Irish Gaelic Names that Start With D

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.

An Irish mythology name belonging to a semi-legendary high king of Ireland, often equated with English David though not etymologically related.

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

Dalaigh is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, likely derived from the surname Ó Dálaigh, meaning 'descendant of Dálach.' The ancestral name relates to 'dál,' suggesting concepts of assembly, meeting, or possibly 'one who gathers.' Historically, the Ó Dálaigh family was renowned for producing poets and scholars in medieval Ireland, adding literary and intellectual associations to the name. As a first name, Dalaigh remains quite rare, preserving its distinctive Gaelic heritage. The pronunciation typically follows Irish patterns (roughly 'DAH-lee' or 'DAW-lee'), which may present challenges outside Ireland. The name appeals to parents with Irish heritage seeking an authentic connection to Gaelic culture or those drawn to uncommon names with substantive historical roots.

Dainéal is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, representing the Irish form of Daniel. The accent over the 'e' (fada) indicates emphasis and lengthens the vowel sound. The traditional biblical name Daniel means "God is my judge" in Hebrew, and this Irish variant carries the same meaning while honoring Irish linguistic heritage. While not among the most common Irish names internationally, Dainéal offers parents seeking authentic Irish names an option that connects to both biblical tradition and Celtic culture. The pronunciation (roughly dahn-YALE) differs notably from its English counterpart, giving the name a distinctive melodic quality. In Ireland, it represents a way to embrace traditional naming patterns while maintaining connections to wider biblical naming traditions.

Dainial is an uncommon variant spelling of Daniel, a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my judge.' This distinctive spelling gives the traditional name a unique twist while maintaining its historical significance and pronunciation. Daniel has biblical roots as a prophet in the Old Testament known for his wisdom and interpretation of dreams. The variant Dainial may appeal to parents seeking a familiar name with an individualized touch. While much less common than the standard spelling, Dainial shares the strong masculine qualities and religious heritage of its original form. The alternative spelling creates visual distinction while preserving the name's respected legacy and comfortable familiarity in many cultures.