Irish Names for Boys

Heremon is a rare masculine name with ancient Irish origins, derived from the legendary first Milesian king of Ireland, Éremón. In Irish mythology, Éremón was one of the sons of Míl Espáine who conquered Ireland from the Tuatha Dé Danann. The name carries strong associations with leadership, nobility, and Celtic heritage. Pronounced roughly as "HER-e-mon" or "AIR-e-mon," it has remained extremely uncommon in modern usage, making it a distinctive choice. The name conveys a sense of historical significance and mythological power. For parents with Irish heritage seeking a name with deep cultural roots and regal connotations, Heremon offers an unusual option with substantial historical weight and Celtic character.

Heremon

Hermon is a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins, derived from the biblical Mount Hermon mentioned in the Old Testament. The name means 'sacred mountain' or 'sanctuary,' carrying spiritual significance in multiple religious traditions. Mount Hermon stands at the border of Lebanon and Syria and appears in biblical narratives as a place of significance. While not among common mainstream names, Hermon has historical usage particularly in religious communities. The name possesses a dignified, classical quality with its biblical associations and straightforward pronunciation. Similar to the more familiar Herman but with a distinctive spelling, Hermon appeals to parents seeking names with religious heritage and meaningful etymology. Its relative rareness gives it a distinguished, uncommon quality while maintaining recognizable sounds.

Hermon

Hobart

Hobard is a masculine name of Germanic origin, likely a variant of Hubert, which combines the elements "hug" (heart, mind, spirit) and "beraht" (bright, famous). It may also be related to the surname Hobart, which originated as a personal name. During medieval times, variations of this name were more common throughout Europe, though Hobard specifically has always been a rare variant. The name has an old-fashioned, distinguished quality that evokes images of historical figures and literary characters. Today, Hobard remains extremely uncommon, appealing primarily to parents interested in reviving rare vintage names or honoring family surnames. Its rarity ensures a distinctive identity for a modern bearer.

Hobard

Hoibeard is an extremely rare masculine name with possible Germanic or Nordic origins. The name likely combines ancient elements that might relate to concepts of honor, protection, or leadership. While concrete etymological information is scarce due to its uncommon nature, Hoibeard may be a variant spelling or regional adaptation of a historical name. It has a strong, distinctive sound that evokes images of medieval or viking heritage. Hoibeard remains virtually unknown in contemporary naming practices across most cultures, making it a highly unique choice. Its rarity means that anyone bearing this name would likely be the only one in their community.

Hoibeard

Unfrai is an exceptionally rare masculine name with possible Germanic or Old English origins. It may be a variant spelling of Humphrey (from Germanic 'hun' meaning bear cub and 'frid' meaning peace) or could have evolved from another ancient name construction. The unusual spelling pattern makes it difficult to trace with certainty. Unfrai has virtually no recorded modern usage in mainstream naming databases, placing it among the most obscure name options available. The name has an ancient, somewhat mysterious quality with its uncommon letter combination and structure. The pronunciation is not immediately intuitive to English speakers, which may contribute to its rarity. For parents seeking an extremely distinctive name with potential historical connections, Unfrai offers near-guaranteed uniqueness.

Unfrai

Hurley is a possibility as a unisex surname-name ending with the "lee" sound. It is perhaps most associated with British actress Elizabeth Hurley, and is much rarer than Harley, because the "ur" sound is currently out of fashion (and the word "hurl" may put some off).

Hurley

Ibhar is a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins, appearing in biblical texts as one of King David's sons. The name means 'He chooses' or 'election,' suggesting divine selection or choosing. Despite its biblical heritage, Ibhar remains quite rare in contemporary use, making it an uncommon choice with deep historical roots. The name has a distinctive, strong sound with just two syllables, and its unusual nature may appeal to parents seeking a name with spiritual significance that stands apart from more common biblical choices. In various cultures where biblical names are valued, Ibhar might be appreciated for its authentic scriptural connection and meaningful etymology, though its rarity means most people will be unfamiliar with it.

