You may know that you have an Irish last name, but have you ever wondered where it came from and what exactly it means? This list gives insight into common Irish last names, what they mean, and where they originate.
These are just a few of the many Irish last names that have long histories in Ireland and Scotland. There are also many different variations of each name because they were recorded during the Middle Ages by how they sounded.
Campbell : First seen in Argyllshire, which is on the west coast of Scotland, Campbell was a name for someone with a crooked mouth or crooked smile.
Flanagan : Meaning red or ruddy, Flanagan was first written as O Flannagain in the Gaelic form and was first found in County Roscommon.
Gallagher : First found in County Donegal, this last name means foreign help. Gallagher has many different forms and spelling variations, some of which begin with “Gol” instead of “Gal”.
Hogan : First found in County Tipperary, this last name means young.
Kennedy : This is a name for a serious person; it was derived from the Gaelic nickname “Cinneididh” which means grim-headed. It was first found in Ayrshire, which is in a southwestern region of Scotland.
O’Malley : First found in County Mayo, O’Malley, or Malley, means peasant.
Slatterey : Meaning strong, this last name was first found in County Clare. Slattery in Gaelic is O’Slatraigh which means descendant of the robust, tall, bold one and refers to an ancient chief. The name originated in the townland of Ballyslattery in the barony of Tulla Upper in east County Clare.
Source: https://www.tenontours.com/what-your-irish-last-name-means/