Diminuitive Irish Names
- Caolán
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"slender lad"Description:
A Top 100 choice in Northern Ireland, Caolán shares many fashionable sounds with names like Cayden and Callan, but remains virtually unknown in the US.
- Garvan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"rough little one"Description:
Irish surname derived from the name Gairbhín, a diminutive of garbh, "rough". It's barely been used as a first name, but could be a similar-yet-different alternative to names like Nolan and Sullivan.
- Regan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little king"Description:
A spelling variant of presidential surname Regan that briefly entered the Top 1000 for boys in the 1960s, but hasn't rejoined the list since. Shakespeare also used the name for a daughter of King Lear, inspired by an ancient king of the Britons in accounts of the medieval scribe Geoffrey of Monmouth.
- Hagan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little fire; young"Description:
For fans of Hayden, Aiden, and Logan who are on the hunt for something familiar but unique, Hagan may be a possibility. It comes from the Irish surname Higgins, which itself derives from either Ó hAodhagáin or Ó hÁgáin, lending it the meanings "little fire" or "young".
- Carlin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little champion"Description:
While the lin ending is more commonly found in girls' names, Carlin is an authentic Irish male choice and was used just about evenly for both sexes in the US last year.
- Orna
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little pale green one"Description:
This Irish saint's name sounds like a lopped-off Lorna.
- Egan
Origin:
Variation of Aidan, IrishMeaning:
"little fire"Description:
Egan's likeness to the word eager gives this Irish surname a ready-to-please, effervescent energy, and it would make an appropriate substitute for the overused Aidan.
- Mannix
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"a little monk"Description:
An X-ending surname less common than the Jolie-Pitt-inspired Maddox. Grandparents might still associate it with the old TV crime show.
- Brogan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"small shoe"Description:
Brogan is a cheerful Irish surname that would fit right in with the Logans and Br-starting names now trendy for boys. It's been on the pop list for the past three years, though it's sliding again. Its history includes Saint Brogan (Broccan in Gaelic), who was Saint Patrick's nephew and scribe.
- Cillín
Description:
Cillín is a masculine Irish name with ancient Gaelic origins. Pronounced 'KILL-een,' it is a diminutive form of the name Ceallach, meaning 'bright-headed' or 'war' in Old Irish. The name has historical significance in Ireland, as 'cillín' also refers to unconsecrated burial grounds used for unbaptized infants in historical Irish practice. This connection gives the name a poignant cultural depth. Though relatively uncommon even in Ireland, Cillín has seen some increased interest among those seeking authentic Irish names with historical roots. The name carries a melodic quality characteristic of Irish nomenclature while honoring Gaelic heritage. Outside of Ireland, it remains rare but may appeal to families with Irish connections seeking a distinctive cultural name.
- Donnan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"small brown-haired child"Description:
This Irish saint's name makes an attractive alternative for Dylan or Donald.
- Páidín
Description:
Páidín is a traditional Irish masculine name, functioning as a diminutive form of Pádraig (the Irish version of Patrick). The suffix "-ín" in Irish adds an affectionate, diminutive quality, essentially meaning "little Patrick" or "young Patrick." This name honors Ireland's patron saint while carrying the warm, familiar quality characteristic of Irish diminutives. Pronounced approximately as "PAW-deen" or "paw-DEEN," it reflects Ireland's rich naming traditions where diminutives often became independent given names. While primarily used within Irish-speaking communities or families honoring their Irish heritage, Páidín remains relatively uncommon even in Ireland. The name's distinctive accent mark (fada) over the 'á' indicates a longer vowel sound and preserves its authentic Irish pronunciation and character.
- Brídín
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"exalted one"Description:
Interesting Irish diminutive of Bridget or Bríd.
- Bearchán
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little spear"Description:
This was a common name in early Ireland, borne by numerous saints, but pronunciation problems would make it prohibitive here.
- Caitlín
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"pure"Description:
The original Irish spelling of Caitlin, the name that launched a thousand spelling variations.
- Becan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little man"Description:
This more user-friendly Anglicized form of Beacan, could profit from its kinship with the popular Beckett--with which it could share the nickname Beck. Becan is an Irish saint's name, attached to the founder of a sixth century monastery.
- Ulick
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little William"Description:
You lick. You like. We didn't think so.
- Feeny
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little raven"Description:
Feeny and its alternative spelling Feeney have several origins in Irish. They are anglicised forms of the surnames Ó Fiannaidhe (descendant of Fiannaidhe, meaning warrior), and Ó Fidhne (descendant of Fidhne, from the word for tree or wood). Feeny is also a place name in Northern Ireland, meaning "the woods. Although many Irish surnames are in style, like Keegan and Sullivan, this is one you've probably never met on a person before.
- Banning
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"small, fair one"Description:
If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.
- Aodhán