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Irish Gaelic Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Sep 24 2019
  1. Cael

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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).
  2. Donovan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Fionn

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Guthrie

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Ruadhan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Brick

    • Origin:

      Word name, various origins

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Cianan

    • Origin:

      Irish, diminutive of Cian

    • Description:

      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.
  8. Dáithí

    • Origin:

      Irish, Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Oisín

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Fingal

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Aodhán

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little fire"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Páraic is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Patrick, a name derived from the Latin Patricius meaning "nobleman." This authentic Irish spelling reflects the pronunciation "PAW-rik" or "PAH-rig" and maintains strong cultural ties to Ireland. The name carries significant importance in Irish heritage due to Saint Patrick, the 5th-century missionary who became Ireland's patron saint. Though common in Ireland, particularly in Irish-speaking regions, Páraic is relatively rare internationally. The distinctive spelling with its accent mark (fada) over the first 'a' preserves the name's Gaelic pronunciation and cultural authenticity, making it a meaningful choice for families with Irish roots seeking a connection to their heritage.

  13. Keane

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "ancient"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  15. Ailbhe

    • Description:

      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.
  16. Ambrós

    • Description:

      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.
  17. 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.
  18. Caolán

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Siothrán

    • Description:

      Siothrán is a masculine Irish name with deep Gaelic roots. Pronounced approximately as 'SHEE-raw-n,' this traditional name derives from ancient Celtic language elements. It may be related to the Irish word 'síothcháin' meaning 'peace' or 'reconciliation,' suggesting a beautiful meaning of harmony and tranquility. Like many traditional Irish names, Siothrán remains relatively rare outside Ireland, and even within Ireland it's considered an uncommon choice. The name carries the authentic heritage of Irish culture and language, making it appealing to families with strong Irish connections or those who appreciate Celtic naming traditions. The distinctive pronunciation may present some challenges in non-Irish settings, but this uniqueness also gives the name a special quality that distinguishes its bearer.

  20. Siofrai

    • Description:

      Siofrai is a masculine Irish name that represents a traditional Gaelic heritage. A variant of Siofra (more commonly feminine in modern usage), it derives from the Irish word 'síofra' meaning 'elf,' 'changeling,' or 'sprite' in Irish folklore. The name captures the magical and mystical elements of Celtic mythology, evoking connections to the Otherworld and fairy folk of Irish legends. Siofrai remains relatively rare, primarily used by families with strong connections to Irish cultural traditions who wish to preserve authentic Gaelic naming patterns. The pronunciation (roughly SHEE-fra or SHEE-free) can pose challenges outside Ireland, but this rarity also adds to its distinctive appeal. The name carries an ethereal quality while maintaining masculine strength in its traditional context.