Irish Gaelic Names for Boys
- Donovan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark"Description:
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.
- Somhairle
Description:
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.
- Cael
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"slender"Description:
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).
- Oisín
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"little deer"Description:
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.
- Fionn
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fair or white"Description:
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.
- Eoghan
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"born of the yew tree"Description:
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.
- Ruadhan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"red-haired"Description:
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.
- Guthrie
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"windy place"Description:
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.
- Keane
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
Has a sharp investigative quality that's not a bad thing to impart to a child.
- Brick
Origin:
Word name, various originsDescription:
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.
- Dáithí
Origin:
Irish, GaelicMeaning:
"swiftness, nimbleness"Description:
An Irish mythology name belonging to a semi-legendary high king of Ireland, often equated with English David though not etymologically related.
- Caolán
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"slender lad"Description:
A Top 100 choice in Northern Ireland, Caolán shares many fashionable sounds with names like Cayden and Callan, but remains virtually unknown in the US.
- Séafra
Description:
Séafra is a masculine Irish name derived from the Gaelic 'Seafra' or 'Séafra,' traditionally meaning 'peaceful' or 'gentle.' The addition of the accent mark (fada) over the 'e' indicates the traditional Irish pronunciation. This name has deep roots in Irish heritage but remains relatively uncommon even within Ireland. Séafra carries cultural significance while offering a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with authentic Celtic origins. The name's peaceful meaning contrasts interestingly with its strong sound. While challenging for non-Irish speakers to pronounce correctly, its uniqueness appeals to families wishing to celebrate Irish heritage or those simply drawn to its melodic quality and meaningful etymology.
- Dainéal
Description:
Dainéal is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, representing the Irish form of Daniel. The accent over the 'e' (fada) indicates emphasis and lengthens the vowel sound. The traditional biblical name Daniel means "God is my judge" in Hebrew, and this Irish variant carries the same meaning while honoring Irish linguistic heritage. While not among the most common Irish names internationally, Dainéal offers parents seeking authentic Irish names an option that connects to both biblical tradition and Celtic culture. The pronunciation (roughly dahn-YALE) differs notably from its English counterpart, giving the name a distinctive melodic quality. In Ireland, it represents a way to embrace traditional naming patterns while maintaining connections to wider biblical naming traditions.
- Antaine
Description:
Antaine is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, functioning as the Irish equivalent of Anthony or Antoine. Derived from the Roman family name Antonius, which has uncertain etymology but may mean 'priceless' or 'highly praiseworthy.' In Ireland, Antaine has been used for centuries, though it remains less common than its Anglicized counterpart Anthony. The name carries cultural significance within Irish heritage while maintaining connections to the wider European naming traditions. Pronounced roughly as 'AN-tawn-yuh' in traditional Irish, the name sometimes faces pronunciation challenges outside of Ireland. Antaine offers parents an authentic Irish option that honors Gaelic language traditions while providing a distinctive alternative to more common Anthony variations.
- Eyvan
Description:
Eyvan is a masculine name with Persian origins, representing a traditional architectural feature in Iranian buildings - a vaulted space that opens on one side to a courtyard. The word derives from the Middle Persian 'eyvān' meaning 'hall' or 'palace'. As a given name, Eyvan carries connotations of shelter, grandeur, and cultural heritage. It remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has seen some limited use in Persian communities and among families seeking names with Middle Eastern roots. The name offers an appealing combination of exotic sound and meaningful cultural significance. Some may view it as a variant of Ivan or Evan, though its origins and meaning are entirely distinct. Eyvan provides its bearers with a unique identity connected to Persian architectural tradition.
- Síomón
Description:
Síomón is the Irish Gaelic form of the name Simon, carrying the same historical roots but with distinctive Irish spelling and pronunciation. The name derives ultimately from the Hebrew name 'Shimon,' meaning 'to hear' or 'he has heard.' The accent over the 'i' (fada) in Irish indicates a long vowel sound. While traditional in Ireland, Síomón is relatively uncommon even there, with the anglicized Simon being more widely used. The name has rich biblical connections, as Simon was one of Jesus's apostles in the New Testament. Síomón represents a way for families to honor Irish heritage while using a name with global recognition. The pronunciation differs slightly from Simon, with emphasis on the first syllable and a longer 'ee' sound.
- Pádraig
Origin:
Gaelic variation of PatrickDescription:
Once considered too sacred to give to children in Ireland, it is now among the most common names there, along with variants including Pauric and Padraic. Basketball great Patrick Ewing used it for his son.
- Uaithne
Description:
Uaithne is a rare masculine name from Irish mythology, pronounced approximately as "OO-an-ya" or "WAHN-ya." In Irish legend, Uaithne was the name of the dagda's magical harp, which could produce music causing listeners to feel different emotions. The name has deep Celtic roots and maintains a strong connection to Irish cultural heritage and musical tradition. Extremely uncommon even in Ireland, Uaithne represents one of the more obscure choices from Irish mythology. Those who choose this name often have strong ties to Irish heritage or a particular interest in Celtic mythology. With its unusual pronunciation and spelling, Uaithne offers a distinctive choice that carries ancient mystical associations.
- Aoibheann
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"beautiful sheen"Description:
Pronounced like the word "even," this was a common name among the ancient royal families of Ireland, and has now become popular again.
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