690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

Runyon

Irish

"son of a champion"

Runyon is an Irish surname with considerable flair; some will connect it with Guys and Dolls writer Damon Runyon.

Somhairle

Somhairle is a rare masculine name with deep Gaelic roots, predominantly found in Scottish and Irish traditions. Pronounced roughly as 'SOR-la' or 'SORE-luh,' it represents the Gaelic form of the…

Scully

Irish

"herald or town crier"

Relaxed, with an appealing touch of swagger.

Seanán

Modern form of Senán or elaboration of Sean, Irish

"little old one; God is gracious"

Seanán is modern though less popular variation of Senán, an Irish name, notably borne by a 6th century monk and saint. Meaning "little old one", it has an air of wisdom and ruggedness about it.…

Shanahan

Irish

"the wise one"

Undiscovered Irish surname with a lot more bounce and masculine dash than Shannon.

Sheehan

Irish

"peaceful"

Has a decidedly Roman Catholic feel, thanks to the bishop.

Sloan

Irish

"raider"

A few decades back, this name -- which hardly shows its Irish roots -- evoked a man in a gray flannel suit; now, though still upscale, it's more likely to be attached to a female.

Sorley

Irish from Old Norse

"a summer sailor"

Sorley is an anglicization of the Irish name Somhairle, itself derived from the Old Norse Sumarliði , a nickname for a summer traveler (perhaps meaning a viking raider!). It is sometimes used as a…

Sweeney

Irish

"the little hero"

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…

Taggart

Irish

"son of the priest"

Not your typical jovial Irish surname; but has a dark, craggy appeal, and Tag as a nickname.

Tiernan

Irish

"little lord"

Tiernan is the slightly edgier and sharper cousin of Kiernan. This is one Irish surname that is attractive but distinctive; Tierney is another, related, option. Tiernan was a popular name in early…

Tierney

Irish

"descendant of a lord"

Tierney is a Celtic surname with a definite Irish twinkle, a name just waiting to be discovered. Though now sometimes used for girls (in the US, not Ireland), as in jazz singer Tierney Sutton, it…

Tiomoid

Tiomoid is a masculine name of Gaelic origin, representing an uncommon Irish variation of Timothy. The original Timothy derives from Greek meaning 'honoring God.' Tiomoid showcases the distinctive…

Tully

Irish, Scottish

"flood, peaceful; hill"

Tully is a relaxed, rarely used Irish surname possibility which might provide an alternative to Tommy, Eli, or Troy. It has a long history of usage and a number of meanings, depending on which root…

Tynan

Irish

"dark, dusty"

A much fresher Ty name than Tyler or Tyson.

Uilliam

Irish variation of William

A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.

Ulick

Irish

"little William"

You lick. You like. We didn't think so.

Ultan

Irish

"man from Ulster"

This name of eighteen Irish saints of the past is relatively popular in Ireland, though little known outside it.