<a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/168/Irish-Names">Irish names</a> for boys have achieved international popularity, ranking high on popularity 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 brightest star among Irish boy names, 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.
 
Along with top name Liam, other Irish boy names in the US Top 200 include Aiden, Ryan, Connor, Brayden, Declan, Brody, Rowan, and Finn.
 
Baby boy names popular in Ireland include Sean — now falling in popularity in the US — Oisin, Cillian, and Tadhg.
 
Classic Irish names Kevin and Patrick also still rank high on the US popularity list and remain perennial favorites in Ireland.
 
Browse our full menu of Irish boy names here. 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.
 
You also might want to survey our complete list of f <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/804/irish-names-for-girls">Irish names for girls</a>.

Irish Names for Boys

This is the original Gaelic spelling of the Anglicized Colin -- more authentic, yes, but could make your American child's life unnecessarily complicated. 

Cailean

A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered, though anyone into American history might associate it with John C. Calhoun, a 19th century statesman who defended slavery. There are however plenty of places called Calhoun which might lessen that association.

Calhoun

A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz. 

Callaghan

Can be used either with or without the addition of Mac. 

Callister

A name scattered throughout Irish mythology with an intriguing sound, Carbry is one of the rare <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/328/irish-baby-names-for-boys">Irish names for boys</a> virtually unknown in the US. Bry is the obvious, but lovely nickname option.

Carbry

Carey is a surname name that works equally well on babies of all genders: Jazz great Carey Bell and motorcross champion Carey Hart are just two examples of how handsome this name can be for a boy. Also spelled as Cary (as in Old-Hollywood actor, Cary Grant), it was popular for boys in the 50s and remained in the US charts from the 1880s to the 1990s. 
 
Usually considered an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Ciardha, the name ultimately comes from ciar meaning "black". It is possible however that it may be used as a variant of the Welsh Carew ("fort on the hill!); a twist on the Irish mac Fiachra ("son of Fiachra, son of the crow"); a name from the Byronic root karɨd ("to love); or an anglicized for of the German Gehring ("spear").
 
While Carey is a unisex choice, it reached great heights for girls in the US back in the 1970s, likely thanks to its similarities with Carrie, Kerry, Cheri, and Caroline. These days, it's leaning masculine again, albeit in very small numbers: just 18 boys and 5 girls were given the name in a recent year.

Carey

The name of an ancient Irish saint is in the contemporary Irish Top 50. While it's one of the rare <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/328/irish-baby-names-for-boys">Irish names for boys</a> that hasn't immigrated to the U.S., it may follow brothers Aidan and Declan to our shores. The t is not pronounced.

Cathal

Carlus is a masculine variant of the name Carlos, which itself derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'manly.' This less common spelling variation maintains the strong, traditional essence of the original while offering a slightly distinctive flair. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Carlus has appeared occasionally throughout history, particularly in Latin-influenced contexts. The name carries a dignified quality while being slightly unconventional compared to more common variants like Charles or Carlos. Carlus might appeal to parents seeking a classic-sounding name with a unique twist.

Carlus

While the lin ending is more commonly found in girls' names, Carlin is an authentic Irish male choice and was used just about evenly for both sexes in the US last year.

Carlin

Ceabhallan is an extremely rare masculine name of Gaelic origin. This uncommon Irish name likely derives from Gaelic elements relating to "slender" or "small" and possibly "powerful" or "mighty." The authentic pronunciation may be challenging for non-Gaelic speakers, as traditional Irish names often contain phonetic patterns unfamiliar in English. Ceabhallan represents the ancient naming traditions of Ireland, where names often carried deep cultural and historical significance. Very few records exist of this name in contemporary usage, making it an exceptionally distinctive choice. Parents selecting this name likely have strong connections to Irish heritage and traditions. The name carries an air of mystery and ancient dignity, connecting the bearer to Ireland's rich cultural history while standing out dramatically in modern naming contexts.

Ceabhallan

Carlow

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

An Irish county name almost exclusively used for girls now. Kerrigan would be a more modern and masculine choice. 

Kerry

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 21)