Irish Names for Boys (with Meanings and Popularity)

Cianan

Irish, diminutive of Cian

This original spelling may present its challenges outside of Ireland, but it certainly has a more poetic look to it. Those daunted by the pronunciation obstacles may wish to consider Keenan.

Ciar

Irish

"dark"

Now that the Irish Ciaran and Ciara -- aka Kieran and Kiera -- are becoming more popular beyond their native shores, the short and strong Ciar might find some favor. As of now, more than 160 baby…

Cleary

Irish

"cleric"

This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.

Clooney

Irish

"from the meadow"

Variation of Cluny best only if you're a major George fan. And even then, better go with George, Georgia, or Georgiana.

Colum

Latin

"dove"

The Irish boys' name Colum, rarely heard in the U. S., makes an interesting alternative to Colin.

Daley

Irish

"assembly, gathering"

Much stronger than Dale for a boy.

Dermot

Irish, Anglicization of Diarmaid

"free from envy"

Dermot is an appealing, relatively undiscovered Irish mythological hero's name long popular in the Old Country, and imported into the American consciousness by actor Dermot Mulroney. We see it in the…

Derry

Diminutive or Derek or Dermot or Irish place-name

"like an oak"

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner. The unusual Irish Derry was given to zero babies of either gender in the US last year, but it's a merry…

Diarmaid

Irish

"free man"

This authentic form of the name of an Irish mythological hero with the power to make women fall instantly in love with him would work far better here as the Anglicized Dermot.

Dolan

Irish

"black-haired"

Fresh choice that could pick up where Dylan and Logan left off.

Donahue

Irish

"dark fighter"

This genial Irish surname feels much more current than Donald.

Donal

Scottish variation of Donald

"proud chief"

Donal is, yes, just Donald with the final d cut off, but that somehow gives it a jauntier, fresher feel. Donal Logue is a Canadian actor and Donal Skehan is an Irish cookbook author.

Donnelly

Irish

"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.

Dublin

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.

Duff

Irish

"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…

Euston

Irish

"heart"

Euston is best known as a London railway station, which got its name from a stately home and village in the English county of Suffolk. Ultimately it is thought to mean "settlement of a person called…

Farrell

Irish

"courageous"

If you're looking for a pleasing namesake that's more modern than Darrell/Darryl, this would make an excellent choice. Farrell is an Anglicized form of the Irish Fergal, and was well used as a first…

Fergall

Irish

"man of valor"

Despite its virtuous meaning, Fergall - along with the more standard spellings Fergal, Ferghal and Fearghal - has never made it across the ocean. In the States, Fergall is a rare yet pronounceable…

Finbar

Irish

"fair-haired"

This is an ancient saints' name well used in Ireland but a rarity here and unlikely to ever reach the popularity of other Finn-ish names. St. Finbarr (the more common spelling) is the patron saint of…

Flann

Irish

"ruddy, red-haired"

Friendly, cheerful Irish name that originated as a nickname for a redhead. Potential problem: reminiscent of the Spanish custard.