50 Irish Names for Boys (and their Pronunciation)
If you’re expecting and looking for popular Irish names for boys, congratulations. Naming a child is a big decision, and you want all the information you can get in order to find the right fit. If you’re just curious what males are commonly called in Ireland and the significance behind those names, this is also the article for you.
Names are seldom incidental, but instead are imbued with meaning. Many Irish names for boys are rooted in mythology, taken from heroes of ancient Irish stories such as the Ulster Cycle or Fenian Cycle preserved in 12th century manuscripts. It’s remarkable how many examples on this list have remained in Irish culture for centuries, bearing the names of the heroes in these stories. Ultimately, most modern Irish names can be traced back to the country’s distant past.
Naturally, there are spelling variations in some Irish names for boys. In this case, we’ve attempted to give the most common spelling, or listed two when both are common. Similarly, you will find pronunciation differences, but we have endeavoured to provide the most commonly used version, which you will hear three times in each recording.
Without further ado, here’s our list of 50 Popular Irish Names for Boys…
1. Aonghus
Originating from the Old Irish name Óengus, this moniker translates as “sole strength.” In addition to Irish legendary heroes and various saints bearing the name, Aonghus Óg was also a god associated with love, youth, summer and poetry.
2. Breandán
Popularly thought to mean “prince,” one of the most famous Breandáns in history was known for his travels. St. Breandán of Clonfert was recorded as going on a seven-year trip in the 6th century to visit various islands, which are now believed to include Iceland, Greenland and maybe the Americas. From his exploits he became known as “Breandán the Navigator.”
3. Brian
This popular name has Celtic origins, and is believed to mean “noble” or “high,” originating from the old Irish word for “hill.” Brian Boru, a mighty Irish king, achieved control of the entire Ireland at the end of the first millennium AD and the start of the second.
4. Cathal
With cath signifying “battle” and the old Irish derivative fal meaning “rule,” the name Cathal translates as “Great Warrior.” Not surprisingly, it was held by several Irish kings throughout history and was one of the most common names in Ireland in the Middle Ages.
5. Cerbhall, Cearbhall
The most common translation of this name is “brave in battle.” In addition to a few notable Medieval Irish kings, Cearbhall, another spelling of the name, belonged to the fifth president of Ireland: Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh. He served from 1974 to 1976.
6. Cian
Appearing throughout Irish mythology, the name Cian implies “ancient” or “enduring.” It surfaces in several historical accounts, such as Cian, the son of Dian Cecht in the “Book of Invasions” (Lebor Gabála Érenn).
7. Ciarán
Meaning “little dark one” or “little dark-haired one,” the name is connected to Ciar, the illegitimate son of the Ulster King Fergus mac Róich. After being exiled from the Court of Cruachan, Ciar took up residence in Munster, where some of his descendants settled. The Irish name for County Kerry is Ciarraí, which mean’s “Ciar’s people.”
8. Cillian
The name Cillian is thought to originate from Saint Kilian, an Irish missionary born in Cavan and sent to Germany in the 600s. In 689, he was martyred in Würzburg and became the city’s patron saint. Thought to mean “war strife” or “church” (cill meaning “church”), the name has become increasingly popular in the United States, perhaps because of actor Cillian Murphy.
9. Cóilín
Cóilín is the French diminutive of Nicholas, coming to Ireland via either the Franks or the Anglo-Normans. Several churches in Ireland are dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, who, incidentally, is the saint now transformed into the concept of Santa Claus because of his tendency for secret gift giving.
10. Colm
Colm comes from the Irish version of the Roman name Columba, meaning “dove.” The name remained in popular use in Ireland for centuries out of reverence to St Colmcille of Iona in the north of Ireland.
11. Conall
Translating as “strong as a wolf,” one of the most famous name-bearers in Irish lore is Conall Cearnach, or “Conall the Victorious.” He was the foster brother of Cuchulainn, perhaps the most lauded warrior figure in ancient Irish texts. Conall Cearnach was eventually given the task of avenging the death of Cuchulainn.
12. Cormac
One of the prominent namesakes of Cormac includes Cormac Mac Airt, perhaps the most famous high king of Ireland who ruled at some point between the 2nd and 4th centuries. He was known for his wise and generous judgements during his 40 years of reign. The name Cormac is thought to be mean “charioteer,” although some contend that it also translates as “son of corruption.”
13. Diarmuid, Diarmaid
While it is not entirely known the origins of the name, some assert that it translates as “free man,” while others suggest “without envy.” The name Diarmaid has played an important role in ancient Irish myth, being the lover of Gráinne, the princess who fled the arranged marriage to the renown warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill. Diarmaid is also the name of several high kings, including Diarmaid Mac Murrough, who in 1166 famously invited the Anglo-Normans to Ireland as his allies.
14. Domhnall, Dónal
Meaning “world-mighty,” the name Domhnall is thought to be an appropriate moniker to leaders. In fact, at least five high kings in ancient Irish history bore that name.
