| Abercrombie | rare: Scottish: Fermanagh & Tyrone. From place-name in Fife. SS. |
| Abernethy | Quite numerous: N.E.Ulster, 17 cent. also E. Cork. Scottish: Clan Leslie. |
| Acheson | numerous: Scottish version of Atkinson: N.E. Ulster. |
| Adair | numerous: Ulster: Scottish : seeMIF re Robin Adair. Also Irish Ó Dáire, SGG. |
| Adam | very numerous N.E.Ulster and Dublin. English & Scottish; synonyms: Aidy, Eadie. Also anglicisations of Mac Adaim, Mac Adamóid, Mac Conshnámha, q.v. |
| Addey | pet form of Adam, rare in Ireland. Connected with Scottish clans Gordon and Ferguson. |
| Aicken | numerous: N.E.Ulster. Scottish, diminutive of Adam. Possibly also Irish Ó h-Aogáin.MIF. |
| Aird | rare, Dublin, Port Laoise. Derivation: Scottish placename. |
| Aitkenhead | rare, Belfast. Scottish barony of Aikenhead, Lanarkshire. |
| Albanach | Scott: an-líonmhar gach áird, go mór-mhór Oirthear Uladh. Ainm a tugadh ar na gallóglaigh a tháinig ó Albain sa 14,15 & 16 céad, chomh leis na coilínigh sa 17 céad. |
| Alcorn | Quite numerous: N.E.Ulster & Donegal. Scottish. SS. |
| Alderdice | fairly numerous, Down. As Allardyce in Scotland. A place-name. SS. |
| Alexander | numerous in Ulster. Very common in Scotland as forename and surname and gaelicised Alastar, hence McAlister etc. This Greek name was brought in by Queen Margaret in 11 cent. |
| Algeo | rare & scattered in Ulster. Scottish, possibly of Italian origin. |
| Allan | mainly with "en", numerous in N.E. Ulster but well-represented in all provinces. Scottish and English, also anglicisation of Ó h-Ailín. |
| Allison | fairly numerous: mainly N.E. Ulster but some in all provinces. Scottish & English. |
| Anderson | very numerous E.Ulster, well-represented all areas except Mid-West. Scottish & English. Ir. Mac Andréis. The Barretts of Mayo took the name Mac Aindriú. |
| Andrews | Numerous in N.E. Ulster and scattered elsewhere. Mainly Scottish but also English. Derivation Greek, andréas = manly. |
| Angus | Quite numerous: Belfast area. Scottish, place and personal. Ir. Aonghus. |
| Annan | rare, Belfast area. Scottish, placename. |
| Arbuckle | Quite numerous: Derry, Strabane etc. Scottish, Lanarkshire placename. |
| Arbuthnot | Quite numerous: Maghera etc. Scottish: placename. |
| Ard | rare: Belfast area: Scottish: from Aird in Vale of Beauly. SS. |
| Armour | fairly numerous in N.E.Ulster. Scottish. In Ireland 17 cent. also Larmour which is more numerous. Deriv. "armourer". SI. |
| Armstrong | numerous in Ulster, also Mayo/Sligo & Meath/Monaghan. Scottish. A famous Border name. Ir. Tréanlámhach. It can also be an anglicisation of Mac Thréinfhir and Ó Labhradha Tréan, q.v. SGG. |
| Arneill | fairly rare: Belfast. Scottish: from placename Ardneill. SS. |
| Arnott | fairly rare: Belfast. Scottish, from place Arnot in Kinross. There is a Ballyarnott in Antrim. Ir. Arnóid. SS & SI. |
| Arrell | Quite numerous: S.E.Derry. Ir. Ó h-Earghail according to MacLysacht; cognate with Farrell. There is also a Scottish name, Arrol, which could apply. SI & SS. |
| Arturs | numerous E.Ulster, Tyrone, Meath/Louth/Cavan & Kerry/Clare/Limerick. Ir. Mac Airt & Mac Artúir. Northern ones probably of Scottish origin but in Munster MacLysacht states it is pre-Norman, Norse origin. The name has been prominent in Limerick since 12 cent. Mac Arthur is a separate Scottish name. SI. |
| Auchmuty | Very rare: Galway. Scottish, in Ulster 17 cent. |
| Auld | numerous: Belfast, N.Antrim. Scottish. Also used for Mac Cathail, q.v. SS. |
| Avery | fairly rare: Ulster & Dublin. English & Scottish. Ir. Mac Aimhréidh, aimhréidh, dishevelled: see Mac Cavera. SI. |
| Ayre | rare: Belfast,Dublin & E.Leinster. Ir. Iarsach. English & Scottish. Also occurs as Eyre, q.v., in Connacht. DBS & SS. |
| Ayton | fairly rare: Ulster & Dublin. Scottish, from Ayton in Berwickshire. SS. |
| Bailey | numerous: Leinster, Munster and especially Ulster, where the Scottish Baillie is prevalent. Ir. Báille. English, in Ireland since mediaeval times. Originally a royal official, in Scotland it is a local councillor. |
| Bain | Quite numerous Down etc. Scottish, from Gaelic bàn (white, fair). However this name is also English and Reaney attributes it to OE ban meaning bone. SI & DBS. |
| Baine | fairly rare: Belfast area. Scottish, as Bain. |
| Baird | numerous: Ulster. Scottish, authorities differ on derivation : from place name or Gaelic bàrd, a singer. SI & SS. |
| Balbirnie | rare: Dublin. Scottish, from a placename in Fife. SS. |
| Balfour | rare: Fermanagh. Scottish name of prominence. From placename in Fife. SS. |
| Ballantine | fairly numerous: E.Ulster, Sligo. Ir. Bailintín. Fairly recent Scottish immigrants. SS. |
| Balmer | fairly numerous: Belfast & N.Antrim. Scottish or English. A dealer in spices. SS. |
| Bamber | Quite numerous: N.Antrim. origin not clear, probably Scottish. |
| Bankhead | fairly rare: Antrim etc. Scottish, from placename. |
| Banks | fairly numerous: Antrim, Dublin etc. Scottish. Also Ir. Ó Bruacháin - see Brohan. SI. |
| Bannatyne | rare: Belfast & Down. Scottish, from Arran & Bute. SS. |
| Bannerman | rare: Down. Scottish. SS. |
| Barbour | fairly numerous: mainly E.Ulster. Also an Anglo-French derivation. This form most in use in early times. Many Ulster Barbours are of Scottish origin. MIF. |
| Barfoot | fairly rare: Magherfelt, Cookstown etc. Scottish & English. |
| Barnes | numerous: Belfast, Dublin and E.Coast. Ir. Bearnais, Ó Bearáin. Generally English and Scottish but also synonym for Barron, q.v. SI & SGG. |
| Barr | numerous: Ulster. Ir. Ó Bairr. But mainly Scottish of 17 cent., it is also an English name of various derivations. DBS. |
| Barron | numerous: mainly Ulster and Leinster. Derived from Mac Bearáin in Ulster and Barún in Kilkenny-Waterford where they were a branch of the Fitzgeralds. The title "baron" was also common amongst the Scots so we find MacBarron there. MIF. |
| Bartholomew | Quite numerous: Belfast, N.Armagh. Ir. Mac Pharláin. English & Scottish. Black takes the view that Ir. Partholon has no connection with the biblical name but this is contradicted by Ó Corráin & Maguire. See Mac Farlane. SS & GPN. |
| Bartley | fairly numerous: Ulster & Dublin. English but also anglicisation of Mac Pharthaláin, (mod. Mac Pharláin) i.e. Scottish MacFarlane. SS. |
| Baskin | fairly rare: Donegal & Tyrone. Having regard to location, it is likely to be related to the Scottish Basken. There is native name Ó Baiscinn of W.Clare, said to be very rare. |
| Batchelor | fairly rare: Belfast area. English & Scottish. "a novice in arms". |
| Baxter | numerous: Down, Antrim, Tyrone, Midlands. Ir. Mac an Bhacstair. Scottish, connected with the MacMillans. Baxter = baker. |
| Bayne | fairly rare: Tyrone, Mayo. Ir. Bán (fair). Scottish and possibly Irish. SGG. |
| Beattie | Very numerous: all parts, particularly Ulster, where they were Scottish settlers. It also represents an Irish occupational name Biadhtach (victualler). MIF. |
| Begg | numerous: E.Ulster, Dublin etc. Ir. Beag. Scottish in Ulster and Normans who adopted the epithet beag (small), elsewhere. Both names are of same derivation. |
| Bell | Very numerous: Ulster etc. Ir. Mac Giolla'Chloig, a gaelicisation of the very English name Bell, which is also very common in Scotland. Derivations are many. DOS. |
| Berney | Quite numerous: S.E.Leinster. Ir. Mac Biorna. This is a Scottish name usually appearing as MacBirney in Ulster. However, the prevalence of Berneys around the O'Byrne country would suggest a connection with them. |
| Berns | rare: Dublin: a variant of Burns, itself representing Beirne, Birrane and Byrne as well as the famous Scottish name, in the North. |
| Berwick | rare: Dublin etc. An English toponymic as well as one derived from the Scottish Border town. OE berwic "barley farm". DBS. |
| Beveridge | rare: Ulster & Dublin. Scottish & English. DBS & SS. |
| Biggar | Quite numerous: N Down & Tyrone. Scottish & English, but see Bicker. |
| Biggart | fairly rare: Belfast etc. Scottish, from placename in Ayrshire. |
| Bill | Quite numerous: Antrim & Down. Scottish & English. |
| Birney | Quite numerous: Ulster. Ir. Mac Biorna. Scottish, of Norse derivation but also from Birnie in Moray. SGG & SS. |
| Bissett | Quite numerous: Dublin and Belfast area. Scots Gael. Buiséid. Scottish family who settled in the Glens of Antrim and adopted the Irish name Mac Eoin. Black reports that the name originated with two Englishmen who came to Scotland under the patronage of William the Lion, and later flourished in Aberdeenshire. SI & SS. |
| Black | Very numerous: Ulster, also Dublin and Leinster. Rare in Munster and Connacht. English & Scottish, but also translation of Duff and Kilduff. SI. |
| Blackstock | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scottish. |
| Blackwood | Quite numerous: Belfast. English & Scottish. |
| Blaine | Quite numerous: Belfast, Down, Donegal, Sligo. Scottish, from ? Mac Giolla Bláin. |
| Blair | numerous: Belfast, N Antrim etc. Scottish, 17 cent. A toponymic |
| Boddie | rare: Antrim, Leitrim. Ulster Boddies are Scottish but Boddy in Leitrim is an anglicisation of Ó Maolagáin via Baldwin.MIF. |
| Bodel | fairly rare: Belfast, Antrim. Scottish, derived from Bothwell, q.v. |
| Boggs | Quite numerous: Derry, W Tyrone. English or Scottish. DBS & SS. |
| Bogle | Quite numerous: Castlederg etc. Scottish. Probably a toponymic. SS. |
| Bogue | Quite numerous: Fermanagh etc., Cork etc. In Ulster, Scottish. Otherwise Ir. Ó Buadhaigh. Buadhach means victorious and was much favoured by the O'Sullivans: hence the prevalence of Ó Buadhaigh in W Cork. Bowe and Boyce are synonyms. SI &MIF. |
| Bonar | numerous: Ulster. Ir. Ó Cnáimhsí, which occurs as Kneafsey in Connacht. However, in E Ulster, the name is of Scottish origin. The name is rare in Limerick & Tipperary but of Palatine descent. Woulfe says that Ó Cnáimhsí is ametronymic, i.e. derived from a woman's name. In fact, cnáimhseach means midwife. |
| Bones | fairly rare: Antrim, where it is of Scottish or English origin. Ir. Mac Cnámhaigh occurs in Connacht and seems to have become Bowens. |
| Borland | fairly numerous: Mainly Ulster, North & East. Scottish. From a number of placenames in Scotland. SS. |
| Borthwick | Very rare. Ulster. Scottish. A name honoured in the person of Norma Borthwick who was Secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge, 1898-99. Ir. Bartaic (SGA). |
| Boswell | rare: Belfast area. Scottish, but of Norman origin. SS. |
| Bothwell | fairly numerous: Belfast, Fermanagh, Cavan etc. Scottish, 17 cent. Also occurs as Bodell, being an old spelling. SI. |
| Bowman | fairly numerous: Belfast, Down, Dublin, Cork, Galway. Various derivations: Norman as Beaumont. English, an archer. Scottish, a cattleman. Also a Palatine name in Limerick. Woulfe gives Ir. Buamann. SI & SGG. |
| Boyd | Very numerous: widespread name, especially E Ulster, Donegal, Dublin. Ir. de Búit, Búiteach. Primarily Scottish, said to derive from Bute, it also occurs in the Isle of Man. |
| Boyne | Quite numerous: Dublin. Ir. Mac Baoithín (suggested). However, this name exists in Scotland and may be the origin the Boynes in Dublin. SI. |
| Breakey | rare: E Ulster & Monaghan. Probably Scottish. |
| Bremner | rare: E Ulster. Scottish, from immigrants from the Low Countries (Brabant). SS. |
| Brewster | Quite numerous: Ulster etc. English and Scottish. A female brewer. DBS. |
| Brian | rare: Down etc. Ir. Ó Briain, but in this case, Scottish. The personal name Brian was popular amongst the Normans who got it from their Breton allies and so it found its way to Scotland independently of its Irish currency. SS & GPN. |
| Bride | rare: Dublin, Ulster. Scottish, from Ir. Brighid. See MacBride. SS. |
| Brodie | Quite numerous: Clare, Limerick, Midlands. Ir. Ó Bruaideadha (see Briody). The Scottish Brodies, who are represented in Ulster, are a family from Moray and also an anglicisation of Gaelic Ó Brolcháin in the west highlands and islands. SS. |
| Brodison | rare: E Tyrone. Scottish, Brody + son. |
| Broome | rare: Down etc. English or Scottish. |
| Brotherston | rare: Belfast. Scottish. |
| Brownlees | numerous: Belfast, Antrim etc. Scottish. SS. |
| Bruce | numerous: Ulster. Scottish, 18 cent. Originally Normans, they have been notable in Scotland since 12 cent. SS. |
| Brunton | fairly rare: Down, Dublin etc. Scottish. SS. |
| Bryan | numerous: Ulster, Dublin, Cork, South East. Anglo-Norman associated with Kilkenny. The prevalence in Fermanagh suggests Mac Braoin, a branch of Mac Manus, but the large numbers in the Belfast area are likely to be of Scottish origin. |
| Buchan | rare: Dublin. Scottish, from a place in Aberdeenshire. |
| Buchanan | numerous: Ulster & Dublin. Scottish, from a place in Stirlingshire. Said to be descended from the O'Kanes of Derry. |
| Burden | fairly rare: Armagh, Down. Scottish, of the Clan Lamont. |
| Burnett | fairly numerous: E Ulster, Dublin, Wicklow. English or Scottish, 17 cent. SI. |
| Burnison | rare: Scottish, probably from Burness (Robt.Burns original name). SS. |
| Burns | Very numerous: all provinces, especially Ulster and Connacht. Generally Scottish in Ulster, but standing for indigenous names in the west and south. The more recognisable ones are O'Beirne, Birrane, Byrne and Ir. Mac Conboirne in N Connacht. SI & SGG. |
| Busby | Quite numerous: Belfast, Down, Tyrone etc. Scottish. |
| Byers | fairly numerous: Down and scattered. This name is mainly Scottish from a placename in Scotland. It can be assumed they came in 17 cent and later. |
| Caball | rare: Tralee. A well-known family whose origins may be Scottish or English |
| Cahoon | fairly numerous: E Ulster. Ir. Colchún. A variant of Colquhoun, a Scottish name from Dunbarton. Known in Scots Gaelic as Mac a' Chounich. More frequently Colhoun in Ulster. |
| Caird | rare: Dublin. Ir. Ceardaí (craftsman). A Scots Gaelic name. SS. |
| Cairnduff | Quite numerous Belfast, N Down. Apparently Scottish though "Cairn" could represent the Ir. Ciarán. See Cairns. |
| Cairns | numerous: E Ulster etc. A Scottish toponymic. The Ir. Ó Céirín, Ó Ciaráin which relates to Connacht and southern locations, is more likely to appear as Kearins etc. |
| Caithness | rare: N Antrim. Scottish, derived not from the northern territory but from a barony in Angus. SS. |
| Calder | rare: Belfast area. Scottish. From Caddell or Calder in Caithness. Also the "Cawder" in Shakespeare's MacBeth. |
| Calderwood | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scottish, from a place in Lanarkshire. Also Catherwood. |
| Caldwell | numerous: Ulster, N Leinster. English & Scottish, but also anglicisation of the Ir. Ó h-Uarghuis, Ó h-Uairisce (Tyrone) and Mac Conluain (Cavan). MIF. |
| Callender | rare: Belfast. Scottish, from a place in Perthshire. |
| Calpin | rare: N Connacht. Ir. Mac Ailpín. A Scottish name, mainly found in Ulster. |
| Calvert | numerous: E Ulster. English & Scottish, 17 cent. Deriv. "calf-herd". |
| Calvin | fairly numerous: N E Ulster. Scottish, although rare there. |
| Cameron | numerous: E Ulster etc. Scots Gael. Camshròn (bent nose); Ir. Ó Cumaráin, a name of Breifne, which may apply to Camerons in Connacht. SI. |
| Campbell | Very numerous: Ulster in particular. This relates not only to the great Scottish clan, Scots Gael: Cam-béal (crooked mouth), but also the Ir. Mac Cathmhaoil (battle chief). These were a sept of Cineál Eoghain in Tyrone. In Donegal there was a Scots galloglass family called in Ir. Mac Ailín, who were also Campbells. MIF. |
| Capper | Quite numerous: E Ulster. English or Scottish. |
| Cargill | rare: Belfast area. Scottish toponymic, also anglicisation of Mac Fheargail. |
| Carlisle | numerous: N Down & E Ulster generally. English & Scottish. In Antrim 16 cent. SI. |
| Carlton | rare: E Ulster. Scottish, also common in N England as Charlton. See Carleton. |
| Carmichael | numerous: E Ulster, Tyrone. Ir. Mac Giolla Mhichíl. A branch of the Scottish Stewarts, named from the barony of Carmichael in Lanarkshire. The Gaelic name relates to the island of Lismore - no connection with the Stewarts. SI & SS. |
| Carnduff | Quite numerous: N Down. Scottish. See Cairnduff. SS. |
| Carnegie | rare: Dublin etc. Scottish, from a placename in Angus. SS. |
| Carpenter | fairly numerous: Leinster etc. Ir. Mac an tSaoir. Also occurs as MacAteer in Ulster and MacIntyre in Scotland. It is probable that some Carpenters are of English origin. |
| Carr | numerous: all provinces, particularly Ulster and Connacht. This English name is used to represent a number of indigenous names: Ó Ceara (Galway), Mac Giolla Arraith (Monaghan), Mac Giolla Cheara (Donegal), Ó Carra (Ulster). It is also synonym of the Scottish Kerr. MIF. |
| Carragher | fairly numerous: Oriel (S Ulster) etc. Ir. Mac Fhearchair. The early Irish personal name Ferchar meant, perhaps, "friendly". It occurs as Farquhar (Scotland) and Forker (Ulster). MIF. |
| Carrothers | fairly numerous: Ulster. Scottish, 17 cent. A place in Galloway. |
| Carruth | rare: Ulster, Dublin. A different Scottish toponymic from Renfrew, 17 cent. SI. |
| Carse | Quite numerous: Belfast, Down. Scottish. SS. |
| Carswell | fairly rare: Belfast etc. Scottish. SS. |
| Caskey | Quite numerous: Derry, Tyrone etc. Ir. Mac Ascaidh, apparently of Norse origin. Also occurs as MacAskie. A similar name exists in Scotland. |
| Cassells | fairly numerous: Dublin, Midlands, Belfast. Ir. Ó Caisil, Ó Maolchaisil. See also Caslin. This is also a Scottish name, which could account some of those in Ulster. |
| Castles | Quite numerous: Belfast, N Down. English & Scottish but see also Cassells. |
| Cathcart | fairly numrous: E Ulster, Tyrone-Fermanagh, Dublin. Scottish, 17 cent. SI. |
| Cathers | fairly rare: Tyrone etc. Scottish. SI. |
| Catherwood | fairly rare: Belfast, Down. Scottish, synonym of Calderwood. |
| Catterson | fairly rare: W Ulster. English or Scottish, also as Caterson. |
| Chalmers | rare: E Ulster. A Scottish version of Chambers. See Chamberlain. |
| Chambers | Very numerous: all areas, particularly Ulster. Ir. Mac Ambróis, Seambar. The former was a Scottish name in N E Ulster, usually anglicised MacCambridge. The latter of Anglo-Norman origin, i.e. de la chambre. Cognate with Chamberlain. SI. |
| Chisholm | fairly rare: E Ulster, Dublin. Scottish, from the Borders, 17 cent. |
| Childs | Quite numerous: E Ulster, Dublin etc. English & Scottish. |
| Christian | fairly rare: Dublin, Belfast etc. English & Scottish. |
| Christie | numerous: E Ulster, Dublin etc. Ir. Mac Críostai. Generally Scottish in Ulster. |
