Irish baby names have become international stars, ranking near the top of popularity lists in Ireland and the US along with many other countries.
 
Liam is the top Irish name in the US, ranking Number 1 for boys. Along with Liam, Irish names in the US Top 100 for boys include Aiden, Ryan, Connor, and Brayden. 
 
For girls, Riley is the top-ranked Irish baby name in the US. Along with Riley, Irish names in the US Top 100 for girls include Nora, Kennedy, Quinn, and Reagan.
 
Irish names enjoying international popularity include Liam, which ranks among the top names in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Norway as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Finn ranks among the top names in the Netherlands while variation Fynn is on Germany’s most popular list, and Nora is the second most popular girls’ name in Norway.
 
The <a href="https://nameberry.com/popular_names/Ireland">top baby names in Ireland</a> include the Irish names Aoife, Saoirse, Oisin, and Cillian.
 
Irish names have emigrated from their native land in waves, with old-school Irish names such as Bridget and Patrick giving way to the mid-century Irish favorites Kathleen and Kevin, Shannon and Sean. 
 
Browse our full menu of Irish baby names both classic and modern, including <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/804/irish-names-for-girls">Irish names for girls</a> and <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/510/irish-names-for-boys">Irish boys' names</a>, here. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.

Irish Names

Lovely and rare (even in Ireland) mythological widow whose tears rained on Ireland.

Cessair

Energetic Connelly variation that works better for girls than for boys.

Connolly

Curran is a curry-flavored Irish surname-y name that could work as well for girls as boys. Curran can be a fresher spin on the Twilight-inflected Cullen.

Curran

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

Darren

Decla

Tongue twister of a name common in Ireland in both its Gaelic and its Anglicized forms. American or British parents looking for an Irish name that's still largely unknown in the outside world might consider this.

Dervla

Makes Donna into a cool twenty-first-century unisex Irish surname. 

Donnelly

Name your daughter Duana after a Duane relative if you like, but please pronounce it doo-ahn-a and not doo-wain-a. 

Duana

This Irish surname packs a lot of attitude, projecting an image of spunk and sass. The Welsh singer Duffy, born Aimee Anne Duffy, is best known for her songs Mercy and Warwick Avenue.

Duffy

Somewhat gruff name that might be better feminized as Duffy.

Duff

Eachna is the name of an Irish goddess renowned for her beauty, brains and stylishness; in early legend, a Connacht princess named Eachna was deemed to be one of the loveliest and cleverest women int he world. 
Eachna is pronounced ahk-na, so despite its nice namesake story, it would provide a pronunciation challenge outside the Irish culture.

Eachna

Anglicized spelling of the difficult-to-decipher Gaelic Aoibheann, the name of several Irish princesses, this name rhymes with Steven.  Eavan Boland is a distinguished Irish poet who teaches at Stanford University.

Eavan

Feminine of Aidan, but now girls would prefer to use the original. 

Edana

The Irish Gaelic form of Evelyn or Aveline, this name is more authentically spelled Eibhlín. It appears in the title of a love song by 17th century composer Cearbhall Óg Ó Dálaigh, called Eibhlín a Rún. 
 
Eibhlín is possibly the source of the more familiar Eileen, which is also used as an Irish form of Helen ("bright, shining").

Eibhlin

Eire was a mythological goddess who named Ireland after herself. Rarely used today, even in Eire. 

Éire

Eileanóra is a feminine name of Gaelic origin, representing the Irish form of Eleanor. The name ultimately derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, possibly meaning 'the other Aenor' or from Greek 'heleos' (compassion) and 'nor' (light). The Irish adaptation incorporates 'eilean,' which suggests connections to islands or beauty. Featuring traditional Irish spelling with the accent mark, Eileanóra carries a strong cultural tie to Irish heritage while maintaining the elegant, regal associations of Eleanor, which was borne by numerous queens and noblewomen throughout European history. Though rare even in Ireland, this name offers parents seeking distinctive Celtic options a beautiful alternative with rich historical connections and a melodious pronunciation that emphasizes its Gaelic roots.

