Parental Queries

100+ Irish Baby Boy Names And Their Meanings

By Familywave Team Published on Mar 26, 2024

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Irish names are not only modish but also getting popular worldwide. Whether or not you have Irish roots, you can always opt for Irish names because they are unique due to their rich history. Irish names are also highly influenced by Celts, Vikings, and Anglo cultures, making them more distinct.

Some names have been passed on from generation to generation while some carry special meanings. Either way, you can never go wrong with an Irish name. To simplify your search, we have gathered and listed Irish baby boy names.

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Irish names aren't popular just in Ireland but are widely popular in the US too. However, not all popular Irish names have Irish roots. Here, we have a list of popular Irish names, along with their meaning and origin.

1. Aiden

Aiden comes from "Aodh", which in the Gaelic language is the name of the Celtic god of sun and fire. Aiden means "Little fire" in Greek mythology.

2. Sean

Sean is the Irish version of John, which is a Hebrew name. The name means "God is gracious".

3. Conor

The source of the name Conor is "Conchobhar". Conor in Irish means "Lover of hounds". It will be a perfect name for your baby if you have little furballs in your home.

4. Liam

Liam is the short form of Uilliam and means “Helmet of will" and "Protection".

5. Finn

Finn is taken from the word "Fionn" which means fair-haired. In Irish, Finn means "White" or "Fair".

6. Owen

Owen is derived from the Welsh word Owain. The name, Owen means "Noble", "Well-born" or "Young Warrior" and is of Irish and Welsh origin.

7. Oscar

Oscar is a combination of two Irish words. Os means ''Deer" and car means "Loving". Thus, the meaning of Oscar is "Deer-lover" or ''God spear".

8. Hugh

Hugh is derived from an ancient word "Aodh" meaning fire. The name Hugh means "Spirited" or "Bright mind".

9. Brian

Brian means "High" or "Noble", and belongs to Irish and Breton origin. It is also used as a surname in the Occitan region. The name Brian may have some possible connection with the old Irish word Bre, which means "hill".

10. Brandon

Brandon is a Celtic-originated name but also has roots in old English. Brandon means “Prince” or “Chieftain”. The name Brandon is said to have taken after the word Breandan, meaning king or prince.

11. Jack

Jack is said to be Celtic in origin, meaning, “healthy”, “strong” and “full of vital energy”. There is also a British version of Jack meaning "God is gracious”.

12. Ben

Ben is said to be derived from the word “Binn”, which means “peak”.

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13. John

Hebrew originated name John means ‘’God is gracious”, and is said to be derived from “Yohannan”.

14. Lennon

Irish origin name Lennon means “Lover” or “Dear one”, and just like its name the name sounds beautiful.

15. Niall

 Niall is a masculine name, and comes from the Old Irish name “Niadh”. Niall means “Champion”, hence is a perfect name for your little boy.

16. Ryan

Ryan is said to have originated from the Irish surname ‘’ O’Riain” meaning son of Rian. The name Ryan is a variant of Rian and translates to “Little King”

17. Shane

Shane arises from the word Sean, meaning “God is gracious”.

18. Garrett

Garrett is an Irish origin name Garrett means “Spear Strength”.

19. Murphy

Murphy is one of the most common family names in Ireland and is of Gaelic origin. The name Murphy translates to “Warrior of the Sea”.

20. Patrick

Patrick derives from the Latin Patricius which means ‘’nobleman”, “of noble origin” or “patrician”. The name Patrick also belonged to a saint in Ireland.

21. Callum

The Scottish Gaelic name Callum derives from Colomba which means “dove”. In Latin, Columba was also the name of an influential Celtic saint.

22. Shay

Shay is a variant of the name Shea, and is of Gaelic origin, which means “Admirable”. Celtic-originated Shay means “God’s Grace”.

23. Shea

Shea is derived from the Irish surname “O’Shea” and is of Gaelic origin. This name translates as “Admirable”, ‘’Hawk-like” and “The stately, dauntless one”.

24. Mason

Mason has particularly been associated with Welsh Stone worker, and means ‘’One who works with stone”. This Irish name is also quite popular in the United States.

