
Notable examples of firstnames and surnames
Many Irish people use EnglishEnglish language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
(or at least anglicised) forms of their names in English-language contexts and Irish
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
forms in Irish-language contexts. The Irish names of some famous people include:
| English/Anglicised name | Irish name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bertie Ahern Bertie Ahern Patrick Bartholomew "Bertie" Ahern is a former Irish politician who served as Taoiseach of Ireland from 26 June 1997 to 7 May 2008.... |
Parthalán Ó hEachthiarn | Taoiseach Taoiseach The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is... from 1997 to 2008. |
| Thomas Ashe Thomas Ashe Thomas Patrick Ashe born in Lispole, County Kerry, Ireland, was a member of the Gaelic League, the Irish Republican Brotherhood and a founding member of the Irish Volunteers... |
Tomás Ághas | Gaelic League member |
| Harry Boland Harry Boland Harry Boland was an Irish Republican politician and member of the First Dáil.-Early life:Boland was born in Phibsboro, Dublin on 27 April 1887. He was active in GAA circles in early life, and ultimately joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood... |
Éinrí Eoin Ó Beólláin | |
| Moya Brennan Moya Brennan Moya Brennan, born Máire Ní Bhraonáin , also known as Máire Brennan , is an Irish folk singer, songwriter, harpist, and philanthropist who began performing professionally in 1970, when her family formed the band Clannad, and is now widely considered as the "First Lady of Celtic Music"... |
Máire Ní Bhraonáin | Irish-language spelling as birth name |
| Turlough Carolan | Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin | Irish harpist and composer |
| Erskine Childers Robert Erskine Childers Robert Erskine Childers DSC , universally known as Erskine Childers, was the author of the influential novel Riddle of the Sands and an Irish nationalist who smuggled guns to Ireland in his sailing yacht Asgard. He was executed by the authorities of the nascent Irish Free State during the Irish... |
Earchta Ó Slatiascaigh | (Irish author and patriot, also his son Erskine Hamilton Childers Erskine Hamilton Childers served as the fourth President of Ireland from 1973 until his death in 1974. He was a Teachta Dála from 1938 until 1973... - President of Ireland -, and grandson) |
| Michael Collins (Irish leader) Michael Collins (Irish leader) Michael "Mick" Collins was an Irish revolutionary leader, Minister for Finance and Teachta Dála for Cork South in the First Dáil of 1919, Director of Intelligence for the IRA, and member of the Irish delegation during the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations. Subsequently, he was both Chairman of the... |
Mícheál Eoin Ó Coileáin | signed Anglo-Irish Anglo-Irish Anglo-Irish was a term used primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries to identify a privileged social class in Ireland, whose members were the descendants and successors of the Protestant Ascendancy, mostly belonging to the Church of Ireland, which was the established church of Ireland until... treaty with Irish-language name |
| Liam Cosgrave Liam Cosgrave Liam Cosgrave is an Irish Fine Gael politician who served as Taoiseach and as Leader of Fine Gael . He was a Teachta Dála from 1943 to 1981.... |
Liam Mac Cosgair | William(?) Thomas Cosgrave (the son), Taoiseach Taoiseach The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is... |
| W. T. Cosgrave | Liam Tomás Mac Cosgair | William Thomas Cosgrave (the father), President of the Executive Council President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State The President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State was the head of government or prime minister of the Irish Free State which existed from 1922 to 1937... |
| Garret FitzGerald Garret FitzGerald Garret FitzGerald was an Irish politician who was twice Taoiseach of Ireland, serving in office from July 1981 to February 1982 and again from December 1982 to March 1987. FitzGerald was elected to Seanad Éireann in 1965 and was subsequently elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fine Gael TD in 1969. He... |
