Tracing Your Irish Roots

Over the years, we've had the wonderful privilege to work with people tracing their Irish roots or connecting with their newly discovered Irish Heritage. Whether identified through genealogy research or genetic services like 23andMe and ancestry.com, it's never been easier to uncover the Irish roots of your family tree.

Family History

And it turns out if you have an Irish surname to go on you can learn quite a bit about your heritage. According to Dr Edward McLysaght, an expert in Irish surnames, "one’s surname is one’s most important family heirloom."

Famous Families

And our many years working with Irish Family Crest Jewelry has given us a little insight into wonderful Irish surnames and genealogy. The ‘O’ and ‘Mac’ in Irish surnames may appear and disappear going back through time and spellings might change, but the origins and meanings of the names themselves can usually be uncovered.

Common Irish Surnames

Below are a few of the most common Irish surnames we've come across in our years working in heraldic jewelry.

Murphy (ó Murchadha) - The Sea Warrior

As you might expect given the meaning behind the name, ancestors of the now numerous Murphy dynasty are largely found near the Irish coast. There are four or five different centers for those with the surname Murphy. The most prevalent are in the coastal counties of Cork and Wexford.

And although the Murphy coat of arms can vary slightly with location, the main elements include a shield motif with two rows of two lions (representing courageous warriors) separated by a row of three wheat sheafs (symbolizing bounty).

Walsh (Breathnach) - “Welshman” or “Briton

Encompassing Walsh, Walshe, Brannagh, Brunnock, Brannick, Wallace, and even Wallis, holders of this surname, not surprisingly, trace their deep roots to the UK. But there are also many with the Walsh name in Ireland, especially in counties Mayo and Kilkenny.

The three spear heads on the Walsh shield represent readiness for military action and the chevron typically represents protection or a roof.

O’Brien ( ó Briain) - 'exalted one' or 'noble'.

With ties to the great Irish High King, Brian Boru, the O’Brien shield motif is simple and iconic, with three lions stacked vertically. So brave warriors through and through!

Descendant from the famous 10th century King, O’Briens are found throughout Ireland but especially Munster in Counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. And this all conquering family are responsible for several impressive forts and castles still standing in Ireland.

There are also many variations of this famous name including O'Bryan, O'Bryen, Brian, Bryan, Bryant, Brien, Briant and Bryans!

O’Neill (Ui Néill) - from Nial of the nine hostages

Another of the Great old families of Ireland and more opportunities to get muddled up. There are many, sometimes conflicting, stories of the O’Neill dynasty! But what is not in dispute is that they draw their origins from an ancient Irish King Niall or Noígíallach, with a stronghold in Ulster.

Indeed the red hand of the Ulster flag is taken from the O’Neill coat of arms. With roots in Tyrone, Derry and Donegal, the O’Neills have a distinctive shield motif that depicts water. And the water at the bottom of the O'Neill shield is home to a fish, representing royalty and knowledge. Above it, the open hand is flanked by two lions, warriors again, with a row of three stars with curved tips representing God’s goodness and grace.

Variations include O'Neal, O'Neil, Ó Neill, Ó Néill, Ua Néill, Uí Néill and Neill.

Your Own Family Coat of Arms

Of course this is just a taste of the stories that are wrapped up in Irish family names. There are wonderful stories like this and beautiful Coat of Arms buried in history for many Irish Surnames. So if you uncover an Irish root or two in your own family tree and are curious to see your own Coat of Arms, please do get in touch.

Heraldry is a keen passion of ours and we would be delighted to share that passion and help you in uncovering this piece of your own family legacy.