Irish Names

The traditional Irish girl's name Bevin – an Anglicization of Bébhinn – is rarely heard outside the Emerald Isle, but could make an fresh and fashionable namesake for an Aunt Beverly.

Bevin

The name of the powerful king of fairies in Irish folklore, Finvarra is often presented as a benevolent figure, bringing successful harvests and offering up earthly rewards for humans. In some versions of the legends, he is also the ruler of the dead. 
 
Combining the elements finn and barr, the name means "fair top", likely referring to a pleasant spot at the top of a hill. As such, the name is related to Finbar and Fionnbharr, which are made up of the same elements, and perhaps more surprisingly, to sixties favorite, Barry.

Finvarra

Fódhla is the modern Irish spelling of Fódla or Fótla, a figure from Irish mythology. She is one of the three goddesses of Ireland, the other two being her sisters Banba and Ériu. First appearing in the Irish stats in 2018, a recent year saw it feature in the Top 200. 
 
 Legend goes that when the Spanish settlers known as the Milesians arrived in Ireland, Fódhla and her sisters all asked the bard, Amergin, for the country to be named for them. Ériu was chosen as the honored sister and the country named Éire, but the bard was keen for all the sisters to have their wish granted. As such, Ireland may be poetically known as Fódhla (or Banba), making this an alternative choice to Erin for those who want to celebrate the place. 
 
Pronounced as FO-luh (Fo to rhyme with tow or foe), the name likely derives from the element fót meaning "sod, land", in turn reflecting her role as goddess of the land. The alternative spellings Fodhla or Fóla might occasionally be used too.

Fódhla

A modern spelling variation of Finley, which may appeal to those honoring someone called Lee, or those who like that cool Y in the name Flynn. This spelling is notably more popular for girls. 

Fynlee

Berneen is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of names like Bernadette or Bernice, with possible Irish influence in its ending. This rare name combines the strong Germanic element 'bern' meaning 'bear' with the Irish diminutive suffix '-een,' creating a unique cross-cultural blend. 

Berneen has never been widely popular but may appeal to families looking for an uncommon name with a familiar sound pattern. It carries the strength associated with bear imagery while the suffix adds a gentle, feminine quality. 

Though scarce in usage, Berneen might be chosen by parents seeking to honor relatives named Bernard, Bernadette, or Bernice while giving their daughter a distinctive variation.

Berneen

A name that has been used in Wales for nearly a thousand years — a famous bearer was the medieval scholar Gerallt Gymro, or Gerald of Wales — but not the most intuitive spelling for non-Welsh speakers. By coincidence, ger allt in Welsh also means "near a hill".

Gerallt

Hayden meets Logan in this modern choice which debuted for girls in the US stats in 2024 when it was given to five girls. Also spelled Hagan, the name is derived from an Irish surname and can mean "little fire" or "young".

Haegan

An Anglicized form of the Irish surname, Ó hAllmhuráin meaning "descendant of Allmhurán", Halloran could be your solution if you love the nickname Hal, but not Harold or Henry. Ultimately from allúrach meaning "foreigner" or "pirate", this name has been interpreted as meaning "descendent of a stranger from across the seas".
 
The name might be associated with the character Richard "Dick" Hallorann from Stephen King's The Shining.

Halloran

The name of a 6th saint from Galway whose monastery became a center of learning while he was there, Iarlaith is an undiscovered Irish gem. Undiscovered in the US, that is: Iarlaith is a Top 100 name in Ireland, given to around 55 boys in a recent year.
 
Other spellings of the name include Iarlaithe and Iarlflaith, while the Anglicized form is Jarlath, more familiar perhaps thanks to actor Jarlath Conroy of Law & Order. Pronounced as EER-luh or EEYR-luh depending on accent and place, the name has never ranked in the US charts.

Iarlaith

Traditionally spelled as Iarlaithe, Iarfhlaith, or Iarlaith, this is the English form of the regal, rugged Irish name. Familiar but distinctive in Ireland, it was given to 6 boys in a recent year, while Iarlaith entered the Top 100, given to 56 babies.
 
The name of a saint from Galway whose monastery became a center of learning, Jarlath is an undiscovered Gaelic gem with notable bearers including actor Jarlath Conroy, comedian Jarlath Regan, and footballer Jarlath Burns.

Jarlath

A spelling variation of Casey, more popular for girls thanks to its similarity to classic Katie. Kayce and Casey itself are more popular for boys, though Kacie has been given in small numbers over the years, with five boys receiving the name in a recent year (compared to 120 girls). 

Kacie

Bridget variation that's the root of the unattractive nickname Biddy.  Bedelia is another spelling.

Bidelia

This fanciful Irish extension of Bridget is known here through the wacky Amelia Bedelia books for kids -- an association your child may or may not like.

Bedelia

While Keir is typically used for boys, a small number of girls were given the name in the late 1960s and 70s, perhaps owing to the actor Keir Dullea starring in the 1968 2001: A Space Odyssey. Derived from the Irish Ciar or the Scottish Kerr, the name is more likely heard as a nickname for girls called Keira than as a stand alone name.

Keir

A variation of the Irish surname Mac Aodh (also McKee), meaning "son of Aodh, son of fire" or an alternative to Kay, ultimately from the Latin Gaius, meaning "rejoice", Key could equally be a word name, referring to something that unlocks or forms an essential element. Influencer Kenedy Brown Cradic chose this name for one of her sons in 2024.

Beatha

Out-of-date for a boy, innovative for a girl. 

Barry

Augusteen is an uncommon feminine name that derives from the Latin name Augustus, meaning 'great' or 'venerable.' It combines the classic root with a feminine ending, creating a distinctive variation of more common names like Augustine or Augusta. This name has historical connections to royalty and dignity, as Augustus was the title of the first Roman emperor. Augusteen has never been widely popular in mainstream usage, giving it a rare and vintage quality. It might appeal to parents looking for a name with classical roots but a unique presentation, offering the potential nicknames Gus, Auggie, or Teen.

Augusteen

Often considered a variation of the (now popular) Lennon, Lannan is an Irish name, derived from Leannán meaning "lover" or "paramour", though other sources suggest it combines lann with a diminutive suffix, giving you the meaning "little one of the land".
 
More likely to appear as a surname, one first name bearer is YouTuber Lannan Eacott ("LazarBeam").

Lannan

Layden and its little brother Leyden are both used quietly in the US. Layden was given to about 20 baby boys last year, while Leyden was used for five. 

Both names are more commonly found as surnames and owe their lives as first names to the trend for the popular Aiden or Ayden enhanced with different first letters: Cayden, Brayden, Zayden etc. But Layden and Leyden are Anglicizations of the old Irish Gaelic name Loideain and may be considered its relatives.

Leyden Lewis is a prominent interior designer.

Laydon

 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 38)

690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)