Real Irish Names, Actually Used In Ireland

By ejmcg22 · Updated May 2023

Names17

Total Names17

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About this list

A list of real Irish names actually used in Ireland so no McKenzies, Caseys, McKennas, D'arcys or Kerries.

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International Baby Names

The names

Showing 1–17 of 17

Liam
Irish short form of William
"resolute protection"
Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number One spot for the past eight years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world. Liam originated as a…
Niall
Irish
"cloud"
Niall is pronounced nye-al--something like Neil, but this Irish spelling of the name makes it much more current and cool. This is an ancient name borne by several of the high kings of Tara, the most…
Aoife
Irish Gaelic
"beautiful, radiant"
Aoife, pronounced EE-fa, is derived from the Irish word aoibh , meaning "beauty." Aoife was borne by several different heroines of ancient Irish legend. In one tale, she was the fiercest woman…
Eoin
Irish, variation of John
"God is gracious"
Though Eoin is a Gaelic form of John, its Anglicized pronunciation links it directly to Owen. Eoin is currently a Top 30 name in Ireland. Other variations: Ewan, Ewen, Evan and Eoghan (pronounced as…
Conall
Irish
"strong as a wolf"
Too many Connors in your neighborhood? This name--spelled with one 'l' or two--is equally authentic and much more unusual.
Sorcha
Irish
"bright, shining"
A popular Irish name virtually unknown here, but one that feels like it could follow in the footsteps of Siobhan and Saoirse. It's pronounced SOR-ka, but with a little hiccup between the ' r ' and…
Donal
Scottish variation of Donald
"proud chief"
Donal is, yes, just Donald with the final d cut off, but that somehow gives it a jauntier, fresher feel. Donal Logue is a Canadian actor and Donal Skehan is an Irish cookbook author.
SÉAMUS
SINÉAD
AINE
NIAMH
RÓISÍN
CIARA
EANNA
Tomás
Spanish; Portuguese; Irish, variation of Thomas
"twin"
Tomás is one of the most popular names in Portugal, also used in Spanish-speaking countries and recently gaining popularity in Ireland, where it's the traditional spelling of Thomas.
RUAIRÍ
Aoibheann
Irish
"beautiful sheen"
Pronounced like the word "even," this was a common name among the ancient royal families of Ireland, and has now become popular again.

Real Irish Names, Actually Used In Ireland

About this list

The names

Liam

Niall

Aoife

Eoin

Conall

Sorcha

Donal

SÉAMUS

SINÉAD

AINE

NIAMH

RÓISÍN

CIARA

EANNA

Tomás

RUAIRÍ

Aoibheann