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Gaelic Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
Gaelic names for boys range from somewhat familiar actors names, such as Ciaran and Domnhall, to those that are truly obscure in the States. Gaelic boys names are, of course, much more popular in Ireland. But you might just find one of the Gaelic names for boys on our list appealing.

Below, our full list of boy names with Gaelic origins. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
  1. Callen

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "rock"

    • Description:

      Callen is a unisex Gaelic name growing in popularity here. Its newfound trendiness is possibly related to the Chris O'Donnell character on "NCIS: Los Angeles", known only as G. Callen. Jazz musician Cal Tjader's full name is Callen.
  2. Cael

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "slender"

    • Description:

      Cael is the name of the angel of the zodiac sign of Cancer and also of a warrior of Irish mythology. Its ascendance to the Top 1000 over the past decade probably has to do with its similarity to Cale and Kale (and Kyle and Cayden etcetera).
  3. Eoin

    • Origin:

      Irish, variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Though Eoin is a Gaelic form of John, its Anglicized pronunciation links it directly to Owen. Eoin is currently a Top 30 name in Ireland. Other variations: Ewan, Ewen, Evan and Eoghan (pronounced as Owen but also translated as Eugene).
  4. Eoghan

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "born of the yew tree"

    • Description:

      Pronounced like Owen, this was the name of several early Irish kings and saints, as well as a celebrated Ulster hero. Often spelled with two 'n's in Scotland, it has been Anglicized as Ewan, Ewen, Euan, Owen, Hugh, or Eugene.
  5. Aodh

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "fire"

    • Description:

      Aodh, the name of the Celtic sun god meaning "fire", was common in early Scotland. It's also the origin of the wildly popular Irish name Aidan (originally Aodhán). Its pronunciation varies depending on region: AY or EE are Irish pronunciations, and in Scotland it's closer to UH, and has been Anglicized as Hugh.
  6. Branton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "sword or fire town"

    • Description:

      Branton may be more unusual than Brandon but it will forever be confused with that name.
  7. Mirren

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      Mirren is a lively and attractive Scottish name, popular in its native country but best known outside Scotland as the surname of the English actor Dame Helen Mirren. It is thought to be a Scottish derivative of the name Marion, from Mary.
  8. Bain

    • Origin:

      Gaelic or Sindarin

    • Meaning:

      "white, fair"

    • Description:

      Derived from the Scottish Gaelic bàn, meaning "white, fair". It's also a name in J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional Elvish language, in which it means "beautiful".
  9. Domhnall

    • Origin:

      Gaelic form of Donald

    • Description:

      Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Domhnall Gleeson put this Irish and Scottish name on the international map. Sometimes Anglicized as Donal, its pronunciation is close to Donald without the final d.
  10. Ciarán

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "little black-haired one"

    • Description:

      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 Anglicized Kieran spelling.
  11. Ruadhan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"

    • Description:

      Ruadhan (sometimes spelt with a fada: Ruadhán) is a fashionable name in its native Ireland. Borne one of the Twelve Irish Apostles, it originated as a diminutive of Ruadh, meaning "red-haired". It has sometimes been Anglicized as Rowan.
  12. Mirin

    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related. The name is usually used for girls.
  13. Tearlach

    • Description:

      Tearlach is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, traditionally pronounced 'CHAR-lach.' It's the Scottish Gaelic form of Charles, ultimately derived from Germanic roots meaning 'free man' or 'strong and manly.' Though uncommon outside of Scotland, Tearlach carries a strong cultural connection to Scottish heritage and history. The name has been borne by several significant figures in Scottish history, including Bonnie Prince Charlie, whose full name was Charles Edward Stuart but who was known in Gaelic as Tearlach. With its distinctive pronunciation and spelling, Tearlach offers a bold, Celtic alternative to the more common Charles while maintaining the same noble heritage.
  14. Munga

    • Description:

      Munga is a masculine name with roots in several African cultures, particularly in Kenya among the Kikuyu people. The name generally relates to concepts of leadership, strength, or ancestral connection, though specific meanings can vary across different communities. In some contexts, it may be associated with prosperity or abundance. Munga remains relatively uncommon outside of specific African regions and diaspora communities. The name carries a strong cultural heritage and distinctive sound that sets it apart. Its brevity and distinctive pronunciation give it a memorable quality. For those of African heritage, the name can serve as a meaningful connection to cultural roots and ancestral traditions.
  15. Uinseann

    • Description:

      Uinseann is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of the name Vincent. It derives ultimately from the Latin name Vincentius, which comes from 'vincens' meaning 'conquering' or 'prevailing'. The distinctive spelling reflects the Gaelic orthography's approach to representing sounds not native to the Irish language. Pronounced roughly as 'IN-shawn' or 'WIN-shawn', it represents a deep connection to Irish linguistic heritage. Uinseann remains relatively rare even within Ireland, where the anglicized version Vincent is more commonly used. The name embodies Irish cultural preservation and linguistic tradition, often chosen by families with strong ties to Gaelic heritage or those seeking to honor Irish ancestry. Its uniqueness makes it a distinctive choice that immediately communicates cultural identity.

  16. Eamonn

    • Description:

      Eamonn is the Irish form of Edmund, derived from the Old English elements 'ead' meaning wealth or fortune and 'mund' meaning protection. Traditionally used in Ireland, Eamonn gained popularity throughout the 20th century and remains a strong cultural identifier. The name carries connotations of strength and prosperity, while maintaining its distinctive Irish heritage. Notable bearers include Irish broadcaster Eamonn Andrews and political figure Eamonn de Valera. While more common in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, the name has gained modest international recognition while staying true to its Gaelic roots.
  17. Galyn

    • Description:

      Galyn is a masculine name with Celtic roots, derived from elements meaning 'calm' or 'tranquil.' It may also be related to the Welsh name Galen, which comes from the Greek word meaning 'healer.' This uncommon name carries connotations of peace, wisdom, and healing abilities. Galyn has never been among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name has a gentle strength to it, with its soft sounds balanced by its masculine heritage. In contemporary usage, Galyn represents a bridge between traditional naming conventions and modern parents' desire for uniqueness.

  18. Torcall

    • Description:

      Torcall is a masculine name with Scottish Gaelic roots, representing a variation of Torquil or Torcuil. Derived from the Norse name Þorkell (composed of 'Þórr,' the god of thunder, and 'ketill,' meaning cauldron or helmet), it carries connotations of strength and protection. Historically found in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, particularly in areas with strong Norse influence, Torcall remains relatively rare even within Scotland. The name connects to ancient Celtic-Norse heritage and offers a distinctive alternative to more common Thor-derived names. With its strong consonants and historical depth, Torcall provides a powerful yet uncommon option for parents seeking a name with authentic Scottish roots and mythological significance.
  19. Pádraig

    • Origin:

      Gaelic variation of Patrick

    • Description:

      Once considered too sacred to give to children in Ireland, it is now among the most common names there, along with variants including Pauric and Padraic. Basketball great Patrick Ewing used it for his son.
  20. Osheen

    • Origin:

      Anglicized variation of Gaelic Oisin

    • Description:

      This Anglicized spelling adds a bit of a, well, sheen to the very popular Irish name Oisín.