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The earliest known Irish surname is O’Clery (O Cleirigh); it’s the earliest known because it was written that the lord of Aidhne, Tigherneach Ua Cleirigh, died in County Galway back in the year 916 A.D. In fact, that Irish name may actually be the earliest surname recorded in all of Europe.
- Murphy. Gaelic Equivalent: ó Murchadha. Meaning: sea-battler. According to the Central Statistics Office, Murphy is consistently the most prominent surname across Ireland.
- Kelly. Gaelic Equivalent: ó Ceallaigh. Meaning: bright-headed. Famous Kellys include actor and director Gene Kelly, 20-century artist Ellsworth Kelly, and actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly.
- O’Sullivan. Gaelic Equivalent: ó Súilleabháin. Meaning: dark-eyed. Famous O’Sullivans include actress Maureen O’Sullivan, actor Richard O’Sullivan, and singer Gilbert O’Sullivan.
- Walsh. Gaelic Equivalent: Breathnach. Meaning: Welshman. The Central Statistics Office regularly records Walsh as one of the most common surnames in Ireland.
Jul 29, 2023 · What are some of the oldest Irish surnames? There are many Irish surnames that have been in use for centuries, some of which can be traced back to the 10th century. Some of the oldest Irish surnames include O’Brien, O’Connor, O’Neill, MacCarthy, and MacMahon.
The first known Irish surnames date back to the 11th century and were originally patronymic, meaning they were based on the father’s name. The most common prefixes in these early surnames were “O” and “Mac,” indicating “descendant of” and “son of,” respectively.
4 days ago · Gaelic Roots and Early History. Irish surnames are deeply rooted in Gaelic origins, often constructed from the native language and societal customs of ancient Ireland. Historical linguists inform us that many of these surnames were initially descriptive or patronymic.
Sep 22, 2023 · Ever wondered about the history of your Irish surname or from where your last name originated? You can find your name's meaning or Irish last name origin in this comprehensive list.
Jul 25, 2016 · The earliest known Irish surname is O’Clery (O Cleirigh); it’s the earliest known because it was written that the lord of Aidhne, Tigherneach Ua Cleirigh, died in County Galway back in the year...
