Irish Names for Boys

Relaxed, with an appealing touch of swagger. 

Scully

Seanán is modern though less popular variation of Senán, an Irish name, notably borne by a 6th century monk and saint. Meaning "little old one", it has an air of wisdom and ruggedness about it. Seanán may also be considered a diminutive of Sean, the Irish variant of John.





Seanán

Undiscovered Irish surname with a lot more bounce and masculine dash than Shannon. 

Shanahan

Has a decidedly Roman Catholic feel, thanks to the bishop. 

Sheehan

Sorley is an anglicization of the Irish name Somhairle, itself derived from the Old Norse Sumarliði, a nickname for a summer traveler (perhaps meaning a viking raider!). It is sometimes used as a boy name in Britain, but very rarely in the US. The similarity to the word "sorely" may put some off, but we still think it makes a jaunty, unusual surname-style option.

Sorley

The double 'e' gives this Celtic surname a genial sound. It derives from an old Irish name &mdash; Suibhne (SHEEV-ne) that was borne by several early saints and kings, including, unfortunately, one known as Mad Sweeney who spent his life living in trees and composing nature poetry. Another possible drawback is the association with Sweeney Todd, the bloodthirsty butcher of Sondheim stage-musical fame.
 But if you can put all that aside, Sweeney makes a cheery choice.

Sweeney

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.
 Tierney, in its original Tiarnach form, was the name of several saints. It can also join the ranks of Old Hollywood names, via the haunting actress Gene Tierney. ER actress Maura Tierney is a current surname bearer.

Tierney

Tiomoid is a masculine name of Gaelic origin, representing an uncommon Irish variation of Timothy. The original Timothy derives from Greek meaning 'honoring God.' Tiomoid showcases the distinctive characteristics of Irish orthography, where traditional names are adapted with unique spelling patterns. The pronunciation might approximate 'CHUH-mid' or 'TEE-oh-mid' in Gaelic. Extremely rare outside Ireland and Irish diaspora communities, Tiomoid represents a deeply authentic connection to Irish cultural heritage. The name would be particularly appealing to those with strong Irish roots seeking a name that reflects their heritage while being quite distinctive. Its unusual appearance in writing contrasts with its more melodic traditional pronunciation.

Tiomoid

A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well. 

Uilliam

Ulick

This name of eighteen Irish saints of the past is relatively popular in Ireland, though little known outside it.

Ultan

Connolly, an alternate spelling of Connelly, could make a livelier and less common substitute for Connor.

Connolly

Although Maguire is such a prominent Irish surname &mdash;it ranks in the Top 40 in the Emerald Isle &mdash;this lively and cheerful family name has rarely been used as a first, unlike more familiar examples like Ryan, Riley and Reagan.  The powerful and distinguished Maguire clan was known for their courage, leadership and resilience.  The name's many notable associations include the unionizing Pennsylvania coal miners known as the Molly Maguires, actor Tobey Maguire and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire. Other spellings are McGuire and McGwire; two other handsome Irish surnames to consider are Malone and Magee.


Maguire

The use of O-prefixes could create the next wave of Irish-inflected names, offering an innovative way of honoring a relative with the old-fashioned moniker Brian. On Downton Abbey, the surname O'Brien was heard so often, it began to seem like a first.

O'brien

The O'Haras are descended from Eaghra -- pronounced and phonetically spelled Ara -- the lord of Luighne, the modern Leyney in County Sligo. As a name, this makes a satisfying new twist on Harry, and may remind people of the poet Frank O'Hara or the movie and novel, Gone with the Wind.

O'hara

McCabe is an Irish patronymic surname that originated with Scottish mercenaries in Ireland who wore distinctive hats -- or cabas, which is also the name for capes.

Mccabe

Gary Sinise chose this Mc name for his late son McCanna, called Mac, in 1990, before Irish and Scottish surnames beginning with Mc or Mac became common as first names. Mac Sinise passed away from a rare form of cancer at the age of 33.


Mccanna

Irish surname that refers to High King Brian Boru, also spelled O'Brien.  Makes a fabulous first name.

O'brian

One of the most usable of the fashionable O'Names.

O'callahan

Perfect name for the child of dog enthusiasts, and much more distinctive than the trendy Connor.

O'connor

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 22)

Irish Names for Boys (With Meanings & Popularity)