Overview
Did you know that many English names actually have Gaelic and Irish origins? Some of these names even started as surnames that later became popular first names.
Lindsay, Colleen, Brianna, and Rhiana are just some of the most common girls’ names with Irish origins. They’re now popularly used in the US and other English-speaking countries.
Irish names like Neil, Liam, Finn, Connor, and Aiden have also become common choices for boys. Some people have no idea that these popular names actually originated from Ireland and nearby countries.
In this list, you’ll find our top 100 choices for Irish names and their meanings to help you choose a good name for your baby boy.
Popular Irish Baby Names for Boys
Admanh
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic, and Hebrew
- Meaning: Man or red earth
- Variations/Synonyms: Adam
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Adam, the first man.
What’s A Badass Name For A Boy? Aodhan
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Little fiery one
- Variations/Synonyms: Aidhan and Aodhan
- Description: It’s the Gaelic form of Aidan.
Ailín
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Noble
- Variations/Synonyms: Alan, Allan, and Allen
- Description: The name can also mean “handsome.” It’s the Irish version of Alan and Allen.
Aindréas
- Origin: Irish, Greek, and Hebrew
- Meaning: Manly
- Variations/Synonyms: Aindrias, Andrew, and Andreas
- Description: He’s one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.
Alastar
- Origin: Irish, Greek, Celtic, and Gaelic
- Meaning: Defender or helper of man
- Variations/Synonyms: Alex, Alexander, and Alessander
- Description: It comes from the combination of “alexein” (to defend) and “andros” (man).
Aonghus
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: One strength
- Variations/Synonyms: Anghus and Angus
- Description: In Irish mythology, Aonghus is the god of love and youth.
Aron
- Origin: Irish and Hebrew
- Meaning: High mountain of strength
- Variations/Synonyms: Aaron, Ahron, and Aharon.
- Description: It’s the Irish spelling of Aaron, known in the bible as Moses’ brother.
Báire
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Fair-haired boy
- Variations/Synonyms: Barrie, Bairre, Baire, Barie, and Baire
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Barry.
Beircheart
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Southerner
- Variations/Synonyms: Ben, Benjamin, and Benjamine
- Description: It’s the Irish form of Benjamin.
Benen
- Origin: Irish, Latin, and Gaelic
- Meaning: Blessed
- Variations/Synonyms: Benignus
- Description: St. Benen (also St. Benignus) was one of St. Patrick’s most beloved disciples.
Blaine
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Slender or angular
- Variations/Synonyms: Bláán (Old Irish) and Blane
- Description: The name can also mean “yellow.”
Brayden
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Brave
- Variations/Synonyms: Bradan, Braden, Kayden, and Cayden
- Description: It can also mean “salmon” or “someone who lives near the broad valley.”
Brendan
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: A prince
- Variations/Synonyms: Bréanainn and Breandan
- Description: Saint Brendan the Navigator is believed to be the first European ever to set foot on American soil.
Brian
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Strong and noble
- Variations/Synonyms: Bryan
- Description: It comes from the Gaelic word “brigh” (strong and noble).
- Brian Boru was the last great High King of Ireland.
Brody
- Origin: Irish, Scottish, Gaelic, and Jewish
- Meaning: Second son
- Variations/Synonyms: Brodie, Broady, and Broadie
- Description: It’s from the Scottish-Gaelic term “brothaigh” (fortification).
Byrne
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Brook
- Variations/Synonyms: O’Byrne, Burns, Byrn, and Byrnes
- Description: It originated as an Irish surname that later became popular as a first name.
Cace
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Brave in battle
- Variations/Synonyms: Cassey and Casey
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic name “Cathasaigh” (watchful).
Caden
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic, Celtic, Arabic, Scottish, and English
- Meaning: Warrior
- Variations/Synonyms: Caedan, Caeden, Caiden, Cayden, Kaden, Kaeden, Kaedyn, Kaiden, Kaidin, Kaydan, Kaidyn, and Kayden
- Description: It also means “companion.”
Calhoun
- Origin: Irish and Celtic
- Meaning: Boy from the narrow forest
- Variations/Synonyms: Colquhoun
- Description: It’s a good name for a nature-lover.
Ceallachán
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Bright-headed
- Variations/Synonyms: Callaghan and Callahan
- Description: Ceallachán Caisil was a King of Munster (an ancient kingdom in Ireland) and the formidable Chief of the Eóganachta tribe.
Callum
- Origin: Irish, Latin, and Gaelic
- Meaning: Dove
- Variations/Synonyms: Calum
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic-Latin word “Columba” (dove).
- It’s also a term used to mean “a disciple of Columba (Ireland’s patron saint).”
Caoimhín
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Handsome one
- Variations/Synonyms: Kevin
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Kevin.
