Last Name Irish

The last name Byrne has Irish origins, derived from the Old Norse name "Bjorn," meaning bear. During the Viking invasions of Ireland, Norsemen settled and intermarried with the native population, introducing their names to Ireland. Over time, the pronunciation of the name evolved into Byrne or Burne in Irish Gaelic. The name is most concentrated in counties Mayo, Galway, Sligo, and Roscommon in the western part of Ireland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Irish

The meaning and origin of the last name Irish

The surname "Irish" is primarily an anglicized form of several Gaelic names found in Ireland. Some of these original Gaelic names include O'Grianta (descendant of Griantach, meaning "rough, fierce"), O'Greasaigh (descendant of Greasaigh, meaning "lively, spirited"), and Mac Iraish (son of Irais, a personal name derived from the word "eiru," which means "peace" or "calm"). The use of Irish surnames was a system developed during the 12th and 13th centuries in Ireland to help the government keep track of individuals. Prior to this time, people were primarily identified by their occupation or location. As more Irish immigrants came to other countries, they anglicized their names to adapt to local customs, leading to variations like "Irish" being found outside of Ireland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Irish

The surname "Irish" is predominantly found in Ireland, as it often signifies native Irish ancestry. A significant portion of people with this surname reside in various parts of Ireland, particularly in the counties of Cork, Tipperary, and Kerry. However, due to historical emigration patterns, a considerable number of people with the last name "Irish" can also be found in countries that received large numbers of Irish immigrants, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In these countries, the distribution of the surname tends to reflect patterns of immigration from Ireland during various time periods. For instance, many people with the last name "Irish" in the United States trace their roots to the Great Famine of the 1840s and 1850s.

Variants and spellings of the last name Irish

The surname "Irish" has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation and recording methods over time. Some common spelling variants of this name include: O'Hearns, O'Haras, O'Herys, O'Haries, O'Herins, MacIre, MacEire, MacIreland, MacIrlend, MacIrwin, and MacErlean. These variations are primarily found among the Irish people, particularly in Ireland, where the Gaelic language was traditionally spoken. In English-speaking regions, the name is often anglicized to "Irish," although it should technically be preceded by either "O' " or "Mac" if adhering to traditional Irish naming conventions. These prefixes indicate that the family is of Irish descent and are derived from the words "Ua" (grandson) and "Mac" (son), respectively, in Gaelic. The modern spelling of this surname can vary widely depending on the specific lineage and historical period.

Famous people with the last name Irish

Notable individuals with the surname "Irish" include:

1. Bing Crosby (Reginald Harrison "Reggie" Irish), an American singer and actor, known for his traditional crooner style. He was one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, having sold more than a billion records worldwide.

2. Katie Couric, born Katherine Ann Couric, is an American journalist and author. She is a former anchor at the CBS Evening News and has also worked for NBC News. Couric was the first solo female anchor of an evening news program on a major network in the United States.

3. Danny Irish, a Canadian ice hockey player who played 15 games in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins during the 1970-71 NHL season.

4. James Michael Irish, known professionally as Jim Irish, is an American actor and film director. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the early 1960s.

5. Tim Irish, an Australian rules footballer who played for North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was a member of the club's 2008 premiership team.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on entertainment, journalism, sports, and more.

Genealogical research on the last name Irish

The surname Irish, while not typically associated with a specific ethnicity or region, has been recorded in various forms throughout history. One possible origin could be derived from the Old English word "eor(h)sc" meaning wild boar or bear, which was anglicized to Heryssh and later evolved into Irish. It is also speculated that the name may have been given as a nickname for someone who was fierce or stout, resembling a wild boar or bear. The earliest records of the name in Britain can be traced back to the 12th century, with early bearers residing in Yorkshire and Lancashire. From these roots, various branches of the Irish family tree have extended across England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and eventually, the New World. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Edward Irish, a 17th-century English military officer, and Richard Irish, an American soldier who served during the Revolutionary War. The genealogical research on the last name Irish is ongoing, offering opportunities for further exploration of its history and dissemination among its bearers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Irish"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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