By Pamela Redmond · Updated October 2026
Across 42 pages
of 42
Irish
"little lord"
An old Irish surname cousin of Tierney that makes an unusual and appealing Irish gender switch.
"free man"
This authentic form of the name of an Irish mythological hero with the power to make women fall instantly in love with him would work far better here as the Anglicized Dermot.
"dark moor"
This Celtic surname is familiar but barely used at all as a first name.
"not loving"
Surname that could have pronunciation problems -- it's Dorrity -- as well as having an off-putting meaning.
"black-haired"
Fresh choice that could pick up where Dylan and Logan left off.
"dark fighter"
This genial Irish surname feels much more current than Donald.
Donall is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, representing a variant spelling of Dónall or Domhnall, which ultimately derives from the elements 'dubno' meaning 'world' and 'val' meaning 'rule'…
Scottish variation of Donald
"proud chief"
Donal is, yes, just Donald with the final d cut off, but that somehow gives it a jauntier, fresher feel. Donal Logue is a Canadian actor and Donal Skehan is an Irish cookbook author.
"king; brown"
Ancient Irish king of the underworld, so much more powerful than Don.
"small brown-haired child"
This Irish saint's name makes an attractive alternative for Dylan or Donald.
"dark, brave one"
Donnelly is among the more appealing Irish surname names, less well used than Donovan. Related options include the place name Donegal and the mythological god name Donegan.
"brown chieftain"
Barely-used Irish surname that's more streamlined than popular Donovan.
"dark hero"
A common Irish surname that's seldom heard as a first name, but has an appealing meaning.
"dark-haired"
Compact, to-the-point surname name. Bear in mind the stock-market association - it may be a bit much with the last name Jones.
"son of Draighnean"
Brennan alternative.
"dark, darkness"
Obscure and quirky, but not without some appeal.
Toireasa is a distinctively Irish feminine name with Gaelic origins. It is a variation of Theresa or Teresa, which derives from Greek roots meaning "harvester" or "summer." In Irish usage, Toireasa…
Irish place-name
With Galway and Ireland in play as names (not to mention Shannon and Kerry), there's no reason this one can't work, too.
"swarthy"
This somewhat boisterous Celtic name would be at home in a noisy pub or out walking on the moors. In Scotland, it was originally a nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion. Duff…
Dugan is an open, friendly, and cheery Irish surname that would be suited to a dark-haired boy.
