Irish Names

Murielle emerged as a distinctively French elaboration, adding the feminine '-elle' suffix to create a more melodious version of the classic name. Though less common in English-speaking countries, Murielle has maintained steady popularity in France and French-speaking regions. The name carries an air of sophistication and Old World charm. 

Murielle tends to conjure images of refinement and grace, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with European flair that remains relatively uncommon yet historically established. Mother name Muriel, which peaked in the 1920s, may be due for a comeback, which could revive Muriell as well.

Last year in the US, about 50 baby girls were named Muriel and none named the arguably more attractive Murielle.

Murielle

An anglicized spelling of Muirne, the name of the mother of Finn mac Cool in Irish legend, Myrna has a unique sound and two possible meanings, both of which are positive. Actress Myrna Loy was a notable bearer and her fame caused a spike in popularity of the name, when it reached the US Top 150 in the 1930s. 

Myrna

Poetic name that's terminally mournful, though its meaning is anything but. Myrna plays a powerful role in Irish legend.

Morna

Kesey is a possible literary hero name honoring Merry Prankster Ken Kesey, whose characters flew over the cuckoo's nest. Kesey rhymes with easy.

Kesey

The simplified spelling of Monica gives the name a modern, streamlined feel while maintaining the recognizable pronunciation. Monca's rarity makes it distinctive, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon variation of a familiar name. The name has a pleasant sound with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. While unconventional in spelling, Monca retains connections to the more traditional Monica, which gained popularity through Saint Monica and remained a steadily used name throughout Western countries.

Monca

Merial is a feminine name with complex historical roots. It may derive from the medieval name Muriel (meaning 'bright sea' from Celtic elements 'muir' meaning sea and 'el' meaning bright) with an altered spelling. Alternatively, it could connect to the Latin 'mereo' meaning 'to earn' or 'deserve.' 

The name has maintained a quiet presence throughout history without achieving widespread popularity. Merial possesses a delicate, somewhat antiquated charm that might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth but uncommon usage. Its gentle sound and flowing quality give it a timeless elegance, while its rarity makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Alternate spellings include Meriel and Meriall.

Merial

This pleasant modernization of a dated original is still rare but has real modern possibilities. Alternate versions include Merial and Meryl.

Meriel was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US last year, making this a choice that feels at once unique yet familiar, with a fashionable ocean-related meaning. If you still need convincing, root name Muriel is an angel name, for the angel who governs the month of June.

Meriel

First used for Norse invaders, this name, along with the similar Lachlan, is an attractive, worldly, and unusual choice — despite connections to the Nevada gambling resort. 

Laughlin

Common in its native habitat, and worth consideration by parents in search of an authentic Irish name, though a pronunciation challenge. 

Mairéad

Labhras is a traditional Irish masculine name pronounced roughly as 'LOW-russ' or 'LAW-rass.' It is the Irish Gaelic form of Lawrence, which derives from the Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum' or associated with laurel leaves, symbols of victory and honor. This distinctively Celtic name carries deep historical significance in Irish culture. While relatively uncommon outside Ireland, Labhras represents a strong connection to Irish heritage and language. The name has never been widespread internationally but remains a powerful choice for families honoring their Irish roots. Labhras conveys a sense of tradition, strength, and cultural pride, making it a meaningful though rarely encountered name in most English-speaking countries.

Labhras

Leary

A variation of Maria and Mary, used as a diminutive in Estonia, Croatia, Macedonia, The Netherlands, and Slovenia, and occasionally as a respelling of the Irish Máire. In the first instance, it may be pronounced MA-reh, while in the latter, it may be more like MA-r(y)uh. 
 
It could also be a form of Maren or Mairead, pronounced MEHR (like the word for a female horse).
 
Actress Mare Winningham is a notable bearer, while the name may have been made more familiar thanks to the TV show, Mare of Easttown, starring Kate Winslet. The character's full name is Marianne in the show.

Mare

Loman is one of those rare names that is at once simple and very unusual, with fewer than five baby boys given the name in the US in the most recent year. 

But Loman does carry a few less-than-optimal association, one with tragic character Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman and the other with the symbolic meaning of that name, which literally means "low man". You might want to consider Logan or Lorcan.

Loman

Typically spelled as Lonán in Ireland, Lonan is its Manx form, though it could also be considered the anglicized form too. The name comes from the Irish lon meaning "blackbird", paired with a diminutive suffix, making this a charming nature-related choice that could make a nice Logan/Conan alternative. 
 
Borne by a number of early saints, the name is pronounces as LUW-nawn (LUW like the sound in "look"), LOH-nawn (LOH like it "lock") or LUH-nawn (LUH like in "luck"), depending on regional dialect.

Lonan

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.

Lughaidh

Both Maire and Mare have begun making inroads with parents seeking novel yet authentic ways of honoring an ancestral Mary. The Finnish variation derives from the word mairea, meaning "sweet."

Maire

One Irish surname that will never make it as a first. 

Lynch

An unusual, energetic surname choice that would make a good Madison alternative. Madigan was a typical police detective series of the 1970s, starring Richard Widmark.

Madigan

Irish goddess and saint name that's strong, to say the least. 

Macha

A jovial and jaunty Irish name, the title of a long-gone TV crime drama, this would make an appealing choice. Slight downside: Maddy is already a mega-popular nickname for Madeline/Madelyn and Madison, so this Mad- name might not feel as distinctive as the stats would suggest.

 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 23)

690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)