| Christle | fairly rare: E Ulster, N Connacht. Ir. Mac Criostail. Usually a Scottish name, in Ireland 17 cent. Diminutive of Christopher. |
| Cinnamond | fairly rare: Belfast area. Probably a variant of Scottish Kinninmonth as stated by Black, although Cottle mentions Cinnamon(d) as a nickname related to the spice. SS. |
| Cleland | fairly numerous: Belfast, N Down. Ir. Mac Giolla Fhaoláin. But generally of Scottish origin, being the same Scots Gaelic name. Usually MacClelland, q.v. |
| Clements | fairly numerous: E Ulster. Ir. Climéis, Mac Laghmainn. The former, English; the latter, Scottish, usually Lamont, an Argyllshire clan. SI & SS. |
| Clendenning | fairly rare: Belfast etc. Scottish 17 cent. Usually as Glendenning, a toponymic of Dumfriesshire. |
| Clingan | fairly rare: Belfast, Down, Fermanagh. A Scottish name from Galloway, originally MacClingen. SS. |
| Cloke | rare: Belfast area, Enniscorthy. There is a Scots name Cloack, but the location in Wexford suggests English origin. Also as Cloake. |
| Cloran | Very rare. scattered. Ir. Mac Labhráin. This is also the Scots MacLaren and, as Cloran is found mainly in the south, the correlation is not entirely certain and a hypothetical. Ó Clotharáin is possible. |
| Clugston | Quite numerous: Belfast. Scottish. SS. |
| Clyde | fairly numerous: E Ulster. Scottish. SS. |
| Clydesdale | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scottish. SS. |
| Clyne | Quite numerous: Dublin, Leinster, Connacht. Ir. Mac Giolla Chlaoin, claon meaning perverse. The name relates to Roscommon and was originally anglicised Kilcline. There are Scottish and English names Clyne(s): the latter may relate to those in eastern areas, to some extent. MIF. |
| Cobain | Quite numerous: Belfast area. Scottish. SS. |
| Coburn | numerous: Belfast, Dublin, Down etc. Generally Scottish, Cockburn, an important name there. Tradition relates it to Ir. Mac Conboirne but this is not certain. SI. |
| Cochrane | numerous: E Ulster. Ir. Ó Cogaráin. This is a Scottish toponymic so the link with Irish is tenuous. It represents the great Scots immigration of the 17 cent. SI & SS. |
| Cockburn | Very rare: Ulster. The original Scottish version: see Coburn. |
| Coleman | Very numerous: Dublin, Cork, Ulster, Mayo-Sligo etc. Ir. Ó Colmáin. From personal name Colm, a dove. A sept of the Uí Fiachrach in Sligo with, no doubt a number other origins, e.g. the Colemans of Scotland and N England are said to derive from it. However, in Cork, the name stands for Ó Clúmháin, which also appears as Clifford. |
| Colhoun | fairly numerous: Derry, Donegal etc. Ir. Colchún. This is really the Scottish name Colquhoun, from a place in Dumbarton. Scots Gaelic is Mac a' Chounich. SI & SS. |
| Colquhoun | fairly rare: Belfast, Dublin. Scottish, of recent immigration. See Colhoun. |
| Colville | Quite numerous: mainly Belfast. A Scottish name of Norman origin, coming in 17 cent. |
| Commons | fairly rare: Galway, Mayo, Sligo, N Leinster. See Cummins etc. Also a Scottish name. See Coman. SI. |
| Conachy | rare: Louth. Ir. Mac Dhonnchaidh. Also as Conkey. This is the Scottish Clann Donnchaidh, who later became Robertson. The personal name Donnchadh was common amongst both Irish and Scots, being anglicised Duncan there. SS. |
| Conn | fairly numerous: Belfast, Dublin etc. A Scottish name. May also be abbreviation of MacConn, which is a Co. Down name still in use. Ir. Mac Mhíolchon, (hunting dog). |
| Connon | fairly rare: Antrim, Dublin. Ir. Mac Canann, probably cano, a wolf cub. MacLysacht relates this name to Monaghan so its presence in Antrim suggests a Scottish connection, this being a Scots name also. A more common form is MacConnon, q.v. SI. |
| Cook | Very numerous: (mostly with -e) Ulster generally, Dublin & South East, Limerick and Galway. In Ulster, Scottish; in Leinster, English; in the west, anglicisation of Mac Dhabhoc, a branch of the Burkes. SI. |
| Coombes | Quite numerous: Belfast, Dublin, W Cork. Ir. Mac Thómais. Generally of Scottish origin and occurring as Combes and Holmes. Woulfe says Mac Thomáis is used in Cork. SGG. |
| Corcoran | Very numerous: Munster, S Leinster, Connacht etc. Ir. Mac Corcráin, a sept of Offaly now widely spread in the south. Also Ó Corcráin, corcair, purple, originally meant ruddy. These were an ecclesiastical family in Fermanagh. In the north, Corcoran has been to some extent replaced the Scots Cochrane. IF. |
| Cordner | Quite numerous: Belfast-Portadown. Scottish occupational name,(shoe-maker). SS. |
| Corkey | rare: E Ulster. Possibly abbreviation of Scots MacCorkell, q.v. SS. |
| Corkill | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Thorcaill. Of Scottish or Manx origin, from the Norse personal name Thorketill. See also MacCorkell. SS. |
| Corrie | rare: Belfast, Derry. This is a Scottish name but it also likely to be a variant of Corry, q.v. |
| Corscadden | fairly rare: N Antrim, E Derry etc. Ir. Corscadán. There is a Scottish toponymic Garscadden of which this seems to be a variant. |
| Coulson | Quite numerous: Belfast, Dublin etc. English. Also Scots Gael. Mac Cumhaill. |
| Couser | fairly rare: Belfast. There are no records of this name but it occurs in Scotland. |
| Coutts | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish, from Aberdeenshire. SS. |
| Cowan | numerous: Down and Ulster generally, Dublin. Ir. Mac Comhdhain, Ó Comhdhain. From a rare early personal name Comhghan. Also as MacCone. However, Cowan is a common Scottish name (of similar derivation) which may account for many in Ulster. |
| Cowden | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scottish. SS. |
| Craig | Very numerous: Ulster, N Leinster etc. Ir. de Creag (rock). A widespread Scottish name which was well-established in Antrim 17 cent. Analogous to Carrick. |
| Crammond | Very rare: Derry. Scottish. SS. |
| Cranston | Quite numerous: N Down and Ulster generally. Scottish. SS. |
| Crawford | Very numerous: mainly Ulster: Fermanagh, Derry, Antrim & Monaghan. Also present in Sligo-Leitrim, S Leinster & N Munster. Ir. Mac Crábhagáin, de Cráfort, Mac Raith. In Ulster, it is mainly of Scottish origin, though Mac Crábhagáin relates to S Ulster. An Sloinnteoir Gaeilge gives Mac Raith, making it a synonym of MacGrath, which would account for the distribution in the south. This name is widespread in England. |
| Creighton | numerous: E Ulster, Connacht. Scottish in Ulster; otherwise a synonym of Crehan or Crean. |
| Crerand | Very rare: Donegal, Derry. Possibly Scottish Crerar (sievewright). |
| Cresswell | Quite numerous: Derry, Tyrone, Belfast, Cork. A toponymic in England and Scotland. |
| Crichton | fairly rare: Ulster, Cork. Ir. Mac Críocháin. Generally Scottish from place in Mid-Lothian. See also Creighton. ASG. |
| Crickard | Very rare: E Ulster. Ir. Mac Riocaird. A name associated with the Scottish clan Sinclair. |
| Croal | Very rare: Leitrim-Donegal. Scottish, from Kincardine, perhaps of Norman origin. SS. |
| Cromie | numerous: N Down, Ulster generally. Scottish, from the placename Crombie in Aberdeenshire. Some confusion with Crombie and Cromey is inevitable. MIF. |
| Crone | Quite numerous: Down, Cork, Dublin etc. Irish & Scottish. Crón, swarthy, tawney. |
| Crookshanks | rare: Belfast, Down. Scottish. SS. |
| Crosby | numerous: Wexford, N Leinster, Dublin, Belfast etc. This name is both English and Scottish and in some cases an anglicisation of Mac an Chrosáin, otherwise MacCrossan, which see.MIF. |
| Crothers | numerous: E Ulster etc. Variant of Carruthers which is of Scottish origin in the 17 cent. |
| Cruikshank | Quite numerous: Scattered in Ulster. Scottish, see Crookshanks. |
| Crum | Very rare: Antrim. Scottish. SS. |
| Crummie | Quite numerous: Down-Armagh etc. Scottish. Also variant of Cromie, q.v. |
| Cubitt | fairly rare: N Antrim. This name is current in England & Scotland. |
| Cuddy | fairly numerous: Ossory, Galway-Roscommon, Tyrone etc. A variant of Cuddihy but probably Scottish in Ulster - a dimin. of first name Cuthbert. |
| Culbert | fairly numerous: mainly E Ulster, Ossory, Waterford. MacLysaght considers this name is of Huguenot origin, but it may also be Scottish in Ulster. |
| Culbertson | rare: N Antrim. Scottish. |
| Cull | Quite numerous: Down, Leitrim etc. Possibly relates to: (1) MacCullough, Ir. Mac Con Uladh, and (2) Scottish MacCulloch. An Sloinnteoir Gaeilge gives Mac Colla which generally refers to Coll, a galloglass family of Donegal and this must account for most of the Culls in Ulster. MIF. |
| Cunningham | Very numerous: all areas, particularly Ulster & Connacht. Generally of Scottish origin in E Ulster; otherwise it is usually a native name from the Uí Fiachrach and the Uí Maine in Connacht. Ir. Mac/Ó Cuinneagáin, Ó Connagáin. SI & IF. |
| Curragh | fairly rare: Belfast, Down. Ir. Corrach. As a noun it means a marsh; as an adjective, unsteady. The name was in Oriel in 15 cent, so it must be presumed Irish; however, it could also be Scottish - MacCurragh existed there at that time. SI & SS. |
| Currie | numerous: Ulster. Generally Scottish but with large over-lap with Irish Curry, q.v. The Scottish Curries were a branch of the MacDonalds. |
| Cuthbert | Quite numerous: Dublin, Cork, Belfast area etc. Scottish and N English from St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, +687 A.D. |
| Cutler | rare: scattered. Scottish & English. "maker and seller of knives". |
| Dalgarno | Very rare: Dublin etc. Scottish, from placename Dalgarnock. SS. |
| Dalglish | rare: E Ulster. Scottish, from place in Selkirk. |
| Dallas | Quite numerous: N Ulster. Scottish, from barony of Dallas in Moray. |
| Dalzell | numerous: Belfast, N Down. Scottish, 17 cent. From a barony in Lanarkshire. |
| Dandy | rare: English & Scottish, pet form of Andrew. DBS. |
| Darragh | fairly numerous: N E Ulster with a few in Midlands. Ir. Mac Darach from the earlier Mac Dubhdarach (black man of the oak). A name associated with Antrim, it has been anglicised Oakes. Some Ulster Darraghs may derive from the Scottish Darroch which has various origins according to Black. SI,MIF & SS. |
| Davey | numerous: Belfast area, Dublin, Sligo etc. English and Scottish in the east but in Connacht, they are a branch of the Burkes, Mac Dáibhidh, originally seated in Galway. |
| David | rare: Dublin, Cork, Wexford. English or Welsh. As a first name it became popular from the patron saint of Wales and the Scottish kings. See the various derivatives. |
| Davidson | Very numerous: E Ulster etc. A Scottish clan known as Clann Dàidh, they came to Ireland in 17 cent. They also occur as Davison and Davie. SI & SS. |
| Davock | Very rare: Connacht. Ir. Mac Dabhóc, (dim. of David). A branch of the Burkes, with synonyms MacCavock and MacCooke. Not to be confused with Scottish Doig which relates to St Cadoc, according to Reaney. MIF & DBS. |
| Dempster | fairly numerous: E Ulster. Scottish and Manx. Means a judge. SI. |
| Dewar | Very rare: Antrim. Scottish, from Scots Gaelic deoradh, pilgrim, custodian of relic. SS. |
| Dick | Quite numerous: Antrim-Down etc. Scottish, 17 cent. The pet name for Richard has produced a number of surnames beginning with Dick- or Dix-. |
| Dickey | fairly numerous: E Ulster, Fermanagh etc. Scottish. SS. |
| Dickinson | Quite numerous: E Ulster etc. English or Scottish. |
| Dinsmore | fairly numerous: E Ulster, Derry, Donegal. Scottish, 17 cent. SS. |
| Doak | fairly numerous: E Ulster etc. Ir. Mac Dabhóc. This name relates to the Burkes of Connacht, so the people in Antrim and Down are more likely to be of Scottish origin where the name usually appears as Doig. SGG & SS. |
| Dobbin | numerous in Ulster; mod.nos. in Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford. Ir. Doibín. English 14 cent in the south; Scottish in Ulster. Dobb was pet form of Robert.MIF. |
| Dobson | fairly numerous: Ulster generally; scattered in the south. English or Scottish. |
| Doig | rare: Antrim etc. A Scottish name, earlier appearing as Dog and associated with St Cadoc, it is more usually Doak in Ireland. This latter is also Mac Dabhóc. q.v. |
| Donald | numerous: Ulster. A major name of Gaelic Scotland derived from the Celtic Dumno-valos meaning "world-ruler". Ir. Mac Domhnaill. See MacDonald. |
| Doone | rare: Belfast. Ir. Ó Dubháin (SGG & SGA). There is also a Scottish Doune. SS. |
| Dougal | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scottish. See MacDougall |
| Douglas | numerous: Ulster & E Leinster. Scottish, a notable and numerous name there. It has become common as a first name, e.g. Dubhglas de Híde, co-founder of Conradh na Gaeilge and first President of Ireland. From Scots Gaelic "dark stream" - placename. |
| Dow | rare: Belfast. Scottish, a synonym of Dove. Also may relate to dubh, black. |
| Dowie | Quite numerous: Belfast area. Ir. Mac Giolla Dhubhaigh. (SGA). Primarily a Scottish name. |
| Down | Quite numerous: Cork etc. Ir. Ó Draighneáin. A variant of Drennan associated with Cork. The name also exists in Scotland, which may account for Drinnan in Ulster. |
| Dripps | fairly rare: S Derry-Tyrone. Scottish, placename in Lanarkshire. |
| Drummond | fairly numerous: E Ulster etc. Ir. Ó Droma. MacLysaght considers it a synonym of Drum in W Ulster, but the frequency in Antrim suggests a Scottish origin.MIF. |
| Dryden | Very rare: Antrim, Down. Scottish. SS. |
| Drysdale | Quite numerous: Belfast, Down. Scottish. SS. |
| Duffus | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish, from a placename in Moray. SS. |
| Dugan | Quite numerous: E Ulster. A Scottish name cognate with Dougan and Duggan, q.v. |
| Duggan | Very numerous: Munster, Connacht, Ulster. The E Ulster Duggans may be of Scottish origin, to some extent. Ir. Ó Dubhagáin, dim. of dubh, black or dark. IF & SGG. |
| Dunbar | numerous: Ulster, S E Leinster. Scottish, early 17 cent. |
| Duncan | numerous: Ulster, N Connacht. Scottish, also sometimes used for Donegan. The Scots name is cognate with Donnchadh meaning "brown lord, warrior". |
| Dundas | Quite numerous: Fermanagh etc. Scottish. Woulfe reports Ir. Ó Nása in the spoken language in W Galway. In Scotland, it is an ancient and notable family. SS. |
| Dundee | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Scottish, from the city of Dundee. |
| Dunlop | numerous: E Ulster etc. Scottish, from Dunlop in Ayrshire. |
| Dunning | Quite numerous: around Athlone, Belfast. English & Scottish. Also a synonym of Downing and Downey. Woulfe considers it an anglicisation of Ó Duinnín. SI & SGG. |
| Dunseath | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Recorded in Tyrone in 1664, it is presumably Scottish. |
| Dunsire | rare: Antrim. Scottish, from a placename in Lanarkshire. |
| Dunsmore | rare: Down. Scottish. Black says that some members moved to Antrim early in 17 cent and thence to Derry. More numerous as Dinsmore, q.v. |
| Dunwoody | Quite numerous: Down etc. Scottish, occurring as Dinwoodie etc. there. SS. |
| Duthie | Very rare: Antrim. Scottish: from Scots Gaelic Dubhthaich, cognate with Duffy. |
| Dykes | fairly rare: Derry etc. English & Scottish. SS. |
| Dysart | fairly rare: N Antrim, Coleraine. Scottish toponymic from Gaelic word díseart meaning a hermitage. SS. |
| Eadie | Quite numerous: E Ulster, Dublin, Cork etc. Ir. Mac Adaim. Usually Scottish or English and synonym of Addie, which see also. SS, SGA. |
| Eagleson | Quite numerous: Down-Antrim. Probably Scottish. |
| Eakin | numerous: mainly Ulster. Ir. Ó hAodhagáin (Aogáin). Generally a Scottish name and cognate with Aiken, q.v. |
| Eason | Very rare: Dublin, Ulster. Scottish synonym of Adamson, also an anglicisation of Mac Aodha. SI. |
| Eccles | fairly numerous: E Ulster and scattered. Scottish and English - there are three such placenames in England and two in Scotland. |
| Eddie | Very rare: Ulster. Scottish or English. |
| Edgar | numerous: E Ulster etc. Scottish. An O.E. personal name long current in Scotland. SS. It occurs as Eagar in Ireland. SS & DBS. |
| Eglinton | fairly rare: Dublin, Limerick. Scottish, from placename. |
| Elder | numerous: Antrim, Derry etc. The name occurs in Scotland and England. It appears in modern times in Ireland. |
| Elliot | Very numerous: Ulster, N Leinster, Dublin etc. Scottish & English, derived from OE Aelfweald, "elf-ruler". Associated with the Plantation of Ulster. SI & DBS. |
| Englishby | rare: Midlands etc. MacLysaght gives it as a pseudo-translation of Mac an Gallóglaigh, gallóglach being a galloglass or mercenary soldier, usually from Scotland. The basic name has even been changed to Ingoldsby as well as the "normal" anglicisation Gallogly. In Ulster, the name English is generally of this derivation. SI &MIF. |
| Entrican | Very rare: Ulster. Scottish name is Enterkin from a place in Dumfriesshire. SS. |
| Erskine | numerous: E Ulster etc. Ir. Arascain. Scottish, from place in Renfrewshire. |
| Esdale | Quite numerous: Belfast etc. Scottish, usually Easdale. SS. |
| Ewart | numerous: Belfast and around L Neagh. Scottish from Galloway - in Ulster 17 cent. |
| Ewing | numerous: Belfast & Ulster generally. Scottish, 17 cent. It is sometimes a synonym of MacEwen, which is cognate with Ir. Eoghan "born of the yew". MIF & GPN. |
| Fadden | fairly rare: Mayo etc. usually occurs as MacFadden, q.v. Ir. Mac Pháidín i.e. diminutive of Patrick. This name exists also in Scotland. MIF. |
| Fails | Very rare: E Ulster. Scottish. |
| Fairbairn | rare: E Ulster. Scottish. SS. |
| Fairley | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scottish, from Fairly, Ayrshire. |
| Falconer | numerous: Tyrone-Derry etc. English & Scottish from the practice of hawking but also an anglicisation of Ir. Ó Fachtna (personal name meaning hostile). There are variants: Falkiner, Faulkner. SI. |
| Farquar | Quite numerous: N Antrim etc. Scottish, branch of Clan MacIntosh. The Scots Gaelic, as the Irish, is Mac Fearchair, Celtic - "very dear one". The corresponding Irish name appears as Carraher & Farragher, q.v. |
| Fergus | Quite numerous: Connacht, E Ulster & Louth. Ir. Ó Fearghuis (man-vigour). This names two septs in Connacht and Scots in Ulster. Fergus was an ancient first name current amongst both Gaels and Picts in Scotland. As Ferris, the name is common in Ulster and also occurs in Kerry. MIF & SS. |
| Ferguson | Very numerous: Ulster & N Connacht. Ir. Mac Fearghusa. Scottish in Ulster and a synonym of Fergus in Connacht.MIF. |
| Ferris | numerous: Belfast, Down, Louth, Kerry etc. In Ulster: Scottish Mac Feargusa; in Munster a branch of the Moriartys: Ó Fearghuis.MIF. |
