Cheerful but laidback, surname-style Delaney is derived from the Old Irish name Dubhshláine and has become a familiar choice for girls in recent decades. Nevertheless, it has also been used for boys since the early 1900s and was equally - though rarely - given to both, right up until the 1990s.

Sadly, this strong Celtic name often has "of the sorrows" attached to it because of the tragic character in Irish legend. Also a bit drab when compared with newer Irish imports.

A very popular name for boys in Ireland that's well-used throughout the British Isles, Darragh is also occasionally used for girls and certainly sounds feminine or at least unisex to the American ear. Simplified form Dara pushes it further toward the girls' side.

Ancient Irish king of the underworld, so much more powerful than Don.

An old Irish surname that was big in the 1960s, but would be an unexpected choice for a child now.

Used far more for boys with this spelling, but still has a nice impish Irish feel for a girl.

With Galway and Ireland in play as names (not to mention Shannon and Kerry), there's no reason this one can't work, too.

Donal is, yes, just Donald with the final d cut off, but that somehow gives it a jauntier, fresher feel. Donal Logue is a Canadian actor and Donal Skehan is an Irish cookbook author.

Name your daughter Duana after a Duane relative if you like, but please pronounce it doo-ahn-a and not doo-wain-a.

This somewhat boisterous Celtic name would be at home in a noisy pub or out walking on the moors. In Scotland, it was originally a nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion.

Strong but gentle Irish last-name-first. Could bring to mind long-running rock group Duran Duran.

This Irish saint's name makes an attractive alternative for Dylan or Donald.

Once-popular boys' name works better now for girls, as a kind of Dara/Karen blend.

This authentic form of the name of an Irish mythological hero with the power to make women fall instantly in love with him would work far better here as the Anglicized Dermot.

Great way to honor either Irish or Southern heritage without being too on the nose. Similar to other boys' names like Pacey, Casey, Percy and Chauncy.

This Irish surname packs a lot of attitude, projecting an image of spunk and sass. The Welsh singer Duffy, born Aimee Anne Duffy, is best known for her songs Mercy and Warwick Avenue.

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner.

This Irish Gaelic name would be more accessible in other cultures in its modern Dervla form.

Dugan is an open, friendly, and cheery Irish surname that would be suited to a dark-haired boy.

Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now.