Irish Names for Boys

While Blaney might sound like a nickname for the Scottish Blaine (and Blane) — and this is one possible origin for it — it may also be an Irish surname and place name. As such, it refers to either the point or tip of a river (borrowed from the Welsh blaenau) or to a village in Northern Ireland, whose name comes from Bléinigh meaning "creeks".
 
More traditionally used in the last name spot (as in racing driver, Ryan Blaney), it has occasionally be used as a given name too.

Blaney

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

Quietly used for girls these days, Críonna has historically been for boys and appeared in some variations of Irish legend, borne by the brother of the high king, Art mac Cuinn. Derived from an Irish word of the same spelling, Críonna can mean "wise, prudent, sagacious, and old, elderly". 
 
The name may be pronounced as KREE-nuh or KREE-uh-nuh, depending on region and dialect.

Críonna

Vaughn meets Charlie in this rare surname-style name, which, despite its fashionable sounds, has never made it to the US charts. Capturing that ar sound of Arlo, Marlow, and Harvey, the ley of Bailey, Finley, and Westley, and the sharp V of Levi and Oliver, it has its roots in English and Irish.
 
As an English name, it likely originated as a name for someone from Verly or Vrély in the north of France, two places that take their name from the Latin virilius meaning "manly".
 
As an Irish name, it is an Anglicization of <en>Mac Bhearshúiligh or just the given name, Berach, meaning "sharp, pointed" or more figuratively, "sharp-eyed one".

Varley

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

Julia Roberts's choice of Phinnaeus gives a boost to all Ph forms. Or should we say, phorms. 

Phinean

Ailin is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish tradition, it's derived from Ailín, a diminutive of Ailill, meaning 'elf' or 'noble.' In Chinese, Ailin (爱林) can mean 'love of forest.' The name also appears in Spanish-speaking countries, possibly derived from Eileen or as a variant of Alan. With its soft sounds and short length, Ailin has a gentle, contemporary feel despite its ancient roots. While traditionally more common for boys in its original cultures, the name has sometimes been used for girls in international contexts. Ailin remains relatively uncommon but offers a cross-cultural appeal with its melodic sound and meaningful heritage.

Ailin

Aguistin is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Augustine or Agustin. It has Latin roots, derived from the name Augustus, meaning 'great' or 'venerable.' This alternative spelling may have evolved in certain Spanish or Portuguese-speaking regions. While less common than Augustine or Agustin, Aguistin carries the same rich historical connections to Saint Augustine, the influential theologian and philosopher. The name combines dignity with a touch of uniqueness through its spelling. It remains relatively rare in contemporary usage, which might appeal to parents seeking a traditional name with a slightly different flair. The name suggests wisdom, respect, and historical significance.

Aguistin

Agaistin appears to be a rare variant or alternative spelling of the name Augustine or Agustin. The traditional name Augustine derives from Latin 'augustus,' meaning 'great,' 'venerable,' or 'majestic.' This uncommon spelling variation might have emerged through regional pronunciation differences or as a deliberate modification to create a distinctive name. While extremely rare in documented usage, it follows the pattern of name variations that developed across different linguistic regions and cultural traditions. The uncommon spelling gives this classic name a unique quality while maintaining connections to the rich historical tradition of Augustine, which has been used since Roman times and was popularized by several important religious figures, including Saint Augustine of Hippo, an influential Christian theologian and philosopher.

Agaistin

Barr fits alongside other short and snappy surname-names like Fyfe, Blair and Dawe. They're off the beaten track but instantly familiar.

Barr

A literary word name, now synonymous with Shakespeare, Bard also refers more generally to a poet, particularly one who recited epics and traditional poems out loud. Similar in sound to Bernard, Barnaby, and Ford, and similar in style to Quill and Poet, Bard hasn't appeared in the US stats since the late 70s. With the release of the 2026 movie, The Odyssey however, it may gain more attention, after Travis Scott played the role of "Bard" in the film.

Bard

Unusual and attractive entry to the growing Irish name canon. 

Banan

If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options. 

Banning

This is an ancient saints' name well used in Ireland but a rarity here and unlikely to ever reach the popularity of other Finn-ish names. St. Finbarr (the more common spelling) is the patron saint of Cork and in Irish folklore, Finbarr was king of the fairies.


Finbar

Partholon is a masculine name from Irish mythology, referring to a legendary figure who led a settlement of Ireland after the Biblical Flood. According to medieval Irish texts like the Lebor Gabála Érenn (Book of Invasions), Partholon and his followers were among the first inhabitants of Ireland, arriving approximately 300 years after the deluge. The name carries strong connections to Irish cultural heritage and ancient Celtic traditions. Though extremely rare as a given name in modern times, Partholon might appeal to parents with deep interests in Irish mythology or those seeking a name with profound historical significance. The name has a commanding, distinctive sound with its three syllables and unusual combination of consonants, offering a truly unique option with authentic mythological roots.

Partholon

Pathalan is a rare Irish name derived from the somewhat-less-rare Bartholomew. Nearly 30 baby boys were named Bartholomew in the US last year, but none were named Parthalan.

Parthalan

Breasal is one native Irish name virtually never used in the US. It's better known via its surname form, Breslin, as in classic New York columnist Jimmy.

Breasal

An attractive ancient Irish saint's name that conjures up a beacon of light, this <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/328/irish-baby-names-for-boys">Irish name for boys</a> is well-used in Ireland but rarely heard in the US.

Beacan

This more user-friendly Anglicized form of Beacan, could profit from its kinship with the popular Beckett--with which it could share the nickname Beck. Becan is an Irish saint's name, attached to the founder of a sixth century monastery.
 For ease of pronunciation, it can also be spelled Beccan.

Becan

This was a common name in early Ireland, borne by numerous saints, but pronunciation problems would make it prohibitive here. 

Bearchán

Irish names for boys have achieved international popularity, ranking high on top boy name lists in the US and Ireland itself, as well as in many other Anglophone and European countries. 

Liam, an Irish diminutive of William, is the 

, ranking Number One in the US and among the top boys’ names in France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and Norway as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Which Irish boy names are most popular in the US?

Aiden, Ryan, Connor, Brayden, Declan, Brody, Rowan

What are the top Irish boy names in Ireland?


Irish names popular for baby boys in Ireland include 

— now falling in popularity in the US — 

 also still rank high on the US popularity list and remain perennial favorites in Ireland.

Browse our full menu of boy names of Irish origin here, ordered by their current popularity. 

Irish names for boys including male names of Irish origin with meanings and popularity. (Page 13)

Irish Names for Boys (With Meanings & Popularity)