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25. Fergal

The name derives from Fearghal, which means "Brave" and "Courageous".

26. Peadar

Peadar is a masculine and given Irish name. It is the Irish form of Peter, meaning ''Rock".

27. Cathal

The name Cathal belongs to Irish, Celtic, and Gaelic origin. Cathal means "Battle rule" in Irish.

28. Dara

Irish and Hebrew origin name Dara means "Pearl of wisdom", "Gift" or "Oak Tree".

29. Donal

Donal means "World mighty" or "Great Chief". The name has deep Gaelic roots, is of Scottish Origin, and is derived from the Irish name Domhnall which means "World ruler".

30. Mael

Mael means "Chief" or "Prince", and is of Irish Gaelic Origin.

Cute Irish Boy names

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You will find a list of cute Irish boy names and their meanings are given below.

31. Abban 

Abban means "Father" or "Abbot". This name is of Irish and Hebrew origin.

32. Cillian 

Cillian means "Bright Headed", but could also mean "Church" or ''Monastery" as Cill means "Church" in Irish.

33. Faolan

Irish originated name, Faolan means "Little wolf".

34. Ciarán

Ciaran is derived from the old Irish name, and means "Dark-haired" or "Black" and shares a historical connection with the Greeks underworld.

35. Padraig 

The name, Padraig is the Gaelic form of Patrick, and is derived from the Latin Patricius which means "Noble".

36. Eoghan 

Eoghan is of Gaelic origin, and translates as "Born of the yew tree; youth".

37. Colm 

Colm is of Irish origin, meaning "Dove".

38. Fionnlagh 

Fionnlagh is of Scottish origin, and means "Fair-haired warrior".

39. Tiernan 

 The name, Tiernan is derived from the old Irish word Tigerna, meaning "Lord". This name means "Little lord".

40. Lorcan

Derived from the Gaelic word lorcc, meaning "Fierce", the name Lorcan means "Little fierce one".

41. Malachy 

 Malachy name is of Hebrew and Irish origin, meaning "Messenger of God". 

42. Brady

Brady originates from an Irish surname, O'Bradaigh. The name means ''Broad-minded" or "Spirited".

43. Kevin

Kevin originates from the Irish word Caoimhín, meaning "Beloved birth".

Source : redbookmag

44. Reagan

This name derives from the Irish surname, O'Riagain, meaning "Little king" or "Little ruler"

45. Phelim

Phelim is an Irish-origin name, which means "Ever good", and is derived from the Irish word "Feidhalm".

46. Ruairi

Ruairi is a name of Irish origin, and it means "Red King." It carries regal connotations and represents someone with a kingly or royal presence.

47. Fergus

Fergus is a Gaelic name, that lies in both Scottish and Irish mythology. The name Fergus means “Man of force”, and was known to evoke images of strength.

48. Cathal

Cathal is a name of Irish, Gaelic, and Celtic origin, and the meaning of Cathal is "battle rule".  It signifies someone who governs or rules during battles.

49. Colman

Colman means "Little dove" and is best known as the name of the mustard, but is also the name of several Irish saints. 

50. Darragh 

Darragh is an Irish-origin name with its roots traced back to the Old Irish word "daire," which translates to "oak." Daire or Dar are also used as alternatives.

51. Niallán 

 It is a diminutive form of the name "Niall," which is derived from the Old Irish word "niáll," signifying "champion" or "warrior."

52. Fiachra

This name is derived from the Irish Gaelic word "fiach," which signifies a raven.  This name signifies wisdom, intelligence, and curiosity.

53. Lennon

 Lennon, with its Irish roots, signifies "Lover" or "Beloved One." It originated from the surnames "Ó Leannáin" or "Ó Lonáin," with roots in the Gaelic term "leanán" meaning beloved one.

54. Artan 

 The name "Artan" has an Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish word "art," meaning "bear." It signifies a creature known for its strength and power in Celtic symbolism.

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55. Eoinín

The name "Eoinín" in Irish means "Little John." It is a diminutive form of the name "Eoin," which is the Irish equivalent of John and has the same significance.

