Irish Names

Perhaps too spicy for some, but this is a popular Gaelic surname that might appeal for those looking to honor a family branch or to fans of legendary British comedian Tim Curry.

Curry

A popular choice in Northern Ireland and familiar in the Republic of Ireland too, Dáire is a classic Irish choice, appearing in many legends
 It is usually Anglicized as Darragh or Dara.

Dáire

Danu is a name from Irish mythology without many details attached. Some say she's a goddess of agriculture and/or of women, but that does not appear in ancient texts.

In Hindu mythology, Danu is a water goddess. Her name is connected to the river Danube.

Danu

Breda is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. Primarily of Irish origin, it's a shortened form of Bridget, derived from the Celtic goddess Brigid, meaning "exalted one" or "strength." In Slavic countries, particularly Slovenia, Breda appears as an independent name. It's also used in the Netherlands as a given name. Breda carries a gentle but strong quality, combining brevity with substance. Unlike more common variants like Bridget or Bridie, Breda remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has enjoyed modest usage throughout the 20th century but never reached mainstream popularity, making it an understated choice that balances traditional roots with uniqueness.

Breda

Bríd is a feminine Irish name that represents the original Gaelic form of Bridget. This ancient name honors Brigid, one of Ireland's most beloved patron saints, as well as the pre-Christian Celtic goddess Brigid associated with poetry, healing, and smithcraft. The name features the traditional Irish fada accent mark over the 'i', which slightly changes its pronunciation to 'breed' rather than 'brid.' Though less commonly used outside Ireland in its authentic spelling, Bríd remains a cherished name in Irish-speaking communities and among families honoring their Celtic heritage. The name carries significant cultural weight, representing Ireland's spiritual heritage while offering a concise, distinctive alternative to the more internationally recognized Bridget.

Bríd

Technically a pet form of Brigid and very commonly heard in Ireland, but pronunciation problems complicate Bride as a name choice in America.

Bride

A contemporary way to honor a Dennis or Denise, this surname style choice may appeal to fans of Jennings, Banks, and Remington. Derived from the Irish surname Ó Duinnín, it literally means "descendant of Duinnín", though may also be interpreted as "descendent of the brown haired man" or "descendent of the chieftain".

Dennings

An alternative to names like Desmond, Denver, Banks, and Jennings, Dennings may also work as a fresh way to honor a Dennis or Denise. It's an Anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Duinnín, literally meaning "descendant of Duinnín", or more figuratively, "descendent of the brown haired man" or "descendent of the chieftain".

While Doireann may look like a form of Doreen (a diminutive of Dora or Dorothy), it is in fact a name of Old Irish origin, appearing in Irish legend. Usually pronounced as DEH-ruhn (though DIR-an and DUR-enn are also listed), it is rarely used outside of Ireland.
 
The exact etymology of the name is unknown, but it may be a blend of finn and der meaning "white, blessed" and "daughter" respectively. Another (less favorable) possibility is that is comes from an Irish word meaning "tempestuous", while others have suggested it comes from doire meaning "oak grove".
 
Notable bearers include social media star and comedian, Doireann Garrihy, poet Doireann Ní Ghríofa, radio producer Doireann Ní Bhriain, and translator and academic Doireann MacDermott.

Doireann

An Irish surname, borrowed from the given name Dougal (or Dubhghall), Doyle was a popular choice for boys in the US in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Meaning "dark stranger", it appeared in the stats for girls a handful of times throughout the period. 
 
It might appeal to fans of Sherlock Holmes writer, Arthur Conan Doyle, though others might find it a bit too much like doily.

Doyle

Dymphna – also spelled Dympna – is the distinctive name of an Irish virgin martyr. According to the legend, she was a Celtic princess who fled to Belgium to escape the abusive attentions of her unwell father. After her murder, she was named the patron saint of the mentally ill. 