Caolan
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Slender
- Variations/Synonyms: Caollan
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic word “caol” (slender).
Carson
- Origin: Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian
- Meaning: Son of the marsh-dwellers
- Variations/Synonyms: Carrson and Carsson
- Description: It started as a surname but later became a popular first name.
Cathal
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Strong in battle
- Variations/Synonyms: Cathval and Catthal
- Description: It comes from the combination of Gaelic words “cath” (battle) and “val” (rule).
Cian
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Ancient and enduring
- Variations/Synonyms: Xian, Cxian, Chan, and Chian
- Description: According to Irish mythology, Cian Mac Mael Muad was the great High King Brian Boru’s son-in-law.
Ciarán
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Little dark one
- Variations/Synonyms: Kieran and Keeran
- Description: It comes from the Gaelic word “ciar” (black).
Cillian
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Someone associated with the church
- Variations/Synonyms: Cilian, Kilian, and Killian
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic word “cille” (church).
What Is The Rarest Irish Boy Name? Clancy
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Red warrior
- Variations/Synonyms: Clancey, Clarence, and Mac Fhlannchaidh
- Description: It’s a unisex name.
Collin
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Triumphant in battle
- Variations/Synonyms: Colin
- Description: It’s considered as a nickname for Nicholas.
Colm
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic, and Latin
- Meaning: Dove
- Variations/Synonyms: Colme
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic-Latin term “columba” (dove).
Conall
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic, Scottish, and Celtic
- Meaning: Strong as a wolf
- Variations/Synonyms: Conal
- Description: It can also mean “high and mighty.”
Conchobhar
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Strong desire
- Variations/Synonyms: Connor and Conor
- Description: It comes from the Irish-Gaelic word “coachuhhar” (strong desire).
- According to Irish legend, Ulster (an ancient Irish kingdom) king Conchobhar MacNessa was born on the same day as Jesus. (1)
Cormac
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Chariot driver or charioteer
- Variations/Synonyms: Cormak
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic words “corb” (defilement) and “mac” (son).
Craig
- Origin: Irish, Welsh, Scottish, and Gaelic
- Meaning: Near the rocks
- Variations/Synonyms: Craige, Crag, Craigg, Craigh, Crayge, Creage, Creg, Creig, Cregan, Cregg, and Creigh
- Description: It’s a nice name for a boy living close to a rocky place.
Críostóir
- Origin: Irish and Greek
- Meaning: Christ-bearing
- Variations/Synonyms: Christopher
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Christopher.
Dafydd
- Origin: Irish Welsh
- Meaning: Beloved
- Variations/Synonyms: David
- Description: Irish and Welsh form of David
Dainéal
- Origin: Irish and Hebrew
- Meaning: God is my judge
- Variations/Synonyms: Dainial and Daniel
- Description: It’s the Irish form of Daniel.
Daithi
- Origin: Old Irish
- Meaning: Swiftness
- Variations/Synonyms: Daivi
- Description: Daithi was Ireland’s last Pagan king. He ruled from 405-426 AD.
Darragh
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Fruitful or dark oak tree
- Variations/Synonyms: Daire, Dara, Darra, Darren
- Description: It’s from the Old Irish word “daire” (oak).
Deaglán
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Prayerful man
- Variations/Synonyms: Degale, Declan, Declán, and Deglan
- Description: Irish saint St. Declán (also St. Deaglán) founded a monastery in the fifth century.
Derry
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: The people’s ruler or oak grove
- Variations/Synonyms: Derrie and Doire
- Description: It’s a unisex name.
Devin
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Poet
- Variations/Synonyms: Devin
- Description: It can also mean “someone who’s devilishly handsome.”
Diarmuid
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Without enemies
- Variations/Synonyms: Dermot
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Dermot.
Dillon
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Lightning
- Variations/Synonyms: Dillone, Dilon, and Dilone
- Description: It’s a unisex name but is usually considered a masculine name.
Donal
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Ruler of the world
- Variations/Synonyms: Donnal
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic terms “domhan” (world) and “all” (ruler or mighty).
Donnacha
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Brown-haired warrior
- Variations/Synonyms: Donacha
- Description: It’s from Gaelic words “donn” (brown) and “cath” (battle).
- Donncha (son of Brian Boru) was the High King of Ireland who became famous as the protagonist in a two-book historical series: “Pride of Lions” and “Lion of Ireland.”
Donovan
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Brown-haired chieftain
- Variations/Synonyms: Donavan
- Description: It also means “dark little prince.”
Dylan
- Origin: Irish and Welsh
- Meaning: Son of the sea
- Variations/Synonyms: Dyllan and Dillon
- Description: It’s from the Welsh words “dy” (great) and “llanw” (tide).