Eileanóra

The wife of legendary Irish hero Cu Chulainn, blessed with the gifts of beauty sweet speech, wisdom, needlework, and chastity -- a mixed bag. 

Émer

Aimiliona is an elaborate feminine name that appears to be a unique creation, possibly drawing inspiration from names like Amelia, Emilia, or Meilani, with a flowing, polynesian-influenced sound. This ornate name follows the trend of creating distinctive, vowel-rich names with a melodic quality. The name's structure, with five syllables and varied vowel sounds, gives it a musical, almost lyrical feel when pronounced. Extremely rare in usage, Aimiliona would likely be a one-of-a-kind name for most who bear it. Parents choosing this name might be drawn to its exotic feel and uniqueness. While its rarity means it lacks traditional historical or cultural associations, it offers the advantage of being truly distinctive while still having a feminine, flowing quality that connects it to naming traditions from multiple cultures.

Aimiliona

Eimile is a feminine name with Gaelic roots, primarily considered an alternative spelling of Emily or Émilie. This distinctive variation maintains the melodic quality of its more common counterparts while offering a uniquely Celtic flair. In Irish and Scottish Gaelic contexts, the name connects to words meaning 'rival' or 'eager,' though its contemporary usage often simply reflects appreciation for Gaelic heritage. While relatively uncommon even in Ireland and Scotland, Eimile appeals to parents seeking a name with Celtic roots that maintains some familiarity. The pronunciation typically follows as AY-mi-lee or EYE-mi-lee, though variations exist. The name's unusual spelling provides a conversation starter while still carrying the classic feminine elegance associated with its more widespread variants.

Eimile

Irish town names are now fair game -- as are most other places with connections to Ireland -- but are much better suited to boys. 

Ennis

 are international stars, ranking near the top of popularity lists in Ireland and the US along with many other countries.

 in the US, standing at Number 1, and Riley is the

. Many new Irish baby names are replacing old standards like Kathleen and Patrick.

 include Kennedy, Quinn, Nora, and Maeve.

 include Finn, Ryan, all spellings of Aiden, Declan, and Rowan.

 we're hearing more of include Saoirse, as in actress Ronan; Niamh; and Una. 

 itself look rather different than they do in the US, though there are also several crossovers. Notably, not all of the top Irish baby names are actually Irish: at Number 1 currently are Jack and Sophie.

s in Ireland include the classic Hebrew James and Noah along with Irish names Cillian, Tadhg, and Liam. The 

 include only two Irish-language names, Éabha and Fiadh. Other popular girl names in Ireland are Grace, Emily, and Sophie.

 and Manx names. Along with Finn and Fiadh, other Irish Gaelic choices among the 

 include Eabha, Saoirse, and Aoife for girls; Darragh, Cillian, Oisin and Tadgh for boys.

Irish baby names enjoying international popularity

 include Liam, which ranks among the top names in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Norway as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

 in the Netherlands while variation Fynn is on Germany’s most popular list, and Nora is the second most popular girls’ name in Norway.

 go far beyond the Old School Kevins and Kathleens. If you define unique baby names as 

 on what's conventionally considered a name, then these nontraditional Irish surname names and place names may be ones you want to consider for your daughter or son.

 that work for boys and girls include Bellamy, Brady, and Callahan.

 in the US and most places outside the Emerald Isle -- though some are among the Top 100 names in Ireland -- include Aoife, Cian, Oisin, and Tadgh. Correct Irish spelling and pronunciation can be challenging for non-native speakers.

 both classic and modern, for girls and for boys, here, ordered according to their current popularity on Nameberry.

Irish names with meaning and popularity including top Irish baby names and unique Irish names for girls and boys. (Page 20)

690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)