 Derived from the Old Irish Damhnait, Dymphna has the charming – perhaps woodsy and whimsical – meaning of "fawn" and some of the sounds of stylish Daphne. Despite its classic Irish feel, this name is out of fashion in its native country, with Dymphna last appearing in the Irish stats back in the 1980s.
 
There have been two noted writers with this name, the Australian Dymphna Cusack and the Irish travel writer Dymphna Byrne.

Dymphna

A modern Irish name, currently on the rise, Éada is likely derived from Éadaoin, a figure from Irish legend. Meaning "passion" or "jealously", it may appeal to those who want a distinctly Irish choice but also enjoy the vintage sounds of Ada or popular Ava. 

Éada

Typically spelled as Éala (in which case it would be pronounced like Ella), this name comes from the Irish word for "swan". Its accented form appeared in the Irish Top 50 in a recent year, though this variation may appeal as more closely tied to the bird, or closer in sound to Alice or Alan. 
 
It may also be considered a masculine name in Hawaii, where it is viewed as a variation of the English Earl.

Eala

A rising star for girls in Ireland, Éala is pronounced as EH-luh and may be inspired by the Irish word for swan, eala, said as A-luh). Alternatively, it may be considered an Irish form of Ayla, meaning "oak tree" in Hebrew and "halo, moonlight" in Turkish. 
 
Appealing thanks to its familiar and name-y sound, and because of its elegant and nature-related meanings, it appeared in the Top 50 in Ireland in a recent year.

Éala

Used predominantly in Ireland, Edel was a popular choice from the 40s through until the 90s, largely in honor of the Irish missionary, Edel Quinn, known for her work with the poor in the slums of Dublin and later, as a Legion of Mary Envoy in Africa. Quinn was named after the edelweiss flower, making this a non-frilly floral choice.
 
Edel is additionally used as a short form of names containing the German element, edel, such as in Edeltraud and Edelmira. In this case, it would would mean "noble".
 
In Ireland, you may hear it said as EE-dehl, while from its German roots, AY-duhl or EH-dehl may be heard.

Edel

The Irish variation of Evelyn and Aveline, Eibhlín appears in the title of a love song by 17th century, Eibhlín a Rún, written by composer and harpist, Cearbhall Óg Ó Dálaigh. It can be pronounced with either an "ayv" sound at the beginning, or an "ehv" sound, depending on regional dialect.
 
While the exact meaning of the name is unknown, "desired" or "water, island" are possibly theories. Eibhlín may also be the source of the more familiar Eileen, though this is also used as an Irish form of Helen.

Eibhlín

Uncommon choice too reminiscent of "bidet". Try Bridie instead.

Bidu

You may think of this as a variation of Eilis, an Irish name that rhymes with Irish, or a mashup of Eileen and Elise.

Eilise

Popular in Ireland but less familiar elsewhere, Eimear is a mythological choice, which some may see as a fresh alternative to Emma. 
 
In Irish legend, Eimear was the wife of the warrior hero Cuchulainn. She was said to possess the six gifts of womanhood: beauty, voice, speech, wisdom, chastity, and needlework. While the exact meaning of the name is unknown, one suggestion is that it means "swift, quick", from the Irish mear.
 
Pronounced as EE-mer, the name may also be spelled as Emer, and more rarely, Eimer. Other forms are Éimhear (said as EH-ver) and Eimher, the Scottish variant (pronounced AY-veer).

Eimear

Eimer is a rare variation of the popular Irish name, Eimear. Also appearing as Emer, it derives from Irish mythology in which it was borne by the the legendary wife of the warrior hero Cuchulainn.
 
While the exact meaning is unknown, it is sometimes interpreted to mean "swift", in relation to the Irish mear.
 
The name last appeared in the Irish data back in 2009, and even at its peak in 1995, it was given to just 11 girls. 
 
From its Germanic roots, Eimer is a masculine name, and used as a Frisian form of Elgimar or Elimar meaning "famous blade"

Eimer

 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 37)

690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)