Irish names have a unique charm that captivates hearts around the world. From the melodic sounds to the rich histories and beautiful meanings, these names offer a deep connection to Irish culture.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect name for your baby or simply fascinated by Irish heritage, you’ll find something enchanting here. Discover the timeless appeal of Irish boy names and girl names, and see why they continue to inspire and delight.
Irish Names for Boys and Girls
Whether you’re looking for a name for a baby boy or girl, Irish names offer a wealth of options that are both unique and timeless. These names often carry historical significance and cultural depth, connecting to Irish mythology, folklore, and the natural world. From the strong and noble names for boys to the graceful and enchanting names for girls, there’s something truly special about Irish names that continues to inspire and delight parents around the world.
Popular Irish Boy Names
1. Aiden – Meaning “little fire.”
2. Brendan – Meaning “prince” or “king.”
3. Cian – Meaning “ancient” or “enduring.”
4. Conor – Meaning “lover of hounds.”
5. Darragh – Meaning “oak tree.”
6. Declan – Meaning “full of goodness.”
7. Eoin – Irish form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
8. Finbar – Meaning “fair-haired.”
9. Finn – Meaning “fair” or “white.”
10. Kieran – Meaning “little dark one.”
11. Liam – Short form of William, meaning “strong-willed warrior.”
12. Niall – Meaning “champion” or “cloud.”
13. Oisin – Meaning “little deer.”
14. Padraig – Irish form of Patrick, meaning “noble.”
15. Ronan – Meaning “little seal.”
16. Seamus – Irish form of James, meaning “supplanter.”
17. Shane – Variant of Sean, meaning “God is gracious.”
18. Tadhg – Meaning “poet” or “philosopher.”
19. Tiernan – Meaning “lord.”
20. Turlough – Meaning “abettor” or “instigator.”
21. Cathal – Meaning “battle ruler.”
22. Donnacha – Meaning “brown-haired warrior.”
23. Eoghan – Meaning “born of the yew tree.”
24. Fergal – Meaning “brave” or “valorous.”
25. Lorcan – Meaning “little fierce one.”
Popular Irish Girl Names
1. Aisling – Meaning “dream” or “vision.”
2. Aoife – Meaning “beautiful” or “radiant.”
3. Brigid – Meaning “exalted one” or “strength.”
4. Caoimhe – Meaning “gentle” or “precious.”
5. Ciara – Meaning “dark-haired.”
6. Deirdre – Meaning “sorrowful” or “broken-hearted.”
7. Eabha – Irish form of Eve, meaning “life.”
8. Eilis – Irish form of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.”
9. Eimear – Meaning “swift” or “ready.”
10. Enya – Meaning “fire” or “little seed.”
11. Fiona – Meaning “fair” or “white.”
12. Grainne – Meaning “grain” or “love.”
13. Maeve – Meaning “she who intoxicates.”
14. Mairead – Irish form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
15. Niamh – Meaning “bright” or “radiant.”
16. Orla – Meaning “golden princess.”
17. Riona – Meaning “queenly.”
18. Roisin – Signifying “little rose.”
19. Saoirse – Meaning “freedom” or “liberty.”
20. Siobhan – Irish form of Joan, meaning “God is gracious.”
21. Sinead – Irish form of Jane, meaning “God is gracious.”
22. Sorcha – Meaning “brightness” or “radiance.”
23. Tara – Meaning “star” or referring to the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of Irish kings.
24. Una – Meaning “one” or “lamb.”
25. Ailbhe – Meaning “white” or “noble.
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Irish First Names
- Aidan
- Ailbhe
- Aine
- Aoife
- Aisling
- Brigid
- Caoimhe
- Cian
- Ciara
- Cillian
- Clodagh
- Conor
- Daire
- Deirdre
- Diarmuid
- Donal
- Eabha
- Eamon
- Eimear
- Eoin
- Enya
- Eoghan
- Fionn
- Fiona
- Grainne
- Iarla
- Liam
- Mairead
- Maeve
- Niamh
- Niall
- Oisin
- Orla
- Padraig
- Riona
- Roisin
- Ronan
- Saoirse
- Sean
- Siobhan
- Sinead
- Sorcha
- Tara
- Tadhg
- Tiernan
- Una
- Aisling
- Aoibheann
- Blathnaid
- Bronagh
- Caoilinn
- Catriona
- Colm
- Darragh
- Eithne
- Emer
- Eoghan
- Fiachra
- Fintan
- Grainne
- Labhaoise
- Laoise
- Lorcan
- Muireann
- Naoise
- Neasa
- Nessa
- Odhran
- Orlaith
- Phelim
- Rian
- Roibeard
- Ruairi
- Sadhbh
- Saoirse
- Senan
- Siomha
- Siofra
- Siun
- Tadgh
- Turlough
- Ultan
- Ulick
- Una
- Ailis
- Aodh
- Beibhinn
- Blathnaid
- Cadhla
- Caoimhe
- Cathal
- Cliona
- Cormac
- Dearbhla
- Eibhlin
- Eilis
- Eimear
- Fionnuala
- Grainne
- Iseult
Classic Irish Names
Boys:-
1. Fionn – Meaning “fair” or “white.” Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) is a legendary Irish hero known for his bravery and wisdom.