| Fettes | rare: E Ulster. Scottish. |
| Fillis | rare: Derry. Perhaps variant of Scots Fildes. |
| Findlater | rare: Dublin, Down. Scottish, from placename in Banffshire. |
| Finlay | Very numerous: Ulster, Louth-Meath etc. Scottish, a branch of Clan Farquharson, also used for Ó Fionnghalaigh (Fennelly) in Midlands. |
| Finney | Quite numerous: Antrim-Derry, Midlands. Ir. Ó Fiannaidhe (Fiannaí). The name is also Scottish, accounting for many of those in Ulster. See also Feeney. |
| Finnis | rare: Derry. Probably Scottish - Black gives Finnieson. SS. |
| Firth | Quite numerous: Belfast, Down, Dublin. Scottish. SS. |
| Fisher | numerous: Derry-N Antrim, Down etc. English & Scottish occupational name; sometimes anglicisation of Scots Mac an Iascair. |
| Fittis | rare: Belfast area. Scottish, variant of Fettes. |
| Flack | Quite numerous:Down, Monaghan etc. Scottish, see Fleck. |
| Fleck | fairly numerous: Antrim etc. Scottish, possibly from Affleck, a place in Angus. SS. |
| Fletcher | numerous: Ulster etc. This is an English name meaning "arrow-maker". The name was current in Scotland by 14 cent and gaelicised Mac an Fhleastair. It appears it came to Ulster in both forms in 17 cent. SS. |
| Forbes | numerous: Belfast area, Tyrone, Ulster generally, Cork. A Scottish family who settled in Longford in 1620 - the name in Ulster is generally Scottish. It is also an anglicisation of Mac Firbhisigh (man of prosperity), a family of poets and historians attached to the Uí Fiachrach (Mayo-Sligo). They compiled the Book of Lecan in 1417. IF & SGG. |
| Fordyce | rare: Belfast. Scottish, placename in Banffshire. SS. |
| Forgie | Very rare: Limavady. Scottish, a placename near Montrose. SS. |
| Forgrave | rare: Antrim. A variant of Scots Fairgrieve. SS. |
| Forker | rare: Armagh. Variant of Scottish Farquhar, q.v. |
| Forrest | fairly numerous: Cork, Derry-Tyrone etc. Scottish & English. Gaelicised Foiréis. Also occurs as Frost. |
| Forsythe | numerous: Antrim, Down and general. Scots Gael. Ó Fearsíthe (man of peace) but generally from Scottish placename. |
| Foulis | rare: Belfast. Scottish, placename. SS. |
| Fraser | numerous: Belfast, Down, Dublin. Ir. Friseal. A prominent Scottish clan whose chief was called Mac Shimidh, hence Mac Kimmie. Woulfe considers they were Normans originating in Friesland and first called Frisell when they appear in Scottish records in 12 cent. Also as Frazer & Frizell. SS & SGG. |
| Freeborn | rare: Donegal etc. The name is both Scottish and English. Also Freebairn, which indicates a "free (inheriting) child". More commonly Freeburn. DBS & SS. |
| Freeburn | Quite numerous: Down etc. Scottish. |
| Freeland | fairly rare: Belfast area. Scottish. SS. |
| French | numerous: E Ulster, Wexford, Waterford etc. Ir. Frínseach. One of the "Tribes of Galway" and long connected with Roscommon. Scottish & English, denoting French origin. IF. |
| Frew | Quite numerous: Antrim and Ulster generally. Scottish, from a place-name. SS. |
| Frizzell | fairly numerous: Belfast, Down, Armagh etc. Ir. Friseal. This name was amongst the Anglo-Normans who settled in Munster 13 cent but here it is generally of Scottish origin, being synonymous with Fraser, q.v. MIF & SGG. |
| Fullerton | numerous: Down, Antrim, Derry, Donegal. A branch of Scottish Clan Stewart of Bute. See also MacCloy. SI & SS. |
| Fulton | numerous: Derry-Tyrone-Fermanagh. Scottish name, common in Ulster since 17 cent. |
| Fyfe | fairly numerous: Antrim, Tyrone etc. Scottish, from name of county. Also an anglicisation of Ó Fiaich in Fermanagh. See also Fee. |
| Fyvie | Very rare: Down etc. Scottish, from placename in Aberdeenshire. See also Fivey. |
| Galbraith | numerous: Ulster and scattered. Ir. Mac an Bhreatnaigh (son of the Briton). A Briton (or Welshman) who settled amongst the Gaels in Scotland. They came to Ireland in the Plantation of Ulster c. 1609. SI. |
| Gallery | Quite numerous: Down-Armagh, Clare. Ir. Mac Giolla Riabhaigh, (striped servant). Other versions: MacAreavy, MacIlreavey etc. The name was common in Scotland where it was anglicised MacIlwraith.MIF, SGG & SS. |
| Gallick | rare: Derry City. Possibly Scots Gaelic Gallaich (foreigners) referring to non-Gaels who settled in the Gaeltacht. SS. |
| Galloway | fairly numerous: Antrim, Down and scattered in the South. Ir. de Gaillidhe, (Gaillí). The name is clearly derived from Galloway in Scotland but has been in Ireland since 13 cent, and may have connections with Galway, (q.v.) as the name usually appears in this form in the south. Scots Gaelic for the area: Gallghallaibh. IF. |
| Gardiner | numerous: all areas, especially Antrim and Down. Ir. Gairnéir. The variant Garner is rare. The name arises in both England and Scotland, but has been in Ireland since 13 cent. SGG. |
| Garrioch | rare: Dublin. Scottish, from placename in Aberdeenshire. SS. |
| Gass | rare: Belfast. A synonym of Gash; or possibly Scottish from placename in Galloway. |
| Gaston | fairly numerous: Antrim etc. English and Scottish, 17 cent. SI. |
| Gault | numerous: Antrim and Ulster generally. Ir. Gallda, an adjectival name meaning foreign or anglicised native, the original surname having been dropped. This name is also Scottish with similar derivation. SI & SS. |
| Gavin | numerous: S Leinster, N Munster, Mayo. Ir. Ó Gábháin, Ó Gáibhín. There were septs in W Cork and Mayo. They are now in all provinces. This name is both first name and surname in Scotland.MIF & SGG. |
| Gaw | Quite numerous: Belfast, Down. Ir. Mag Ádhaimh (Adam). In Scotland this name usually stands for Gall, but MacGaw and Mac Caw were synonymous with MacAdam. SI & SS. |
| Gawley | Quite numerous: Belfast area, Connacht. Ir. Mag Amhlaoibh. From Norse Olaf. A sept of Fermanagh related to the Maguires. See MacAuley. The Scottish clan Macauley probably accounts for many Gawleys in Ulster. IF. |
| Geddis | numerous: Belfast, Down etc. Scottish, from placename in Nairn. |
| Gelston | fairly rare: Down etc. Perhaps a Scottish toponymic. |
| George | numerous: Belfast area, Tyrone etc. Ir. Seóirse. Scottish, 17 cent. |
| German | Quite numerous: scattered. Ir. Gearmán. English or Scottish, probably from the Norman name Germund. SS. |
| Getgood | rare: Belfast. Scottish. SS. |
| Getty | fairly numerous: Antrim, Belfast etc. Ir. Mag Eitigh, eiteach as a noun means refusal but as an adjective means winged. However the name Getty is generally an abbreviation of the Scots Dalgetty which is a toponymic related to Aberdeenshire. SI & SS. |
| Ghee | rare: Midlands. Ir. Mag Aoidh. A Scottish form of Magee (Ghie). SS. |
| Gibbs | Quite numerous: E Ulster etc. Usually Scottish, dim. of first name Gilbert and cognate with Gibson. They were a branch of the Buchanans. Ir. Gib. SI. |
| Gibson | Very numerous: all areas especially E Ulster, which underlines their Scottish origin. The name, of course, is current in England and many Gibsons in the south derive from there. Gibb is a diminutive of Gilbert. Ir. Mac Gib. MIF. |
| Giffen | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Mag Dhuibhfinn (dark Finn). The name was current in Ulster in 17 cent. This name also exists in England & Scotland. See MacGiffin. SI & DBS. |
| Gifford | rare: Down. Scottish, of Norman origin. The common French name Giffard means "chubby". Dauzat. |
| Gilbert | numerous: Belfast, Down, S E Leinster, Munster. Ir. Gilbeirt. English, in Leinster since mediaeval times, but probably Scottish in the north. Gilbert was an old English personal name also popular in Scotland. SI, DBS, SS. |
| Gilboy | rare: Galway-Mayo. Ir. Ó Giolla Bhuí (yellow servant). Originally of Donegal, it is confused with Scottish Ogilvie which is a toponymic. See Gilloway. MIF. |
| Gilchrist | numerous: Ulster generally, partic. Down, also Sligo-Leitrim. Ir. Mac Giolla Chríost (servant of Christ). A sept of N Connacht but Scottish in Ulster.MIF. |
| Gilfillan | Quite numerous: Derry, Down etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Fhaoláin. For derivation see Phelan. In this case the name is primarily Scottish, being synonymous with MacClelland, a widespread name both in Ulster and Scotland. This name also applied to a sept of Uí Fiachrach (Sligo) but is now very rare. SI & SGG. |
| Gilkinson | Quite numerous: Tyrone. Ir. Mag Uilcín, a dimin. of Ulick, itself a dimin. of William. It may also be a variant of Scottish Gilchristson which occurs in Ulster as Gilkeson. This Scots name is an anglicisation of the Gaelic Mac Giolla Chríost. SGG & SS. |
| Gillanders | Quite numerous: Ulster etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Andréis (devotee of St Andrew). This name has been associated with Rathlin Island. It is surely Scottish. SGG & SS. |
| Gilleese | Quite numerous: Fermanagh, Monaghan, Meath. Ir. Mac Giolla Íosa (devotee of Jesus). A sept of Derry, also a Scottish name. See Gillis, MacAleese, MacLeish. SI & SGG. |
| Gillespie | Very numerous: Ulster, Connacht, Midlands. Ir. Mac Giolla Easpaig (easpag = bishop). The name is particularly identified with Derry-Donegal. Also exists in Scotland. There are synonyms: Clasby (Galway), Bishop. MIF & SGG. |
| Gillies | Quite numerous: Armagh-Tyrone etc. Scots Gaelic: Giolla Íosa (servant of Jesus). See Gilleece, MacAleese. SS. |
| Gilliland | numerous: Belfast area, Down. Scottish, variant of MacClelland, q.v. |
| Gilmore | Very numerous: Ulster, particularly Antrim-Down, also Galway etc. Ir. (1) Mac Giolla Mhir (swift servant) in Connacht. (2) Mac Giolla Mhuire (devotee of Blessed Virgin Mary) in Ulster. The latter applies to Scottish Gilmour which no doubt accounts for some of the Ulster names. Minor synonyms: Gilmer, Gilmor, Gillmor. MIF & SGG. |
| Gilmour | numerous: N Antrim, Down etc. Scottish, associated with Galloway which was largely Gaelic-speaking in 12 cent. See Gilmore. |
| Girvan | numerous: E Ulster. Scottish toponymic.MIF. |
| Givan | fairly numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mag Dhuibhín, Dhuibhfhinn (dubh, dark). It is also a Scottish name which may apply to many Givens in Ulster. Also as MacKevin and MacAvin.MIF. |
| Glasgow | fairly numerous: Ulster(Tyrone etc), scattered in the South. A variant of MacCloskey in Tyrone, also, obviously, a Scottish toponymic.MIF. |
| Glass | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Glas (grey or green). There is also a Scottish name of the same derivation, which must account many in Ulster. SI & SS. |
| Glencross | rare: Belfast. Variant of Scottish Glencorse. SS. |
| Glendinning | fairly numerous: E Tyrone-E Derry-N Antrim. Scottish, early 17 cent. Derived from a place-name in Galloway. SS. |
| Glenfield | rare: Belfast area. Scottish. |
| Glenholmes | rare: N Antrim etc. Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Glenn | numerous: Ulster, particularly Derry-Donegal. One of the rare Irish toponymics: a' Ghleanna (of the glen). However, it is also Scottish, being a toponymic there as well. Some of the Glenns of Ulster are no doubt of Scots descent. |
| Glennie | fairly rare: Down etc. Ir. a' Ghleanna. As Glenn. Current in Scotland. |
| Gordon | Very numerous: all provinces, mainly E Ulster. Ir. de Górdún. This well-known Scottish name first appeared in 12 cent on the Border as "de Gordun". They came to Ireland in the plantation of the 17 cent. The name is an anglicisation of Mag Mhuirneacháin & Mórbhoirneach in Connacht, which may account for its presence there. SGG. |
| Goudie | rare: Belfast, Antrim. Scottish, colloquial form Goldie, dimin. of Gold. SS. |
| Gourlay | numerous: E Ulster, Donegal. Ir. Mag Thoirdealbhaigh, from the personal name Toirdealbhach which means either "Thor-like" or "instigator". See also Turley. There is also a Scottish name which may well be represented in Ulster. SGG, SS & GPN. |
| Govan | rare: Belfast, Dublin. Scottish. SS. |
| Gow | rare: Belfast, Down. Ir. Gabha (smith). This name is both Irish and Scottish with the same derivation. Distribution in Ulster suggests Scots origin - Irish Gows are now usually Smith. See Gowan. |
| Grahame | Very numerous: Ulster mainly, also Leinster. Scottish, 17 cent. They were an Anglo-Norman family who settled in Scotland in 12 cent. However, in Connacht it is likely to be an anglicisation of Ó Gréacháin, which occurs as Grehan and Greham. SI & SGG. |
| Grant | numerous: Ulster, Dublin, The South-East, Connacht. Ir. Grant, Mag Raighne. A leading Scottish name of Norman origin, cognate with French grand, large, tall. However it has occurred in mediaeval records long before the advent of Scottish settlers in 17 cent. The name has been used for MacGranny, Granny (Mag Raighne) in Ulster. MIF. |
| Grassick | rare: Kildare etc. Ir. Gréasaí (shoe-maker). This name is from Scots Gaelic Greusaich, which originally meant decorator. SS. |
| Grattan | Quite numerous: Down etc. Ir. Mag Reachtain. Woulfe says this is a corruption of Mac Neachtain, which is Scottish. MacGrattan, being also found in Down, would seem to confirm this. However, the Grattans of Dublin (of whom Henry Grattan, the statesman) were a noted family in 17 cent, and bear an English toponymic. SI, IF & DBS. |
| Gray | Very numerous: Ulster generally, Leinster, Connacht. Ir. de Grae; Mac Cathail Riabhaigh, the latter in Midlands and Connacht. The name is mainly of Scottish origin. Of these, no doubt, Betsy Grey, the heroine of 1798. IF. |
| Greene | Very numerous: all provinces. Ir. de Graoin. It also stands for a number of Irish names: Mac Grianna, Ó hUaithne, Ó hUaithnín, Mac Glaisín, Ó Grianáin. It is also, of course, English and Scottish, which may account for many of the Greenes in Ulster and Dublin. |
| Greenlees | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Scottish, from a place in Lanarkshire. |
| Greer | Very numerous: Ulster etc. Ir. Mac Grioghair, equivalent to the Scottish MacGregor. In Ulster 17 cent. Also as Grier and Grierson. MIF. |
| Gregg | numerous: Ulster and scattered. English and Scottish, 17 cent. Short form of Gregory. |
| Greig | fairly rare: Belfast area. Scottish version of Gregg. The ancestor of Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg (1843-1907), was from Scotland. SS. |
| Grundy | rare: Dublin. Said to be variant of Gundry, from O.E. name Gundred. Found in both England and Scotland. DOS & SS. |
| Gunne | fairly numerous: Fermanagh-Cavan-Monaghan etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Gunna; Mac Giolla Dhuinn. Either "gun gillie" or "brown attendant". A sept of Fermanagh. It is also a Scottish name of Norse origin. Still exists as MacElgunn. SI & SS. |
| Gurney | fairly rare: Ulster. English and Scottish. DBS & SS. |
| Guthrie | fairly numerous: mainly E Ulster, Clare. A Scottish name in Ulster but used as an anglicisation of Ó Lathaigh in Clare. In Irish, lathach means mud, slime, described by the Anglo-Irish word "guttery". Perhaps to get away from this connection, the Clare Laheys became honorary Scots! The irony is that Ó Lathaigh is itself a corruption of Ó Fhlaithimh meaning "prince". SI & SGG. |
| Hackney | rare: E Ulster. English. Probably from placename in Middlesex, but the name also exists in Scotland. DBS & SS. |
| Hadden | fairly numerous: E Ulster and scattered. Ir. Ó hAidín (SGA). English or Scottish in Ulster, it can also be an anglicisation of Ó h-Éidín; see Headon. SI & SGG. |
| Hague | fairly rare: Ulster and scattered. A prominent Scottish name from the Border country. Also synonym of MacCague, MacCaig, q.v. |
| Haire | fairly numerous: E Ulster. A Scottish name but also possibly a version of Hare, ie. O'Hare, q.v. |
| Hamilton | Very numerous: throughout Ulster, extending into Leinster and Connacht. An important Scottish name which came in the Plantation of Ulster, 17 cent. The town of Manorhamilton in Leitrim is indicative of their extensive holdings. The name sometimes stands for Hamill, q.v. The gaelicised version is Hamaltún. SI & IF. |
| Hance | Very rare: Belfast etc. Scottish, an abbreviated form of Machans, itself from MacAngus. |
| Hannah | Very numerous: Ulster and Louth. Ir. Ó h-Annaidh. This is also a Scots Gaelic name and no doubt many Ulster Hannas originated in the 17 cent settlements. MIF & SS. |
| Harbinson | numerous: E Ulster. Scottish, as Harbison. From personal name Herbert. |
| Harbison | Quite numerous: N E Ulster, Dublin. Ir. Mac Hoirbín. Scottish, as Herbertson. SS. |
| Harkness | numerous: E Ulster etc. A south of Scotland name. SS. |
| Hastle | Very rare: Fermanagh etc. The name occurs in Scotland, but rarely. |
| Hayburn | rare: Antrim etc. This name exists in Scotland but is rare. |
| Heathrick | rare: Armagh-Monaghan etc. Scottish, as Heatherwick. SS. |
| Hectors | rare: Belfast. Scottish. SS. |
| Heddles | rare: Antrim. Scottish. SS. |
| Heggie | Very rare: Dublin. Scottish, abbreviation of MacKeggie (Gael. Mac Adhaimh). SS. |
| Helme | Very rare: Dublin. English or Scottish. DBS & SS. |
| Hemphill | Quite numerous: Antrim-Derry-Tyrone etc. Scottish, 17 cent. Associated with Offaly. SI. |
| Henderson | Very numerous: all parts especially Ulster, least in Munster. Mainly Scottish and N English (son of Henry). Usually appearing 18 cent. Ir. Mac Éinrí, Mac Aindréis. ASG. |
| Hendry | rare: Ulster etc. Scottish, from first name Henry. SS. |
| Henning | fairly numerous: Down-Antrim. Scottish or English. SI & SS. |
| Hepburn | fairly rare: Derry-Tyrone etc. A well-known Scottish family of E Lothian which also occurs in Ulster as Heyburn. SI. |
| Herbison | Quite numerous: Antrim. Scottish. |
| Herd | rare: Antrim. Scottish. SS. |
| Heyburn | fairly rare: Belfast area. Scottish, see Hepburn. |
| Hilley | rare: Donegal. Ir. Ó h-Ithcheallaigh, from fithcheallach, chess-player, according to Woulfe who located it in N Kerry. However, in Ulster, it may well be Scottish. |
| Hillocks | fairly rare: scattered in Ulster. Scottish. SS. |
| Hilton | fairly rare: Antrim, Belfast, Dublin. Both English and Scottish, coming in the Plantation of Ulster, 1609. SI. |
| Holmes | Very numerous: all provinces especially Ulster. According to MacLysacht, it is not usually of English origin. There are Scottish Holmes in Ulster, derived from Mac Thómais (Gaelic). However, the widespread distribution, without any obvious native synonym, leaves the matter in question. This name is common in England. SI. |
| Hopper | Quite numerous: Belfast area, Dublin etc. English or Scottish, "dancer". DOS & SS. |
| Hourie | Very rare: Dublin. A Scottish name from Orkney. SS. |
| Houston | Very numerous: Ulster generally and Dublin. Scottish, from barony of Houston in Lanarkshire. SS. |