Ibhar

Séamas is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of James, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' The distinctive accent over the 'e' indicates a pronunciation shift, making it roughly sound like 'SHAY-mus.' This name has deep roots in Irish culture and history, remaining popular particularly in families maintaining strong connections to Irish heritage. Séamas honors traditional Irish naming patterns while connecting to the widely recognized name James. Though less common outside Ireland and Irish diaspora communities, the name has seen occasional international use. The authentic Gaelic spelling with its accent mark preserves the name's cultural integrity, distinguishing it from the anglicized version Seamus, which is more widely used in English-speaking countries.

Séamas

Seumus is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, representing the Gaelic form of James. Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Jacob (Ya'aqov), meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows." In Scottish culture, Seumus (sometimes spelled Seumas) has been used for centuries, particularly in Highland and island communities where Gaelic traditions remained strong. The name has never achieved widespread popularity outside of traditional Gaelic-speaking regions but remains an important cultural name in Scotland. Pronunciation may vary, but it's typically said as "SHAY-mus" or "SHAME-ish." For those with Scottish heritage seeking an authentic Gaelic name, Seumus offers a strong connection to cultural roots.

Seumus

Shamas is a masculine name with rich multicultural origins. In Arabic contexts, it relates to 'shams' meaning 'sun,' while in Irish usage, it's a variant of Seamus (the Irish form of James). The name also appears in Hebrew tradition where 'shamash' refers to a servant or caretaker, particularly in religious contexts. This cross-cultural name carries warmth and brightness through its solar associations, while also conveying service and reliability through its Hebrew connections. While relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Shamas has maintained steady usage in Irish, Middle Eastern, and South Asian communities, offering a distinctive option that bridges multiple cultural traditions.

Shamas

Sheary is an uncommon masculine name with uncertain etymology, possibly deriving from the Irish surname Sheary or O'Sheary, which originated from the Gaelic 'Ó Séaghdha' meaning 'hawk-like' or 'descendant of Séaghdha.' It may also be related to the English word 'shear,' suggesting someone who cuts or trims. As a given name, Sheary remains extremely rare, making it an unusual choice for parents seeking distinctiveness. The name has a gentle yet masculine quality with its soft beginning and 'ee' ending sound. Its rarity means there are few cultural associations or famous bearers, allowing a child to define the name's character rather than the reverse.

Sheary

Sheron is predominantly a masculine name, though it can be used for either gender depending on cultural context. It appears to be a variant spelling of Sharon, which derives from the Hebrew word for a fertile coastal plain in Israel. The alternative spelling gives the name a distinctive quality while maintaining the melodious sound of the original. As a male name, Sheron has gained limited usage across different cultures, particularly in parts of the Caribbean and South Asia. The name carries biblical connotations of fertility and beauty associated with the Sharon plain mentioned in the Song of Solomon. Unlike the feminine Sharon which saw peak popularity in mid-20th century America, Sheron as a masculine name remains relatively uncommon.

Sheron

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.

Irimias

Iarom is a masculine name with potential connections to Hebrew origins, possibly related to biblical names like Jarom or Jehoram. In the Bible, Jarom was a Nephite prophet, giving the name religious significance for some families. The distinctive spelling beginning with 'I' rather than 'J' creates a unique visual identity while maintaining similar pronunciation. Extremely rare globally, Iarom offers significant distinctiveness while still having potential cultural and religious foundations. The name has an ancient, dignified quality while remaining relatively straightforward in structure. While statistics on its usage are limited due to its rarity, Iarom might appeal to parents seeking a name with biblical connections but a more uncommon presentation. The name's brevity and strong ending consonant give it a certain commanding presence despite its simplicity.

Iarom

Keefe is an energetic Irish surname occasionally used as a first. Only caveat: Will people think your little Keefe is a Keith with enunciation problems?


Keefe

One of the more feminine Irish surnames. 

Keeley

Keenen

Kesey is a possible literary hero name honoring Merry Prankster Ken Kesey, whose characters flew over the cuckoo's nest. Kesey rhymes with easy.

Kesey

First used for Norse invaders, this name, along with the similar Lachlan, is an attractive, worldly, and unusual choice — despite connections to the Nevada gambling resort. 

Laughlin

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 19)

Irish Names for Boys (With Meanings & Popularity)