2. Cian – Meaning “ancient.” Cian was the son of Dian Cecht of the Tuatha Dé Danann in Irish mythology.
3. Diarmuid – Meaning “without envy.” Diarmuid Ua Duibhne was a warrior in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology.
4. Eoghan – Meaning “born of the yew tree.” Eoghan was a common name among early Irish kings and warriors.
5. Oisin – Meaning “little deer.” Oisin was a poet and warrior in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology.
6. Tadhg – Meaning “poet” or “philosopher.” Tadhg was a common name among the ancient kings of Ireland.
7. Niall – Meaning “champion” or “cloud.” Niall of the Nine Hostages was a legendary High King of Ireland.
8. Conor – Meaning “lover of hounds.” Conor Mac Nessa was a legendary king of Ulster in Irish mythology.
9. Ronan – Meaning “little seal.” Saint Ronan was an Irish bishop known for his piety and missionary work.
10. Dara – Meaning “oak tree.” Dara was a common name among early Irish saints and scholars.
11. Aodh – Meaning “fire.” Aodh was a popular name among early Irish kings and warriors.
12. Eamon – Meaning “wealthy protector.” Eamon de Valera was a prominent political leader in 20th-century Ireland.
13. Padraig – Meaning “noble.” Padraig is the Irish form of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
14. Cathal – Meaning “battle ruler.” Cathal was a common name among early Irish kings.
15. Fergal – Meaning “brave” or “valiant.” Fergal was a name borne by several early Irish kings.
16. Seamus – Meaning “supplanter.” Seamus is the Irish form of James and was borne by several notable Irish poets and writers.
17. Turlough – Meaning “abundance” or “lord.” Turlough O’Carolan was a famous Irish harper and composer.
18. Ultan – Meaning “man from Ulster.” Saint Ultan was an early Irish saint known for his piety and scholarship.
19. Lorcan – Meaning “little fierce one.” Lorcan was a name borne by several early Irish kings and saints.
20. Ciaran – Meaning “little dark one.” Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnoise was one of the twelve apostles of Ireland.
21. Ailill – Meaning “elf” or “sprite.” Ailill was a common name among early Irish kings and warriors.
22. Bran – Meaning “raven.” Bran was a legendary hero in Irish mythology known for his bravery and wisdom.
23. Cormac – Meaning “charioteer.” Cormac Mac Airt was a legendary High King of Ireland.
24. Eoin – Meaning “God is gracious.” Eoin is the Irish form of John and was borne by several notable Irish saints.
Girls:-
1. Ciara – Meaning “dark-haired” or “black.” Saint Ciara of Kilkeary was an Irish saint known for her piety and dedication to serving others.
2. Aoife – Meaning “beautiful” or “radiant.” Aoife was a warrior princess in Irish mythology.
3. Niamh – Meaning “bright” or “radiant.” Niamh was a goddess in Irish mythology known for her beauty and kindness.
4. Grainne – Meaning “grain” or “love.” Grainne was a princess in Irish mythology who eloped with the hero Diarmuid.
5. Saoirse – Meaning “freedom” or “liberty.” Saoirse is a modern Irish name symbolizing freedom and independence.
6. Aisling – Meaning “dream” or “vision.” Aisling is a poetic genre in Irish literature featuring a vision or dream.
7. Brigid – Meaning “exalted one” or “strength.” Saint Brigid of Kildare was one of the patron saints of Ireland.
8. Deirdre – Meaning “sorrowful” or “broken-hearted.” Deirdre was a tragic heroine in Irish mythology.
9. Eabha – Irish form of Eve, meaning “life.” Eabha is a traditional name with biblical roots.
10. Eilis – Irish form of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.” Eilis is a classic name with religious significance.
