Our Irish name database contains 6.744 Irish surnames and 13.424 Irish first names categorized by gender and frequency. After payment you can download the Irish name database in CSV, SQL or JSON format. In Ireland we received a name and gender database from the Irish government and merged it with publicly available data sets. To create the Irish name database we used 208.429 validated Irish social media profiles. We have a detailed explanation of our methodology and illustrate our approach with several examples.

Popular Irish surnames

This table show popular Irish surnames. In Ireland, surnames typically have a strong connection to a person's heritage and family history. Many surnames are derived from the Irish language and have specific meanings or origins. For example, the surname "O'Brien" means "descendant of Brian," while the surname "Kelly" means "warrior." In some cases, surnames may also indicate a person's occupation or location, such as "Smith" or "Murphy." It is common for Irish people to have a strong sense of pride in their surname and to pass it down through generations.

Surname Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Murphy 2.672 1.3% American British Canadian
Kelly 2.195 1.1% American British Canadian
Byrne 1.595 0.8% British American Australian
Walsh 1.487 0.7% British American Canadian
Ryan 1.354 0.6% American British Australian
Doyle 1.014 0.5% British American Canadian
O'brien 934 0.4% American British Australian
Murray 894 0.4% British American Canadian
Smith 889 0.4% American British Canadian
Lynch 834 0.4% American British Australian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 208.429 Irish social media profiles.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this surname also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Irish first names

In Ireland, parents often choose a first name based on family tradition or cultural heritage. Many Irish parents will choose a name that has been passed down through the family, or a name that has special significance in Irish history or mythology. They may also consider the meaning of the name and how it relates to the child's personality or future. Additionally, many Irish parents will consult with family members or friends before making a final decision on a first name.

Popular Irish male names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
John 3.394 2.8% American British Canadian
David 3.075 2.5% American British Spanish
Paul 2.879 2.3% British American Dutch
Michael 2.383 1.9% American British German
Mark 2.360 1.9% American British Dutch
Stephen 2.091 1.7% British American Canadian
James 2.070 1.7% British American Australian
Sean 2.057 1.7% American British Canadian
Conor 1.920 1.6% British American Canadian
Brian 1.746 1.4% American British Canadian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 208.429 Irish social media profiles from which 122.997 (59%) is male.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Popular Irish female names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Sarah 1.787 2.1% British American Canadian
Emma 1.468 1.7% British American Australian
Laura 1.401 1.6% British American Spanish
Niamh 1.235 1.4% British American Jamaican
Ciara 1.126 1.3% British American Canadian
Aoife 1.063 1.2% British American Australian
Claire 977 1.1% British American French
Sinead 916 1.1% British American Australian
Mary 901 1.1% American British Spanish
Rachel 880 1.0% American British Canadian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 208.429 Irish social media profiles from which 85.432 (41%) is female.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.