56. Tigernach

Tigernach: This is derived from Gaelic origin from the word tigerna meaning "lord". This name belonged to the founder of the monastery at Clones in the 6th century.

57. Domhnall

Domnhall: This name comes from the Scottish Gaelic name "Domhnall and Dòmhnall," which means "ruler of the world" or "king of the world." It originally comes from the ancient Celtic words "Dubno" meaning "world" and "Val" meaning "rule".

58. Garvan

Garvan, an Irish-origin boy's name, conveys the meaning of a "rough little one." This name finds its roots in the Irish surname Gairbhín, derived from the term "garbh," signifying "rough."

59. Máirtín 

Mairtin, in its genitive form, corresponds to the name Martin. This name originates from the Latin "Martinus," which is a diminutive form derived from "Martius," linked to Mars, the Roman god of war. 

60. Cassidy

The name Cassidy is taken from an Irish surname, O'Caiside. Although the name means "Curly-haired", you will find a lot of straight-haired people with the name as the name also means "Clever".

Traditional Irish Boy Names

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Irish name still revolves around their rich culture and tradition. Few traditional names have been enlisted here for you.

61. Balor

Balor is a one-eyed monster in Irish Mythology. This name means, "The deadly one".

62. Conall

Conall name is related to the great chieftains of Ireland. The name means "Strong as Wolf".

63. Senan

Derived from the name of Munster Saint, Senan means “Little wise one.''

64. Ardal

Ardal is a traditional Gaelic name, which means “high” or “bear-like valor”. The name derives from the old Irish word “Ardghal” where “ard” means high and “ghail” means valor, steam. 

65. Ronan

The name Ronan belonged to 12 Irish and Scottish saints, and translates as ‘’Little seal”. 

66. Keane

The name Keane derives from O’Cathain and is of Irish, Celtic, and old English origin. Keane means ‘’Fighter”, “Sharp’’ and “Keen wit”. 

67. Riordan

Riordan means "Royal poet" and is derived from the Irish surname Ó Ríoghbhárdáin, which is a combination of two words "ri" meaning king, and "bard'' meaning poet.

68. Cormac

The name belonged to the 3rd Century High King of Ireland, Cormac Mac Airt. The name is of Irish origin and translates as "Son of the Charioteer".

69. Cianan

The name, Cianan is of Irish-Gaelic origin, meaning "Little ancient one".

70. Maccon

Macoon means "Son of a Wolf", and belongs to Irish Origin.

71. Carbry

Carbry is of Irish origin, and means "Charioteer".

72. Declan

Traditional name of Irish origin, Declan has two meanings, "Full of goodness" and "Man of prayer".

73. Senan

The name Senan consists of the ancient Irish term, sen which means "Old". The name means "Little old one", and has been in Ireland since the 6th Century.

74. Daithi

Daithi translates as "Swiftness" or "Nimbleness" in Irish. Also known as the Irish form of the Hebrew name David.

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75. Eochaid

Eochaid is derived from "ech", meaning horse. And Eochaid means "Horse rider". The name was very common in Irish history.

76. Tadg

Many Gaelic Irish Kings went by the name Tadg during the 10th to 16th Century. The name is interpreted as ''Poet" or "Philosopher".

77. Cashel

Cashel means "Castle" or ''Fortress", and is derived from the Irish Gaelic word Caiseal which means "Stone Fort".

78. Kellen

Kellen is a masculine name that has its origin in German. However, it is also used widely in Irish and means ''slender".

79. Eamon

Traditional and Old Irish name, meaning "Wealthy Protector".

80. Conchobar

The name belonged to the King of Ulster, and means "Lover of canines".

Neutral Irish Baby name

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Here is a list of Neutral Irish Baby boy names for your cute little boy.

81. Caoilainn

The name belonged to a female Saint of the 6th century, Saint Caoilainn but today the name is given to both boys and girls. Caoilainn comes from the combination of two words, caol meaning “slender” and ‘’fionn” meaning fair. The name Caoilainn translates as “slender”, “white”, “fair” or ‘’pure”.

