Updated October 2024
Across 4 pages
of 4
Irish
"dark river"
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…
"stranger, exile"
Strong but gentle Irish last-name-first. Could bring to mind long-running rock group Duran Duran.
"black stranger"
An Irish surname possibility for those who like Daley, Royal, Dougal, and Dolan, though it may sound too much like doily to catch on for modern boys. Nevertheless, it was fairly well used in the 20th…
"sorrowful"
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.
"oak tree"
Also Anglicized as Dara and also spelled Daire in its native form, Darragh has an undeniably rugged appeal. It's used for both girls and boys in Ireland, but it's very popular in particular for boys.
"small brown-haired child"
This Irish saint's name makes an attractive alternative for Dylan or Donald.
"dark, brave one"
Donnelly is among the more appealing Irish surname names, less well used than Donovan. Related options include the place name Donegal and the mythological god name Donegan.
"brown chieftain"
Barely-used Irish surname that's more streamlined than popular Donovan.
"dark hero"
A common Irish surname that's seldom heard as a first name, but has an appealing meaning.
"dark-haired"
Compact, to-the-point surname name. Bear in mind the stock-market association - it may be a bit much with the last name Jones.
"son of Draighnean"
Brennan alternative.
"dark, darkness"
Obscure and quirky, but not without some appeal.
Irish place-name
With Galway and Ireland in play as names (not to mention Shannon and Kerry), there's no reason this one can't work, too.
"swarthy"
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. Duff…
Dugan is an open, friendly, and cheery Irish surname that would be suited to a dark-haired boy.
"castle headland"
Clear and strong, if a little heavy.
"from the stream"
Irish name with an intriguing lilt.
"true desire"
This Irish Gaelic name would be more accessible in other cultures in its modern Dervla form.
"daughter of the poet"
Dearbhla along with its Anglicized form Dervla are both well-used in modern Ireland. There was a medieval Saint Dearbhla. The spelling Deirbhile is also used.
"from the south"
Dacey is a delicate and lacy Irish name with real possibilities.