Irish Names

By KiwiBunnz

Updated Thu Apr 27 2023

Irish names I like

Aralt
- Description:
  Aralt is a masculine name of Germanic origin. It's a variant of the name Arnold, which is derived from the elements 'arn' meaning 'eagle' and 'wald' meaning 'ruler' or 'power.' This gives Aralt the meaning of 'eagle ruler' or 'strong as an eagle.' The name is relatively uncommon in modern usage, particularly outside Germanic-speaking regions. In medieval times, names with strong animal associations like the eagle were valued for the qualities they represented - strength, vision, and freedom. Aralt has remained a rare choice for parents, maintaining its distinctive character rather than achieving widespread popularity.
Breccan
- Origin:
  Irish
- Meaning:
  "freckled, speckled"
- Description:
  This Irish name of a saint from the Isle of Aran also appears in myth and fantasy fiction, giving it an intriguing, mystical air.

Clodagh
- Origin:
  Irish river name
- Description:
  A popular choice in Ireland, Clodagh was the name of a river and later a saint. The "cloddy" aspect of the name has prevented it from spreading beyond Ireland, but that could change. Famous namesakes are singer Clodagh Rodgers and chef Clodagh McKenna.
Cormac
- Origin:
  Irish
- Meaning:
  "charioteer"
- Description:
  Both offbeat and upbeat, this evocative traditional Irish name that runs through Celtic mythology is known here via award-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy (born Charles). The author's adopted name is related to Cormac Mac Airt, one of the great legendary high kings of Ireland.
Donal
- Origin:
  Scottish variation of Donald
- Meaning:
  "proud chief"
- Description:
  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.

Eimear
- Origin:
  Irish Gaelic
- Meaning:
  "swift"
- Description:
  Sometimes spelled Emer and pronounced "EE-mer," the legendary wife of Cuchulainn possessed the six gifts of womanhood: beauty, voice, speech, wisdom, chastity, and needlework. A fresh alternative to Emma, but the two have the potential to be frequently confused.
Fiadh
- Origin:
  Irish
- Meaning:
  "wild"
- Description:
  Fiadh is the fastest-rising girls name in Ireland, derived from the ancient root word for "wild". Sassy but gentle at the same time, it also entered the England and Wales Top 1000 in 2020 and has been steadily rising ever since.
Labhras
- Description:
  Labhras is a traditional Irish masculine name pronounced roughly as 'LOW-russ' or 'LAW-rass.' It is the Irish Gaelic form of Lawrence, which derives from the Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum' or associated with laurel leaves, symbols of victory and honor. This distinctively Celtic name carries deep historical significance in Irish culture. While relatively uncommon outside Ireland, Labhras represents a strong connection to Irish heritage and language. The name has never been widespread internationally but remains a powerful choice for families honoring their Irish roots. Labhras conveys a sense of tradition, strength, and cultural pride, making it a meaningful though rarely encountered name in most English-speaking countries.

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.
Osa
- Description:
  Osa is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Finnish, it means 'part' or 'portion,' while in Japanese it can mean 'chief' or 'ruler.' The name also has roots in certain African languages where it's associated with qualities like strength or divinity. In Spanish, 'osa' means 'female bear,' symbolizing maternal protection and strength. This short, distinctive name carries a natural quality, evoking imagery of wilderness and independence. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Osa's simplicity and cross-cultural appeal have attracted parents seeking a unique yet accessible name with a strong sound and meaningful connections to nature.
Roisin
- Origin:
  Irish
- Meaning:
  "little rose"
- Description:
  No, the pronunciation--ro-SHEEN--isn't immediately obvious to the non-Gaelic viewer, but the sound of this shiny Irish version of Rose is pretty enough to make it worth considering. Very popular in its native Ireland, it's one of many Irish girl names finding a wider audience. Earlier generations Anglicized at as Rosaleen, but we stay stick to the original.