| Howie | Quite numerous: Ulster etc. Scottish. SS. |
| Huey | Quite numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Ó h-Eochaidh. See Hoey. MacLysacht points out that this is also a settler name derived from Hugh, so could be of Scottish or English origin. SI. |
| Humes | numerous: Ulster generally, scattered in south. Scottish from barony of Home in Berwickshire; also English, from holly or holm-oak. DOS. |
| Hunter | Very numerous: mainly Ulster, also Dublin & Cork. Scottish and English, 17 cent. |
| Huntley | Very rare: Belfast area. English and Scottish. |
| Hutcheson | fairly rare: Belfast etc. Scottish & English, Hutch + son. |
| Hutchings | rare: Antrim etc. English or Scottish, derived from Hutch. |
| Hutchinson | Very numerous: all areas, particularly Ulster. Ir. Mac Úistín. This name may be of Scottish or English origin. Derived as others from Hutch = Hugh. |
| Imrie | Very rare: Down. English & Scottish, from Teutonic first name Amalric. Synonyms include Amery and Embury. DBS. |
| Ingram | fairly numerous: Antrim-Down, Dublin etc. Scottish & English, present in Limerick 17 cent. SI & SS. |
| Innes | rare: Belfast area. Ir. Mac Aonghuis, Scots form of Guinness, q.v. SI. |
| Irons | fairly rare: Antrim, Belfast area. Scottish, from Angus. SS. |
| Irvine | Very numerous: Antrim, Belfast, Ulster generally, Dublin etc. Scottish, 17 cent in Ulster. An Sloinnteoir Gaeilge gives Ó h-Eireamhóin as Irish version. In Scotland the name is usually Irving, a toponymic. SI & SS. |
| Isdell | Very rare: Dublin, Midlands. A name of Scottish origin - Eisdale, a toponymic. SS. |
| Ivory | Quite numerous: Dublin & South East etc. English, 17 cent, associated with Wexford. The name occurs in Scotland, deriving from Scots Gaelic Iamharach, but does not seem to have transferred to Ireland. MIF. |
| Jack | Quite numerous: Ulster, Dublin. English or Scottish, usually from pet name for John. SI. |
| Jaffrey | rare: Down. Scottish, see Jeffrey. |
| Jamieson | numerous: E Ulster. Scottish, 18 cent. Ir. Mac Séamais. |
| Jardin | rare: E Ulster. Scottish, 17 cent, "of the garden". SS. |
| Jelly | Quite numerous: Down-Armagh etc. Scottish. SS. |
| Jess | numerous: Belfast etc. Occurs in Scotland but rare. |
| Johnson | numerous: all areas: English & Scottish; also anglicisation of Mac Seáin (MacShane) who were a branch of the O'Neills. |
| Johnston | Very numerous: all areas, especially Ulster, corresponding to its prevalence in Scotland. This is a case where a landlord gave his name (John) to a place in Dumfriesshire. SS. |
| Keddy | rare: Dublin. Scottish. SS. |
| Keir | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Keith | Quite numerous: Ulster etc. Scottish, 17 cent. |
| Keller | Quite numerous: Dublin and scattered. Probably an abbreviation of Kelleher, although it could be Scottish or German. |
| Kells | fairly numerous: Ulster, Louth-Meath. Probably Scottish toponymic. |
| Kelso | numerous: E Ulster etc. Scottish, 17 cent. Place on the Border. |
| Kemmy | rare: Kildare, Limerick etc. Scots Gaelic: Mac Shimidh (son of Simon). Also as Mac Kemmie in Scotland. SS. |
| Kemp | Quite numerous: E Ulster, Dublin etc. English, in Ireland since 14 cent. It occurs in Scotland also and is said to mean "warrior" or "athlete". SS & DBS. |
| Kenmore | Very rare: Down. Presumably Scottish. |
| Kenmuir | rare: Down etc. Evidently Scottish. |
| Kennedy | vv numerous: all areas. Ir. Ó Cinnéide (helmeted head). A leading sept of Dál gCais who settled in Tipperary. There were other families in Galway and Wicklow and a notable group in Galloway, Scotland, whence many of the Ulster Kennedys. US President Kennedy's ancestors were from Wexford but belonged to the Dál gCais. IF & SGG. |
| Kennoway | rare: Antrim etc. Scottish, from place in Fife. SS. |
| Kerr | Very numerous: all areas, but mainly Ulster and N Leinster. Ir. Mac Giolla Cheara, Ceara is the name of more than one woman saint. However, it is mainly a Scottish name from the Border, where Carr is a synonym, as it is in Ireland. MIF. |
| Killen | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Coilin, from the Scots Gaelic first name Cailean which gives the popular Colin, much used by the Campbells. A family of galloglasses employed by the O'Donnells in 16 cent. See also Mac Callion.MIF. |
| Killops | fairly rare: Belfast area. Ir. Mac Fhilip (son of Philip). Related to the Scottish MacDonalds. Also as MacKillop. MIF. |
| Killough | fairly rare: Antrim etc. Scottish, 17 cent. A toponymic from Ayrshire.MIF. |
| Kincaid | Quite numerous: Ulster, Midlands. Scottish, 17 cent. MIF & SS. |
| Kinder | rare: Belfast area. English & Scottish. |
| Kindness | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish, from Aberdeen. SS. |
| Kingan | rare: Down etc. This name has existed in Scotland which seems the likely origin. |
| Kinley | Quite numerous: Belfast, Down. Scots Gaelic Mac Fhionnlaoich. See MacKinley. |
| Kinlock | rare: Ulster etc. Scottish, ceann an locha, head of the lake. Also rarely, Ir. Mac Conlocha (lake-hound). SGA. |
| Kinmonth | Very rare: Dublin. Scottish, from placename in Fife. SS. |
| Kinnaird | fairly rare: E Ulster. Scottish, from placename in Perthshire. SS. |
| Kinnear | Quite numerous: Ulster etc. Scottish toponymic from place in Fife but, in the South, Mac an Fhir (son of the man). SS & SGG. |
| Kinnen | rare: Antrim-Down. Probably Scottish MacKinnon, q.v. |
| Kinney | Quite numerous: Antrim-Down. Scots Gaelic Mac Coinnigh. Maclysaght notes an Irish sept of this name in Tyrone-Fermanagh, but now difficult to distinguish from Mac Cionaoith. |
| Kirke | numerous: E Ulster, Louth etc. A name from N England and S Scotland: "at the church". In Munster it may stand for Quirke. SI & DOS. |
| Kirkland | Quite numerous: Down, Armagh etc. Scottish & English. |
| Kirkpatrick | numerous: E Ulster. Scottish, 17 cent. A branch of the Colquhouns. MIF. |
| Kissick | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scots Gaelic Mac Iosaig (son of Isaac). See MacKissick. SS. |
| Kitchen | Quite numerous: Down etc. Ir. Mac Úistín. Of Scottish origin, relating to Hutchin a diminutive of Hugh. Also as MacQuestion, Houston, MacCutcheon. Another possibility is the English name Kitchen, "worker in the kitchen". SI & DOS. |
| Kitson | Quite numerous: Ulster, Clare-Limerick etc. Scottish and English "son of Kitt" (Christopher). In Clare, it is an anglicisation of Ó Ceit, Mac Ceit. From old first name Ceat, "enduring, old". See Kett. SI. |
| Knight | fairly numerous: all areas, especially N Munster and Connacht. Ir. Mac an Ridire(See Fitzsimons). In Ulster, it is Scottish Mac Neachtain, usually appearing as MacKnight. MIF. |
| Knox | numerous: E Ulster and the South East etc. Scottish, 17 cent. Place in Renfrew, Knock. |
| Kyles | numerous: Ulster generally. Scottish toponymic, presumably from Gaelic caol, narrow water. Settlers in Derry 17 cent. However, SGA gives Mac Shuile. MIF & SS. |
| Laidlaw | Very rare: Dublin etc. A name from the Scottish Border. SS. |
| Laing | fairly rare: Antrim, N Connacht. Scottish, "tall man". |
| Laird | numerous: Ulster generally etc. Scottish, modern settlement. |
| Lamberton | rare: Derry etc. Scottish, from barony of Lamberton in Berwickshire. SS. |
| Lammie | fairly rare: Belfast area etc. Scottish, diminutive of Lamb. SS. |
| Lamont | numerous: Ulster generally, N Leinster. Ir. Mac Laghmainn. A Scottish family of Argyle, said to be descended from the O'Neills. The name is of Norse origin. |
| Lang | Quite numerous: Belfast, Galway, Sligo etc. Ir. Ó Lainn from Ó Flainn. However, the name is usually Scottish, associated with Clan Leslie. SI & SGG. |
| Langland | Very rare: Antrim etc. Scottish, from Peebles. SS. |
| Lapsley | rare: Antrim etc. Scottish. SS. |
| Latta | rare: Derry, Antrim, Wexford. Scottish, from Dumbarton. SS. |
| Lauder | fairly rare: Belfast, Dublin. Scottish toponymic from Berwickshire. Also the Irish agnomen láidir (strong), which is said to occur occasionally in the South. SI & SGG. |
| Laughlin | fairly numerous: Belfast, Antrim etc. Ir. Lochlainn (Scandinavia). Perhaps for Mac Lochlainn from Norse first name Lachlan in Scotland. See O'Loughlin. |
| Laurie | rare: scattered. Scottish, pet name for Lawrence. |
| Lawrenson | rare: Belfast etc. Scottish & English. DBS. |
| Lawther | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scottish, see Lauder. |
| Leask | Very rare: Dublin etc. Scottish, from Aberdeen. |
| Leckey | numerous: Ulster generally. Scottish, 17 cent, related to the MacGregors. |
| Ledbetter | rare: Dublin etc. Scottish occupational name. |
| Ledgerwood | fairly rare: Scottish, from place-name in Berwickshire. SS. |
| Lees | Quite numerous: Tyrone-Derry etc; Tipperary-Cork etc. Ir. Mac an Leagha, son of physician. Modern: Mac an Lia. Also Scottish from Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Íosa. |
| Leetch | fairly rare: E Ulster. Scottish version of old English Leech (physician). also Leitch. |
| Leiper | Very rare: Down etc. Scottish, see Leeper. |
| Leitch | fairly numerous: E Ulster etc. Scottish form of Leech, q.v. |
| Leith | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Scottish, from place (the port of Edinburgh). |
| Lendrum | rare: Belfast etc. Scottish, 17 cent, from Aberdeen. |
| Lennox | numerous: E Ulster etc. Scottish, from Galloway. SS |
| Lenny | rare: Belfast area. Scottish. SS. |
| Leslie | numerous: mainly Ulster. Scottish toponymic, 17 cent in Ulster. Lately used as first name. SI. |
| Lewers | rare: Belfast etc. Possibly Scottish from Leuchars. SS. |
| Lewis | numerous: all areas but mainly Ulster. Ir. Lobhaois. This name is Welsh, Scottish and English. From Teutonic first name Hlúdwig (loud battle). They first appeared as Anglo-Normans who settled in various places but the name is mainly related to the Plantation of Ulster in 17 cent. SGG & DBS. |
| Liggett | fairly numerous: Ulster generally. A Scottish name derived from the title "legate". |
| Lilley | Quite numerous: Ulster, Cork etc. Ir. Mac Ailghile. A group related to Maguire Fermanagh. MacLysaght believes that most Lilleys are of this stock, though some may be Scottish as the name does occur there. MIF. |
| Lindores | rare: Belfast-Down. Scottish, from place-name in Fife. SS. |
| Lindsay | numerous: Ulster generally, Sligo etc. Scottish. A leading family of Scotland, of Norman and English origin. Sometimes an anglicisation of Ó Loingsigh (Lynch). SS. |
| Lismore | rare: Belfast-Armagh. Possibly Scottish from the isle of Lismore, otherwise English place-name Loosmoor. DOS. |
| Lister | rare: Belfast etc. Ir. Mac Alastair, Scots Mac an Leastair (Fletcher); English "dyer". |
| Littlewood | rare: Down-Belfast etc. From many English place-names, also some Scots ones. |
| Livingstone | numerous: mainly Ulster. (majority with -e). This is primarily a Scottish toponymic from W Lothian. Also stands for Mac Dhoinnshléibhín (SGA). SI. |
| Lochhead | Very rare: Down. Scottish, head of loch (lake), so a synonym of Kinloch, q.v. |
| Lockhart | numerous: Ulster generally, Dublin etc. Scottish, from first name of Normans who settled in Scotland in 12 cent. SS. |
| Logan | Very numerous: all areas, especially Ulster. Ir. Ó Leocháin, a sept of W Meath at the Invasion, they were dispersed through Connacht. Ulster Logans are part indigenous, part Scottish and the Normans added de Logan to the Ulster scene in 12 cent. MIF. |
| Lorimer | fairly numerous: Antrim, Belfast etc. Scottish, 17 cent. The name signifies a maker of horseman's equipment. SS. |
| Louden | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Cailín (SGA). Scottish toponymic from Ayrshire. |
| Lough | Quite numerous: Antrim-Tyrone-Derry, Galway-Roscommon etc. Scots Gaelic Loch, Ir. Mac Conlocha (SGA). Generally a Scottish toponymic: in Ulster 17 cent, but likely to be indigenous in Connacht. SI & SGG. |
| Loughead | rare: Belfast etc. Scottish, see Kinloch. |
| Lovett | Quite numerous: all areas, but mainly Kerry. Ir. Luibhéid, Mac Lomhaid (Scots). In Kerry it may be the French name Louvet (wolf-cub). |
| Lowey | rare: Belfast area. This name occurs in Scotland. |
| Lowry | numerous: E Ulster, Midlands, Connacht. Ir. Ó Labhradha (Labhraí). An Sloinnteoir Gaeilge also gives Mac Labhraí. For derivation see Lavery. The name is also Scottish which may account for many in Ulster. SI & IF. |
| Luke | Quite numerous: E Ulster etc. Scottish & English. SS & DBS. |
| Lumsden | Quite numerous: Dublin, Belfast etc. Scottish & English. |
| Lyall | fairly numerous: E Ulster, Derry, Donegal etc. Ir. Ó Laoighill (SGG), however the name is generally of Scottish origin (17 cent) and was spelled de Lisle in 13 cent, so it was clearly Norman then. MacLysaght says that it occurred amongst the Huguenots who settled in Belfast in 18 cent. Lyall is also an English diminutive of Lyon. SI & SS. |
| Lynas | fairly numerous: Belfast, Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Fhionnáin, given by An Sloinnteoir Gaeilge, similar to the Scots Gaelic, Mac Giolla Fhinnéin which was current in Ireland in early times. See also Mac Aleenan. SGG. |
| Lyon | Very rare: Belfast. A Scottish name of Norman origin. SS. |
| Maben | rare: Ulster generally: Scottish from Galloway. Black thinks it may be an original British name, which would be remarkable. SS. |
| Maben | rare: Ulster. Scottish from Galloway. Perhaps an original British name. SS. |
| Mac Ara | Very rare: Belfast. Scots Gael. ara, charioteer. A name associated with the Mac Gregors. |
| MacAdam | numerous: Ulster and Louth etc. Ir. Mac Adaim, Mac Ádhaimh (early). More general as Adams. The Barrys of Cork adopted the patronymic Mac Adaim at one stage. In Armagh it may be a corruption of Mac Cadáin (Mac Cadden). The name is common in Scotland, derivation in all cases "son of Adam". MIF. |
| MacAfee | numerous: Antrim. Ir. Mac Dhuibhshíthe "dark man of peace". A Scots Gaelic name; in Ireland 17 cent. It is less numerous but well-known as Mahaffey.MIF. |
| MacAldin | Very rare: Armagh etc. Ir. Mac Ailín (SGA). The latter were a galloglass family related to the Scottish Campbells. However, MacLysacht was not able to determine the origin of this name. See also Mac Caldin. SI. |
| MacAleese | numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Íosa (servant of Jesus). A sept of Derry where they are still represented. Found as Mac Leish in Scotland. SGG. |
| MacAllen | fairly rare: Antrim, Cork etc. Ir. Mac Ailín, perhaps from early first name Aillén. This name is usually identified with galloglasses related to the Scottish Campbells who came to Ireland in the service of the O'Donnells in 16 cent. SI. |
| MacAllister | numerous: Ulster generally, especially Antrim, also Midlands, Mayo etc. The Irish is Mac Alasdair, Alasdar being a gaelicisation of Alexander, a very popular first name in Scotland whence they came as galloglasses in 14 & 15 cent. |
| MacAlpine | fairly numerous: Belfast, Down etc. Ir. Mac Ailpín, MacLysaght says that the personal name Ailpean may derive from alp a lump - signifying a strong stout man. This is a Scottish name of note, associated with Kenneth Mac Alpine, 9 cent ancestor of the Scottish kings. At that time Scottish and Irish were synonymous terms. |
| MacAndrew | numerous: mainly Mayo, Donegal. Ir. Mac Aindriú. A patronymic assumed by the Barretts of Mayo. This name is also in Scotland.MIF. |
| Macarter | fairly numerous: Derry-Donegal, Down etc. Ir. Mac Artúir. Scottish, chiefs of Dunstaffnage in Argyle. Usually Mac Arthur, q.v. |
| MacArthur | fairly numerous: Antrim-Derry etc. Ir. Mac Artúir. A Scottish clan in Argyle. The name also appears as Carter and Mac Carter. See also Arthur. |
| MacAskie | rare: Tyrone. Ir. Mac Ascaidh, from Norse first name. See also Mac Caskie. A Scottish name from Galloway. SS. |
| MacAskill | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Ascaill, from a Norse first name. The name is Scottish and they were known as Clann t-Ascaill there. SS. |
| MacAteer | numerous: Ulster generally, etc. Ir. Mac an t-Saoir, "son of the craftsman". The corresponding Scottish name is Mac Intyre, also widespread in Ulster. MIF. |
| MacBain | rare: Tyrone-Derry etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Bháin (fair servant). |
| MacBarron | fairly rare: Fermanagh-Cavan etc. Ir. Mac an Bharúin (son of the baron). A name from the Scottish Highlands. SS. |
| MacBean | Very rare: Belfast. Scots Gaelic Mac Bheathain, son of Beathan. |
| MacBeth | fairly rare: Ulster generally. Scots Gaelic Mac Beatha, properly a first name meaning a religious person, one of the elect. They were a traditional medical family. SI & SS. |
| MacBirney | rare: Armagh. Ir. Mac Biorna, Scots with name of Norse origin. Relatively recent in Ulster. |
| MacBlain | rare: Down. Ir. Mac Maoláin (SGA); Scots Mac Giolla Bláan (SS). |
| MacBriar | Quite numerous: Down etc. Ir. Mac Bráthar. The name is Scottish from Galloway. SS. |
| MacBride | Very numerous: Belfast, Derry, Donegal & Ulster generally, also South East etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Bhrighde, devotee of St Brigid. An ecclesiastical family of Donegal and the name is current in Scotland whence some at least of the Ulster Mac Brides. IF. |
| MacBroom | fairly rare: Belfast-Down. A Scots name thought by Black to be synonymous with Mac Brayne, which is Mac an Bhreithiúin (son of the judge). SS. |
| MacBurney | numerous: E Ulster. Ir. Mac Biorna, Scottish from a Norse name and in Ireland 19 cent. See also Mac Birney. |
| MacCaige | fairly rare: Antrim etc. Scottish version of Mac Thaidhg. See Mac Cague. |
| MacCain | rare: Tyrone. Scots Gaelic Mac Eáin, from Ardnamurchan. Eáin = John. |
| MacCaldin | Very rare: Down. Ir. Mac Ailín. Scottish galloglass 15 cent. See also Mac Aldin. |
| MacCallan | fairly numerous: Ulster, especially Tyrone. Ir. Mac Cailín, perhaps from Scots first name Cailean. They were a galloglass family, 15 cent, with the O'Donnells. See also Mac Callion. |
| MacCalmont | Quite numerous: Antrim. Ir Mac Calmáin, from first name Colmán, little dove. A Scottish name related to the Buchanans, in Ireland 17 cent. SI. |
| MacCambridge | fairly numerous: Belfast-Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Ambróis (son of Ambrose). A Scottish name from Kintyre. SS. |
| MacCamley | Quite numerous: Belfast-Down etc. Ir. Mac Camlaoich, (bent warrior). This appears to be a Scottish name but MacLysaght cites it as a synonym of Mac Auley, q.v. SS & SI. |
| MacCammick | rare: Down-Armagh. ? Scots Gaelic Mac Thamaidh, dimin. of Thomas. |
