The last name as first name trend isn’t going away anytime soon. After all, it’s a simple way parents can pay tribute to a culture, but with a unique twist!
Since St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, we’ve rounded up 12 Irish last names that make great first names. This is the perfect way to pass on Irish culture to your little one.
Keane (KEE-en) is the anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Cian or Kian (pronounced the same way). We love the unique sound and modern spelling of this name, which means “ancient.”
If you’re looking for an alternative to this moniker, try Kieran or Kiernan, which are both Irish surnames as well.
Sloane is an attractive name because it sounds so mysterious. Interestingly, the sophisticated moniker is the anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name “Slaughadhan” and means “raider.”
Macklemore famously chose this name for his daughter in 2015.
While Fitzgerald might sound posh and proper, we love its quirky nickname: Fitz! The name Fitzgerald, which means “son of Gerald,” was made famous thanks to novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald and late U.S. president John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Delaney is one of the more feminine-sounding Irish surnames. Despite its light and happy sound, it actually means “dark challenger.” We love Delaney for its carefree vibes and sweet sound.
This unisex name is very sweet and can be shortened to the nickname Maddy. The charming moniker means “little dog” and can be made even more feminine by changing the “g” to an “s” to get Madison.
Shea (pronounced Shay) is a bright and lively name. We love that it’s short and sweet and can be used for either gender. Shea is a common surname in Ireland and means “the stately, dauntless one.”
Nolan, which means “champion,” is a charming and sophisticated name. We love it because it’s similar to the traditional Irish monikers Conan or Ronan, but with a slightly different sound.
Mckenna is a unique alternative to the ever-popular Mackenzie. We love that this Irish surname, which means “son of the handsome one,” is both feminine and playful. Spelling variations of Mckenna include Mackenna or Makenna.
This Irish name famously belongs to “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” actress Rooney Mara. It is also the surname of late actor Mickey Rooney.
We love how spunky, but sweet this name is and that it can be used for a boy or a girl.
Sully comes from the Irish surname Sullivan, which means “dark eyes.” We love how friendly this name is and that its gender-neutral.
There’s a reason why Murphy sounds like such a homey moniker. It’s because it’s the most common family name in Ireland! Despite the name’s cool, laidback vibe, Murphy actually has a very strong meaning: “sea warrior.” It can also be used for both boys and girls.
Technically Beckett isn’t an Irish last name, but it was the surname of famed Irish playwright Samuel Beckett, so we had to include it. The Old English name means “dweller near the brook” and has always been one of the trendiest surnames to use as a first name. It has also been chosen by a number of celebrities for their kids, including Conan O’Brien and Stella McCartney.
For more Irish baby names, flip through the slideshow below.
