International Baby Names · Boy Names Lists
Irish Names for Boys (with Meanings and Popularity)
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Phinean
Spelling variation of Finian, Irish
"fair"
Julia Roberts's choice of Phinnaeus gives a boost to all Ph forms. Or should we say, phorms.
Piran
Cornish
"little dark one"
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…
Quill
Irish, English
"lion; scribe, writer with a quill pen"
First appearing in the US stats back in 2013, this wordy choice fits in with the likes of Sonnet, Poetry, Fable, and Story as a literary option for writers, fans of classic literature, and those who…
Quillen
Variation of Quillan or Quillon
The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.
Quinlan
Irish
"descendant of Caoinlean, slender "
An Irish last-name-first-name that could make a child feel distinctive, while still having the regular guy nickname of Quinn. Christine Taylor and Ben Stiller spelled their son's name Quinlin.…
Rafferty
Irish
"floodtide, abundance, prosperity"
Jaunty and dapper, Rafferty is one of the most engaging of the Irish surnames, used by Jude Law and Sadie Frost for their son in 1996. Derived from the Irish, O'Raighbheartaigh, it means "(spring)…
Reagan
Irish
"little king"
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. Reagan has been more popular…
Reamon
Irish, variation of Raymond or Redmond
"wise protector"
The Irish surname and sometime first name Redmond is derived from the German Raymond, which was imported to Ireland via Norman conqueror Raymond LeGros -- Raymond the Fat. This name is pronounced…
Redmond
Irish variation of Raymond
"wise protector"
We love this partly for purely personal reasons, since it is one of our surnames. We used it as the middle name of a son –and it can make a good first choice too. Redmond – also found as Reamann or…
Regan
Irish
"little king"
A spelling variant of presidential surname Regan that briefly entered the Top 1000 for boys in the 1960s, but hasn't rejoined the list since. Shakespeare also used the name for a daughter of King…
Reilly
Irish
"courageous"
This more elaborate but not unfamiliar spelling of Riley feels oddly more feminine. Designer and Beatle daughter Stella McCartney has a daughter named Reilley. Still, Reilly or more common Riley is…
Rian
Irish
"little king"
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. In its native…
Riordan
Irish
"bard, royal poet"
Has a legitimate first name history in its native land and an appealing meaning, but pronunciation is far from obvious.
Roan
Spelling variation of Rowan, Irish, Frisian, English word name
"little redhead; rowan tree; raven; animal with a coat of two interspersed colors"
This sleek, warm-hued spelling spin on Rowan was chosen by Sharon Stone for one of her three sons back in the 2000s and it has since risen in popularity in the US. While it remains a long way behind…
Roark
Irish
"illustrious and mighty"
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…
Rogan
Irish
"redhead"
Rogan makes a great, roguish alternative for the more popular Logan, Ronan and Rowan.
Roone
Irish
"red-haired"
Roone is a lively, attractive and unusual redhead entry brought into the mix by the late TV sports and news executive Roone Arledge, who seemed to own it as a one-person name when he was alive. Roone…
Ruadhan
Irish
"red-haired"
Ruadhan (sometimes spelt with a fada: Ruadhán) is a fashionable name in its native Ireland. Borne one of the Twelve Irish Apostles, it originated as a diminutive of Ruadh, meaning "red-haired". It…
Runyon
Irish
"son of a champion"
Runyon is an Irish surname with considerable flair; some will connect it with Guys and Dolls writer Damon Runyon.
Scully
Irish
"herald or town crier"
Relaxed, with an appealing touch of swagger.