| MacCammond | fairly numerous: E Ulster: Ir. Mac Ámoinn, from Norse first name. May be of Scottish origin, but long associated with Down. SI, SS & SGG. |
| MacCargo | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish from Galloway. Mac Cargow is current. SS. |
| MacCarrison | rare: Down etc. Mac Corsain: Scottish from Galloway. See also Carson. SS. |
| MacCartney | numerous: Belfast, Mid-Ulster,Derry-N Antrim, Louth-Monaghan etc. Ir. Mac Cartaine, a branch of Scottish Clan Mackintosh and cognate with Mac Carton, q.v. Present in Ulster since 17 cent.MIF. |
| MacCaughtry | rare: Down etc. A Scottish name from Galloway. An early version was Mac Uchtraigh, derivation not clear. Also as Mac Aughtry. SS. |
| MacCausland | numerous: E Ulster, Tyrone-Donegal etc. Ir. Mac Caisealáin (SGA), from caiseal, a stone fort. However, this name is also Scottish and Black quotes one Absolon of the Buchanan country as origin. Macauslan was long associated with Dumbarton. SS. |
| MacCavitt | Very rare: Clare. Variant of Mac Kevitt, q.v. numerous: Belfast-Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Ádhaimh (son of Adam). An early Gaelic form of Adam which predates the introduction of the name by the Normans. It was also current in Scotland. See Mac Adam, Adams. |
| MacCay | fairly numerous. Derry, Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Aodha. First name Aodh = fire. Also a Scottish name of many settlers in Ulster. SGG & SS. |
| MacChesney | Quite numerous: Belfast area etc. Scottish from Galloway, probably from Anglo-Norman Chesnai, oak grove: see Chaney. SS & SI. |
| MacChrystal | rare: Derry. Ir. Mac Criostail. A Scots name derived from Christopher and appearing in 17 cent. MIF. |
| MacClarin | rare: Belfast area. Ir. Mac Labhrainn (son of Lawrence). Scottish. SS. |
| MacClatchey | Quite numerous: Belfast area, Armagh etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Eidich, a Scots name associated with Galloway. SS. |
| MacCleane | Very numerous: Ulster generally, Dublin etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Eáin, devotee of St John. In Ireland as galloglasses 16 cent. MIF. |
| MacCleave | Quite numerous: Belfast-Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Fhlaithimh, flaitheamh, a prince. This name may be of Scottish origin. See also Mac Clave. |
| MacClelland | numerous: Ulster generally etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Fhaoláin, Faolán is an early first name meaning "little wolf". They were a sept of Uí Fiachrach (Sligo) but modern Mac Clellands seem to be of Scottish origin from Galloway.MIF. |
| MacClements | numerous: Down-Antrim-Derry etc. Ir. Mac Laghmainn, a Scottish name related to Clan Lamont. Mac Lamond in Scotland. SS. |
| MacCleod | Very rare: Belfast area. Ir. Mac Leoid (SGA). Scottish from Western Isles 16 cent. See also Mac Leod and Mac Cloud. The name derives from a Norse first name. SGG. |
| MacClintock | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Giolla Fhionntóg, devotee of Finntóg, perhaps Fintan. A Scottish name which came to Donegal from Argyle 16 cent. SS, SGG. |
| MacClinton | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Fhionntáin, devotee of St Fintan. Scottish, as Mac Clintock. There is confusion with Clinton, q.v. |
| MacCloughrey | rare: Longford etc. Ir. Mac Clochaire (stone-worker). MacLysaght assigns the name to Galway and thinks those of Longford may be descended from Scots who came to Donegal 17 cent. Mac Cloghry is rare in Scotland and is not noticed by Black in his Surnames of Scotland. MIF & SS. |
| MacCloy | numerous: Antrim-Derry etc. Ir. Mac Dhoinnshléibhe (SGA) but also Scots Gaelic Mac Lughaidh of Bute & Arran. SI & SS. |
| MacCluggage | fairly rare: Antrim etc. Mac Lúcáis (son of Luke). Scottish from Argyle. |
| MacClumpha | Very rare: Belfast area. Scottish from Galloway. Mac Giolla Iomchadha. There was a St Iomchadh associated with the Ards in Down. GPN & SS. |
| MacClune | Quite numerous: Belfast-Down etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Eoin. Generally Scottish and synonymous with Mac Lean, q.v. |
| MacClung | Quite numerous: Ulster generally. Mac Luinge "ship's son", a sailor. Scottish. SS. |
| MacClure | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Giolla Uidhir, "servant of Odhar" rather than "grey servant". The name is found in Ireland and Scotland. |
| MacClurg | fairly numerous: Down-Armagh etc. Scots Gaelic Mac an Chléirich (son of the clerk). Ir. Mac Luirg is given by Woulfe and SGA but MacLysaght does not favour it. |
| MacCombe | numerous: Ulster generally etc. Mac Thóm, from first name Tom. A Scottish name. See Mac Comish and Mac Combs. |
| MacComish | Quite numerous: Belfast area, Dublin etc. Mac Thomais, (son of Thomas). A Scottish name with various synonyms. SS. |
| MacConachie | rare: Antrim. Ir. Mac Dhonnchaidh, Donnchadh, brown lord. Scottish: Clann Donnchaidh is the old title of the Robertson clan. SS. |
| MacCook | Quite numerous: N Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Dhabhoc (SGA). Diminutive of David and usually of Scottish origin, but see also Mac Cuaig. SS. |
| MacCord | numerous: E Ulster etc. Ir. Mac Cuairt, in Oriel but Mac Cord is Scottish from Galloway, still the same basic name of which the derivation is not certain. SI & SS. |
| MacCorkell | Quite numerous: Derry-Tyrone-Donegal. Ir. Mac Thorcaill (son of Thorcall, a Norse name). Scottish, related to Clann Gunn of Argyle. SI. |
| MacCorkingdale | Very rare: Ballymena (Antrim). Scots Gaelic Mac Thorcadaill, from Norse name Thorketill,"Thor's kettle". A fuller version of Mac Corkell. SS. |
| MacCormick | Very numerous: E Ulster, less so elsewhere. Otherwise as Mac Cormack. Mac Lysaght considers many of the Ulster people to be of Scottish origin. |
| MacCormill | rare: Monaghan, Antrim etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Gormaile. Perhaps from first name Gormghiolla, dark lad. SS. |
| MacCorran | rare: Down etc. Ir. Mac Corráin, Mac Giolla Odhráin. Compare Curran & Horan. The name may be Irish or Scottish. SS. |
| MacCorvie | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish from Kintyre. Scots Gaelic: Mac Fhearghuis. SS. |
| MacCosh | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Mac Coise, (courier or footman). May be Irish or Scottish: it is Mac Cuis in the Western Isles. See also Mac Quish and Quish. |
| MacCotter | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Oitir, from Norse first name Ottar. Primarily Scottish as the name is always Cotter in the south and Irish is Mac Coitir. |
| MacCoubrey | fairly numerous: Down etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Cuithbreith (Cuthbert). SS. |
| MacCowan | rare: Antrim, Kerry etc.Ir. Mac Comhdhain. There is a Scottish connection but it is in any case a synonym of Mac Cone, q.v. MIF. |
| MacCoy | numerous: all areas, especially E Ulster, W Limerick, Louth. Ir. Mac Aodha, from first name Aodh, fire. They were Scots galloglasses in Ulster and the W Limerick branch came from Ulster 16 cent. Synonyms: Mac Kay, Mac Kee, Mac Hugh. |
| MacCracken | numerous: Ulster generally etc. Ir. Mac Reachtain, Ulster variant of Mac Neachtain, which is also of Scottish origin. See also Mac Naughton and Grattan. |
| MacCrae | rare: Belfast etc. Mac Craith, Mac Raith, rath, prosperity. Scottish, Black says it is a personal name, not a patronymic. More usual as Mac Crea, q.v. |
| MacCrea | numerous: Ulster generally, Wexford etc. Ir. Mac Raith, Mac Craith from rath, bounty, prosperity. Scottish, but cognate with Irish Mac Grath, Magrath. |
| MacCready | numerous: Down-Antrim-Derry-Donegal etc. Ir. Mac Riada, an ecclesiastical family of Donegal. Also in Scotland. |
| MacCreight | Quite numerous: Down-Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Creacht (SGA). Scottish from Galloway. |
| MacCrindle | Very rare: Belfast etc. Ir. Mac Ránaill (Randal). A Scottish name from Galloway. |
| MacCrink | fairly rare: Armagh-Down etc. Mac Fhrainc (SGA) "son of Frank", this name exists in Scotland though not mentioned by Black. |
| MacCrisken | rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Cristin (SGA). "son of Christian". Scottish from Galloway. |
| MacCrone | rare: scattered in Ulster. Ir. Mac Cróin, Crón, a first name meaning swarthy. Scottish from Galloway. SS. |
| MacCrubb | rare: Antrim. Scots Gaelic Mac Rob (son of Robert). From Argyle. SS. |
| MacCrum | fairly numerous: Down etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Cruim, crom, bent, stooped. A Scottish name associated with Islay. |
| MacCrystal | fairly numerous: Tyrone-Derry-Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Criostail. Scottish from first name Christopher. See Mac Chrystal. |
| MacCuaig | rare: Rathlin Is. etc. Ir. Mac Dhubhaigh, dubhach, dark, melancholy. A Scottish name from Islay. SS. |
| MacCubbin | rare: Fermanagh etc. Ir. Mac Giobúin (son of Gibbon). Scottish from Galloway. |
| MacCullough | Very numerous: Belfast area-Down, Ulster generally, scattered elsewhere. Ir. Mac Cú Uladh (hound of Ulster). The name is current in Scotland and MacLysaght mentions that it might derive from collach, a boar, but it seems more logical that all the names have the same source in Ulster, though many subsequently came as settlers in 17 cent. |
| MacCune | fairly numerous: Down-Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Eoin (John). Synonym of Mac Keon in Ulster, or, Scots Gaelic Mac Eoghain, from Galloway. SI & SS. |
| MacCurdy | numerous: Antrim-Rathlin-Derry etc. Ir. Mac Mhuircheartaigh from first name Muircheartach, good seaman. The name is well-known in Scotland. SI & SS. |
| MacCurley | Quite numerous: Belfast area etc. Ir. Mac Thoirdhealbhaigh (Thor-like). This is generally a Connacht name. It may represent Mac Tharlaich (Scottish). See Curley. |
| MacCutcheon | numerous: Down-Tyone and Ulster generally, scattered in the south. Ir. Mac Úistín, from Hutchin, diminutive of Hugh. Originating in Scotland where they were related to the Mac Donalds. |
| MacDaniel | rare: Belfast, Cavan-Monaghan. Ir. Mac Domhnaill. Thought to be an anglicisation of Scottish Mac Donald. SS. |
| MacDiarmid | Very rare: Derry-Antrim. Scottish from Argyle. Compare Mac Dermott. |
| MacDonagh | Very numerous: all areas, especially Connacht. Ir. Mac Donnchadha from first name Donnchadh, brown warrior. Modern Donncha. A branch of the Mac Dermots in Connacht. There is a Scottish connection as Donncha = Duncan. SGG. |
| MacDonald | Very numerous: all areas, especially Ulster & Leinster. Ir. Mac Domhnaill, son of Domhnall, "world-mighty". A major Scottish clan - see Mac Donnell. |
| MacDonnell | Very numerous: all areas, Ulster generally, Louth-Meath, Mayo etc. Ir. Mac Domhnaill, from first name Domhnall, "world-mighty". One group came from Scotland in 13 cent and became established in the Glens of Antrim; another sept of Thomond (Clare) were connected with the O'Briens. IF. |
| MacDougall | Quite numerous: Belfast area etc. Rare in the south. Ir. Mac Dubhghaill (dark stranger). Scottish form of name. See Mac Dowell which may be Scottish or Irish. MIF. |
| MacDowell | Very numerous: Ulster generally, Louth-Meath etc. Ir. Mac Dubhghaill (dark stranger). The name refers mainly to Scottish settlers, some of whom came from the Western Isles as galloglasses.MIF. |
| MacDuff | rare: Derry. Ir. Mac Duibh, dubh, dark - a dark-haired person or perhaps an abbreviation of some name beginning with dubh. The name did not exist in Mac Beth's time, but it is primarily Scottish. SS. |
| MacEachern | Very rare: Dublin, Down. See Mac Gahern. However Black shows that this name is also Scottish, deriving from Eachthigherna (horse-lord) and is synonymous with Aherne, q.v. |
| MacElhone | Quite numerous: Derry-Tyrone. Ir. Mac Giolla Chomhghain, devotee of St Comhghan. It is also Scottish from Argyle. SI & SS. |
| MacElwaine | fairly rare: scattered in Ulster. This name may be (1) Ir. Mac Giolla Bháin (fair servant; (2) Scottish Mac Giolla Bheathain (devotee of St Beathan). The former was a N Connacht group. MacLysaght thinks that most of the Ulster people are of Scottish origin. |
| MacEwan | Quite numerous: Belfast area, Antrim etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Eoghain. A Scottish name analogous to Mac Cone, Mac Keown. |
| MacFadden | numerous: Ulster generally, Midlands, Sligo etc. Ir. & Scots Mac Pháidín, diminutive of Patrick. Also as Mac Fayden. See Fadden.MIF. |
| MacFall | numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Pháil (Paul). In Scotland as Mac Phail. The Ulster names may well be of Scots origin. See also Mac Faul. |
| MacFarlane | numerous: Antrim-Tyrone etc. Scottish name synonymous with Mac Farland but distinction would now be difficult. They were known as Clan Allan in the Highlands. SS. |
| MacFaul | fairly numerous: Antrim-Derry-Donegal etc. The name may be Scottish or Irish, deriving from Mac Pháil (son of Paul). See also Mac Fall. |
| MacFetridge | fairly numerous: Antrim etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Pheadruis (son of Peter). A name associated with Tiree and Galloway. SS. |
| MacGavin | Very rare: Dublin. Ir. Mac Gábháin, possibly gábhadh, want, need. See also Gavin. The name is in Scotland where it matches MacGowan, q.v. |
| MacGaw | fairly rare: E Ulster etc. Ir. Mac Ádhaimh (Adam). The name is both Irish and Scots; equivalent to Mac Adam. SS. |
| MacGeachin | Very rare: Dublin etc. Seems to be a Scots variant of Mac Gahan, q.v. SS. |
| MacGeoch | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish from Galloway. See Mac Geough. |
| MacGeorge | Very rare: Dublin. Scots Gaelic Mac Deoradha (stranger). SS. |
| MacGibbon | Quite numerous: Antrim-Down etc. Ir. Mac Giobúin, probably from first name Gilbert. Mainly of Scottish origin. Also Mag Fhibín. SS. |
| MacGiffert | Very rare: Down. Probably Scots Gaelic for Norman Gifford, q.v. |
| MacGillivray | rare: Dublin, Down. Ir. Mac Giolla Bhrátha, a Scottish name meaning "servant of Doom", "devotee of the Judgment". A clan from Argyle. SS. |
| MacGleave | Very rare: Belfast. This name occurs in Scotland but may be Ir. Mac Dhoinnshléibhe. |
| MacGraham | Very rare: Dundrum (Down). Perhaps a Scots Gaelic version of the Norman Graham who settled in Scotland in 12 cent. |
| MacGreer | rare: Dublin. Ir. Mac Grioghair. Analogous with Scots Mac Gregor, q.v. |
| MacGregor | numerous: Belfast-Antrim etc. Dublin & Cork. Scots Gaelic Mac Griogair. From first name Gregory. The Mac Gregors enjoy the distinction of being the only clan to have their name abolished by Act of Parliament. But they are still around! SS. |
| MacHaffie | rare: Belfast etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Dhuibhshíthe (dark man of peace). This name is more usual as Mahaffy and Mac Afee, q.v. |
| MacHendry | Very rare: Antrim. Scots Gaelic Mac Eanruig, son of Henry. See also Hendry. |
| Machray | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish from Aberdeen. SS. |
| MacIldoon | rare: Armagh etc. Ir. Mac Mhaoldúin (SGA). Son of Maoldúin, a legendary hero. The name also occurs in Scotland. |
| MacIlhagga | rare: Belfast area: Ir. Mac Giolla Chairge (SI), though Black suggests Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Mochuda. Also as Mac Elhargy and Mac Ilhargy |
| MacIlhatton | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Chatáin, from first name Catán, a saint revered in W Scotland, where the name also occurs. SGG & SS. |
| MacIlheron | rare: Down etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Chiaráin, from first name Ciarán derived from ciar, black or dark. A sept related to the Scottish Mac Donalds. |
| MacIlroy | numerous: Ulster generally, especially Antrim. Ir. Mac Giolla Ruaidh, son of red-haired attendant. The name was widespread in Scotland. |
| MacIlvar | rare: Antrim. Probably Scots Mac Giolla Bhairr, Barr, a first name. SS. |
| MacIlwaine | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Giolla Bháin, son of the fair attendant, youth. A sept of Sligo according to Woulfe; however the Scottish name Mac Giolla Bheathain (devotee of St Beathan) is also extant and may well account for those in Ulster. |
| MacIlwrath | Quite numerous: Down-Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Riabhaigh, son of the striped attendant. Woulfe mentions septs in Sligo & Clare. The various Ulster synonyms : Mac Ilrath, Ilrea, Ilreavy, Ilree, Ilwraith, Ilwrath, may be related to the Scottish name of the same derivation. SGG & SS. |
| MacInnes | rare: Down, Dublin. Ir. Mac Aonghuis. Scottish version of Mac Guinness, q.v. |
| MacIntaggart | rare: Ulster. Ir. Mac an t-Sagairt (son of the priest). Mac Taggart and Taggart are usual in Scotland. |
| MacIntosh | Quite numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac an Taoisigh (son of the chief). A Scottish name which is widespread there. Scots Gaelic: Mac an Toisich. SS. |
| MacIntyre | numerous: Ulster generally, especially Derry. Ir. Mac an t-Saoir, (son of the craftsman). Scottish version of Mac Ateer, q.v. |
| MacIvor | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Íomhair, Íomhar being a Norse first name. Also as Mac Keever. Generally of Scottish origin. MIF. |
| MacKaigue | Quite numerous: Belfast area etc. Ir. Mac Thaidhg. From old first name Tadhg, meaning "poet". Also as Mac Keague and Mac Caig, the latter in Scotland. |
| MacKane | fairly numerous: Ulster generally, especially Antrim-Derry. Ir. Mac Catháin, perhaps "battler". However, MacLysaght considers it a variant of Scottish Mac Iain (Ian = John). SI & SS. |
| MacKay | Very numerous: Ulster, especially Antrim; Dublin etc. Ir. Mac Aodha, from first name Aodh, "fire". Mainly a Scottish name. IF. |
| MacKean | Quite numerous: Donegal-Derry-Antrim etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Eáin or Mac Iain (John). |
| MacKeating | Quite numerous: Down etc. Ir. Mac Céitín (SGA) apparently a gaelicisation of Keating, q.v. but the name is current in Scotland. |
| MacKechnie | rare: scattered in Ulster; Cork. Ir. Mac Eacharna, actually a Scots name, related to the Mac Donalds. |
| MacKeith | rare: scattered in Ulster. Ir. Mac Shíthigh (SGA), from sítheach, peaceful. However, this appears to be Scottish and Black derives it from sitheach, wolf. SS. |
| MacKellar | Very rare: Antrim. Scots Gaelic Mac Ealair (Hilary). From Argyle. SS. |
| MacKellow | Very rare: Dublin. Possibly from Scots Mac Killoch. See Killough. |
