Diminuitive Irish Names

If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.

This was a common name in early Ireland, borne by numerous saints, but pronunciation problems would make it prohibitive here.

This more user-friendly Anglicized form of Beacan, could profit from its kinship with the popular Beckett--with which it could share the nickname Beck. Becan is an Irish saint's name, attached to the founder of a sixth century monastery.

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.

Bold Irish surname, full of energy and cheer.

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.

Interesting Irish diminutive of Bridget or Bríd.

The original Irish spelling of Caitlin, the name that launched a thousand spelling variations.

A Top 100 choice in Northern Ireland, Caolán shares many fashionable sounds with names like Cayden and Callan, but remains virtually unknown in the US.

While the lin ending is more commonly found in girls' names, Carlin is an authentic Irish male choice and was used just about evenly for both sexes in the US last year.

Long popular in Ireland and England, Ciarán is the name of Ireland's first-born saint and twenty-five other saints. While this is the authentic Irish spelling, it is more familiar in the US in the Anglicized Kieran spelling.

Cillín is a masculine Irish name with ancient Gaelic origins. Pronounced 'KILL-een,' it is a diminutive form of the name Ceallach, meaning 'bright-headed' or 'war' in Old Irish. The name has historical significance in Ireland, as 'cillín' also refers to unconsecrated burial grounds used for unbaptized infants in historical Irish practice. This connection gives the name a poignant cultural depth. Though relatively uncommon even in Ireland, Cillín has seen some increased interest among those seeking authentic Irish names with historical roots. The name carries a melodic quality characteristic of Irish nomenclature while honoring Gaelic heritage. Outside of Ireland, it remains rare but may appeal to families with Irish connections seeking a distinctive cultural name.