Irish Names that Start With L

Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number 1 spot for the past seven years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world.

A growing number of high-profile (and other) parents are choosing to honor their musical idols, such as Hendrix, Presley, Jagger, and now Lennon, an Irish name for girls as well as boys with a wonderful meaning on many levels. Lennon first came to notice when Liam Gallagher and Patsy Kensit used it for their son in 1999, and singer-musician Adam Pascal followed their lead two years later.

Lorcan is a name rich in Irish history as belonging to several kings, including the grandfather of the most famous high king of Ireland, Brian Boru. Lorcan O'Toole, known in English as Laurence O'Toole, is the patron saint of Dublin, so it's not too surprising that Irish-born actor Peter O'Toole named his son Lorcan.

Pronounced lee-sha, Laoise is the feminine form of the Irish mythological names Lugh and Lugus, which means light. Lugus was the Celtic god of commerce and craftsmanship, the equivalent of the Roman Mercury, thought to inspire the later Irish hero Lugh. Laoise is among the Top 100 Irish names for girls, but Americans will definitely have pronunciation issues.

This name of several early Irish saints makes a nice Logan/Conan alternative.

A growing number of high-profile (and other) parents are choosing to honor their musical idols, such as Hendrix, Presley, Jagger, and now Lennon.

While Larkin takes this name from bird to surname, there are actually more female Larkins these days than male, and it's a name that works as well for either gender. It has the literary connection to poet Philip Larkin too.

Lucan is a rarely heard Irish name, a Luke form with the trendy an ending.

The additional syllable makes Lark a masculine surname name, borne by poet Philip Larkin.

Conjures up pleasant images of lakes, but the pronunciation challenge makes the Anglicized Loughlin preferable.

Lochlann is a masculine name of Gaelic origin with deep roots in Irish and Scottish history. Traditionally, it referred to Scandinavia or Norway, literally meaning "land of the lochs" or "land of lakes," and was used to describe Viking invaders. Over time, it evolved into a personal name. In Irish mythology, Lochlann appears as the name of a distant northern realm. The name carries connotations of strength, adventure, and a connection to both Celtic and Norse heritage. While not extremely common, Lochlann has seen modest usage in Ireland and Scotland, appealing to parents seeking a name with authentic Gaelic roots and historical significance that connects to the rich cultural interchange between Celtic and Norse traditions.

Loman is one of those rare names that is at once simple and very unusual, with fewer than five baby boys given the name in the US in the most recent year.

One Irish surname that will never make it as a first.

First used for Norse invaders, this name, along with the similar Lachlan, is an attractive, worldly, and unusual choice — despite connections to the Nevada gambling resort.

Lughaidh is an ancient Irish masculine name derived from the Celtic god Lugh, a deity associated with skill, crafts, and light in Irish mythology. Pronounced approximately as 'LOO-ee' or 'LOO-ay,' the name has deep historical roots in Irish culture, appearing in numerous ancient texts and legends. Lughaidh was borne by several high kings and notable figures in Irish history. While challenging for non-Irish speakers to pronounce, this name carries substantial cultural significance and connects a child to Ireland's rich mythological heritage. Though rare even in modern Ireland, Lughaidh represents an authentic option for parents seeking a name with genuine Gaelic origins and historical depth.

We'd be leery of this one.

Labhras is a traditional Irish masculine name pronounced roughly as 'LOW-russ' or 'LAW-rass.' It is the Irish Gaelic form of Lawrence, which derives from the Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum' or associated with laurel leaves, symbols of victory and honor. This distinctively Celtic name carries deep historical significance in Irish culture. While relatively uncommon outside Ireland, Labhras represents a strong connection to Irish heritage and language. The name has never been widespread internationally but remains a powerful choice for families honoring their Irish roots. Labhras conveys a sense of tradition, strength, and cultural pride, making it a meaningful though rarely encountered name in most English-speaking countries.