Central Statistics Office reveals most popular Irish surnames
Genealogy

Central Statistics Office reveals most popular Irish surnames

MURPHY has been revealed as the most popular Irish surname – a trend that has remained unchanged for more than a century.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) in Ireland compiled its list of the top Irish surnames for the first time this year. However, there have been more Murphys in Ireland than any other surname for more than 100 years.

Kelly came in second place, while Byrne, Walsh and McCarthy all feature in the top 10.

In 2014, there were 767 births recorded with the surname Murphy, while 633 baby Kellys arrived.

Rounding off the top five were Byrne (552), Ryan (527) and O’Brien (489).

Other well-known Irish names like O'Reilly, O'Neill and Fitzgerald missed out on the top 10.

Meanwhile, Jack and Emily both retained their place as the top name for baby boys and girls.

Check out the list in full below

  1. Murphy
  2. Kelly
  3. Byrne
  4. Ryan
  5. O'Brien
  6. Walsh
  7. O'Sullivan
  8. O'Connor
  9. Doyle
  10. McCarthy
  11. O'Neill
  12. Lynch
  13. O'Reilly
  14. Dunne
  15. McDonagh
  16. Brennan
  17. Fitzgerald
  18. Daly
  19. Kavanagh
  20. Nolan