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

Coilin is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin. It is a diminutive form of 'Coil' or 'Coll,' meaning 'hazel tree,' which was significant in Celtic culture as a symbol of wisdom and inspiration. The suffix '-in' adds an endearing quality, suggesting 'little Coil.' While not widely used internationally, Coilin maintains popularity primarily within Ireland and among families with Irish heritage. The name carries a traditional Celtic charm while being distinctive and uncommon. Its pronunciation (KOY-leen or KOH-leen) sometimes causes it to be confused with the more common 'Colin,' though they have different etymological roots.

Coilin

The Irish boys' name Colum, rarely heard in the U. S., makes an interesting alternative to Colin. 

Colum

The great sax player John Coltrane could be a cool naming inspiration for a jazz fan. Plus, it gives you stylish nickname Colt, if you didn't love Colton or Colter. 
 
From it's Irish roots, it means "descendant of Coltarán", though other sources suggest it has its origins in Old English too, likely given to someone from a place where coal or charcoal was mined.

Coltrane

Despite pronunciation, looks a bit like an airline or -- worse still -- a hair dryer name. 

Conaire

This appealing name of a mythical king of Tara whose reign brough prosperity to his kingdom is strongly associated with actor Sean. The Irish form is Conaire.


Connery

If there are too many Connors in your neighborhood, this name is equally authentic and much more unusual. Spelled Conal or Conall, it's a prominent name in Irish history, borne by a number of kings and heroes.

Conal

Corky was a sitcom moniker of the fifties, Corcoran a better fit for these times. 

Corcoran

Cork

Cronan

Culley

Great way to honor either Irish or Southern heritage without being too on the nose. Similar to other boys' names like Pacey, Casey, Percy and Chauncy.

Dacey

A long shot, but it could join the crop of dashing Irish surname names. 

Dahy

Daley

Daman is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Indian traditions, it derives from Sanskrit meaning 'string' or 'rope,' symbolizing binding strength. It also appears in Greek mythology connected to Damon, a figure representing loyalty and friendship. Some may see it as a variation of Damian, which has Greek origins meaning 'to tame' or 'subdue.' Daman has a strong, concise sound that travels well across cultures. The name's relative simplicity and international character make it appealing to parents seeking a name that feels both distinctive and accessible. Its cross-cultural nature allows it to carry different meaningful associations depending on one's heritage.

Daman

Dáivi is a masculine name of Sámi origin (indigenous people of northern Scandinavia), representing a form of David. The accent over the 'a' indicates specific pronunciation patterns in the Sámi language. Like its Hebrew root, it carries meanings associated with 'beloved' or 'cherished.' Unlike the internationally common David, Dáivi remains culturally specific to Sámi communities in regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The name reflects the preservation of indigenous identity within Nordic cultures and represents cultural pride for many Sámi families. Its distinctive pronunciation and spelling maintain cultural heritage while connecting to the worldwide David tradition. For those with Sámi ancestry, choosing Dáivi honors traditional naming practices while offering a unique identity in global contexts.

Dáivi

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner. 

The unusual Irish Derry was given to zero babies of either gender in the US last year, but it's a merry choice that deserves more attention.

Derry

Derrig is a masculine name with Irish Gaelic origins, likely derived from the word "dearg" meaning "red." It may have originally been a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion before evolving into a surname and later a given name. Derrig has a strong, compact sound that conveys masculinity and Celtic heritage. The name is quite rare as a first name, making it an uncommon choice that stands out. Its Irish roots make it appealing to families with Celtic connections seeking something distinctive yet culturally meaningful. While not appearing frequently in naming statistics, Derrig offers a bold alternative to more common Irish names, carrying connotations of vigor and distinctiveness through its connection to the vibrant red color.

Derrig

Derrik is a masculine name representing a spelling variation of Derek or Derrick. The name ultimately derives from the Old Germanic name Theodoric, meaning 'ruler of the people.' This particular spelling maintains the sound of the original while offering a slightly different visual presentation. Derrik gained some usage in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, though it has always been less common than the standard Derek spelling. The name carries associations of strength and leadership from its etymological roots, while maintaining a friendly, approachable quality. Derrik tends to evoke images of a dependable, masculine individual. While not among the most popular male names, it offers parents a recognizable but somewhat less common alternative to the standard spelling.

Derrik

Dermot is an appealing, relatively undiscovered Irish mythological hero's name long popular in the Old Country, and imported into the American consciousness by actor Dermot Mulroney. We see it in the next Celtic wave following Connor and Liam.
 The name Dermot was borne by several early kings and a number of saints, as well as the legendary king of Tara. A further plus: The legendary Diarmaid  (pronounced DEER-mit), a member of the band of Finn MacCool, had a mark on his face that caused women to fall instantly and madly in love with him.
 Kermit the Frog owes his name to a regional variant of Dermot.

Dermot

This authentic form of the name of an Irish mythological hero with the power to make women fall instantly in love with him would work far better here as the Anglicized Dermot. 

Diarmaid

 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 26)

690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)