Irish Gaelic Names for Boys
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Sep 24 2019
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ailbhe
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"world, light, white; rock"Description:
While Ailbhe is predominantly used for girls today, it has a long history as a unisex name, borne by a female warrior in Irish legend and by a 6th-century Irish saint, patron of wolves, Munster, and Emly. It was sometimes Anglicized as Alby or Albert, possibly owing to the similarity between the letters
- 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.
- 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.
- Cianan
Origin:
Irish, diminutive of CianDescription:
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.
- Alastar
Description:
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.
- Fingal
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"fair stranger"Description:
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.
- Aodhán
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little fire"Description:
Authentic Irish Gaelic spelling of Aidan, sometimes pronounced with a very soft d/th sound in the middle.
- Simond
Description:
Simond is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of Simon. The traditional name Simon comes from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he has heard' or 'listening.' The added 'd' in Simond gives the name a slightly more formal or distinctive appearance. This variation was more common in medieval times, particularly in France and England, but remains quite rare today. Simond has never ranked among popular given names in modern records. The name carries the same dignified, biblical associations as Simon but with a unique twist. For parents seeking an alternative to the more common Simon or wishing to honor a Simon in the family while providing a slightly different name, Simond offers a subtle variation with the same fundamental pronunciation and heritage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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