11. Eimear – Meaning “swift” or “ready.” Eimear was the wife of the hero Cuchulainn in Irish mythology.
12. Enya – Meaning “fire” or “little seed.” Enya is a modern name popularized by the famous Irish singer.
13. Fiona – Meaning “fair” or “white.” Fiona is a traditional name with a timeless appeal.
14. Mairead – Irish form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.” Mairead is a classic name with a rich history.
15. Orla – Meaning “golden princess.” Orla was a common name among early Irish royalty.
16. Roisin – Signifying “little rose.” Roisin is a beloved name symbolizing beauty and grace.
17. Siobhan – Irish form of Joan, meaning “God is gracious.” Siobhan is a traditional name with religious significance.
18. Sinead – Irish form of Jane, meaning “God is gracious.” Sinead is a classic name with a timeless appeal.
19. Sorcha – Meaning “brightness” or “radiance.” Sorcha is a traditional name symbolizing light and clarity.
20. Tara – Meaning “star” or referring to the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of Irish kings. Tara is a name steeped in history and significance.
21. Una – Meaning “one” or “lamb.” Una is a traditional name with a gentle and timeless appeal.
22. Ailbhe – Meaning “white” or “noble.” Ailbhe was a common name among early Irish saints and scholars.
23. Blathnaid – Meaning “little flower.” Blathnaid is a traditional name symbolizing beauty and delicacy.
24. Caoimhe – Meaning “gentle” or “precious.” Caoimhe is a beloved name with a soft and gentle sound.
25. Clodagh – Meaning “muddy” or referring to the Clodagh River in Ireland. Clodagh is a traditional name with a natural and earthy appeal.
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19th Century Irish Names
Boys:-
1. Dermot – Derived from “Diarmait,” meaning “without enemy” or “free from envy.”
2. Patrick – From the Latin “Patricius,” meaning “noble” or “patrician.” Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
3. Seamus – The Irish form of James, meaning “supplanter.”
4. Liam – A short form of William, meaning “strong-willed warrior” or “protector.”
5. Aidan – Meaning “little fire.” Aidan was a popular name in 19th-century Ireland.
6. Eamon – Derived from the Old English “Eadmund,” meaning “protector of prosperity.”
7. Ronan – Meaning “little seal.” It was a common name in 19th-century Ireland.
8. Declan – Meaning “full of goodness.” Saint Declan was an early Irish saint.
9. Connor – Meaning “lover of hounds” or “wolf lover.”
10. Finbar – Meaning “fair-haired.” Saint Finbar was the founder of the city of Cork.
11. Brian – Meaning “high” or “noble.” Brian Boru was a famous High King of Ireland.
12. Cillian – Meaning “little church.” Saint Cillian was an Irish missionary.
13. Fergus – Meaning “man of force” or “vigorous.”
14. Malachy – Derived from the Hebrew name Malachi, meaning “my messenger.”
15. Donnacha – Meaning “brown-haired warrior.”
Girls:-
1. Kathleen – Derived from “Caitlín,” the Irish form of Katherine, meaning “pure” or “clear.”
2. Bridget – Meaning “exalted one.” Saint Brigid is one of Ireland’s patron saints.
3. Nora – A short form of Honora, meaning “honor.”
4. Maureen – A diminutive of Mary, meaning “star of the sea.”
5. Eileen – Derived from the Irish “Eibhlín,” meaning “bright” or “shining one.”
6. Siobhan – The Irish form of Joan, meaning “God is gracious.”
7. Deirdre – Meaning “sorrowful.” Deirdre is a tragic heroine in Irish mythology.
8. Aisling – Meaning “dream” or “vision.”
9. Fiona – Meaning “fair” or “white.”
10. Grainne – Meaning “grain” or “corn.” Grainne is a character in Irish mythology.
11. Mairead – The Irish form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
12. Sinead – The Irish form of Jane, meaning “God is gracious.”
13. Orla – Meaning “golden princess.”
14. Clodagh – Named after the River Clodagh in Ireland.
15. Roisin – Meaning “little rose.”
Final Thoughts
Exploring these Irish names reveals more than just beautiful and unique choices; it uncovers a deep connection to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Each name carries a story, a piece of history that adds a layer of meaning and significance.
By choosing one of these names, you not only honor the past but also bring a piece of Ireland’s timeless charm into the present. Whether for a boy or a girl, these names are a wonderful way to celebrate and preserve a proud tradition.
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