By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 35 pages
of 35
Irish
"devotee of Maedoc"
One of the ultimate teasable names, an Irish saint's name now associated with the oversized comic-strip dog. Scottish adventurer Bear (born Edward) Grylls took up the challenge when he used it for…
Irish place-name
"yew-tree plain"
When ordering a baby name, hold the mayo.
Irish variation of Michael
This Gaelic version of the enduring Michael was chosen by Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson for their first son.
"a venerable chieftain"
There are many dynamic three-syllable Irish surnames; this is one of the rarer two-syllable ones. Molloy is the title of a 1951 novel by Samuel Beckett, initially written in French. Another Beckett…
"sea taboo"
When British rocker Steven Patrick Morrissey decided to use his last name alone, it became a viable option for baby namers, a lot cooler than Morris or Maurice.
"descendent of the bald-headed"
Less appealing than some other Irish surnames, such as Malone and Sullivan, unless used as a tribute to jazz musician Gerry. There could be some Mulligan stew teasing.
Auliffe is a masculine name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Amhalghaidh' or 'Amhlaoibh', which are variants of the Old Norse name 'Olaf'. The name means 'ancestral heritage' or 'ancestor's…
Scottish and Manx
"ancestor's descendant"
Also spelled Aulay in Scotland, this is an attractive form of the Scandinavian name Olaf that blends several currently fashionable sounds.
"from the chief's line"
Perfect as an updated namesake for Great-Uncle Neal (or Neil).
"hawklike, stately"
One of the jauntiest o' the O' names, the birth name of actor/ rapper Ice Cube.
Diminutive of Patrick, Irish
"noble, patrician"
Because it's a generic (and often derogatory) term for an Irishman, Paddy fell out of use as a diminutive or given name, though actress Mare Winningham used it not long ago.
Irish variation of Patrick
This form, common in Ireland, could create confusion.
"plowman"
Familiar in Ireland, strange here.
Diminutive of Patrick
As seen on SNL, Pat is the ultimate androgynous name . Stick with long form Patrick, and make sure everyone calls him Patrick.
English and Irish, diminutive of Patrick
"noble, patrician."
Patsy has been rarely heard for half a century, for either gender, and we're not expecting that to change in the near future..
Irish variation of Peter
Peadair is one way to reinvent a classic, though insisting on the authentic pronunciation could cause problems.
Spelling variation of Finian, Irish
"fair"
Julia Roberts's choice of Phinnaeus gives a boost to all Ph forms. Or should we say, phorms.
Cornish
"little dark one"
It may be a longshot – especially since it was given to less than 5 boys in the US in 2021 – but Piran could conceivably be a future Kieran, which is shaping up to being the next Kevin. Piran is the…
"son of William"
A really unusual choice that could be used to honor Grandpa Will.
Réamann is a masculine Irish name derived from the Old Norse name 'Hreiðmarr,' which entered Irish nomenclature during the Viking era. The name combines elements meaning 'counsel' or 'protection' and…