| MacKelvey | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Giolla Bhuí (golden lad). A sept of Donegal, but it is also found in Galloway, where, according to Black, it is Scots Gaelic Mac Shealbhaigh, from sealbhach, possessive, grasping. MIF & SS. |
| MacKemey | rare: Letterkenny (Donegal), Belfast. Scots Gaelic Mac Shimidh (Simon). Francis Mac Kemie, American Presbyterian pioneer, was born in Donegal in 1688. SS. |
| MacKendry | numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Éinrí (SGA). A connection with Scots Gaelic Mac Éanruig (Henry) is likely in this location. SI & SS. |
| MacKennan | rare: Belfast area, Antrim. Ir. Mac Fhionnáin, dimin. of Fionn, fair, blond. associated with Oriel (Armagh-Monaghan). Also a possible connection with Scots Gaelic Mac Fhionnghain (fair-born). SI & SS. |
| MacKenzie | numerous: Ulster generally etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Coinnich (Ir. Cainneach, a first name anglicised Canice). A noted Scottish name. SS. |
| MacKessick | Very rare: Antrim. Scots Gaelic Mac Íosaig, from Biblical Isaac. SS. |
| MacKibben | numerous: Down, Belfast area etc. Ir. Mac Fhibín, dimin. of Phillip; but also Mac Giobúin (Scottish), from first name Gilbert. See also Mac Gibbon. |
| MacKillen | fairly numerous: Antrim-Down etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Coilin, from Cailean or Colin, dimin. of Nicholas. Galloglasses from Argyle 15 cent. SI & SS. |
| MacKillop | fairly numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Fhilip (Phillip). A Scottish name, in Ireland 17 cent. Related to the Mac Donalds of Keppoch. Blessed Mary Mac Killop, foundress of the Australian Order of St Joseph, was of Highland Scots descent. |
| MacKimm | Quite numerous: E Ulster, Sligo. Ir. Mac Shim (dimin. of Simon). Scottish, related to the Frasers. SI. |
| MacKinley | numerous: Ulster generally, Louth etc. Ir. Mac Fhionnlaoich (fair warrior). Usually a Scottish name: President MacKinley of USA was of Antrim stock. This name may stand for Mac an Leagha (son of the physician) in some cases.MIF. |
| MacKinney | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Coinnigh, from first name Coinneach (Canice). Scottish in E Ulster (Mac Kenzie) but a native sept existed in W Ulster. |
| MacKinnon | fairly rare: E Ulster. Scots Gaelic Mac Fhionnghain (fair-born). A family connected with Iona. SS. |
| MacKinstry | numerous: Down-Armagh etc. Ir. Mac an Aistrigh, aistreach, a traveller. Seemingly of Scottish origin and associated with Galloway. SI & SS. |
| Mackintosh | fairly rare: Belfast-Down. Ir. Mac an Taoisigh (son of the chief). Scots Gaelic Mac an Toisich. Name of two clans: Inverness & Perthshire. Also as Mac Intosh. SS. |
| MacKinven | Very rare: Belfast area. Scots Gaelic Mac Ionmhuinn (Ir. ionmhain, beloved). According to Black, the Ayrshire Loves fled to Kintyre from persecution as Covenanters in 17 cent and adopted this handsome Gaelic name. SS. |
| MacKirdy | Very rare: Dublin. Scots Mac Muircheartaigh (navigator). Associated with Arran and Bute. See also Mac Curdy. SS. |
| MacKissick | rare: Belfast area. Scots Mac Íosóg (Isaac). Also Mac Kessick, q.v. |
| MacKittrick | fairly numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Shitric from Norse first name Sitric (victory). A name associated with Oriel; also Scottish, Mac Kettrick. MIF. |
| MacKnight | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac an Ridire, ridire, a knight. It may also be Scottish Mac Neachtain, from old first name Neachtan (descendant of the waters). This would account for many in Ulster. SI & GPN. |
| MacLachlan | fairly rare: scattered. Ir. Mac Lachlainn. Scots form of Mac Lochlainn: Mac Loughlin, q.v. |
| Maclagan | Very rare: Clogher (Tyrone). Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Adhagáin, from dimin. of Adhamh, Adam. This name is current in Scotland. SS. |
| MacLardy | Very rare: Newcastle (Down). Ir. Mac Fhlaithbheartaigh, a Scots variant of Mac Clafferty, q.v. |
| MacLaren | Quite numerous: Tyrone-Derry etc. Ir. Mac Labhrainn (Laurence). A Scottish name associated with Argyle. SS. |
| MacLarnon | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Giolla Earnáin, devotee of St Earnán. A sept of Down but also occurring in Scotland.MIF. |
| MacLaverty | mod.nos: Antrim-Belfast. Ir. Mac Fhlaithbheartaigh, "lordly in action". Ulster and Scottish name. Compare O'Flaherty. |
| MacLeane | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Giolla Eáin, -Iain, devotee of St John. A family of galloglasses in Ulster and, of course, a notable Scottish clan. SS. |
| MacLeister | rare: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac an Leastair, properly Scots Gaelic Mac an Fhleasdair, son of the arrow-maker, equivalent to Fletcher. SI & SS. |
| MacLennan | rare: Antrim etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Fhinnéin, devotee of St Finnian, the founder of the monastic school of Moville, Down. The name is generally Scottish in origin. SS. |
| MacLeod | Quite numerous: Down-Antrim etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Leòid, derived from Norse first name Ljòtr, "ugly". Also as Mac Cleod and Mac Cloud. SS. |
| MacLernon | numerous: N Antrim-E Derry-E Tyrone. Ir. Mac Giolla Earnáin, the first name Earnán means, perhaps, "little iron one". A sept of Down but also Scottish which may account for this group. SS. |
| MacLester | rare: N Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Alasdair, a branch of the Scottish Mac Donalds. See Mac Allister. |
| MacLiesh | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Giolla Íosa, Scottish form of Mac Aleese, q.v. |
| MacLintock | Very rare: Belfast, Cork. Ir. Mac Giolla Iontóg (SGA). Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Fhionndaig. A group located in Argyle. See also Mac Clintock. SS. |
| MacLogan | Very rare: Newry (Down). Probably relates to Scots clan Logan (MacLennan). |
| MacLucas | rare: Derry etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Lùcais, from first name Lucas. A Scottish name from Argyle. SS. |
| MacLuckie | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish: According to Black, it is a corruption of Mac Lucas. |
| MacLurg | Very rare: Limavaddy (Derry). Scots Gaelic Mac Luirg; see also Mac Clurg. |
| MacLynn | fairly rare: Down, Sligo-Longford. Ir. Mac Loinn (SGA). More correctly Mac Fhloinn, from first name Flann, ruddy. The name occurs in Scotland. See Mac Glynn. |
| MacMair | Very rare: Bangor (Down). Probably Scottish: the Mair was a royal official there. |
| MacManus | Very numerous: all areas, mainly Ulster. Ir. Mac Maghnuis. The popular first name Mánus derives from Norse and ultimately Latin magnus (great). At least two septs: one related to the Maguires of Fermanagh; the other to the O'Connors of Connacht. In Scotland, the name is connected with the Colquhouns. IF & SS. |
| MacMaster | numerous: mainly E Ulster. Ir. Mac an Mhaighistir, son of the master. They were generally of Scottish origin from Galloway. An indigenous sept, related to the Maguires of Fermanagh, now usually appears as Masterson, q.v. MIF & SS. |
| MacMath | fairly rare: Down etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Mhatha, son of Matthew. A Galloway name. SS. |
| MacMeekin | numerous: Ir. Mac Miadhacháin, miadhach, honourable. Generally of Scottish origin from Galloway. See also Meehan. SS. |
| MacMichael | Quite numerous: Antrim-Derry etc. Ir. Mac Michíl; also Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Mhìcheil. Usually of Scottish origin and associated with the Stewarts. SS. |
| MacMillan | numerous: Antrim-Down, Dublin etc. Ir. Mac Maoláin. The name is primarily Scottish: "son of the bald (or tonsured) one". It relates to the Western Isles and Galloway. |
| MacMinn | numerous: E Ulster. Ir. Mac Minne. Scottish "son of Menzies", itself derived from Norman Meyners. SS. |
| MacMullan | Very numerous: Ulster generally, N Connacht, N Leinster. Ir. Mac Maoláin, a dimin. of maol, bald or tonsured. The name is indigenous but also a variant of the Scottish Mac Millan to which must be attributed many of those in the North East. |
| MacMunn | rare: Dublin, Sligo. Ir. Mac Munna. Black gives Mac Giolla Mhunna as the Scots Gaelic. Woulfe says Munna is Mo-Fhionna, a familiar form of Fionntán. Mac Lysaght considers it Scottish. Perhaps they are all correct. |
| MacMurdo | Very rare: Down. Ir. Mac Muircheartaigh, Mac Murchaidh. Scottish origin and variant of Murdoch, q.v. |
| MacMurray | numerous: E Ulster etc. Ir. Mac Muireadhaigh, (mariner). Mod. Mac Muirí, a sept of Leitrim, but mainly Scottish from Galloway. SS. |
| MacMurtry | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Ir. Mac Muircheartaigh. See Moriarty. This form is usually Scottish and associated with Bute. SS. |
| MacNabb | numerous: Mainly Ulster. Ir. Mac an Abbadh (abbot). A Scottish clan from Glendochart, settled in Ireland 17 cent. It may, sometimes, be indigenous. SI & SS. |
| MacNaghten | rare: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Neachtain. Generally Scottish but see also Naughton. Nechtan is thought to be of Pictish origin and the name is associated with Argyle. |
| MacNair | mod.nos: Antrim etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Iain Uidhir; Mac an Uidhir. From odhar, dun-coloured. However, Woulfe gives Mac an Mhaoir, maor, a steward. This is generally correct for Ireland, where it usually appears as Weir. Mac Lysaght says that Mac Nair is a branch of the Scottish Mac Naughtons. SGG, SI & SS. |
| MacNaughton | Quite numerous: Antrim. Ir. Mac Neachtain. A Scottish name. See Mac Naghten. |
| MacNay | rare: Down etc. Ir. Mac Néidhe, niadh, a champion. Generally Scottish, Clan Mac Gregor, but see also Mac Nee. |
| MacNee | Very rare: Belfast etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Niadh. Variant of Mac Néidhe. A name associated with Argyle and presumably 17 cent in Ulster. See Mac Nay. |
| MacNeill | Very numerous: Ulster generally, especially Antrim. Ir. Mac Néill, from first name Niall. A Scottish galloglass family who settled in Ulster 15 cent. Best known, perhaps, for Eoin Mac Néill, scholar and patriot, 1867-1945. |
| MacNicholl | numerous: Derry and Ulster generally, Dublin. Ir. Mac Niocaill (Nicholas). MacLysaght places it in Tyrone; it also exists in Scotland and Nicholl, without the Mac, is very common in Ulster. |
| MacNiven | Very rare: Belfast area. Scots Gaelic Mac Naoimhín (holy one). This family were located round Loch Awe (Argyle). See also Niven. |
| Maconachie | rare: Down etc. Ir. Mac Dhonnchaidh, from first name Donnchadh, brown lord. Associated with Scottish Clan Robertson of Atholl, Perthshire. SS. |
| MacOstrich | Very rare: Cork. Ir. Mac Osraic. Possibly Scottish and derived from Scots Gaelic òsdair, doorman at monastery. SI & SS. |
| MacOwat | Very rare: Bangor (Down). Ir. Mac Ouat, from first name Wat (Walter). Scottish. SS. |
| MacParland | numerous: Armagh-Down etc. Ir. Mac Parthaláin. Parthalán was a legendary figure but the name is thought to be a gaelicisation of Bartholomew. They were a literary family of Oriel but there is confusion in Ulster with the Scottish Mac Farlanes who share the same basic name. |
| MacPhail | rare: Drogheda (Louth) etc. Ir. Mac Pháil, a Scottish version of Mac Paul. See also Mac Fall. SS. |
| MacPhearson | fairly rare: Dublin etc. Ir. Mac an Phearsúin, son of the parson. Scottish. |
| MacPhedran | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Pheadráin, "little Peter". A Scottish name associated with Loch Fyne, Argyle. |
| MacPhee | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Dhuibhshíth, "dark man of peace" or, perhaps, "dark fairy". A Scots clan of Colonsay, some of whom settled in Antrim 16 cent. See also Mahaffy. SGG. |
| MacPhillips | numerous: Fermanagh-Cavan-Monaghan, Ulster generally, Galway-Mayo. Ir. Mac Philib. May be Scottish in Ulster, but generally owes its origins to Philip MacMahon, who was the coarb of Clones Abbey up until his death in 1486.. |
| MacQuarrie | rare: Belfast area. Ir. Mac Guaire, from first name Guaire, proud. Of Scottish or Manx origin. |
| MacQuay | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Aodha. Scottish variant of Mac Kay, q.v. |
| MacQueen | Quite numerous: Tyrone-Armagh etc. Ir. Mac Shuibhne. A Scottish name corresponding to Mac Sweeney in Ireland. |
| MacQuestion | rare: Antrim etc. Ir. Mac Úistín. Gaelicisation of first name Hutchin, dimin. of Hugh. A Scots name related to the Mac Donalds. See also Mac Cutcheon. |
| MacQuilkin | Quite numerous: Rathlin Is. (Antrim) etc. Ir. Mac Uilcín, diminutive of Uilic (William). A Scottish sept of Kintyre, who settled in Ulster. A similar name exists in Connacht in the form Culkin, q.v. SI. |
| MacRae | rare: Belfast etc. Ir. Mac Raith, "son of grace". Scottish - Black says it is a personal name. Compare this with Mac Grath, i.e. Mac Graith. SS & IF. |
| Macready | rare: Derry-Antrim. Ir. Mac Riada. An erenagh family of Donegal. This name is also in Scotland and associated with Galloway.MIF & SS. |
| MacReynolds | Quite numerous: Derry-Tyrone-Down etc. Ir. Mac Raghnaill. A name of both Irish and Scottish origin. Generally appearing as Reynolds. |
| MacRitchie | rare: Antrim-Down etc. Ir. Mac Risteaird. A Scottish name which arose between Gaedhealtacht and Lowlands and transferred to Ireland. |
| MacRobb | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Rob (for Robert). A Scottish name associated with the Mac Farlanes. |
| MacRoberts | fairly numerous: E Ulster. Ir. Mac Roibeaird. Generally Scottish. |
| MacShannock | Very rare: Antrim-Down. Perhaps Scots Gaelic Mac Seanaich, an abbreviation of Mac Giolla Seanaich. SS. |
| MacSherry | fairly numerous: Armagh-Down etc. Ir. Mac Searraigh. See Mac Sharry. A sept of Oriel (Armagh-Monaghan), distinct from those of Breifne, who appear as Mac Sharry. There was a similiar Scottish name which did not come to Ireland, apparently; also the Mac Sherrys of W Cork, for which see Hodnett. The name also occurs as Sherry, q.v. |
| MacSorley | numerous: Tyrone-Armagh etc. Ir. Mac Somhairle, from Norse "summer-farer". Scottish galloglasses who came to Ireland in 14 cent and formed a powerful sept. In Scotland the name relates to both Mac Donalds and Camerons. MIF. |
| MacSpadden | fairly rare: Down etc.Ir. Mac Spadáin (SGA). A Scottish name. SS. |
| MacSparron | Quite numerous: Derry etc. Ir. Mac an Sparáin, sparán, a purse. MacLysaght says it is Scottish and Black shows that Mac Sporran is well-known there. SI & SS. |
| MacSweeney | numerous: most parts, especially Cork and Munster generally. Ir. Mac Suibhne, from first name Suibhne "well-disposed". The name came from Donegal where they were Scottish galloglasses in 14 cent. Ironically, in Donegal, the name is now Sweeney. |
| MacTavish | Very rare: Belfast area. Ir. Mac Támhais, (Thomas). A Scots name from Argyle. SS. |
| MacTurk | rare: Down etc. Ir. Mac Toirc, from torc, a wild boar. Scottish from Galloway. |
| MacVann | rare: N Connacht. Ir. Mac Bheathan, from first name Beatha, life. Synonymous with Scottish Mac Bean. |
| MacVeigh | numerous: Ulster generally, Sligo etc. Ir. Mac Bheatha, beatha, life. This may also represent the Scottish Mac Beth which was a personal name at first. MIF. |
| MacVicker | fairly numerous: Antrim-Belfast etc. Ir. Mac an Bhiocáire (son of the vicar). This name existed in Oriel (Monaghan), related to the Mac Mahons but the distribution suggests that many are of Scottish origin from Argyle. SI & SS. |
| MacVitty | Quite numerous: Fermanagh etc. Ir. Mac an Bhiataigh, "son of the hospitaler or victualer". A Scottish origin is probable. SGG &MIF. |
| MacWey | rare: Midlands. Ir. Mac Aodha. Scottish variant of Mac Kay. See Mac Coy. |
| MacWha | rare: Down etc. Ir. Mac Aodha. Another Scottish variant of Mac Kay. See Mac Hugh. |
| MacWhinney | fairly rare: Down etc. Ir. Mac Shuibhne (SI) i.e. equivalent of Mac Sweeney, but Black states that it is a Galloway form of Mac Kenzie, Scots Gael. Mac Coinnich. See also Mawhinney. |
| MacWhir | Very rare: Down. Possibly Ir. Mac Uidhir (see Maguire) but this is a Scottish name. |
| MacWhirk | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Coirc (see Quirke). A Scottish variant noted by Black under Mac Quhirk as a Galloway name. |
| MacWhirter | fairly numerous: Antrim-Down. Scots Gaelic Mac Cruitéir (Ir. cruitire, a harper). Scottish from Ayrshire. SS. |
| Magee | Very numerous: Northern Half, especially Ulster. Ir. Mag Aoidh, from first name Aodh, "fire". Note Island Magee in Antrim. In Scotland, the name is Mac Ghie, q.v. IF. |
| Mahaffy | Quite numerous: Belfast area etc. Scots Gaelic Mac Dhuibhshíthe, "dark man of peace". See Mac Afee & Mac Haffie. MIF. |
| Main | rare: Antrim-Down. Ir. Mac Mánuis. See Mac Manus. Also Scottish from Nairn. SS. |
| Mairs | numerous: Antrim etc. Ir. Ó Midhir (Mír). A Connacht name - here more likely Scottish, from Scots Gaelic maor, an official. SS. |
| Maitland | Quite numerous: Belfast area etc. Scottish & English, from mautalent, ill-mannered. |
| Majury | Quite numerous: Down etc. Ir. ? Mac Deoraidh (son of the stranger). Probably a Scottish name - Black mentions Mac Jury (17 cent). |
| Malaugh | Very rare: Sion Mills (Tyrone). Ir. Malach, bushy eyebrows. A name used amongst the Mac Gregors in Scotland. SS. |
| Malcolm | fairly numerous: Belfast area etc. Ir. Ó Maolcholaim, (devotee of St Colm). Irish & Scottish and, of course, a popular first name in Scotland. |
| Malcolmson | fairly numerous: Down etc. Ir. Mac Maolcholaim, son of Malcolm, q.v. Scottish, 17 cent in Ireland. ASG. |
| Malynn | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Ó Maoilfhinn, (fair chief). A name from Monaghan but also Scottish. See also Mallin, Mallon. |
| Manderson | rare: Belfast area etc. Possibly Scottish toponymic Anderston. SS. |
| Mann | fairly numerous: mainly in Ulster, with some in Limerick and Midlands. Woulfe gives Ir. Ó Macháin, but it seems that the Ulster people came from Scotland, deriving from first name Magnus, so they may properly be Mac Mánuis. See also Main. Further this name may be English and was so recorded in mediaeval times. SI. |
| Mansell | fairly rare: Ulster etc. Ir. Móinséil. Scottish, perhaps from Norman-French le Manceau, but also English, settled in Kilkenny in mediaeval times and later connected with Limerick. SGG & SS. |
| Manson | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Scottish, from Orkney & Shetland. Probably an abbreviation of Magnusson. SS. |
| Marcus | Quite numerous: Belfast-Antrim, Dublin. The name is known in Scotland but it is particuarly identified with an eminent Jewish family in Ireland. |