82. Corey

Corey is taken from the Gaelic word “Coire”, which means ‘’in or from the hollow’’. The name, Corey thus means “hollow”.

83. Ailbhe

The name Ailbhe comes from the Irish Word, "Ail" which means rocks, and "albho" which means white. And the literal meaning of the name Ailbhe is “bright”, “white” and “noble”.

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84. Enda 

The name Enda belonged to historic Irish kings and heroes back then. Currently, the name is neutral and used for both boys and girls, as the name means “like a bird”.

85. Erin 

Erin originates from the Gaelic and Celtic regions and literally translates to “Ireland”. If you are looking for an Irish name, you probably will not get a more Irish name than Erin!

86. Rylee

Rylee is of Irish origin but has roots in Old English as well. The name Riley is derived from the Gaelic word “raghalach” which means “courageous” or “brave”. Riley was actually derived from the Irish surname “Raghallaigh” or “O’Reilly”.

87. Emlyn

Emlyn is of Welsh origin, meaning, “To strive”, “Excel” or “Rival”.

88. Sloane

Sloane is a name of Irish origin, and means “warrior” or ‘’raider”. The name Sloane was derived from “Sluaghadhan” which means ‘’little raider”.

89. Tierney

Tierney means “Descendant of a lord” as of Irish origin. The word Tierney is derived from the Irish word, Tiarna, meaning lord.

90. Rory 

This classic Gaelic name means “Red king”. The name Rory belonged to the last High King of Ireland, King Rory O’Connor, and currently is used for both boys and girls.

91. Darcy 

The Irish origin name Darcy is derived from the Irish surname, ”O’Dorchaidhe ”. Darcy means “dark-haired” or ‘’descendant of the dark’’, and the name also has French Roots

92. Quinn 

Quinn was actually a surname in Ireland like O’Cuinn and McQuinn, meaning ‘’Descendant of Conn” and now is commonly used as a given name. Quinn refers to “Wise”, “Sense” or ‘’Reason”.

93. Dillon

Dillon is derived from a surname in Ireland and is of Breton origin. The name has advanced since then and now is used as a first name. The name Dillon means, “Like a lion” or “Loyal”. The name now has different variations, such as Dillen, Dylon, and Dylon.

94. Ennis 

Celtic originated name Ennis is also the name of the town in the West of Ireland, and also is a surname. The name Ennis is now a gender-neutral name, meaning, ”Descendant of Angus” or “Island”

95. Casey 

Casey emerges from the Irish-Galeic name “Cathasaigh”, meaning, “Vigilant” or “Watchful”. The name Casey means “brave in battle”, and is a sign of bravery.

Irish name based on God

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There are numerous magnificent Irish names based on Irish Gods that you can choose from.

96. Aengus

Aengus is known as the God of Love and Beauty in Irish Mythology.

97. Belenus

Belenus is the Celtic God of Light and Fire and is associated with warmth and healing.

98. Lugh

Lugh is the Celtic God of Light and Sun. He also is a God of Justice and is a powerful warrior.

99. Donn

In Irish Mythology, Donn was the God of the Dead and Afterlife.

100. Goibnu

Goinbu relates to metalworking and is known as the God of Smithing.

101. Ecne

 Ecne is known as the God of Wisdom and Knowledge.

102. Dian Cecht

 He was known as the God of Healing and was a healer of Tuatha Dé Danann.

103. Dagda

 Dagda happens to be an important God in Irish Mythology. He was the God of Earth, Powerful and a Good God. He also was the chief of Tuatha Dé Danann.

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104. Manannan

In Irish and Manx Mythology, he was a Warrior and King of the otherworld, often known as the God of the Sea.

105. Ogma

He was the God of Literature and Eloquence in Scottish and Irish Mythology.

106. Taranis

 In Irish Mythology, Taranis was the God of Thunder, Lightning, and Storms.

107. Maponus

Maponus is a God of Youth, in the Celtic Religion.

108. Cernunnos

Cernunnos is known as the Celtic horned God and also is the lord of wild things.

109. Neit

Neit was the God of War in Irish Mythology.

110. Nuada

 In the Irish Mythology, Nuada was the God of the Hunt.