Irish Names for Boys

Donovan is on the rise, so why not this sequel?

O'donovan

Fallon has gone feminine, but this puts it back in the boys' camp.

O'fallon

Like the other O' names, this is a wonderful way to pass down a family name.

O'grady

Most parents interested in this name would be honoring either an ancestor or painter Georgia O'Keeffe.

O'keefe

Sullivan has made itself into a first name and O'Sullivan may well follow suit.

O'sullivan

You might want to honor premier U.S. architect Frank Gehry--even though he was born Ephraim Goldberg. Gehry, pronounced like the more common surname Geary, may be a spin on the name Gary, which means spear, or derive from the Middle English word geary</a>, which means fickle.

Gehry

McDermott is a common Irish surname that means, as all Mc or Mac names do, "son of" --then Dermott or Dermot, which is an Anglicization of the Irish Gaelic Diarmaid.  The legendary Diarmaid was the lover of Grainne and the real King Diarmaid, in the twelfth century, first invited the English into Ireland.  Actor Dermot Mulroney made his name famous in the U.S.  


Mcdermott

Aonghus is a masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, equivalent to the Anglicized form Angus. The name combines the Celtic elements 'oino' meaning 'one' or 'unique' and 'gusa' meaning 'choice' or 'strength.' In Irish mythology, Aonghus (or Aengus) was the god of love, youth, and poetic inspiration. The traditional Gaelic spelling gives this ancient name an authentic character while preserving its strong cultural heritage. While the spelling Aonghus might present pronunciation challenges in non-Gaelic speaking regions (it's roughly pronounced 'AY-nus' or 'OY-nus'), it remains popular among families with Scottish or Irish connections seeking to honor their Celtic roots.

Aonghus

Oengus is the old Irish form of the name most commonly found in the modern world as Angus, typically Scottish.
<?br>In Irish mythology, Oengus is the god of youth, love, and poetry.

Oengus

Ungus is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Angus, a name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic origins. Traditional Angus derives from the Celtic element "oen" meaning "one" and "gus" meaning "choice," often interpreted as "one choice" or "unique strength." This unusual spelling variation maintains the strong, distinctive quality of the original while creating a more unique identity. Extremely rare in usage, Ungus offers parents a way to reference Celtic heritage while standing apart from more common spellings. The name carries associations with strength and uniqueness found in its etymology. Despite its rarity, the name has a straightforward pronunciation similar to Angus, making it accessible despite its uncommon appearance.

Ungus

Barnaib is the Scottish Gaelic form of Barnabas, a name with ancient Biblical roots. In the New Testament, Barnabas was an early Christian disciple whose name is interpreted as 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation.' The Gaelic version maintains this meaningful heritage while connecting specifically to Scottish linguistic traditions. Pronounced roughly as 'BAR-neeb,' the name has a distinctive sound uncommon outside Scotland and Gaelic-speaking communities. While rare in contemporary usage, Barnaib represents a cultural alternative for families with Scottish heritage seeking authentic Gaelic names. The combination of Biblical significance and Celtic linguistic character gives Barnaib unique cross-cultural appeal.

Barnaib

The use of O-prefixes could create the next wave of Irish inflected names, offering an innovative way of honoring a relative with a behind the times moniker.

Obrien

Oilibhear is a masculine Irish name representing the Gaelic form of Oliver. The name Oliver itself derives from Old French 'Olivier,' possibly connected to the Latin 'olivarius' meaning 'olive tree planter.' In Irish tradition, Oilibhear carries the same dignified qualities as Oliver while connecting more deeply to Gaelic heritage. The pronunciation is approximately 'IL-i-var,' though regional variations exist. This name exemplifies traditional Irish naming patterns where consonants are softened and additional vowels are incorporated. Though rare outside Ireland, Oilibhear offers a meaningful choice for families wishing to honor Irish ancestry. The name carries associations of peace (through the olive branch symbolism) while maintaining a strong, distinctive sound characteristic of Celtic names.

Oilibhear

Ruadhan (sometimes spelt with a fada: Ruadhán) is a fashionable name in its native Ireland. Borne one of the Twelve Irish Apostles, it originated as a diminutive of Ruadh, meaning "red-haired". It has sometimes been Anglicized as Rowan.

Ruadhan

Vereen is an uncommon masculine name with uncertain origins, possibly derived from French surnames or representing a variant of Vernon or Vern. It may relate to the Latin 'verus' meaning 'true' or could be an anglicized form of names from other cultures. The name gained some recognition in the United States through Broadway performer Ben Vereen, though it remains rare as a first name. Vereen has a distinctive, refined quality with its double 'e' sound. The name carries a certain artistic and sophisticated flair while being unusual enough to stand out. Its rarity gives it a unique appeal for parents seeking distinctive names with a melodic quality.

Vereen

Veren is a rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Latin 'verus' meaning 'true,' or have connections to Dutch and Germanic roots. In some contexts, it could be related to the Latin 'vernal' (spring-like) or possibly be a variant of Vernon. The name has remained exceptionally uncommon in English-speaking countries throughout recorded naming history. Veren has a crisp, modern sound despite its possible ancient origins, featuring a pleasing balance of the soft 'v' and stronger 'n' ending. Its brevity and simplicity give it contemporary appeal, while its rarity offers distinctiveness. Those named Veren might appreciate having a name that feels both unique and accessible, with a certain cosmopolitan quality that transcends specific cultural traditions.

Veren

Mirren is a lively and attractive Scottish name, popular in its native country but best known outside Scotland as the surname of the English actor Dame Helen Mirren. It is thought to be a Scottish derivative of the name Marion, from Mary. Another possible origin for Mirren is as a modern spelling of a mysterious group of names that all seem to derive from the sixth century Irish saint Mirin who emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. The Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related.

Mirren

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football.  Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related.  The name is usually used for girls. 

Mirin

One of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, St. Ruadan was a follower of St. Finian and founded an abbey in Tipperary. Other versions include Ruadhain or Ruadhan.

Ruadan

Variously spelled Covy and Covey, this is a surname derived from the first name Cobthach.  Like cousins Coby and Cody, it has an energetic nickname feel.

Covy

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 23)

Irish Names for Boys (With Meanings & Popularity)