Irish Gaelic Names for Boys
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keane
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"ancient"Description:
Has a sharp investigative quality that's not a bad thing to impart to a child.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Eyvind
Origin:
Dainish, Norwegian, SwedishMeaning:
"island conqueror, lucky conqueror"Description:
Eyvind is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, derived from elements meaning 'island' and 'winner' or 'conqueror.' This ancient Scandinavian name dates back to Viking times and appears in Norse sagas and historical records. Traditionally spelled Øyvind in Norway and Öyvind in Sweden, the anglicized Eyvind has made the name more accessible internationally. Throughout Scandinavian history, it has been associated with strength, independence, and maritime heritage. While relatively uncommon outside Nordic countries, it has maintained consistent popularity in Norway especially. The name evokes images of fjords, islands, and the seafaring tradition of Norse culture, offering a distinctive option with historical depth.
- Aingeal
Description:
Aingeal is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. Pronounced roughly as 'AHN-gal' or 'AYN-gal,' it is the Irish form of Angel, literally meaning 'messenger' or 'divine messenger.' The name carries strong spiritual connotations in Celtic tradition while maintaining its connection to heavenly beings. Despite its angelic meaning, Aingeal has a strong, distinctive sound in Irish culture that makes it suitable as a boy's name. It remains relatively rare outside of Ireland and Irish diaspora communities. For parents with Irish heritage seeking a name with deep cultural roots and spiritual significance, Aingeal offers a meaningful choice with a distinctive Gaelic character.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Aodhán
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little fire"Description:
Authentic Irish Gaelic spelling of Aidan, sometimes pronounced with a very soft d/th sound in the middle.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.