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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. 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).
  2. 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.
  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. 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.
  6. Iain

    • Origin:

      Gaelic variation of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Iain, this authentic Gaelic form of John, has been well used in Scotland since the early twentieth century, used concurrently with the shortened Ian spelling, but is rarely seen in the US.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  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. 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.
  12. 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".
  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. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Bogart

    • Origin:

      Dutch surname

    • Meaning:

      "orchard"

    • Description:

      What it really means: you're a "Casablanca" fan.
  17. 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.

  18. Saidhbhin

    • Description:

      Saidhbhin is a rare masculine variation of the Irish name Sadhbh (pronounced 'sive'). It derives from Old Irish and is believed to mean 'sweet' or 'goodness.' The name carries deep Celtic roots and appears in Irish mythology, where Sadhbh was turned into a deer by a dark druid. While the feminine form Sadhbh has seen some revival in Ireland, the masculine variant Saidhbhin remains exceptionally uncommon. The additional suffix '-in' gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining its Gaelic heritage. Parents choosing this name often have strong connections to Irish culture and a desire for a truly unique name with authentic historical significance.
  19. Foghlaidh

    • Description:

      Foghlaidh is a masculine Irish Gaelic name with ancient Celtic roots. Pronounced approximately as 'FOW-lee' or 'FOY-la,' this distinctive name derives from the Irish word 'foghlaí' meaning 'plunderer' or 'pirate,' suggesting associations with boldness and adventure. The name carries echoes of Ireland's rich history of seafaring and warrior traditions. Extremely rare even within Ireland, Foghlaidh represents a deeply authentic connection to Gaelic linguistic heritage. The unusual spelling, characteristic of Irish Gaelic with its silent consonants, gives the name a visually striking quality. Foghlaidh would appeal to parents with strong Irish heritage seeking an uncommonly used traditional name. Its rarity ensures individuality while its pronunciation challenges make it a conversation starter.
  20. Maitias

    • Description:

      Maitias is a masculine name with Gaelic roots, considered a variant of Matthias or Matías. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name 'Mattityahu,' meaning 'gift of God.' While the standard Irish form is typically 'Maitiú,' Maitias represents a unique spelling variation that combines traditional Gaelic phonetics with the classical ending. This name is relatively rare globally, even in Ireland and other Celtic regions. Its uncommon status gives it distinction while still connecting to the widely recognized Matthew name family. The name carries spiritual connotations through its meaning while maintaining a melodic, gentle sound with its soft consonants and flowing vowels.