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

Feminine of Aidan, but now girls would prefer to use the original. 

Edana

The name of one of the most famous medieval Irish saints, who was known as "the foster-mother of the saints," and founded a nunnery in the county of Limerick. Might be of interest to someone looking for an unusual 3-letter name.

The Irish Gaelic form of Evelyn or Aveline, this name is more authentically spelled Eibhlín. It appears in the title of a love song by 17th century composer Cearbhall Óg Ó Dálaigh, called Eibhlín a Rún. 
 
Eibhlín is possibly the source of the more familiar Eileen, which is also used as an Irish form of Helen ("bright, shining").

Eibhlin

Familiar in the US thanks to the lovely movie Brooklyn, based on the Colm Toibin novel of the same name. Popular in medieval times, it is still used in Ireland (properly spelt with a fada: Eilís) could make an alternative to the super-popular Isla. Eilish and Eibhlis are alternate forms.

Eilis

Eilish is one of those Irish names that, thanks to a celebrity, has suddenly become much more familiar outside of Ireland. Irish-American singer Billie Eilish (Eilish is actually one of her middle names) introduced the wider world to this Irish name as actress Saoirse Ronan did with hers. 

Interestingly, Saoirse Ronan's character in Brooklyn, based on the novel by Colm Toibin, was named Eilis, pronounced AY-lish in the movie (although usually EYE-lish or EYE-leesh with the fada).

While the Anglicized version of Eilish or Eilís is usually given as Elizabeth, it is sometimes translated to Alice, which is closer to the AY-lish pronunciation.

Eilish

Eire was a mythological goddess who named Ireland after herself. Rarely used today, even in Eire. 

Éire

Eileanóra is a feminine name of Gaelic origin, representing the Irish form of Eleanor. The name ultimately derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, possibly meaning 'the other Aenor' or from Greek 'heleos' (compassion) and 'nor' (light). The Irish adaptation incorporates 'eilean,' which suggests connections to islands or beauty. Featuring traditional Irish spelling with the accent mark, Eileanóra carries a strong cultural tie to Irish heritage while maintaining the elegant, regal associations of Eleanor, which was borne by numerous queens and noblewomen throughout European history. Though rare even in Ireland, this name offers parents seeking distinctive Celtic options a beautiful alternative with rich historical connections and a melodious pronunciation that emphasizes its Gaelic roots.

Eileanóra

The wife of legendary Irish hero Cu Chulainn, blessed with the gifts of beauty sweet speech, wisdom, needlework, and chastity -- a mixed bag. 

Émer

Aimiliona is an elaborate feminine name that appears to be a unique creation, possibly drawing inspiration from names like Amelia, Emilia, or Meilani, with a flowing, polynesian-influenced sound. This ornate name follows the trend of creating distinctive, vowel-rich names with a melodic quality. The name's structure, with five syllables and varied vowel sounds, gives it a musical, almost lyrical feel when pronounced. Extremely rare in usage, Aimiliona would likely be a one-of-a-kind name for most who bear it. Parents choosing this name might be drawn to its exotic feel and uniqueness. While its rarity means it lacks traditional historical or cultural associations, it offers the advantage of being truly distinctive while still having a feminine, flowing quality that connects it to naming traditions from multiple cultures.

Aimiliona

Eimile is a feminine name with Gaelic roots, primarily considered an alternative spelling of Emily or Émilie. This distinctive variation maintains the melodic quality of its more common counterparts while offering a uniquely Celtic flair. In Irish and Scottish Gaelic contexts, the name connects to words meaning 'rival' or 'eager,' though its contemporary usage often simply reflects appreciation for Gaelic heritage. While relatively uncommon even in Ireland and Scotland, Eimile appeals to parents seeking a name with Celtic roots that maintains some familiarity. The pronunciation typically follows as AY-mi-lee or EYE-mi-lee, though variations exist. The name's unusual spelling provides a conversation starter while still carrying the classic feminine elegance associated with its more widespread variants.

Eimile

Irish town names are now fair game -- as are most other places with connections to Ireland -- but are much better suited to boys. 

Ennis

That er sound -- as in Myrna, Myrtle, and Bernice -- sounds terminally dated. 

Erna

Eistir is an uncommon feminine name with possible Celtic or Norse origins, though its exact etymology remains somewhat obscure. It may be related to ancient words for spring or dawn, possibly connecting it to renewal and beginnings. The name has a mystical, ethereal quality that evokes images of northern landscapes and ancient traditions. Unlike more mainstream Celtic names, Eistir remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive character that appeals to parents seeking something truly unique. Its unusual sound pattern combines softness with strength, featuring the flowing 'eis' sound followed by a more definitive 'tir' ending. The name's rarity means a child named Eistir would likely be the only one in her class, offering individuality without sacrificing melodious pronunciation.

Eistir

This name of a mythical beauty transformed into a scarlet fly by a jealous wife is popular in its native land; here, while pleasant to the ear, it's bewildering on paper. 

Étaoin

Irish baby names - Irish girl blowing bubbles

Irish names

Irish names with meaning and popularity including top Irish baby names and unique Irish names for girls and boys. (Page 35)

690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)