Irish Names for Boys

This name is a fabulous option for parents looking for a victorious name but who find Victor just a little too obvious. This name can also be spelled Kearney.

Carney

This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and connotation since homophone Carol was favoured in the 1940s and '50s for daughters. We think it's time for a resurgence of Carrolls amongst the boys.

Carroll

Kavanagh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanaugh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'.  Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or Caomhan.  Early kings of Leinster bore the name Kavanagh.

Kavanagh

If you're looking for an Irish last name that moves beyond Casey and Cassidy, this one is pleasant sounding and worth considering. Kavanaugh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanagh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'.  Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or Caomhan.  Early kings of Leinster bore the name Kavanaugh.

Kavanaugh

This original spelling may present its challenges outside of Ireland, but it certainly has a more poetic look to it. Those daunted by the pronunciation obstacles may wish to consider Keenan.

Cianan

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.

Ciar

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.

Ciarán

This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.

Cleary

Likable Irish surname name, but bound to be confused with Clooney. 

Cluny

Variation of Cluny best only if you're a major George fan.  And even then, better go with George, Georgia, or Georgiana.

Clooney

Coilin is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin. It is a diminutive form of 'Coil' or 'Coll,' meaning 'hazel tree,' which was significant in Celtic culture as a symbol of wisdom and inspiration. The suffix '-in' adds an endearing quality, suggesting 'little Coil.' While not widely used internationally, Coilin maintains popularity primarily within Ireland and among families with Irish heritage. The name carries a traditional Celtic charm while being distinctive and uncommon. Its pronunciation (KOY-leen or KOH-leen) sometimes causes it to be confused with the more common 'Colin,' though they have different etymological roots.

Coilin

The Irish boys' name Colum, rarely heard in the U. S., makes an interesting alternative to Colin. 

Colum

The great sax player John Coltrane could be a cool naming inspiration for a jazz fan. Plus, it gives you stylish nickname Colt, if you didn't love Colton or Colter. 
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From it's Irish roots, it means  "descendant of Coltarán", though other sources suggest it has its origins in Old English too, likely given to someone from a place where coal or charcoal was mined. 

Coltrane

Despite pronunciation, looks a bit like an airline or -- worse still -- a hair dryer name. 

Conaire

This appealing name of a mythical king of Tara whose reign brough prosperity to his kingdom is strongly associated with actor Sean. The Irish form is Conaire.


Connery

If there are too many Connors in your neighborhood, this name is equally authentic and much more unusual. Spelled Conal or Conall, it's a prominent name in Irish history, borne by a number of kings and heroes.

Conal

Corky was a sitcom moniker of the fifties, Corcoran a better fit for these times. 

Corcoran

Cork

Cronan

Culley

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 15)

Irish Names for Boys (With Meanings & Popularity)