By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 35 pages
of 35
Irish
"sorrow"
An old saint's name that, even with the post-Aidan wave of Irish names, is a bit too close to crone.
"dweller near the Brosna River"
Actor Pierce made both his first and last name appealing.
"tribute"
Cagney is one of the spunkiest Irish surnames around, and could make a lively and fresher successor to the tired Casey. James Cagney will be remembered not only for his iconic gangster films, but…
"pup, cub"
This is the original Gaelic spelling of the Anglicized Colin -- more authentic, yes, but could make your American child's life unnecessarily complicated.
Variation of Irish surname MacCallister
"son of Alister"
Can be used either with or without the addition of Mac.
"charioteer"
A name scattered throughout Irish mythology with an intriguing sound, Carbry is one of the rare Irish names for boys virtually unknown in the US. Bry is the obvious, but lovely nickname option.
"battle rule"
The name of an ancient Irish saint is in the contemporary Irish Top 50. While it's one of the rare Irish names for boys that hasn't immigrated to the U.S., it may follow brothers Aidan and Declan to…
Carlus is a masculine variant of the name Carlos, which itself derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'manly.' This less common spelling variation maintains the strong,…
Ceabhallan is an extremely rare masculine name of Gaelic origin. This uncommon Irish name likely derives from Gaelic elements relating to "slender" or "small" and possibly "powerful" or "mighty." The…
Irish place-name
"four-part lake"
Gives Carlo a place-name/surname spin.
"victory"
This name is a fabulous option for parents looking for a victorious name but who find Victor just a little too obvious. This name can also be spelled Kearney.
Anglicized variation of Irish Cearbhall
"hacking with a weapon"
This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and…
"born handsome or son of Caomhan"
Kavanagh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanaugh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'. Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or…
"born handsome or son of Caomhan "
If you're looking for an Irish last name that moves beyond Casey and Cassidy, this one is pleasant sounding and worth considering. Kavanaugh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanagh,…
Irish, diminutive of Cian
This original spelling may present its challenges outside of Ireland, but it certainly has a more poetic look to it. Those daunted by the pronunciation obstacles may wish to consider Keenan.
"dark"
Now that the Irish Ciaran and Ciara -- aka Kieran and Kiera -- are becoming more popular beyond their native shores, the short and strong Ciar might find some favor. As of now, more than 160 baby…
Gaelic
"little black-haired one"
Long popular in Ireland and England, Ciarán is the name of Ireland's first-born saint and twenty-five other saints. While this is the authentic Irish spelling, it is more familiar in the US in the…
"cleric"
This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.
"from the meadow"
Likable Irish surname name, but bound to be confused with Clooney.
Variation of Cluny best only if you're a major George fan. And even then, better go with George, Georgia, or Georgiana.