Gearóid Mac Gearailt | twice Taoiseach Taoiseach The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is... |
| Arthur Griffith Arthur Griffith Arthur Griffith was the founder and third leader of Sinn Féin. He served as President of Dáil Éireann from January to August 1922, and was head of the Irish delegation at the negotiations in London that produced the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921.-Early life:... |
Art Ó Gríobhtha | Gaelic League member; bilingual signature on Anglo-Irish Treaty Anglo-Irish Treaty The Anglo-Irish Treaty , officially called the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty Between Great Britain and Ireland, was a treaty between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and representatives of the secessionist Irish Republic that concluded the Irish War of... |
| Patsy O'Hara Patsy O'Hara Patsy O'Hara was an Irish republican hunger striker and member of the Irish National Liberation Army .He was born in Bishop Street, Derry, Northern Ireland. O'Hara joined Na Fianna Éireann in 1970, and in 1971 his brother Sean was interned in Long Kesh. In late 1971, he was shot and wounded by a... |
Peatsaí Ó hEadhra | |
| Charles Haughey Charles Haughey Charles James "Charlie" Haughey was Taoiseach of Ireland, serving three terms in office . He was also the fourth leader of Fianna Fáil... |
Cathal Ó hEochaidh | three times Taoiseach Taoiseach The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is... |
| Douglas Hyde Douglas Hyde Douglas Hyde , known as An Craoibhín Aoibhinn , was an Irish scholar of the Irish language who served as the first President of Ireland from 1938 to 1945... |
Dubhghlas de hÍde | 1st President of Ireland President of Ireland The President of Ireland is the head of state of Ireland. The President is usually directly elected by the people for seven years, and can be elected for a maximum of two terms. The presidency is largely a ceremonial office, but the President does exercise certain limited powers with absolute... ; CnaG Conradh na Gaeilge Conradh na Gaeilge is a non-governmental organisation that promotes the Irish language in Ireland and abroad. The motto of the League is Sinn Féin, Sinn Féin amháin .-Origins:... founder |
| John Fitzgerald Kennedy | Seán Mac Gearailt Ó Cinnéide | |
| Kitty Kiernan Kitty Kiernan Catherine Brigid Kiernan was an Irish woman best known as the fiancée of assassinated Irish revolutionary leader and Chairman of the Provisional Government Michael Collins.-Early life:... |
Caitríona Nic Thiarnáin | fiance of Michael Collins (Irish leader) Michael Collins (Irish leader) Michael "Mick" Collins was an Irish revolutionary leader, Minister for Finance and Teachta Dála for Cork South in the First Dáil of 1919, Director of Intelligence for the IRA, and member of the Irish delegation during the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations. Subsequently, he was both Chairman of the... |
| Jack Lynch Jack Lynch John Mary "Jack" Lynch was the Taoiseach of Ireland, serving two terms in office; from 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979.... |
Seán Ó Loingsigh | twice Taoiseach Taoiseach The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is... |
| Mary McAleese Mary McAleese Mary Patricia McAleese served as the eighth President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. She was the second female president and was first elected in 1997 succeeding Mary Robinson, making McAleese the world's first woman to succeed another as president. She was re-elected unopposed for a second term in... |
Máire Mhic Ghiolla Íosa | née Mary Leneghan/Máire Ní Lionnacháin |
| Liam Mellows Liam Mellows Liam Mellows was an Irish Republican and Sinn Féin politician. Born in England, Mellows grew up in County Wexford in Ireland. He was active with the Irish Republican Brotherhood and Irish Volunteers, and participated in the Easter Rising in County Galway, and the War of Independence... |
Liam Ó Maoilíosa | |
| Thomas Mooney Thomas Mooney Thomas Joseph "Tom" Mooney was an American political activist and labor leader, who was convicted with Warren K. Billings of the San Francisco Preparedness Day Bombing of 1916... |