| Marno | rare: Belfast area. Scottish, from Marnock, Aberdeen. SS. |
| Marquess | rare: Antrim-Down. Scottish, ? Scots Gaelic Mac Marcuis, (son of Mark). |
| Marr | rare: Down-Antrim, Dublin. This name may be of English or Scottish origin. SS & DOS. |
| Martin | Very numerous: all areas, especially Ulster. Ir. Mac Máirtín, Ó Máirtín, Mac Giolla Máirtín. The first name Martan was popular in early times due to devotion to St Martin of Tours, so it is partly indigenous. It also derived from English and Scottish settlers. IF. |
| Masterson | numerous: Ulster, Connacht, N Midlands, South East. Ir. Mac an Mháighistir (son of the master). This name represents (1) a sept of Breifne, related to the Maguires. (2) Scottish immigrants in N E Ulster. (3) 16 cent English immigrants in Wexford. See also Mac Master. MIF. |
| Matheson | rare: Down etc. A Scottish name with both Gaelic and Lowland origins. 17 cent in Ireland. SS. |
| Mathewson | rare: Antrim etc. English or Scottish. See Matthewson. |
| Mathieson | rare: Down etc. Scottish, son of Matha (Matthew). |
| Mauchan | Very rare: Newry (Down). Scottish, an old place-nane in Lanarkshire. SS. |
| Maughan | Quite numerous: Mayo-Galway, Donegal-Fermanagh. Ir. Ó Macháin. A sept of Galway, probably connected with Ballyvaughan in Clare. Also occurs as Mohan, q.v. Further, this name may be Scottish and relevant to some in Ulster.MIF. |
| Maule | rare: Belfast area. (1) Scottish, Normans who arrived there 12 cent. (2) English, from diminutive of first name Mary. SS & DBS. |
| Mavitty | rare: Fermanagh etc. Ir. Mac an Bhiadhtaigh (victualer). Seemingly of Scottish origin; see Mac Vitty. The connection with the Border name Beatty is debatable. SGG & SS. |
| Maw | Very rare: Belfast. Probably Scottish and derived from first name Matthew, which is written Matha in Irish. Mac Máighe was adopted as a patronymic by the Condons of E Cork. |
| Mawhinney | numerous: Ulster generally, especially Antrim-Down. Ir. Mac Shuibhne, from first name Suibhne (pleasant), so synonymous with Mac Sweeney. It seems to be a Scottish name from Galloway, where there is some confusion with Mac Kenzie. MIF & SS. |
| Mawhirt | rare: Down etc. Perhaps Scots Gaelic Mac an Chruitire (son of the harper) or, just possibly, Mag Cuirc. See Quirke. |
| Maxwell | numerous: all areas, especially E Ulster. A noted Scottish name, originating at Maccus Wiel (pool) in the River Tweed. The family was identified with Galloway. SS. |
| Maye | numerous: in three northern provinces, especially Connacht, S Midlands & South East. While the name May is both English and Scottish, a substantial proportion of the present population must be indigenous: Ir. Ó Miadhaigh, miadhach, honourable. Originally a sept of W Meath, which appears also as Mee. This name extended into Scotland, where they were associated with the Mac Donalds in Kintyre. MIF & SS. |
| Mayers | fairly rare: Fermanagh etc. A name of Scottish or English origin; it may mean: an official (Scots) or, a physician (English). |
| Meacle | rare: Tullamore (Offaly). Ir. Mac Michil (Conamara). Also, possibly Scots Meikle. SS. |
| Meaklim | rare: Belfast area. Probably a variant of Scottish Meiklam, itself a variant of Macilwham, from Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Thoim (Thomas) or Mac Giolla Chaim (bent). |
| Mearns | Quite numerous: Belfast area etc. Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Meban | rare: Antrim. Scottish, see Maben. |
| Meharg | Quite numerous: Belfast area, Down etc. Ir. Mac Giolla Chairge (SGA). MacLysaght equates it with Mac Ilhagga, q.v. and regards it as Scottish, but Black does not corroborate this. |
| Meikle | rare: Belfast area. Ir. Mac Michil (son of Michael). However, as a Scottish name, this means "big, large", and it seems more appropriate here. ASG & SS. |
| Mein | rare: Tyrone etc. Scottish: possibly Scots Gaelic Mèinn (Menzies) in some cases. SS. |
| Meldrum | Fairly rare: Ulster, Sligo, Cork. Scottish toponymic from Aberdeen. In Ulster 17 cent. SI & SS. |
| Mells | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Maol Íosa. There is a Scottish name Mellis of this derivation. there is also the possiblity of the English Mells (Mills). SS & DOS. |
| Melrose | Very rare: Ulster. A Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Meluish | Very rare: Derry. Variant of Scottish Mellis - see Mells. |
| Melville | Quite numerous: Belfast, Down etc. Scottish, of Norman origin from a place in Normandy. However, the name may stand for Mulvihill and Mulfaal. SS & SI. |
| Menzies | rare: Dublin, Down. Scottish, equivalent to English Manners. Pronounced "Mingis". |
| Methven | rare: Belfast area etc. Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Mewharter | Very rare: Belfast. Scots Gaelic Mac an Chruitire (son of the harper). |
| Mewhort | Very rare: Belfast. Possibly variant of Scottish Mac Watt, q.v. |
| Michael | fairly numerous: Dublin, Antrim and scattered. A very popular first name, it came from England and Scotland as a surname. See Mac Michael. |
| Millan | rare: Antrim etc. Scottish, synonymous with Millane, q.v. |
| Millen | fairly numerous: E Ulster. Scottish, synonymous with Millan and Mullane. ASG gives the Irish as Ó Maoilín. |
| Milne | fairly numerous: Ulster, Midlands etc. Mainly Scottish, "worker at the mill". 17 cent. |
| Minne | Very rare: Belfast area etc. Probably Scottish Mac Minn (son of Menzies). SS. |
| Miskimmin | fairly numerous: Down etc. Probably Scottish : Mac Skimming of Galloway. Miscummons and Misimmin occur very rarely. SS. |
| Mitchell | Very numerous: all areas, most in Ulster, least in Munster. Ir. Mistéil. An English name from first name Michael. Also current in Scotland. 17 cent in Ireland. IF. |
| Moffatt | numerous: Ulster generally, Sligo-Mayo etc. Scottish, from place-name in Dumfries. In Ulster 17 cent. |
| Moir | rare: Down and scattered. Scottish, mòr, big. Associated with Aberdeen. SS. |
| Moncrieff | rare: Belfast area etc. Scottish, from place-name in Perthshire. SS. |
| Monroe | Quite numerous: Belfast-Antrim etc. Scottish, possibly Scots Gaelic Mac an Ròthaich or from place-name Bun Rotha in Derry. MacLysaght says it was adopted by some Mallons and Milroys. SI & SS. |
| Monteith | fairly numerous: Tyrone etc. Scottish, from place in Perthshire. Part of the 17 cent settlement. SI & SS. |
| Montford | Very rare: Antrim. Scottish, of Norman origin. |
| Montgomery | Very numerous: Ulster generally, Dublin. A Norman name, current in Scotland and in Ireland 17 cent. There is a gaelicisation Mac Iomaire, Mac an Iomaire. SI. |
| Moorhead | numerous: E Ulster, Longford-W Meath etc. English, from place in N England. In Ulster, a variant of Scottish Muirhead. |
| Morris | Very numerous: all areas, especially South East, Midlands, Connacht. Ir. Ó Muiris (ASC), Ó Muirghis (SGG). The name is English and Scottish from first name Maurice "like a Moor". Normans, first appearing as de Marisco, they became one of the "Tribes of Galway". The name may also stand for Ó Muirgheasa, usually Morrissy. It is quite common in Ulster with a strong Scottish element. IF. |
| Morrison | Very numerous: all areas,but mainly E Ulster. Ir. Mac Muiris. Scottish and English generally. Muiris is the usual gaelicisation of first name Maurice, and was adopted by as a patronymic by the Prendergasts of Mayo. IF. |
| Mortland | Very rare: Tyrone. Possibly a Scottish toponymic. |
| Mouncey | rare: Belfast area. Scottish & English, from a French place-name, Monceaux. |
| Moutray | rare: Belfast area. Scottish, associated with Edinburgh. SS. |
| Mowat | rare: Down etc. A notable Scottish name. |
| Muir | Quite numerous: Belfast area etc. A Scottish name meaning "moor". SS. |
| Muirhead | rare: Belfast area. Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Munn | Quite numerous: Down etc. Scottish. SS. |
| Munnis | fairly rare: Antrim etc. Scottish: see Menzies. |
| Munroe | Quite numerous: Belfast, Derry, Donegal, Galway. Scots Gaelic Mac an Ròthaich (Ròthach, a place-name?). The tradition that it derived from Bun Rotha in Derry is ingenious but not very plausible. See also Monroe. SGG, DBS, SS. |
| Murdie | rare: Belfast area. Ir. Mac Muircheartaigh. The name exists in Scotland but is rare. See also Mac Murdie and Murdoch. |
| Murdoch | numerous: Antrim-Down-Armagh-Louth etc. Ir. Mac Muircheartaigh (son of the mariner, navigator). A notable Scottish name cognate with Moriarty. See also Mac Murdie and Mac Murdo. SS. |
| Murland | rare: Down etc. Ir. Ó/Mac Murghaláin (sea-valour). Woulfe thinks it may be Scottish; there is also the English name Moreland, q.v.,in the same area. |
| Murray | Very numerous: all areas. Ir. Ó Muireadhaigh, Mac Muireadhaigh. These derive from the popular first name Muireadhach, lord, master. The name extended to Scotland whence many present-day Murrays in Ulster. See also Murrihy. IF. |
| Nairn | fairly rare: Ulster etc. Scottish, from place-name. SS. |
| Neale | fairly rare: Belfast area, Midlands etc. Ir. Mac Néill. According to Reaney, this name Niall, started in Ireland and did a tour of Europe before becoming a regular English name. It is also Scottish in the form Mac Neill. |
| Newburn | rare: Ulster. A Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Nicholson | numerous: all areas, especially Ulster, South East, Galway-Roscommon etc. Ir. Mac Niocaill. This name may be Scottish or English. DOS. |
| Nimick | rare: Belfast, Coleraine. Scottish. |
| Nimmons | fairly rare: Belfast-Antrim. The name is rare in England but it may relate to the widespread Scottish name Nimmo. |
| Nisbet | rare: Belfast area. Scottish, from place in Berwickshire. SS. |
| Niven | rare: Derry-Tyrone etc. Scots Gaelic Naoimhín (little saint). Formerly a first name in Galloway. SS. |
| Norney | Very rare: Belfast. ? Scottish. |
| Norrie | rare: Belfast area. Scottish and still current there. SS. |
| Ó Briain | O'Brien: an-líonmhar ar fad, go h-áirithe sa Chlár agus Luimneach. Shíolraigh an Brianaigh ó Bhrian Bóirmhe, "Imperator Scotorum". Ceann de chlanna móra na h-Éireann a bhí pháirteach i stair na tíre (ní i gcónaí ar an dtaobh cheart) ó Chath Chluain Tarbh go dtí an lá inniu. Ceiltis, Brigonos, uasal. GPN, SGG, IF &MIF. |
| Ó Súilleabháin | O'Sullivan: an-líonmhar (an triú sloinne sa tír). Ceann des na mór-chlanna - craobh d'Eoghanacht Mhumhan a ruaigeadh as Tiobraid Árann san Ionradh (1192) agus a chuir fúthu in iarthar Chorcaí agus deisceart Chiarraí. Bhí Ó S. Mór i nDún Chiaráin, Inbhear Scéine agus Ó S. Bhéara ag Dún Baoi, áit a dtroideadh an cath mí-ádhmhar deireannach i gCogadh na Naoi mBliana 1602. Ach fós bhí arm an phinn acu - Eoghan Rua (1748-84) agus Tadhg Gaelach (1715-95), beirt fhile den scoth a mhair in aois domheanmnach. Fréamh: súil + dubh + án (sin tuairim amháin). IF & SGG. |
| O'Kenney | rare: Cork etc. Ir. Ó Cionaith. Woulfe gives Cionaodh, fire-sprung, but MacLysaght considers it is a borrowed name, perhaps Pictish. As Kenneth, it was and is a popular first name, particularly in Scotland. See also Kenny. IF. |
| Ogilby | Quite numerous: Antrim etc. Scottish, see Ogilvie. |
| Ogilvie | fairly rare: Antrim etc. Scottish from place-name in Angus. A prominent Scottish clan. Also, possibly, an anglicisation of Ó Giolla Bhuidhe. SI & SS. |
| Oliphant | rare: Derry etc. Scottish, of Norman origin. SS. |
| Orchard | rare: Belfast, Down. English, from place-name; also a Scottish synonym for Urquhart. |
| Ormiston | fairly rare: Cavan, Limerick. Scottish: "Orm's farm", places in South of Scotland. SS. |
| Orr | Very numerous: all areas, especially Ulster. Scottish, 17 cent, derived from place-name. |
| Pagan | rare: Down etc. Scottish & English, a name brought by the Normans, meaning "rustic". It occurs more commonly as Payne, q.v. |
| Paine | rare: Dublin, Ulster. English or Scottish. A name derived from Latin paganus (rustic) via French. See Payne. |
| Paisley | Quite numerous: Tyrone etc. Scottish, 17 cent, from the burgh in Renfrewshire. |
| Parke | numerous: mainly Ulster. Scottish, 17 cent. See Parkes. |
| Parker | numerous: all areas, especially Ulster. English & Scottish, "park-keeper". Known in Ireland since the Norman Invasion. Ir. Páircéir. SI. |
| Parkhill | Quite numerous: Derry-Antrim etc. Scottish, from place in Ayrshire. SS. |
| Patience | fairly rare: Belfast area etc. Scottish, probably from first name. |
| Paton | fairly rare: Belfast-Down etc. Scottish, dimin. of Patrick. See Patton. |
| Patrick | fairly numerous: Belfast, Tyrone, Antrim etc. Scottish, associated with Clan Lamont. It may be occasionally Ir. Ó Maolphádraig (devotee of St Patrick). SI. |
| Patterson | Very numerous: all areas, especially Ulster. A common name in Scotland and England, "son of Patrick". In Connacht, it has been substituted for Ó Casáin (casán is Irish for "path", but no connection with the surname). SI. |
| Patton | Very numerous: Ulster, Connacht. Ir. Ó Peatáin (Connacht). They were a branch of Cinéal Eoghain in Donegal but many Pattons in Ulster are of Scottish or English origin. MIF. |
| Paul | numerous: all areas, especially E Ulster, Dublin. The name is both English and Scottish as well as a synonym of Mac Fall: Ir. Mac Phóil. SI. |
| Paxton | rare: N Down etc. Scottish, from place in Berwickshire. |
| Peate | rare: Dublin etc. English & Scottish, dimin. of Peter; perhaps "pet" in some cases. |
| Peattie | rare: Belfast area. Scottish dimin. of Peat. |
| Peden | fairly numerous: Antrim-Down etc. Ir. Mac Páidín. Scottish dimin. of Patrick in earlier period. SS. |
| Penman | rare: Down etc. A name from the Scottish Borders and perhaps original British. SS. |
| Penney | fairly numerous: Ulster, Dublin, Cork, Limerick. English & Scottish nick-name. Known in Ireland 13 cent; later widespread. SI. |
| Penston | rare: Dublin etc. Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Pentland | Quite numerous: N Down-Armagh etc. Scottish, from place in Midlothian. SS. |
| Penton | rare: Belfast. Scottish, place in Dumfriesshire. |
| Petrie | Quite numerous: Belfast, Mayo. Scottish, a diminutive of (1) Patrick (2) Peter. SS. |
| Petticrew | Quite numerous: Down-Armagh etc. Huguenots in 17 cent in Ulster, according to MacLysaght, but the name has been in Scotland since 13 cent and may well account for many of the. Derivation: French petit cru, small growth. SI & SS. |
| Pickens | Quite numerous: Belfast, Antrim etc. Scottish and English. |
| Pinkerton | fairly numerous: Belfast, Derry etc. Scottish toponymic. 17 cent in Ireland. |
| Pirrie | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish, 17 cent. |
| Pitcaithley | rare: Antrim etc. Scottish, from place in Perthshire. SS. |
| Playfair | rare: Belfast area. Scottish or English nick-name. |
| Plenderleith | Very rare: Belfast etc. Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Pollock | numerous: Ulster generally etc. Ir. Polóc. Scottish, 17 cent. A toponymic which appears in various forms. SS. |
| Porteous | rare: Belfast area etc. Scottish, from place-name. In Ireland 16 cent. |
| Porter | Very numerous: all areas, mainly Ulster. Ir. Póirtéir. English & Scottish, from 13 cent onwards. "The door-keeper". Frequent in Irish records. MIF. |
| Porterfield | rare: Tyrone-Armagh etc. Scottish, relating to field allocated to the porter in the mediaeval monasteries. SS. |
| Potter | numerous: Down-Antrim etc; Dublin, Galway etc. English, 13 cent onwards. In Ulster, the name is probably Scottish. MIF. |
| Preshaw | Quite numerous: scattered in Ulster. Probably Scottish. |
| Pressagh | Very rare: Belfast area. Possibly Scottish Pressock. SS. |
| Primrose | rare: Tyrone, Down etc. Scottish, from place in Fife. Thought to be an ancient British name: prenn + rhos, tree of the moor. SS. |
| Pringle | Quite numerous: Dublin, Belfast, Down, E Leinster. Scottish, from place Hopringle in S Scotland. |
| Purdy | Quite numerous: Down and Ulster generally. English & Scottish, 17 cent in Ulster. Black dismisses the derivation Pour Dieu and favours a toponymic. SI & SS. |
| Qua | rare: Armagh etc. Ir. Mac Uaid (SGA). Mac Aoidh (Scottish). In Armagh 1660. See Mac Kay and Mac Quaid. |
| Quee | fairly rare: Down etc. Ir. Mac Aoidh (SGA). The Scottish names Mac Quay and Mac Quie occur in Galloway and may be origin of the. All derive from first name Aodh, meaning "fire". See Mac Kay. |
| Quirey | rare: Belfast area. Probably Scottish but rare there. |
| Rae | fairly rare: Belfast area, Dublin etc. Scottish, a Borders name now widespread in Scotland. See Rea and Ray. SS. |
| Ramage | rare: N Antrim. Scottish, from Peebles. SS. |
| Ramsden | rare: Belfast area. Scottish. SS. |
| Ramsey | numerous: all areas, mainly Ulster. Scottish, 17 cent. SI. |
| Randles | mod.nos: S Kerry etc. Ir. Mac Raghnaill. This equates it with Reynolds but the name is common in England and there may be a number of origins. Randall in Ulster is likely to be Scottish. |
| Rankine | numerous: all areas, mainly Ulster. Scottish, 17 cent. A branch of Mac Clean. |
| Rantin | rare: Armagh-Antrim. Scottish, from Ayrshire. |
| Rattray | rare: Cork etc. Scottish, from place in Perthshire. SS. |
| Ray | Quite numerous: Dublin, Down etc. English, denoting "king" - some confusion with Scottish Rae and Irish Rea, q.v. |
| Rea | (1) numerous: Belfast and E Ulster. Scottish, more usually Rae, associated with the Borders, but MacLysaght says it is sometimes abbreviation of Mac Crea, q.v. (2) fairly numerous: Limerick-Cork-Tipperary, South East. Ir. Ó Riabhaigh, riabhach, striped, brindled. Often pronounced "ray" - see Castlerea. MIF & SI. |
| Reburn | rare: Louth-Monaghan etc. Scottish, from place in Ayrshire. |
| Reddick | fairly rare: Down-Armagh etc. Probably the Scottish toponymic Reddoch |
| Redpath | fairly numerous: Belfast, Down. Scottish toponymic from Berwickshire. |
| Reid | Very numerous: all areas, especially Ulster. Generally English or Scottish, 17 cent in Ulster but the name may stand for Mulderrig and Mulready, q.v. also. |
| Reith | rare: Belfast etc. Scottish, from Aberdeen. SS. |
| Renfrew | rare: Belfast etc. Scottish, from place-name. |
| Rennie | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scottish, dimin. of first name Reynold. SS. |
| Renton | rare: Belfast etc. Scottish toponymic. |
| Reside | rare: Down etc. Scottish, relating to Ayr. |
| Revie | rare: Belfast area. Scottish: abbreviation of Mac Ilreavey, q.v. |
| Reynor | rare: Dublin, Lisburn (Antrim). Raynor is current in Scotland. |
