These days Finney is most likely a pet form of Finn, but it was once a standard nickname for the biblical Phineas.

For fans of Hayden, Aiden, and Logan who are on the hunt for something familiar but unique, Hagan may be a possibility. It comes from the Irish surname Higgins, which itself derives from either Ó hAodhagáin or Ó hÁgáin, lending it the meanings "little fire" or "young".

Cochran is primarily known as a surname of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic MacEachrain or O'Corcrain, meaning "son of Eachran" or "descendant of Corcran." As a masculine first name, Cochran represents the trend of using family surnames as given names, which became popular in American naming practices. The name carries associations of strength and heritage, with a distinctly Celtic foundation. While uncommon as a first name, Cochran has an established presence through notable bearers of the surname, including aviation pioneer Jacqueline Cochran and musician Eddie Cochran. The name has a strong, distinguished quality with two syllables that create a balanced rhythm, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical roots and a masculine, preppy character.

Fogarty has the Old Fogey problem.

Fogarty has the Old Fogey problem.

Historically tied to country music legend Conway Twitty, it’s now gaining traction alongside names like Connor, Colton, and Corbin. Growing in usage along with other surnames as first names, Conway stands out as a fresh, yet familiar, choice.

While Keegan has been rising in popularity for a number of years, this variant spelling has dropped in the lists.

Walsh originated as an Irish and English surname derived from the Old English word 'wælisc,' meaning 'foreigner' or specifically 'Welshman.' It historically identified people of Welsh or Celtic Briton descent living in Anglo-Norman areas. As a given name, Walsh represents the modern trend of adopting surnames as first names, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with historical connections. The name carries associations with Celtic heritage and conveys a sense of strength and tradition. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it has gained some traction in recent decades, particularly in families with Irish ancestry who appreciate its cultural significance and simple, strong phonetic quality.

Not your typical jovial Irish surname; but has a dark, craggy appeal, and Tag as a nickname.

Much stronger than Dale for a boy.

Compact, to-the-point surname name. Bear in mind the stock-market association - it may be a bit much with the last name Jones.

Irish surname that refers to High King Brian Boru, also spelled O'Brien. Makes a fabulous first name.

Though Collins makes the Top 1000 for girls, it sounds strong and handsome for boys too, kind of like the newly-stylish Brooks. The final s updates it from the 80s-ish Colin or the Twilightish Cullen. Might make an innovative honorific for a grandpa Nick.

Gently pleasant English family name long associated with 60-Minuteman Morley Safer.

This name shares sounds with Keagan and Teagan, but has its own roots in Irish culture. It comes from the surname O'Duibhginn, meaning "descendent of the dark-haired one". Freestyle Motocross rider Brian Deegan may be partly responsible for this name's appearance in the US Top 1000 between 2008 and 2013. While it is now out of the charts, it remains a familiar choice, given to just shy of 100 boys in a recent year.

There are many more appealing Irish surnames than Foley, and certainly more positive meanings. If Foley is a genuine family name, this would be all right in the middle.

One of the jauntiest o' the O' names, the birth name of actor/ rapper Ice Cube.

McCarthy is one of a wave of new Irish surname-names, one of the most popular last names of Irish origin now translated to a first name. Mac is an attractive nickname.

This familiar Irish surname, best known as the name of the mononamed Welsh female singer, is extremely rare as a first name in the US but could make an original Irish choice.

Out-of-date for a boy, innovative for a girl.