Eamonn
- Origin: Irish, Old English, and Gaelic
- Meaning: Wealthy protector
- Variations/Synonyms: Eamon
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Edmund.
What Is The Coolest Boy Name Ever? Eóghan
- Origin: Irish, Scottish, and Gaelic
- Meaning: Born into nobility
- Variations/Synonyms: Eoghan, Eugine, and Eugene
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Eugene.
Eoin
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic, and Scottish
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Variations/Synonyms: Owen, Eóin, and Eoinn
- Description: It’s the Scottish Gaelic version of John.
Fallon
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Leader
- Variations/Synonyms: Falone and Falon
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic word “follamhnus” (leader).
Faolán
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Little wolf
- Variations/Synonyms: Faelan and Faolan
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic word “fáel” (wolf).
Fergus
- Origin: Irish, Celtic, Gaelic, and Scottish
- Meaning: Strong
- Variations/Synonyms: Ferguson, Feargus, and Fergusson
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic words “fear”(man) and “gus” (vigor or force).
Finley
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic, and Scottish
- Meaning: Fair-haired hero
- Variations/Synonyms: Fionnlagh, Finnley, and Findlaech
- Description: It’s a unisex name that comes from the Gaelic surname Fionlagh.
Fintan
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: White fire
- Variations/Synonyms: Finntan, Finntann, and Finntine
- Description: In Irish legend, Fintan mac Bóchra (known as “The Wise”) accompanied Noah’s granddaughter Cessair to Ireland. It supposedly happened before the Great Flood.
Fionn
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Small blonde soldier
- Variations/Synonyms: Finn
- Description: It’s the Irish form of Finn.
Flynn
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Son of the red-haired one
- Variations/Synonyms: Flin and Flyne
- Description: In popular culture, Flynn Rider is the thief-hero in the Disney animated film version of the classic Rapunzel fairytale.
Garrett
- Origin: Irish and German
- Meaning: Rules by the spear
- Variations/Synonyms: Garret
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Gerard (German).
Grady
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Distinguished
- Variations/Synonyms: Graddy, Gradie, and Gradi
- Description: It’s from the Irish word “gráda” (noble).
Hugh
- Origin: Irish, German, and Old French
- Meaning: Heart, mind, and spirit
- Variations/Synonyms: Hughes
- Description: It’s from the Old French word “hugues” (heart).
Iasan
- Origin: Irish and Greek
- Meaning: Healer
- Variations/Synonyms: Jason
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Jason.
Ivo
- Origin: Irish, Dutch, Celtic, and German
- Meaning: Archer or yew wood
- Variations/Synonyms: Yvo
- Description: It’s from the Germanic or Celtic term “ivo” (yew).
Keenan
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Ancient
- Variations/Synonyms: Cianán
- Description: It comes from the Irish words “cian” (ancient) and “an” (little).
Kieran
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Dark
- Variations/Synonyms: Kierane, Kiran, Kiernan, and Kierran
- Description: It originated as a boy’s name but is now considered an option for girl names.
Leannán
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Lover
- Variations/Synonyms: Lennon and Lionáin
- Description: It’s from the Irish word “leannán” (lover).
Liam
- Origin: Irish and Old Franconian (an ancient Germanic language)
- Meaning: Strong-willed warrior
- Variations/Synonyms: Uilliam, Liamm, and William
- Description: It’s the Irish version of William.
Lorcan
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Little fierce one
- Variations/Synonyms: Lawrence and Laurence
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Laurence.
- Dublin’s patron saint is St. Lorcan O’Toole.
Lúcás
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Bringer of light
- Variations/Synonyms: Luke, Lucas, Luce, and Luca
- Description: Saint Luke wasn’t among the 12 disciples. But he’s a popular figure in Christianity for being St. Paul’s companion and the author of the Gospel of Luke in the Bible.
Malachy
- Origin: Irish and Hebrew
- Meaning: Second
- Variations/Synonyms:
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Malachi (Hebrew).
Marcas
- Origin: Irish and Latin
- Meaning: Dedicated to Mars (the Roman god of war)
- Variations/Synonyms: Mark, Mars, Markus, Marc, and Marcus
- Description: It’s the Irish-Scottish form of Marcus (Latin).
Maitiú
- Origin: Irish and Hebrew
- Meaning: God is present
- Variations/Synonyms: Matha and Matthew
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Matha (Hebrew) and Matthew (English).
Micheál
- Origin: Irish and Hebrew
- Meaning: Who is like God?
- Variations/Synonyms: Michael
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Michael.
Murphy
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Sea warrior
- Variations/Synonyms: Murphie
- Description: It originated as an Irish surname but is now popular as a first name, too.
Niall
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Cloud
- Variations/Synonyms: Niale, Nial, Niel, or Neall
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic word “niadh” (cloud).
