225+ Irish Boy Names (with Meanings and Popularity)
- Lucan
Origin:
Irish variation of LukeDescription:
Lucan is a rarely heard Irish name, a Luke form with the trendy an ending.
- Doyle
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"black stranger"Description:
Dark horse Irish surname.
- Devlin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"unlucky"Description:
Devlin is an Irish name that's fresher and even more devilish than Devin.The earliest written record of this surname occurs in the thirteenth century, when an O'Devlin was appointed Bishop of Kells in 1211.
- Calihan
Description:
Calihan is a modern masculine name with Irish and Gaelic roots. It likely derives from the surname Callahan (from Irish 'Ó Ceallacháin'), meaning 'descendant of Ceallachán,' where Ceallachán referred to someone who was 'strife-loving' or 'contentious.' As a first name, Calihan represents the growing trend of transforming traditional surnames into given names. With its strong sound and Celtic heritage, Calihan offers a distinctive choice while maintaining a familiar ring. The name remains relatively uncommon, giving it a contemporary feel while honoring Irish ancestry. Parents might be drawn to Calihan for its masculine sound, easy nickname options (Cal or Cali), and its balance of uniqueness and pronounceability.
- Fitzgerald
Origin:
Irish and ScottishMeaning:
"son of Gerald"Description:
Made famous by F. Scott Fitzgerald and John Fitzgerald Kennedy; still works best as a middle name.
- Dara
Origin:
Irish, Persian, Punjabi, KhmerMeaning:
"oak tree, fruitful; wealthy; leader; star"Description:
Though Dara in the U.S. would be considered mainly a girls' name – the most recent count is 10 times as many girls given the name last year than boys – it's a boys' name in Ireland, where it's in the Top 100 along with variations Daire and Darragh.
- Kerry
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, dark-haired"Description:
An Irish county name almost exclusively used for girls now. Kerrigan would be a more modern and masculine choice.
- Conall
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"strong as a wolf"Description:
Too many Connors in your neighborhood? This name--spelled with one 'l' or two--is equally authentic and much more unusual.
- Rian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little king"Description:
More authentic and original form of Ryan, but far less common of the two spellings in the US. There were about 170 baby boys named Rian in the US last year, versus over 4000 named Ryan.
- Ciar
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark"Description:
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 girls were named Ciara in the US last year, with half that many boys named Ciaran, but so far no baby boys named Ciar, though 17 were called Keir.
- Conway
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"hound of the plain"Description:
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.
- Roark
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"illustrious and mighty"Description:
This distinguished surname belonged to one of Ireland's great princely families. Its many variations include Rourke (as in actor Mickey), and O'Rourke. The family surname is thought to be one of the oldest in the world, originating in the tenth century, following the death of a young prince named Ruarc. It has literary cred via Howard Roark, the protagonist of Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead.
- Donnacha
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"brown-haired warrior"Description:
Virtually unknown in this country, Donnacha is currently in the Top 100 in Ireland. According to legend, Donnacha was a High King of Ireland until his death in 1064. The English version Donaga (done-a) might be preferable here.
- Paddy
Origin:
Diminutive of Patrick, IrishMeaning:
"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.
- Dermot
Origin:
Irish, Anglicization of DiarmaidMeaning:
"free from envy"Description:
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 next Celtic wave following Connor and Liam.
- Kiernan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little dark one"Description:
Although this surname name is closely related to the more common Irish name Kieran, Kiernan is also a well used family name, tied to thirty-three ancient chieftains. It has on a few occasions been used for girls.
- Finbar
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fair-haired"Description:
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 Cork and in Irish folklore, Finbarr was king of the fairies.
- Iarlaith
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"ruler"Description:
This name of a saint from Galway whose monastery became a center of learning is an undiscovered Irish Gaelic gem. Undiscovered in the US, that is: Iarlaith is a Top 100 name in Ireland.
- Fynn
Origin:
Variation of FinnMeaning:
"bright, fair"Description:
Spelling variation more popular in Germany than the original, which is also well-used there.
- Veren
Description:
Veren is a rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Latin 'verus' meaning 'true,' or have connections to Dutch and Germanic roots. In some contexts, it could be related to the Latin 'vernal' (spring-like) or possibly be a variant of Vernon. The name has remained exceptionally uncommon in English-speaking countries throughout recorded naming history. Veren has a crisp, modern sound despite its possible ancient origins, featuring a pleasing balance of the soft 'v' and stronger 'n' ending. Its brevity and simplicity give it contemporary appeal, while its rarity offers distinctiveness. Those named Veren might appreciate having a name that feels both unique and accessible, with a certain cosmopolitan quality that transcends specific cultural traditions.