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Irish Names that Start With P

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Phelan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "wolf"

    • Description:

      Phelan, pronounced FAY-lan or FEE-lan, is an appealing Irish surname name, with a rich history in Irish myth and religious and secular life. One bearer was a fiercely loyal follower of the legendary warrior Finn MacCool, another was a missionary saint.
  2. Piran

    • Origin:

      Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "little dark one"

    • Description:

      It may be a longshot – especially since it was given to less than 5 boys in the US in 2021 – but Piran could conceivably be a future Kieran, which is shaping up to being the next Kevin. Piran is the patron saint of miners and of Cornwall.
  3. Paddy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patrick, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"

    • Description:

      Because it's a generic (and often derogatory) term for an Irishman, Paddy fell out of use as a diminutive or given name, though actress Mare Winningham used it not long ago.
  4. Pat

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patrick

    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"

    • Description:

      As seen on SNL, Pat is the ultimate androgynous name. Stick with long form Patrick, and make sure everyone calls him Patrick.
  5. Peig

    • Description:

      Peig is a traditional Irish feminine name, functioning as a diminutive form of Margaret. The name Margaret itself derives from Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl'. Peig gained notability in Ireland through the famous Irish language author Peig Sayers (1873-1958), whose autobiography became required reading in Irish schools. The name is pronounced somewhat like 'peg' but with a slightly softer sound in traditional Irish pronunciation. Despite its historical significance in Ireland, Peig remains quite uncommon, even within Ireland itself, having declined in usage since the mid-20th century. The name carries associations with traditional Irish heritage, resilience, and the preservation of Gaelic culture. Its short, distinctive sound contrasts with the trend toward longer, more elaborate names, giving it a simple, straightforward charm.

  6. Paili

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Polly

    • Description:

      Authentic Irish choice, easy to spell, tricky to pronounce.
  7. Proinsias

    • Description:

      Proinsias is a traditional Irish masculine name, the Gaelic form of Francis. It derives from the Latin 'Franciscus,' meaning 'Frenchman' or 'free one.' Pronounced approximately as 'PRIN-shish' or 'PRIN-see-as,' this distinctive name carries deep cultural significance in Ireland, where it has been used since the medieval period following the popularity of St. Francis of Assisi. Though relatively uncommon even within Ireland and quite rare internationally, Proinsias represents a strong connection to Irish heritage and language. The name was embraced by some Irish nationalists as an expression of cultural identity, with notable bearers including Irish political figures. While potentially challenging for non-Irish speakers to pronounce, Proinsias offers an authentic option for those with Irish roots seeking to honor their heritage with a name that remains distinctively Gaelic in an increasingly globalized naming landscape.
  8. Phinean

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Finian, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "fair"

    • Description:

      Julia Roberts's choice of Phinnaeus gives a boost to all Ph forms. Or should we say, phorms.
  9. Patsy

    • Origin:

      English and Irish, diminutive of Patrick

    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician."

    • Description:

      Patsy has been rarely heard for half a century, for either gender, and we're not expecting that to change in the near future..
  10. Pegeen

    • Origin:

      Irish, diminutive of Mairead, Irish form of Margaret

    • Description:

      Infrequently used relic of the Maureen-Colleen-Kathleen era, though it does seem to have a bit more energy than the others.
  11. Peadair

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Peter

    • Description:

      Peadair is one way to reinvent a classic, though insisting on the authentic pronunciation could cause problems.
  12. P'adraic

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Patrick

    • Description:

      This form, common in Ireland, could create confusion.
  13. Parthalán

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "plowman"

    • Description:

      Familiar in Ireland, strange here.
  14. Partholon

    • Description:

      Partholon is a masculine name from Irish mythology, referring to a legendary figure who led a settlement of Ireland after the Biblical Flood. According to medieval Irish texts like the Lebor Gabála Érenn (Book of Invasions), Partholon and his followers were among the first inhabitants of Ireland, arriving approximately 300 years after the deluge. The name carries strong connections to Irish cultural heritage and ancient Celtic traditions. Though extremely rare as a given name in modern times, Partholon might appeal to parents with deep interests in Irish mythology or those seeking a name with profound historical significance. The name has a commanding, distinctive sound with its three syllables and unusual combination of consonants, offering a truly unique option with authentic mythological roots.

  15. Parthalan

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Bartholomew, Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "son of the furrow"

    • Description:

      Pathalan is a rare Irish name derived from the somewhat-less-rare Bartholomew. Nearly 30 baby boys were named Bartholomew in the US last year, but none were named Parthalan.