Irish Gaelic Names for Boys

One of the first of the appealing Irish surnames to take off in this country, this boys’ name has long outgrown its "Mellow Yellow" association, which came via the single from a sixties singer-songwriter named Donovan.

Cael is the name of the angel of the zodiac sign of Cancer and also of a warrior of Irish mythology. Its ascendance to the Top 1000 over the past decade probably has to do with its similarity to Cale and Kale (and Kyle and Cayden etcetera).

Has a sharp investigative quality that's not a bad thing to impart to a child.

Guthrie, one of the most attractive Scottish names that's also a surname, has a particularly romantic, windswept aura, with a touch of the buckaroo thrown in.

Fionn, the modern Irish form of Finn, is more popular in Ireland these days than Finn, which is rising fast in the U.S. where Fionn is virtually unknown. That's probably a good thing, because few Americans would know that Fionn and Finn have the same root and are pronounced the same, like the fin of a fish. It's the namesake of a great hero from Irish mythology, Fionn MacCumhaill, who acquired divine wisdom by eating an enchanted salmon of knowledge.

The name of the son of the legendary Finn McCool is often Anglicized to Ossian, but the original has recently been revived in Ireland and is currently among the most popular boys' names there.

Pronounced like Owen, this was the name of several early Irish kings and saints, as well as a celebrated Ulster hero. Often spelled with two 'n's in Scotland, it has been Anglicized as Ewan, Ewen, Euan, Owen, Hugh, or Eugene.

An Irish mythology name belonging to a semi-legendary high king of Ireland, often equated with English David though not etymologically related.

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.

Originally a nickname for Viking invaders, it gained fresh impetus in the 18th century when James Macpherson made Fingal the central character in his Ossianic poems. An offbeat addition to the Fin- family of names.

Ailbhe is a traditional Irish masculine name with ancient Celtic roots, though it can occasionally be used for females in modern times. Pronounced 'AL-va' or 'AL-bee,' it derives from the Old Irish word for 'white' or 'bright.' In Irish mythology, Ailbhe was the name of several notable figures, including a warrior in the Fenian cycle. The name fell out of common use for centuries but has experienced a modest revival in Ireland as part of a movement to reclaim traditional Gaelic names. Outside Ireland, Ailbhe remains quite rare and may present pronunciation challenges, but offers a distinctive choice with authentic Celtic heritage.

This is an Anglicized form of various names; the Irish Gaelic O Bruic; German, Bruck or Breck, meaning "swamp" or "wood"; Yiddish, Brik, "bridge"; and Slovenian, Bric, "dweller from a hilly place." Gosh, and we thought it was just a macho word name invented by Tennessee Williams for the hero of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Authentic Irish Gaelic spelling of Aidan, sometimes pronounced with a very soft d/th sound in the middle.

Muiris is a traditional Irish masculine name, the Gaelic form of Maurice. Pronounced approximately 'MWIR-ish' or 'MUR-ish,' this name has deep historical roots in Ireland dating back centuries. The name ultimately derives from Latin 'Mauritius,' meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' Muiris has maintained steady usage in Ireland, particularly in Irish-speaking regions, though it remains relatively uncommon compared to anglicized versions. The name represents a connection to Irish heritage and language, appealing to families with strong Celtic ties. While challenging for non-Irish speakers to pronounce at first glance, the name carries the authentic cultural resonance that many parents seeking traditional Irish names desire. Muiris embodies Irish linguistic tradition while connecting to the wider European naming heritage.

Ambrós is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the same roots as Ambrose, meaning 'immortal' or 'divine.' This particular spelling variation reflects Catalan, Galician, or Portuguese influences, adding a distinctive Mediterranean flair to the classic name. The accent on the final syllable emphasizes its romantic language origins. While not common in English-speaking countries, Ambrós maintains cultural significance in parts of Southern Europe and Latin America. The name carries historical weight through its connection to Saint Ambrose, a 4th-century theologian and one of the original Doctors of the Church. Ambrós combines ancient dignity with a modern, international appeal.

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.

Alastar is a masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, a variant of Alistair or Alastair, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Alexander, meaning 'defender of the people.' This spelling gives the name a more distinctly Celtic feel while maintaining its strong, dignified sound. In Gaelic tradition, the name is associated with strength and protection. Alastar remains relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, making it an attractive option for parents seeking a name with cultural depth that isn't overly popular. The name has a commanding presence with its strong consonants and clear pronunciation. Its Celtic roots give it an air of mystery and connection to ancient traditions while still functioning well in contemporary contexts.

Pronounced like the word "even," this was a common name among the ancient royal families of Ireland, and has now become popular again.

Somhairle is a rare masculine name with deep Gaelic roots, predominantly found in Scottish and Irish traditions. Pronounced roughly as 'SOR-la' or 'SORE-luh,' it represents the Gaelic form of the Norse name 'Sorley' or 'Somerled,' derived from 'sumarlidi' meaning 'summer traveler' or 'summer warrior.' The name carries historical significance, notably associated with Somhairle MacGillebride, a 12th-century Norse-Gaelic warlord who established the Lordship of the Isles in Scotland. Despite its rich heritage, Somhairle remains exceedingly uncommon outside Gaelic-speaking regions, largely due to its challenging pronunciation for non-Gaelic speakers. The name embodies Celtic cultural pride and connection to ancient traditions. For parents with Scottish or Irish heritage seeking an authentic cultural name with historical depth, Somhairle offers a powerful choice that honors ancestral roots while standing distinctively apart from more common Celtic names.