Names can sometimes be a gateway to the past. In some cases, they can even be traced back to royal origins.
High Kings, princes, and more – Irish history has a lot of powerful and royal dynasties. You might not have known that some names have those links, but we’ll show you ten surnames that include royal bloodlines.
While you might not be descended from them, it won’t hurt to check your lineage, don’t you think?
10. O’Dwyer – very old clan
The O’Dwyer clan is one of the oldest Gaelic noble houses. They ruled over parts of County Tipperary. The name goes back to the Irish Ó Dubhuir, with dubh meaning “black” or “dark”. That was most likely a reference to the hair colour. Oh, that history!
9. O’Malley – famous seafarers
You might know of Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen – how cool would it be to have her in your family tree? The O’Malley family was a powerful clan, mainly in County Mayo and became known for their maritime power. Is the sea in their blood?
8. Kelly – going back centuries
One of the ten stereotypical Irish surnames, Kelly is the anglicisation of Ó Ceallaigh, which means “descendant of Ceallach”. It’s believed that Ceallach means “warrior” or “bright-headed”. Cellach mac Fíonachta was a 9th-century prince – that’s pretty royal.
7. O’Reilly – very powerful kings
O’Reilly is among the top 20 surnames in Ireland. That’s already one cool fact, but listen to this: The clan was based in County Cavan and one of the most powerful septs in that area. Old royalty and powerful. Not too bad.
6. O’Sullivan – powerful for centuries
Dating back to the 9th century, the O’Sullivans were once an incredibly powerful sept in Munster, descending from the Eóganacht Chaisil. The last independent ruler of their clan was defeated in the Nine Years’ War. That’s centuries of power!
5. O’Donnell – kings and princes
Looking at the titles of the O’Donnell dynasty, you’ll see that royal connection immediately. Most notably, they were Kings of Tyrconnell, one of the most powerful Gaelic clans. Did you know that the name was once targeted and banned?
4. MacMahon – son of the bear
The name MacMahon comes from Gaelic Mac Mathghamhna, meaning “son of the bear”. If that isn’t cool enough, the County Clare MacMahons claimed descent from the High King of Ireland. You might want to look at your family tree now.
3. O’Connor – the last High King of Ireland
The O’Connor clan produced several Kings of Connacht, but their claim to fame doesn’t end there. The last High King of Ireland before the Anglo-Norman invasion, Rory O’Connor – Ruaidrí mac Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair – was also an O’Connor.
2. O’Neill – a dynasty
The O’Neill dynasty includes Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary High King of Ireland. If your surname is O’Neill, that’s certainly something. Not many family trees can boast a king from the 5th century.
1. O’Brien – Brian Boru
The number one spot of royal names has to be O’Brien. Why? The name goes back to Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. He is credited with defeating the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf. Now that’s certainly a royal line, don’t you think?
Is your name on the list, or do you have another royal surname? The history of these names is certainly fascinating and dates back centuries. Check out your family tree, maybe you’ll find a surprise in there.