Tomás/Tomaltach Seosamh Ó'Maonaigh | Labor Leader |
| Richard Mulcahy Richard Mulcahy Richard James Mulcahy was an Irish politician, army general and commander in chief, leader of Fine Gael and Cabinet Minister... |
Risteárd Ó Maolchatha | |
| Dennis O'Brien (policeman) Dennis O'Brien (policeman) Dennis O'Brien , often called "Dinny O’Brien", was a veteran of the Easter Rising, the Irish War of Independence, and the Irish Civil War... |
Denis Ó Briain | |
| Kevin O'Higgins Kevin O'Higgins Kevin Christopher O'Higgins was an Irish politician who served as Vice-President of the Executive Council and Minister for Justice. He was part of early nationalist Sinn Féin, before going on to become a prominent member of Cumann na nGaedheal. O'Higgins initiated the An Garda Síochána police force... |
Caoimhín Ó hUiginn | Minister of Justice and Vice-President Vice-President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State The Vice-President of the Executive Council was the deputy head of government of the 1922–1937 Irish Free State, and the second most senior member of the Executive Council... ; not to be confused with the more recent official also in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform |
| Seán T. O'Kelly Sean T. O'Kelly Seán Thomas O'Kelly was the second President of Ireland . He was a member of Dáil Éireann from 1918 until his election as President. During this time he served as Minister for Local Government and Minister for Finance... |
Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh | Vice-President Vice-President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State The Vice-President of the Executive Council was the deputy head of government of the 1922–1937 Irish Free State, and the second most senior member of the Executive Council... , first Tánaiste Tánaiste The Tánaiste is the deputy prime minister of Ireland. The current Tánaiste is Eamon Gilmore, TD who was appointed on 9 March 2011.- Origins and etymology :... , President of Ireland President of Ireland The President of Ireland is the head of state of Ireland. The President is usually directly elected by the people for seven years, and can be elected for a maximum of two terms. The presidency is largely a ceremonial office, but the President does exercise certain limited powers with absolute... |
| Francis O'Neill Francis O'Neill Francis O'Neill was an Irish-born American police officer and collector of Irish traditional music.O'Neill was born in Tralibane, near Bantry, County Cork. At an early age he heard the music of local musicians, among them Peter Hagarty, Cormac Murphy and Timothy Dowling. At the age of 16, he... |
Proinsias Ó Néill | |
| Thomas Francis O'Rahilly | Tomás Phroinsias Ó Rathaille | scholar of Celtic language and culture; sometimes also "Rahilly" or "Rahily" |
| Joseph O'Sullivan Joseph O'Sullivan Joseph O'Sullivan along with Reginald Dunne, was a member of the Irish Republican Army, who shot dead Field Marshal Sir Henry Hughes Wilson on his doorstep at 36 Eaton Place in London on 22 June 1922. He was hanged for the killing on 10 August 1922 at Wandsworth Prison... |
Seosamh Ó Súilleabháin | (likely very common name) |
| Patrick Pearse Patrick Pearse Patrick Henry Pearse was an Irish teacher, barrister, poet, writer, nationalist and political activist who was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916... |
Pádraig Mac Piarais | CnaG Conradh na Gaeilge Conradh na Gaeilge is a non-governmental organisation that promotes the Irish language in Ireland and abroad. The motto of the League is Sinn Féin, Sinn Féin amháin .-Origins:... ; An Claidheamh Soluis An Claidheamh Soluis An Claidheamh Soluis was an Irish nationalist newspaper published in the early 20th century by Conradh na Gaeilge .... editor; St. Enda's School St. Enda's School St. Enda's School, or Scoil Éanna, was a Secondary school for boys set up by Irish nationalist Patrick Pearse in 1908.-Background:Pearse, generally known as a leader of the Easter Rising in 1916, had long been critical of the educational system in Ireland, which he believed taught Irish children to... founder |
