690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- Maloney
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"devotee of the church"Description:
Too close to baloney.
- Gilibeirt
Description:
Gilibeirt is an unusual masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling or elaboration of Gilbert. The name Gilbert itself has Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning "bright pledge" or "shining hostage." This distinctive spelling with the additional 'i' characters gives Gilibeirt a unique visual appearance and potentially alters its pronunciation slightly. Extremely rare in usage, Gilibeirt likely represents either a highly individualized spelling choice or possibly reflects a regional variant from a specific cultural context. The name carries the same noble heritage as its more common counterpart Gilbert, which was introduced to England by the Normans and was borne by several medieval saints. The uncommon spelling might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive name with historical roots but a contemporary presentation.
- Fergall
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"man of valor"Description:
Despite its virtuous meaning, Fergall - along with the more standard spellings Fergal, Ferghal and Fearghal - has never made it across the ocean. In the States, Fergall is a rare yet pronounceable name with strong ties to Ireland. In its native land, it's been worn for over a thousand years by everyone from chieftains to poets to sportsmen, and still appears steadily in birth records.
- Sheary
Description:
Sheary is an uncommon masculine name with uncertain etymology, possibly deriving from the Irish surname Sheary or O'Sheary, which originated from the Gaelic 'Ó Séaghdha' meaning 'hawk-like' or 'descendant of Séaghdha.' It may also be related to the English word 'shear,' suggesting someone who cuts or trims. As a given name, Sheary remains extremely rare, making it an unusual choice for parents seeking distinctiveness. The name has a gentle yet masculine quality with its soft beginning and 'ee' ending sound. Its rarity means there are few cultural associations or famous bearers, allowing a child to define the name's character rather than the reverse.
- Hogan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"youth"Description:
Logan came from nowhere in the past few decades to break the Top 25, and Hogan is a good bet to follow, now that "Hogan's Heroes" has faded from memory.
- Dunbar
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"castle headland"Description:
Clear and strong, if a little heavy.
- Dacey
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the south"Description:
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.
- Finella
Origin:
Scottish variation of FinolaMeaning:
"white shoulder"Description:
Finella and cousin Fenella, which are found most often in Scotland, would make pleasing imports.
- Eóin
Origin:
Irish variation of OwenDescription:
Popular in Ireland, as is the similarly difficult spelling EOGHAN, but over here, most would stick with Owen.
- Flanna
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
Flanna is an uncommon name for a red-haired girl, not as familiar -- or some would say, as pretty -- as its nickname, Flannery.
- Duryea
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the stream"Description:
Irish name with an intriguing lilt.
- Keenen
Origin:
Variation of KeenanMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
Energetic name that's keen to please.
- Calhoun
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the narrow forest"Description:
A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered, though anyone into American history might associate it with John C. Calhoun, a 19th century statesman who defended slavery. There are however plenty of places called Calhoun which might lessen that association.
- Mayo
Origin:
Irish place-nameMeaning:
"yew-tree plain"Description:
When ordering a baby name, hold the mayo.
- Conaire
Origin:
Irish, uncertain meaningDescription:
Despite pronunciation, looks a bit like an airline or -- worse still -- a hair dryer name.
- Ciarán
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"little black-haired one"Description:
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 Anglicized Kieran spelling.
- Cahir
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"battle man"Description:
Cahir along with its traditional spelling Cathair is well-used in modern Ireland. Now it's finding a wider audience thanks to The Witcher , though Cahir is the main villain of the series. It was in the US charts from 2017 to 2020, but fewer than 5 baby boys were named Cahir in the US in 2021, suggesting that the effect on parents was short-lived.
- Roibeard
Description:
Roibeard is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of the name Robert, infusing the familiar classic with Celtic heritage. Pronounced roughly as 'ROH-bard' or 'HROH-byart,' this masculine name derives from Germanic elements meaning 'bright fame' or 'shining with glory.' While rare outside Ireland, Roibeard represents a deep connection to Irish linguistic traditions and cultural identity. The name experienced its greatest popularity in medieval Ireland but has seen limited use in modern times, making it an uncommon choice that stands out. Parents might choose Roibeard to honor Irish ancestry or to select a distinctive name with historical roots and a strong cultural connection.
- Vereen
Description:
Vereen is an uncommon masculine name with uncertain origins, possibly derived from French surnames or representing a variant of Vernon or Vern. It may relate to the Latin 'verus' meaning 'true' or could be an anglicized form of names from other cultures. The name gained some recognition in the United States through Broadway performer Ben Vereen, though it remains rare as a first name. Vereen has a distinctive, refined quality with its double 'e' sound. The name carries a certain artistic and sophisticated flair while being unusual enough to stand out. Its rarity gives it a unique appeal for parents seeking distinctive names with a melodic quality.
- Agaistin
Description:
Agaistin appears to be a rare variant or alternative spelling of the name Augustine or Agustin. The traditional name Augustine derives from Latin 'augustus,' meaning 'great,' 'venerable,' or 'majestic.' This uncommon spelling variation might have emerged through regional pronunciation differences or as a deliberate modification to create a distinctive name. While extremely rare in documented usage, it follows the pattern of name variations that developed across different linguistic regions and cultural traditions. The uncommon spelling gives this classic name a unique quality while maintaining connections to the rich historical tradition of Augustine, which has been used since Roman times and was popularized by several important religious figures, including Saint Augustine of Hippo, an influential Christian theologian and philosopher.