Ireland

The surname Ireland is an English and Irish surname, derived from the name of the country of Ireland. The name has its origins in the Gaelic name "Éire," meaning "land of Eire." The surname Ireland is an example of a locational surname, which was often given to people based on where they lived or came from.

The surname Ireland is primarily found in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with concentrations in regions historically associated with strong Irish influence, such as County Dublin and County Cork. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries due to the migration of Irish people over the centuries.

Notable individuals with the surname Ireland include John Ireland, an English composer and teacher, as well as Andrew Ireland, an Australian rules football administrator. The surname has also been used in literature, with fictional characters such as Alice Ireland appearing in various works.

The surname Ireland reflects the rich history and cultural connections between England and Ireland, and continues to be passed down through generations as a symbol of ancestral pride and heritage.

There are approximately 12,146 people named Ireland in the UK. That makes it the 748th most common surname in Britain. Around 187 in a million people in Britain are named Ireland.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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