| Ritchie | numerous: Ulster generally, Dublin etc. Scottish, dimin. of Richard. See Mac Ritchie. |
| Robb | numerous: mainly E Ulster, also Donegal. Scottish: also Mac Robb and associated with Clan Mac Farlane. In all cases, a diminutive of Robert. |
| Roberts | numerous: all areas, especially E Ulster. Ir. Mac Roibeaird. English and Scottish, from first name Robert, introduced by the Normans. See Mac Roberts. |
| Robertson | numerous: Dublin and E Ulster. Ir. Mac Roibeaird. Generally Scottish, in Ireland in 17 cent. |
| Rollo | rare: Newtownards (Down) etc. Scottish. Black describes it as a transformation of the Teutonic first name Rudolph. Scandinavian origin. SS. |
| Ronaldson | rare: scattered. Scottish, Mac Ránaill, from Norse first name Raghnall, which became popular amongst the Irish. See Reynolds. |
| Ross | Very numerous: Mainly E Ulster and N Leinster. Ir. Rosach (SGA). Scottish in Ulster, probably English in the south. SI. |
| Rowat | rare: Dublin. Scottish, from first name Rudolph. Associated with Glasgow. SS. |
| Roxborough | rare: Derry-Antrim etc. Scottish, from the town. See Rosborough. |
| Roy | fairly numerous: Befast area, Down, Dublin. (1) Scots Gaelic Mac Giolla Rua, red-haired servant. (2) Abbreviation of Mac Ilroy, q.v. |
| Rules | rare: Belfast. Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Ruske | Quite numerous: Belfast area, Armagh, Monaghan-Louth, South East. Apparently Scottish. |
| Russell | Very numerous: all areas, especially Ulster. Ir. Ruiséil. Scottish and English but introduced by the Normans: French roussel, red-haired. Although recorded at the Invasion, most Russells came in 16 and 17 cents. IF. |
| Rutherdale | rare: Belfast area. Apparently Scottish. |
| Rutherford | numerous: mainly Ulster. An important Scottish family from the Borders; in Ireland from 17 cent. |
| Sage | fairly rare: Down, Clare etc. Ir. Sabhaois. A scattered name analogous with Savage, q.v. Also found in Scotland and possibly meaning wise, learned. SI & SS. |
| Sanders | fairly rare: Antrim, Cork, Limerick etc. Scottish and English: an abbreviation of Alexander. See Saunders. |
| Scott | Very numerous: all areas, especially E Ulster. Primarily a Scottish name: ironically the original meaning was "Irish" and later, Gaelic-speaking Highlanders (who had come from Ireland). The present name appeared in Ireland in 17 cent. Ir. Albanach. SI. |
| Scroggie | rare: Belfast etc. Scottish toponymic. SS. |
| Seaton | Quite numerous: Belfast and E Ulster. A noted Scottish name of Norman origin. SS. |
| Seawright | fairly rare: Belfast and E Ulster. Probably Scottish Sievewright. |
| Semple | numerous: Ulster generally, Dublin. A Scottish name meaning either "simple" or "St Paul". The name occurs in England where it is definitely St Paul. DBS. |
| Service | Quite numerous: E Ulster. English or Scottish, meaning either "service" or "ale-seller". |
| Shanks | numerous: Belfast area, Down etc. English and Scottish, 17 cent in Ulster. It is of course a nick-name "legs", extra long ones, no doubt. DOS. |
| Shaw | Very numerous: all areas, especially E Ulster and Midlands. Scots Gaelic Sídeach ? (wolf). The Lowland Scots and English name Shaw refers to a "copse, thicket". Both would be represented in Ulster where they came in 17 cent. SI & IF. |
| Sheehan | Very numerous: all areas, especially Munster.Ir. Ó Síodhcháin, sítheach, peaceful. However, the Old Irish sídeach means "wolf" and the Scottish Highland Shaws derive from it, so Sheehan may not be entirely non-violent. See also Sheahan. SI & IF. |
| Sheehy | numerous: all areas, especially Munster. Ir. Mac Síthigh (possibly sídeach, wolf). See Sheehan. Originally galloglasses from Scotland, they settled in Limerick in 16 cent, though they are still found in Tyrone. IF. |
| Shirlow | Quite numerous: Lisburn (Antrim), Coleraine (Derry) etc. A Scottish version of Shirley. |
| Shirra | rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Séartha. However, it may well be Scots Gaelic siorra, a sheriff. |
| Sibbett | rare: Antrim etc. A variant of Sibbald, a Scottish name of Norman origin. SS. |
| Silver | rare: Cork, N Connacht. This name occurs in both England and Scotland. It is usually of the occupational type, e.g. silversmith. |
| Simmington | rare: Dublin. Scottish toponymic. |
| Simpson | Very numerous: Mainly Ulster, also Waterford, Offaly etc. Ir. Mac Shim. The name may be English or Scottish. It was found in Ulster in 17 cent. |
| Sinclair | numerous: E Ulster, Derry, Dublin etc. The Sinclairs were Scots from Caithness but the name is a toponymic from Normandy. SS. |
| Sinton | Quite numerous: Tandragee (Armagh) etc. Scottish from a place-name in Selkirk. SS. |
| Sittlington | rare: Larne (Antrim) etc. A Scottish name from Galloway, long associated with Antrim. SS. |
| Skea | Very rare: Belfast etc. Scottish, from Orkney. SS. |
| Skelly | numerous: Down, N Leinster etc. Ir. Ó Scealaí (SGA) or Mac Scalaidhe (SGG). The latter name also occurred in Scotland. It is taken to mean "crier". They may have formed a sept in Oriel. See also Skally and Miskelly. |
| Skiddy | Ir. Scideach. A name from Skye (Scotland) of Norse origin. They became established in Cork and were active in public life. The name does not appear in current telephone directories, but has been previously recorded. |
| Skillen | fairly rare: Belfast area etc. Of Norse origin, according to MacLysacht; it also occurs in Scotland. |
| Skinner | Quite numerous: Belfast area, Dublin, Cork. Ir. Scinéir. English and Scottish, and, as Cottle remarks: "part of the great tanning industry". |
| Slater | fairly numerous: Ulster generally, South East etc. English and Scottish, 17 cent. See Sleator. |
| Sloane | Very numerous: Ulster generally, especially Belfast; Louth etc. Ir. Ó Sluagháin, from sluagh, a host, army. There was a simliar name in Scotland. See also Sloyan. MIF. |
| Sloss | rare: scattered in Ulster. Scottish, abbreviation of Auchinloss. SS. |
| Smeaton | rare: Dublin, Belfast. English & Scottish toponymic. DOS. |
| Smiley | numerous: Belfast, Down, Antrim, Dublin. A Scottish name: "? smelly". |
| Smythe | Very numerous: all areas, especially Ulster and Midlands. Ir. Mac Gabhann, Mac an Ghabhann (son of the smith). The Irish name was widespread and generally changed to Smith/Smyth. Branches in Clare and Tipperary were traditional historians. Many are also of Scottish or English origin in Ulster. See also Mac Gowan. SGG & IF. |
| Snoddy | Quite numerous:Belfast-Antrim etc. Ir. Ó Snodaigh. A Scottish name, earlier associated with Carlow. |
| Snodgrass | fairly rare: Derry etc. Scottish, recorded in Ayr 14 cent. |
| Soutars | rare: Antrim. Scottish, "shoemaker". SS. |
| Speedy | rare: Down-Antrim. Scottish. The word "speed" originally meant "prosperity". |
| Spence | numerous: Ulster generally etc. Scottish, from office of the keeper of provisions. Most notable in Sir Patrick Spens and the tragedy of the "Maid of Norway". |
| Spittle | rare: Tipperary etc. Ir. Spidéal (hospice). Scottish and English, perhaps attendant at a hospital. SS. |
| Spotswood | rare: Belfast area etc. Scottish toponymic from Berwick. SS. |
| Sproule | fairly numerous: mainly Castlederg (Tyrone). Scottish from Dumbarton. In Ulster from 17 cent. MIF. |
| Stark | rare: Belfast area etc. English and Scottish, "firm, tough". DOS. |
| Starrett | Quite numerous: Derry-Donegal-Tyrone etc. A Scottish name from Ayrshire, but more usually Sterrett. |
| Steele | numerous: all areas, mainly Ulster, especially Belfast, Antrim, Down. From North of England or South of Scotland; probably a nick-name. |
| Steen | Quite numerous: E Ulster and general. Ir. Ó Stíbhin. English or Scottish, 17 cent in Ulster. It is an abbreviation of Stephen or from a place-name "stone". |
| Steenson | numerous: Ulster generally. Ir. Mac Stíbhin. Scottish, synonymous with Stevenson and Stenson. |
| Stephenson | numerous: Midlands, Tyrone-Fermanagh etc. Generally as Stephens but Ulster names may well be Scottish. |
| Sterling | fairly numerous: Dublin, Belfast, Down etc. Scottish or English, "starling" or place-name Stirling. |
| Stewart | Very numerous: all areas, least in Munster, most in Ulster. Ir. Stíobhard. A notable Scottish name, also Stuart. |
| Stirling | numerous: almost all in Ulster, especially Antrim & E Derry. A Scottish name from the town of Stirling. SS. |
| Stitt | fairly numerous: Belfast area. Scottish, origin not clear. SS. |
| Stobo | rare: Belfast area, Dublin. Scottish, from place in Peebles. |
| Strachan | rare: Belfast, Dublin etc. Ir. Ó Sraitheáin (SGA) This form of the name appears to be Scottish and Black regards it as a toponymic. Ir. srath, valley becomes strath in Scotland. See also Srahan & Strain. |
| Strahan | rare: Belfast, Dublin etc. Ir. Ó Sruitheáin. Woulfe derives this from sruth, a learned man, while MacLysaght settles for the more obvious "stream". They are recorded as a sept of Donegal, with branches in Mayo and Cork. The overlap with Strachan seems to indicate that these linked names are generally Scottish in origin. |
| Strain | numerous: mainly Down and Ulster generally, Sligo-Mayo. Ir. Ó Sruitheáin, Ó Sraitheáin. A variant of Strahan, which now represents most of this name, with the same proviso about the Scots as for Strahan. MIF. |
| Stronach | Very rare: Belfast area. From Scots Gaelic srónach, relating to the nose,"big-nose" ? This name is associated with Aberdeen. See Strannix. SS. |
| Stuart | numerous: all areas, mainly Ulster. Ir. Stíobhard. A French version of Stewart used by Mary, Queen of Scots, who was brought up in France. Subsequently the royal house of Scotland and England. See Stewart. |
| Sturgeon | Quite numerous: Belfast, Down etc. Scottish, perhaps nick-name from the fish. |
| Suitor | rare: Belfast etc. Perhaps a variant of Scottish Soutar (shoe-maker). |
| Sutherland | Quite numerous: Leitrim, Midlands, Down & scattered. Scottish, from northern county which was "south" to the Vikings of Orkney. |
| Sutters | rare: Belfast, Antrim. Scottish, "shoe-maker". |
| Swanston | rare: Fermanagh-Tyrone. Scottish, from place in Mid-Lothian. |
| Sweeney | Very numerous: all areas, especially Donegal-Derry. Ir. Mac Suibhne (pleasant). They were Scottish galloglasses who establishd three septs in Donegal and a branch in Cork. See also Mac Sweeney and Mac Swiney. IF. |
| Symington | Quite numerous: Tyrone-Armagh etc. Scottish toponymic. See Simmington. |
| Taggart | numerous: almost all in Ulster, especially East. Ir. Mac an t-Sagairt, more accurately anglicised as Mac Entaggart, q.v. The name is common in Scotland. |
| Tannahill | Quite numerous: Coleraine (Derry) etc. A Scottish name from a place in Ayrshire. SS. |
| Telford | numerous: E Ulster, Midlands. Scottish & English, properly telfer, "cut-iron", an artificier. In Ulster 17 cent. DOS. |
| Temple | Quite numerous: Donegal-Derry, Dublin. Scottish, from village of Temple in Mid-Lothian, the base of the Knights Templar. SS. |
| Templeton | numerous: Belfast area, N Antrim etc. A Scottish name from Ayr. |
| Tennant | Quite numerous: Wexford: Scottish, "holder of a tenement". |
| Thom | Quite numerous: E Ulster etc. Scottish, diminutive of Thomas. |
| Thomson | numerous: Belfast area, Down etc. Scottish. |
| Tinkler | rare: Dublin, E Ulster. The Scottish term for tinker or itinerant; the name has been current in Scotland since the Middle Ages. Also in North of England. SS. |
| Tinto | rare: Belfast area. A Scottish toponymic from Lanarkshire. SS. |
| Tocher | Very rare: N Down. A Scottish toponymic, from Scots Gaelic tóchar, a causeway. |
| Todd | numerous: mainly Ulster, especially East. The name is current in Scotland and England and is thought to derive from "tod", a slang name for "fox". See Todhunter. In Ulster in 17 cent. DOS. |
| Tosh | Quite numerous: Derry etc. Scottish, abbreviation of Macintosh, q.v. |
| Traill | rare: Antrim-Derry etc. A name from the north of Scotland. SS. |
| Trimble | Quite numerous: Down-Armagh-Fermanagh etc. Scottish, 17 cent in Ulster. See Turnbull. |
| Trohear | rare: Belfast area. Perhaps variant of Scots Traquair. |
| Tulloch | rare: Belfast. A Scottish name from Orkney, but of Gaelic appearance: tulach, a small hill or mound, common in place-names. SS. |
| Turk | Very rare: Belfast. Ir. Mac Toirc, a Scots Gaelic name from Galloway or, perhaps, an abbreviation of Turkington. SI. |
| Turnbull | Quite numerous: Belfast area, Tyrone etc. The name is common in Scotland and England and appears to be a nick-name: some one who "had a way" with bulls. See Trimble. |
| Turner | numerous: evenly distributed all areas but greater numbers in Ulster. The name has been in Ireland since 15 cent with most coming in 17 cent from both Scotland & England. It has been gaelicised Tornóir. |
| Twaddell | rare: Belfast-Antrim. Scottish, corruption of Tweed-dale, which also occurs south of the Border. SS. |
| Tweed | fairly numerous: N Antrim etc. Scottish locative name. |
| Tweedale | Very rare: Belfast. Scottish locative name: see Twaddell. |
| Tweedy | fairly numerous: Belfast, Down etc. Scottish toponymic from Lanarkshire. SS. |
| Tyrie | rare: Belfast area. A Scottish name from Perthshire. |
| Urey | rare: Lisburn (Antrim) etc. Scottish, probably from place-name in Ayr. |
| Urquhart | fairly rare: Belfast, Dublin etc. Scottish, from place-name in Inverness; they were a notable clan. SS. |
| Veitch | Quite numerous: Fermanagh, Down etc. A Scottish name derived from French vache, so of Norman origin. In Fermanagh and Cavan 17 cent. SI. |
| Verner | Quite numerous: Tyrone-Antrim and Ulster generally. Scottish, in Ireland 17 cent. |
| Vint | fairly rare: Belfast area. Apparently of Scottish origin. |
| Vogan | fairly rare: Belfast-Portadown etc. Scottish (perhaps from English place-name). See also Wogan. |
| Waddell | fairly numerous: E Ulster, Dublin. Scottish, in Ulster 17 cent. |
| Waite | Quite numerous: Belfast-Down-Antrim etc. Scottish occupational, "watchman". |
| Walkingshaw | rare: Belfast-Down etc. Scottish from place-name in Renfrewshire. |
| Wallace | Very numerous: all areas, particularly E Ulster. Ir. de Bhailís. Le Waleis was the Norman term for British Celts, both Welsh and Strathclyde Britons. The name is mainly Scottish, hence the strong presence in Ulster. In the south, they may be Cambro-Normans and synonymous with Walsh. See Wallis. SI & DBS. |
| Wardlaw | Very rare: Dublin. A Scottish toponymic, similar to Wardlow. SS. |
| Warnock | numerous: Ulster generally and scattered in south. Ir. Mac Giolla Mhearnóg (devotee of St Mearnóg). Originating in Down, the name also exists is Scotland, connected with the Grahams, and more accurately as Mac Ilvernock. SGG & SS. |
| Wasson | fairly numerous: N Ulster. Scottish, variant of Watson. |
| Waterson | rare: Belfast area. A Scottish name, apparently toponymic. Also English, Walter's son. SS & DBS. |
| Watson | Very numerous: all areas, particularly E Ulster, Derry. English, "Walter's son". The name is also Scottish and can stand for Mac Bhaididh, otherwise Mac Whattie. SI & SS. |
| Watts | numerous: mainly Ulster. Primarily a Scottish name, dimin. of Walter. |
| Wauchope | rare: E Donegal-W Tyrone. Scottish toponymic from Dumfries. |
| Waugh | Quite numerous: Cork & scattered. A name from the Scottish Borders (O.E. walh, foreigner). In Ireland 17 cent. SI. |
| Weir | numerous: all areas except Cork but mainly E Ulster. Ir. Mac an Mhaoir, maor, a steward, in Ulster; Ó Corra, (from corra, a spear, not cora, a weir). Many Weirs came from Scotland in 17 cent and Black considers the name to be Norman with the possibility of a Scots Gaelic element similar to the Irish name. SS & SI. |
| Wellwood | fairly rare: Belfast, Midlands etc. A Scottish name from Fife. SS. |
| Wemyss | fairly rare: South East. A Scottish toponymic which has occurred in Leinster since 14 cent. See also Weymes. |
| Weymes | fairly rare: Dublin & Midlands. A Scottish name long associated with Leinster. See also Wemyss. |
| Whann | Quite numerous: Down, Antrim etc. Scottish, an abbreviation of Mac Whan which is an anglicisation of Mac Shuibhne, which is usually Mac Queen. SS. |
| Wharry | Quite numerous: Antrim. Scottish: an abbreviation of Mac Quarrie, q.v. It is Scots Gaelic Mac Guaire, from Irish first name Guaire, meaning "noble". SS. |
| Whiteford | rare: Antrim-Down. Scottish, place in Renfrew. |
| Whitelaw | rare: Down, Midlands. Scottish "white hill" from various places. |
| Whyte | numerous: all areas, especially Roscommon-Galway-Mayo, E Ulster (Scots), Waterford-Wexford. Variant of White, q.v. |
| Wigham | rare: Belfast, Tyrone etc. A Scottish name, perhaps variant of Wickham. |
| Wightman | Quite numerous: Down etc. English nick-name, "strong man"; a similar name occurred in Scotland at an early date. DBS & SS. |
| Wigston | rare: Down etc. Probably a Scottish toponymic. |
| Wilkie | Quite numerous: scattered in Ulster, Dublin, Cork. Scottish dimin. of William. |
| Wilkins | Quite numerous: scattered in Ulster, Dublin, Cork. The name may be Scottish or English but in any case, a diminutive of William. |
| Williamson | Very numerous: mainly Ulster where they out-number Williams 2-1. Also Dublin, Cork and Midlands. Believed to be mainly of Scottish origin. See Williams. |
| Wilson | Very numerous: predominently Ulster, also Dublin, Midlands & South East. Scottish & English, the most numerous such name in Ireland. Derived, of course, from William. It was a "principal name" in Antrim in 1659. Usually gaelicised Mac Liam. |
| Winning | rare: Belfast-Antrim. Scottish: Black says it is abbreviation of MacGilleWinnin of Galloway. The Gaelic may be Mac Giolla Finnéin (devotee of St Finnian). |
| Winnington | rare: Belfast area etc. Probably Scots toponymic. |
| Wishart | Quite numerous: E Ulster. Scottish, probably of Norman origin. SS. |
| Witherspoon | fairly rare: Antrim etc. A Scottish name of locative type. SS. |
| Woodrow | fairly rare: Antrim etc. Scottish, variant of wood-reeve (forest steward). |
| Woodside | fairly numerous: Antrim etc. Scottish locative. |
| Wotherspoon | rare: Belfast area. Scottish, see Witherspoon. |
| Yarr | Quite numerous: Antrim- Down. Apparently a Scottish name identified with a Quaker family in Antrim 17 cent. Derived, perhaps, from Yair in Selkirk. See also Yore. SI & SS. |
| Younger | Quite numerous: Antrim, Belfast area, Dublin etc. A Scottish name meaning "junior"; also possibly from Flemings who settled in Fife - Dutch jongheer - young gentleman. This name also belongs to Northumbria. SS & DOS. |
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