Nolan
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Famous and noble
- Variations/Synonyms: Nollan
- Description: It’s also from the Gaelic name O’Nualláin (descendant of a chariot fighter).
Oisin
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Little deer
- Variations/Synonyms: Oissin, Oisín, and Ossian
- Description: It’s from the Irish words “os” (deer) and “in” (little).
Oran
- Origin: Irish, Aramaic, Scottish, and Gaelic
- Meaning: Little pale green one or light singing
- Variations/Synonyms: Orran
- Description: It’s from the Scottish Gaelic words “or” (light) and “ran” (singing).
Oscar
- Origin: Irish, Old English, and Norse
- Meaning: Someone who loves deer
- Variations/Synonyms: Osgar, Oskar, Oscare, and Oskara
- Description: The name comes from the Irish Gaelic word “oscur” (friend of the deer).
Pádraig
- Origin: Irish and Latin
- Meaning: Noble
- Variations/Synonyms: Patric, Patrick, and Patrik
- Description: It’s from the Latin word “Patricius” (nobly born).
- St. Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint.
Peadar
- Origin: Irish and Greek
- Meaning: Rock
- Variations/Synonyms: Pietros, Peter, and Petros
- Description: It’s from the Greek word “petros” (the rock).
Pól
- Origin: Irish, Latin, and Roman
- Meaning: Little
- Variations/Synonyms: Paul
- Description: It’s from the Latin word “paulus” (little).
Quinn
- Origin: Irish, Scottish, and Gaelic
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Variations/Synonyms: Quynn, Quin, Quinne, Kwen, and Kwinn
- Description: It also means “a descendant of Conn.”
Rafferty
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Abundance and prosperity
- Variations/Synonyms: Raffy, Raferty, and Raffertty
- Description: It comes from the Old Irish word “rath” (prosperity).
Rian
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Little king
- Variations/Synonyms: Ryan
- Description: It’s from the Irish word “rí” (king).
Riley
- Origin: Irish and Old English
- Meaning: Courageous
- Variations/Synonyms: Ryleigh, Rylee, and Rilee
- Description: It’s a unisex name.
Risteard
- Origin: Irish and Germanic
- Meaning: Powerful ruler
- Variations/Synonyms: Richard and Ricohard (Germanic)
- Description: It’s the Irish form of Richard.
Rónán
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Little seal
- Variations/Synonyms: Ronnan or Ronan
- Description: It’s from the Irish words “ron” (seal) and “án” (little).
Rory
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Rust-colored
- Variations/Synonyms: Rouri, Ruairi, or Rori
- Description: In Irish history, Rory O’Connor was the last high king of Ireland who reigned from 1166-1170.
Séamus
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic, Hebrew, Latin, and Scottish
- Meaning: Supplanter (the one that comes after)
- Variations/Synonyms: Seammus and Seamus
- Description: It’s the Irish version of Jacob.
Seán
- Origin: Irish and Hebrew
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Variations/Synonyms: Séan, Sean, Seaġán, and Seaghán
- Description: It’s the Irish version of John.
Seanan
- Origin: Irish and Hebrew
- Meaning: Wise
- Variations/Synonyms: Shannan, Sheanan, and Sheannan
- Description: It can also mean “gift from God.”
Shay
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: The determined one
- Variations/Synonyms: Shai and Shea
- Description: It’s a modern variation to the classic Irish names Shai and Shea.
Sinéad
- Origin: Irish, Hebrew, and Gaelic
- Meaning: God forgives
- Variations/Synonyms: Shinade, Sinead, and Shinaid
- Description: It’s from the Hebrew name Yohannan.
Stiofán
- Origin: Irish and Greek
- Meaning: Crown
- Variations/Synonyms: Steafán and Stephen
- Description: It’s from the Greek word “stéphō” (to put around).
Tadhg
- Origin: Irish and Celtic
- Meaning: Poet
- Variations/Synonyms: Tige
- Description: It’s from the Celtic word “tazg” (poet).
Tiernan
- Origin: Irish and Gaelic
- Meaning: Little lord
- Variations/Synonyms: Tierrnan, Tiernnan, and Tighearna
- Description: It’s a unisex name but is usually considered a boy’s name.
Torin
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic, and Scandinavian
- Meaning: Chief
- Variations/Synonyms: Torrin
- Description: It’s from the Gaelic word “torfhinn” (chief).
Veren
- Origin: Irish and Latin
- Meaning: Great hero
- Variations/Synonyms: Verren
- Description: It’s a unisex name.
What Are Some Unique Irish Boy Names?
- Casey
- Aidan or Aden
- Cory
- Devin
- Declan
- Casey
- Conchobhar
REFERENCES
(1) http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/celtic/ctexts/conchobar1.html
