By Pamela Redmond · Updated October 2026
Across 42 pages
of 42
Irish
"freckled, speckled"
This Irish name of a saint from the Isle of Aran also appears in myth and fantasy fiction, giving it an intriguing, mystical air. Some modern parents are attempting to update the spelling, as in the…
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…
irish
"little raven"
Branigan, also spelled Branagan or Brannigan, is an Irish name full of energy and cheer. It was the title of a 1975 John Wayne movie, and Zapp Brannigan is the antihero of the animated sitcom…
Bold Irish surname, full of energy and cheer.
"salmon"
This now-popular name has spawned several different spellings. Many parents choose it solely for its style and sound, but we like the history behind this version: the bradan feasa is the "Salmon of…
Irish and English
"town near the Boyne"
That sound again.
"white cow"
The famous Battle of the Boyne, in Ireland, vanquished the Catholic king.
"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,…
"little poet"
An Irish surname name with a combination of boldness and élan. Some might connect it to the founder of the group T. Rex -- Marc Bolan.
"mild"
This name of an ancient Irish saint -- a favorite disciple of Saint Patrick -- could be an option for parents in search of a more distinctive alternative to Brendan or Aidan.
"bee"
An Anglicized derivative of the Gaelic name Beatha, meaning "life," best known as the surname of Irish playwright Brendan Behan.
"little spear"
This was a common name in early Ireland, borne by numerous saints, but pronunciation problems would make it prohibitive here.