| Joseph Mary Plunkett Joseph Mary Plunkett Joseph Mary Plunkett was an Irish nationalist, poet, journalist, and a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising.-Background:... |
Seosamh Máire Pluincéad | Gaelic League member; an Easter Uprising leader |
| John Edward Redmond | Seán Éamonn Mac Réamainn | |
| Albert Reynolds Albert Reynolds Albert Reynolds , served as Taoiseach of Ireland, serving one term in office from 1992 until 1994. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize... |
Ailbhe Mac Raghnaill | Taoiseach Taoiseach The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is... |
| Mary Robinson Mary Robinson Mary Therese Winifred Robinson served as the seventh, and first female, President of Ireland from 1990 to 1997, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, from 1997 to 2002. She first rose to prominence as an academic, barrister, campaigner and member of the Irish Senate... |
Máire Bean Mhic Róibín | (née Máire de Búrca) |
| Robert Gerard Sands | Roibeárd Gearóid Ó Seachnasaigh | |
| Austin Stack Austin Stack Austin Stack was an Irish revolutionary and politician.-Early life:Stack was born in Ballymullen, Tralee, County Kerry. He was educated at the Christian Brothers School in Tralee. At the age of fourteen he left school and became a clerk in a solicitor's office. A gifted Gaelic footballer, he... |
Aibhistín de Staic | |
| Gerard Toal Gerard Toal Gerard Toal is Professor of Government and International Affairs and Director of the Government and International Affairs program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, National Capital Region campus. Toal grew up in the border region of Ireland, in the village of Smithborough,... |
Gearóid Ó Tuathail |
Other people are better known by their Irish name than by their English name:
| Irish (Gaelic) name | English/Anglicised form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh Dubhaltach MacFhirbhisigh, also known as Dubhaltach Óg mac Giolla Íosa Mór mac Dubhaltach Mór Mac Fhirbhisigh, Duald Mac Firbis, Dudly Ferbisie, and Dualdus Firbissius was an Irish scribe, translator, historian and genealogist... |
Dudley Forbes | though neither Dubhaltach or Fibrisigh correspond to the Anglicised forms |
| Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh Ruaidhri Ó Flaithbheartaigh Ruaidhri Ó Flaithbheartaigh, King of Iar Connacht and Chief of the Name, fl. 1244-1273.-Biography:Ruaidhri was a brother of the preceding chief, Morogh... |
Roderick O'Flaherty Roderick O'Flaherty Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh , Irish historian.-Biography:He was born in Co Galway and inherited Maigh Cuilinn Castle and estate.... |
|
| Flaithrí Ó Maolconaire | Florence Conry Florence Conry Flaithri Ó Maolconaire, also known as Florence Conry , Irish Franciscan and theologian, founder of the Irish College of St... |
(1560–1629, Archbishop of Tuam Archbishop of Tuam The Archbishop of Tuam is an archiepiscopal title which takes its name after the town of Tuam in County Galway, Ireland. The title was used by the Church of Ireland until 1839, and is still in use by the Roman Catholic Church.-History:... ) |
| Gráinne Ní Mháille | Grace O'Malley | many other Irish-language and English-language respellings of her name also exist |
| Seán Bán Breathnach Seán Bán Breathnach Seán Bán Breathnach is a radio and television broadcaster and personality in the Ireland. He broadcasts in the medium of the Irish language, but is well known to English speakers in the country.-Broadcasting:... |
"White" John Walsh | |
| Séamus Ó Grianna Séamus Ó Grianna Séamus Ó Grianna was an Irish writer, who used the pen name Máire. Born into a family of poets and storytellers in Ranafast, County Donegal, he attended local primary school until the age of 14. He spent several years at home and as a seasonal worker in Scotland. He attended an Irish language... |
James Greene | though Grianna does not correspond etymologically to the English name "Green" or "Greene" |
| Gráinne Seoige Gráinne Seoige Gráinne Seoige is an Irish television presenter, Gaeilgeoir, and "fashion icon",Gráinne Seoige is one of the few television presenters who has worked for all terrestrial channels in the Republic of Ireland at some point. She has worked as a news anchor on TG4, TV3 and Sky News Ireland... |
