By Pamela Redmond · Updated October 2026
Across 42 pages
of 42
Irish, diminutive of Cian
This original spelling may present its challenges outside of Ireland, but it certainly has a more poetic look to it. Those daunted by the pronunciation obstacles may wish to consider Keenan.
Irish
"dark"
Now that the Irish Ciaran and Ciara -- aka Kieran and Kiera -- are becoming more popular beyond their native shores, the short and strong Ciar might find some favor. As of now, more than 160 baby…
Gaelic
"little black-haired one"
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…
"little man"
This more user-friendly Anglicized form of Beacan, could profit from its kinship with the popular Beckett--with which it could share the nickname Beck. Becan is an Irish saint's name, attached to the…
"tiny one"
An attractive ancient Irish saint's name that conjures up a beacon of light, this Irish name for boys is well-used in Ireland but rarely heard in the US.
"strife"
Breasal is one native Irish name virtually never used in the US. It's better known via its surname form, Breslin, as in classic New York columnist Jimmy.
Irish variation of Bartholomew, Aramaic
"son of the furrow"
Pathalan is a rare Irish name derived from the somewhat-less-rare Bartholomew. Nearly 30 baby boys were named Bartholomew in the US last year, but none were named Parthalan.
"cleric"
This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.
"from the meadow"
Likable Irish surname name, but bound to be confused with Clooney.
Variation of Cluny best only if you're a major George fan. And even then, better go with George, Georgia, or Georgiana.
Partholon is a masculine name from Irish mythology, referring to a legendary figure who led a settlement of Ireland after the Biblical Flood. According to medieval Irish texts like the Lebor Gabála…
Coilin is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin. It is a diminutive form of 'Coil' or 'Coll,' meaning 'hazel tree,' which was significant in Celtic culture as a symbol of wisdom and inspiration.…
"fair-haired"
This is an ancient saints' name well used in Ireland but a rarity here and unlikely to ever reach the popularity of other Finn-ish names. St. Finbarr (the more common spelling) is the patron saint of…
Latin
"dove"
The Irish boys' name Colum, rarely heard in the U. S., makes an interesting alternative to Colin.
Irish surname
"descendant of Coltarán"
The great sax player John Coltrane could be a cool naming inspiration for a jazz fan. Plus, it gives you stylish nickname Colt, if you didn't love Colton or Colter. From it's Irish roots, it means…
Irish, uncertain meaning
Despite pronunciation, looks a bit like an airline or -- worse still -- a hair dryer name.
"warrior-lord"
This appealing name of a mythical king of Tara whose reign brough prosperity to his kingdom is strongly associated with actor Sean. The Irish form is Conaire.
"strong as a wolf"
If there are too many Connors in your neighborhood, this name is equally authentic and much more unusual. Spelled Conal or Conall, it's a prominent name in Irish history, borne by a number of kings…
"small, fair one"
If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.
"white"
Unusual and attractive entry to the growing Irish name canon.
