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225+ Irish Boy Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

  1. Finbar

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Colm

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Latin Columba

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      Colm is a popular Irish name for boys that could immigrate, especially with its peaceful meaning. Colm Toibin is a contemporary Irish novelist and critic, author of The Master and Brooklyn; Colm Meaney is an Irish actor. Pronunciation is two syllables instead of one, like Colin with an 'm' at the end. Colm is related to Columba, Colom, Colum, Callum, and Malcolm.
  3. Brogan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "small shoe"

    • Description:

      Brogan is a cheerful Irish surname that would fit right in with the Logans and Br-starting names now trendy for boys. It's been on the pop list for the past three years, though it's sliding again. Its history includes Saint Brogan (Broccan in Gaelic), who was Saint Patrick's nephew and scribe.
  4. 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.

  5. Larkin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "rough, fierce"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "white fire or white bull"

    • Description:

      Fintan is an ancient Irish saints' name that in legend is also the name of the only person to survive The Flood. Popular in modern Ireland, Fintan is ripe for export to the US where it is rarely used but could make an excellent long form for the stylish Finn.
  7. Dermot

    • Origin:

      Irish, Anglicization of Diarmaid

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Keenan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "ancient"

    • Description:

      This name of three ancient saints, one Wayans brother, and an NFL wide receiver makes an energetic choice.
  9. 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.
  10. Finian

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "fair"

    • Description:

      This lilting Irish saint's name shone in neon lights on Broadway for the classical 1947 musical "Finian's Rainbow," later made into a film starring Fred Astaire as Finian McLonergan, and there was also a character on "General Hospital" named Finian O'Toole. With the growing popularity of Finn and Finlay/Finley--and boys' names ending in 'an'--Finian, which can also be spelled Finnian, seems like a sure-fire winner.
  11. Shaw

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller by the wood"

    • Description:

      With the current taste for last names first, this sounds a lot cooler than Shawn; it also has creative connections to the great Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, novelist Irwin Shaw, and Big Band Era clarinetist/bandleader and one-time Ava Gardner husband Artie Shaw.
  12. Daire

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "oak tree"

    • Description:

      Daire, along with brother names Dara and Darragh, is among the Top 100 boys' names in Ireland today. An ancient name with an inspirational meaning, pronunciation could prove confusing to Americans.
  13. Conway

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Donnacha

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  15. Doyle

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "black stranger"

    • Description:

      Dark horse Irish surname.
  16. Reagan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little king"

    • Description:

      Inextricably tied to the former president, Reagan is a handsome surname name with a cool, current sound. Gender-neutral nickname Ray/Rae is also very on-trend right now.
  17. Collins

    • Origin:

      Surname derived from Nicholas or Colin

    • Description:

      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.
  18. Rian

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Sheridan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "searcher"

    • Description:

      Sheridan is one surname-name that hasn't come into style for either gender, though it was lightly used for boys around the turn of the 20th century and girls 100 years later. The name does have an attractive sound and an appealing meaning.
  20. Odhran

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little pale green one"

    • Description:

      Odhran, Anglicized as Oran, was the name of an ancient saint. Today, Odhran is among the Top 100 Irish names for boys in Ireland.