Irish Names for Boys (with Meanings and Popularity)

Tynan

Irish

"dark, dusty"

A much fresher Ty name than Tyler or Tyson.

Pilib

Irish form of Philip, Greek

"lover of horses"

Rare but occasionally used in Ireland, Pilib is a variation of the classic Phillip. It has appeared throughout Irish history and was notably borne by a 14th century king of the (historical) Kingdom…

Ailin

Ailin is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish tradition, it's derived from Ailín, a diminutive of Ailill, meaning 'elf' or 'noble.' In Chinese, Ailin (爱林) can mean 'love of…

Iarlaith

Irish

"ruler, sovereign, lord"

The name of a 6th saint from Galway whose monastery became a center of learning while he was there, Iarlaith is an undiscovered Irish gem. Undiscovered in the US, that is: Iarlaith is a Top 100 name…

Daithí

Irish, Gaelic

"swiftness, nimbleness"

An Irish mythology name belonging to a semi-legendary high king of Ireland, often equated with English David though not etymologically related.

Bard

English, Gaelic

"minstrel, poet"

A literary word name, now synonymous with Shakespeare, Bard also refers more generally to a poet, particularly one who recited epics and traditional poems out loud. Similar in sound to Bernard,…

Beacan

Irish

"tiny one"

An attractive ancient Irish saint's name that conjures up a beacon of light, this Irish name for boys is well-used in Ireland but rarely heard in the US.

Donnacha

Irish

"brown-haired warrior"

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…

Behan

Irish

"bee"

An Anglicized derivative of the Gaelic name Beatha, meaning "life," best known as the surname of Irish playwright Brendan Behan.

Benen

Irish

"mild"

This name of an ancient Irish saint -- a favorite disciple of Saint Patrick -- could be an option for parents in search of a more distinctive alternative to Brendan or Aidan.

Bolan

Irish

"little poet"

An Irish surname name with a combination of boldness and élan. Some might connect it to the founder of the group T. Rex -- Marc Bolan.

Branigan

irish

"little raven"

Branigan, also spelled Branagan or Brannigan, is an Irish name full of energy and cheer. It was the title of a 1975 John Wayne movie, and Zapp Brannigan is the antihero of the animated sitcom…

Breccan

Irish

"freckled, speckled"

This Irish name of a saint from the Isle of Aran also appears in myth and fantasy fiction, giving it an intriguing, mystical air. Some modern parents are attempting to update the spelling, as in the…

Brone

Irish

"sorrow"

An old saint's name that, even with the post-Aidan wave of Irish names, is a bit too close to crone.

Brosnan

Irish

"dweller near the Brosna River"

Actor Pierce made both his first and last name appealing.

Cagney

Irish

"tribute"

Cagney is one of the spunkiest Irish surnames around, and could make a lively and fresher successor to the tired Casey. James Cagney will be remembered not only for his iconic gangster films, but…

Callister

Variation of Irish surname MacCallister

"son of Alister"

Can be used either with or without the addition of Mac.

Carbry

Irish

"charioteer"

A name scattered throughout Irish mythology with an intriguing sound, Carbry is one of the rare Irish names for boys virtually unknown in the US. Bry is the obvious, but lovely nickname option.

Carroll

Anglicized variation of Irish Cearbhall

"hacking with a weapon"

This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and…

Cathal

Irish

"battle rule"

The name of an ancient Irish saint is in the contemporary Irish Top 50. While it's one of the rare Irish names for boys that hasn't immigrated to the U.S., it may follow brothers Aidan and Declan to…