Grace Joyce | |
| Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin is an Irish poet born in Cork .-Life:Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin is the daughter of Eilís Dillon and Professor Cormac Ó Cuilleanáin. She was educated at University College Cork and The University of Oxford. She lives in Dublin with her husband Macdara Woods, and they have one... |
Ellen Cullen | |
| Antoine Ó Raifteiri Antoine Ó Raifteiri Antoine Ó Raifteiri was an Irish language poet who is often called the last of the wandering bards.-Biography:... |
Anthony Raftery | |
| Proinsias De Rossa Proinsias De Rossa Proinsias De Rossa is an Irish Labour Party politician and Member of the European Parliament for the Dublin constituency. He a former President of the Workers' Party and subsequently leader of Democratic Left, and later, a senior member of the Labour Party. He was Minister for Social Welfare from... |
Frank Ross | |
| Pádraig Harrington Padraig Harrington Pádraig P. Harrington is an Irish professional golfer who plays on The European Tour and The PGA Tour. He has won three major championships: The Open Championship in 2007 and 2008 and the PGA Championship, also in 2008.-Background:... |
Patrick Harrington | |
| Pádraig Ó Riain Pádraig Ó Riain Pádraig Ó Riain is an Irish Celticist and prominent hagiologist focusing on Irish hagiography, martyrdom, mythology, onomastics and codicology.... |
Patrick Ryan | |
| Pádraig Ó Siochfhradha Pádraig Ó Siochfhradha Pádraig Ó Siochfhradha and his brother Mícheál Ó Siochfhradha were writers, teachers and Irish language storytellers, from County Kerry, Ireland.... |
Patrick O'Sugrue | |
| Padraig Ó Síocháin P. A. Ó Síocháin Pádraig Augustine Ó Síocháin was an Irish journalist, author, lawyer, Irish language activist and entrepreneur, born in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland on 26 May 1905, the sixth child and fourth son of five sons and five daughters of Daniel Desmond Pádraig Augustine Ó Síocháin (P. A.) (1905 –... |
P. A. Sheehan | |
| Pádraig Ó Fiannachta Pádraig Ó Fiannachta Pádraig Ó Fiannachta is a renowned Irish language scholar, poet and priest, born in the Kerry Gaeltacht in 1927. He studied at Maynooth, University College Cork and All Hallows, Clonliffe College. He was ordained a priest in 1953. He spent some time in Wales prior to returning to Maynooth College... |
Patrick Finnerty | |
| Lorcan Ua Tuathail Lorcán Ua Tuathail Lorcán Ua Tuathail, also known as St Laurence O'Toole, was born at Castledermot, Kildare, Ireland, in 1128, and died at Eu, Normandy, France, on 14 November 1180; he was canonized in 1225 by Pope Honorius III.-Early life:... |
Laurence O'Toole | |
| Dara Ó Briain Dara Ó Briain Dara Ó Briain is an Irish stand-up comedian and television presenter, noted for hosting topical panel shows such as The Panel and Mock the Week.... |
Darragh O'Brien | |
| Doireann Ní Bhriain Doireann Ní Bhriain Doireann Ní Bhriain is an Irish independent radio producer. She began her career as a radio and television journalist, and started out reading children's stories on television... |
Doreen O'Brien | |
| Cathal Brugha Cathal Brugha Cathal Brugha was an Irish revolutionary and politician, active in the Easter Rising, Irish War of Independence, and the Irish Civil War and was the first Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann.-Background:... |
Charles William St. John Burgess | |
| Éamon de Valera Éamon de Valera Éamon de Valera was one of the dominant political figures in twentieth century Ireland, serving as head of government of the Irish Free State and head of government and head of state of Ireland... |
Edward De Valero |
External links
- Pretanic World - Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English Surnames and their Associations with Mythology and Ancient History
- The Origins of Irish Surnames
- Find Irish Family Names and their meanings
- Full listing of all Irish first names, their origins, legends and meaning
- Concise list of Irish first names and meanings
- Alphabetical lists of Irish names and meanings for boys, girls, and pets.