Updated October 2024
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Irish place-name from Caledonia
"hard or rocky land"
Caledon, the name of the arrogant Billy Zane character in "Titanic," is an Irish place-name related to Caledonia, the Latin word for Scotland thought to be derived from the ancient Celtic word for…
Irish surname from O Corrain
"descendant of Curran"
Curran is a common surname in Ireland, but unusual even there as a first. With its savory feel, calling to mind curry and currants, Curran can make for an attractive update on Colin or Connor.
Irish river name
A popular choice in Ireland, Clodagh was the name of a river and later a saint. The "cloddy" aspect of the name has prevented it from spreading beyond Ireland, but that could change with the rise of…
Irish surname
"from England"
The fashion for using surnames as firsts has extended beyond the familiar Morgan and Parker to choices such as Cohen and O'Brien to -- why not? -- this quintessentially Irish name with the friendly o…
Chrystal is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Crystal, which derives from the Greek word "krystallos" meaning "ice" or "clear, transparent stone." This alternative spelling with "Ch"…
Irish
"shapely"
Cliodhna and its simplified form Cliona are both well-used in modern Ireland though they are ancient mythological names. The goddess Cliodhna left the Land of Promise with a mortal but was punished…
"love, friendship"
Connelly is a rollicking and rare example of the popular surname genre that may work even better for girls. A huge update on Colleen.
"battle man"
Cahir along with its traditional spelling Cathair is well-used in modern Ireland. Now it's finding a wider audience thanks to The Witcher , though Cahir is the main villain of the series. It was in…
"born handsome or son of Caomhan "
Pleasant Irish last name that could be a more masculine alternative to the overused Cassidy. Early kings of Leinster bore the name, which relates to the first name Caomhan or Kevin and can also be…
Connelly is an open, inviting, and rarely used Irish surname that can make a perfect alternative to the overused Connor or Colin for a boy.
"hound (or wolf) of the plain"
Conroy is one Con name that feels a bit dated, though perhaps it's so far out it's coming in? Worth consideration if you like Connor but feel it's too widely used.
Latin
"dove"
The Irish boys' name Colum, rarely heard in the U. S., makes an interesting alternative to Colin.
"descendant of Coltarán"
The great sax player John Coltrane could be a cool naming inspiration for a jazz fan. Plus, it gives you stylish nickname Colt, if you didn't love Colton or Colter. From it's Irish roots, it means…
Irish, uncertain meaning
Despite pronunciation, looks a bit like an airline or -- worse still -- a hair dryer name.
"warrior-lord"
This appealing name of a mythical king of Tara whose reign brough prosperity to his kingdom is strongly associated with actor Sean. The Irish form is Conaire.
"strong as a wolf"
If there are too many Connors in your neighborhood, this name is equally authentic and much more unusual. Spelled Conal or Conall, it's a prominent name in Irish history, borne by a number of kings…
Energetic Connelly variation that works better for girls than for boys.
"ruddy-faced"
Corky was a sitcom moniker of the fifties, Corcoran a better fit for these times.
"swamp, marsh"
Buoyant but lightweight.
"dark one"
A distinctive alternative to Conan.