Irish Names for Boys
- Pat
Origin:
Diminutive of PatrickMeaning:
"noble, patrician"Description:
As seen on SNL, Pat is the ultimate androgynous name. Stick with long form Patrick, and make sure everyone calls him Patrick.
- Tierney
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of a lord"Description:
Tierney is a Celtic surname with a definite Irish twinkle, a name just waiting to be discovered. Though now sometimes used for girls (in the US, not Ireland), as in jazz singer Tierney Sutton, it still has plenty of masculine punch.
- Connolly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fierce as a hound"Description:
Connolly, an alternate spelling of Connelly, could make a livelier and less common substitute for Connor.
- Quillen
Origin:
Variation of Quillan or QuillonDescription:
The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.
- Scully
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"herald or town crier"Description:
Relaxed, with an appealing touch of swagger.
- Irimias
Description:
Irimias is a masculine name with Hungarian origins, relatively uncommon even within Hungary. It derives from the Biblical prophet Jeremiah, whose name in Hungarian is Jeremiás, with Irimias being a variant form. The name carries religious significance, as Jeremiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament known for his messages of judgment and restoration. Irimias remains rare internationally, maintaining a distinctive quality that reflects its specific cultural heritage. The name has a scholarly, somewhat mysterious sound to non-Hungarian speakers. While unfamiliar to many, its biblical connections provide depth and meaning, appealing to those seeking a name with religious significance and unique cultural roots.
- Foley
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"plunderer"Description:
There are many more appealing Irish surnames than Foley, and certainly more positive meanings. If Foley is a genuine family name, this would be all right in the middle.
- Conlan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"hero"Description:
An undiscovered Irish surname with a cool meaning. It could work as an alternative to Connor and Lachlan.
- Galvin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"a sparrow"Description:
More common as a surname, Galvin is a possible alternative to Gavin and Calvin.
- Garvan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"rough little one"Description:
Irish surname derived from the name Gairbhín, a diminutive of garbh, "rough". It's barely been used as a first name, but could be a similar-yet-different alternative to names like Nolan and Sullivan.
- Quilliam
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of William"Description:
A really unusual choice that could be used to honor Grandpa Will.
- Donnelly
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, brave one"Description:
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.
- Cavanaugh
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"born handsome or son of Caomhan "Description:
Pleasant Irish last name that could be a more masculine alternative to the overused Cassidy. Early kings of Leinster bore the name, which relates to the first name Caomhan or Kevin and can also be spelled Kavanagh, Cavanagh, Cavenagh, and Kavanaugh.
- Alphonsus
Origin:
Latin form of AlfonsoMeaning:
"noble and ready"Description:
This Latinized form of a name that's well used in Italy and Spain is sometimes heard, oddly enough, in Ireland.
- Ciar
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark"Description:
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 girls were named Ciara in the US last year, with half that many boys named Ciaran, but so far no baby boys named Ciar, though 17 were called Keir.
- Bard
Origin:
Irish variation of Baird, ScottishMeaning:
"minstrel, poet"Description:
Great Irish middle name choice for Shakespeare lovers.
- Clooney
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"from the meadow"Description:
Variation of Cluny best only if you're a major George fan. And even then, better go with George, Georgia, or Georgiana.
- Farrell
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"courageous"Description:
If you're looking for a pleasing namesake that's more modern than Darrell/Darryl, this would make an excellent choice. Farrell is an Anglicized form of the Irish Fergal, and was well used as a first name into the nineteenth century, before it faded to mostly surname use.
- Dow
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark-haired"Description:
Compact, to-the-point surname name. Bear in mind the stock-market association - it may be a bit much with the last name Jones.
- Oilibhear
Description:
Oilibhear is a masculine Irish name representing the Gaelic form of Oliver. The name Oliver itself derives from Old French 'Olivier,' possibly connected to the Latin 'olivarius' meaning 'olive tree planter.' In Irish tradition, Oilibhear carries the same dignified qualities as Oliver while connecting more deeply to Gaelic heritage. The pronunciation is approximately 'IL-i-var,' though regional variations exist. This name exemplifies traditional Irish naming patterns where consonants are softened and additional vowels are incorporated. Though rare outside Ireland, Oilibhear offers a meaningful choice for families wishing to honor Irish ancestry. The name carries associations of peace (through the olive branch symbolism) while maintaining a strong, distinctive sound characteristic of Celtic names.