Patsy has been rarely heard for half a century, for either gender, and we're not expecting that to change in the near future..

Has the energetic-Irish-slightly-boyish image that many modern parents love.

A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered, though anyone into American history might associate it with John C. Calhoun, a 19th century statesman who defended slavery. There are however plenty of places called Calhoun which might lessen that association.

Pretty and soulful name of a goddess from Irish mythology and several Irish saints. Singer Enya, born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, has made the Anglicized spelling familiar. Eithne comes from the vocabulary word "kernel", which was used as a term of praise in old bardic poetry.

Always the less common spelling of Irish classic Neil, Neal has been on a fifty-year slide, and now doesn't even make the Top 1000. It has a streamlined, surnamey appeal in this spelling.

A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz.

The double 'e' gives this Celtic surname a genial sound. It derives from an old Irish name — Suibhne (SHEEV-ne) that was borne by several early saints and kings, including, unfortunately, one known as Mad Sweeney who spent his life living in trees and composing nature poetry. Another possible drawback is the association with Sweeney Todd, the bloodthirsty butcher of Sondheim stage-musical fame.

This is one of several similar sounding Gaelic surname names that would make perfectly acceptable choices--others are Kennan, Keenan and Kenyon. Another possible meaning is "descendant of the fair ones," referring to the Norse invaders.

Bridget variation that's the root of the unattractive nickname Biddy. Bedelia is another spelling.

Once-popular boys' name works better now for girls, as a kind of Dara/Karen blend.

You might want to honor premier U.S. architect Frank Gehry--even though he was born Ephraim Goldberg. Gehry, pronounced like the more common surname Geary, may be a spin on the name Gary, which means spear, or derive from the Middle English word geary, which means fickle.

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related. The name is usually used for girls.

More authentic and original form of Ryan, but far less common of the two spellings in the US. There were about 170 baby boys named Rian in the US last year, versus over 4000 named Ryan.

Although the Mc or Mac prefix always means "son of", the first names McKenna and MacKenna are used in the US exclusively for girls, with the McKenna spelling outpacing this one 14 to 1. There are no boys recorded with either spelling of the name.

Cheerful but laidback, surname-style Delaney is derived from the Old Irish name Dubhshláine and has become a familiar choice for girls in recent decades. Nevertheless, it has also been used for boys since the early 1900s and was equally - though rarely - given to both, right up until the 1990s.

Also spelled Aibhilín, this spelling variation of Evelyn or the related Aveline might appeal to those who prefer the Irish form. Little Aibhilins might have to explain how to pronounce their name outside of Ireland, but some may feel that it's worth it to choose a unique option.

The unusual and intriguing Tullia has been used since Roman times and may appeal to parents who like Tallulah, Julia, and Lillia but want something that's very rarely heard.

Modern Irish form of the mythological name Étaín.

Lughaidh is an ancient Irish masculine name derived from the Celtic god Lugh, a deity associated with skill, crafts, and light in Irish mythology. Pronounced approximately as 'LOO-ee' or 'LOO-ay,' the name has deep historical roots in Irish culture, appearing in numerous ancient texts and legends. Lughaidh was borne by several high kings and notable figures in Irish history. While challenging for non-Irish speakers to pronounce, this name carries substantial cultural significance and connects a child to Ireland's rich mythological heritage. Though rare even in modern Ireland, Lughaidh represents an authentic option for parents seeking a name with genuine Gaelic origins and historical depth.

Attached in Irish mythology to a Cliona who was, among other things, an inspirer of poets. Cliona is well-used in modern Ireland, along with Irish form Cliodhna, though it's largely unknown in the rest of the world.