15. Donnchadh, Donncha
With donn translating as “brown” and chadg as “chief” or “noble,” the name is given to mean “brown-haired noble” or “brown-haired warrior.” Like a few examples on this list of Irish names for boys, it is of both Irish and Scottish descent.
16. Dubhghall
Meaning “dark or black foreigner,” the name was originally used on the Vikings that came to Dublin in 850. In particular, it referred to the Danes, who had a darker complexion than their counterparts, the Norwegians. One historical figure is Dubhghall Mac Ruaidhrí, a leading figure in the 13th century Kingdom of the Isles, on the West Coast of Scotland. The English equivalent is Dougall.
17. Éamonn
The Gaelicisation of the English name Edmond, Éamonn belongs to one of the most famous men in modern Irish history: Éamonn de Valera. In addition to being a leading figure in the Irish War of Independence, he went on to play an important role in the development of the new Irish Republic, including serving as the president of Ireland from 1959 to 1973. The name Éamon (with one “n”) also belonged to one of Ireland’s great storytellers, Éamon a Búrc, who recorded over 200 tales for the Irish Folklore Commission.
18. Eoghan, Eoin
Derived from the biblical name Johannes, one of the greatest name-bearers is 19th century scholar Eoin MacNeill. In addition to helping found the Gaelic League, he played a leading role in the Easter Rising of 1916. He later devoted himself to studying Irish history, publishing several seminal academic books.
19. Faolán
From the Old Irish word for “wolf,” fáel, Faolán was the name of a saint known for the fact that his left hand created enough light for his write hand to be able to write in the darkness. St. Faolán spent much of his time in Scotland, where there are numerous churches dedicated to him.
20. Fearghal, Fergal
With fear meaning “man” and gal translating as “valor” in Old Irish, Fergal can be directly rendered as “man of valor.” Like many Irish names for boys, it is very popular in Irish sagas. The standard bearer is likely Fergal mac Máele Dúin, who became King of Ireland in 709.
21. Fergus, Fearghus
The name Fergus (also spelled Fearghus) translates as “the strength of a man,” or “the masculine one.” In addition to many saints bearing the name, it appears prominently in the saga Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley). The Ulster King Fergus mac Róich is tricked out of his title by Conchobhar, against whom he ended up taking arms.
22. Fiachra
Meaning either “crow/raven” or “battle king,” the name Fiachra appears famously in Irish lore as one of the four children of Lir who were turned into swans by their stepmother. Saint Fiachra of Breuil, living in the 7th century, was the patron saint of gardeners.
23. Finn, Fionn
Finn Mac Cumall had the benefit of accidently receiving wisdom from the Salmon of Knowledge (actually caught by his mentor Finegas) and later saved the royal palace at Tara from a demon. As a reward, he was given leadership over the king’s royal bodyguard, and went on to be involved in many epic battles. The name Finn is meant to mean “fair” or “blessed.”
24. Fionnbharr, Finnbarr
Translating as “fair-haired,” the name is especially associated with Cork, Ireland. St. Finbarr of Cork, born in the 6th century, performed many miracles, not the least being curing a king’s son of blindness and his daughter from being mute, and then raising the king’s wife from the dead.
25. Fionntán, Fintan
As fionn translates to “fair” or “white” in Old Irish, the name Fionntán has been said to mean “white ancient,” “white fire,” “white bull” or “white tiger.” There are over 70 recorded saints who bear the name.
26. Gearóid
Originally a Teutonic name (from the ancient German tribes), Gearóid was popular among the Anglo-Normans, who brought it to Ireland. The name is meant to signify “brave with a spear.”
27. Iarlaith
Pronounced “Ear-la,” this unique Irish name means “ruler.” St. Iarlaith was the patron of the diocese in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland. In addition to being the teacher of St. Breandán of Clonfert, it was said that St. Iarlaith conducted 300 “pious genuflections” every day, and then another 300 every night.
28. Liam
This name travelled before reaching Ireland. Originally from Old German (as Willahelm), it was brought to England by the Normans, and then to Ireland from the English. It was adopted by Irish families, sometimes in the form of Uilliam. Liam Ó Flaithearta was one of Ireland’s most important writers in the 20th century.
29. Lonán
The name bore by several saints in Irish history, Lonán comes from the word Ion, which means “blackbird.” It may be particularly appropriate for someone born on January 22nd, as that’s the feast day of St. Lonán Finn.
30. Lorcán
Originating from lorcc, meaning “fierce” or “cruel,” Lorcán has come to signify “brave warrior.” St. Lorcán O’Tuathail became the Archbishop of Dublin in 1162 and had to act as an intermediary between the invading Anglo-Normans and the Irish natives. His feast day is November 14th, the anniversary of his death.
31. Máirtín
A Gaelicization of Mars, the God of War, the name was particularly popular in early Ireland from St. Martin of Tours, who was reported to be related to St. Patrick.
32. Micheál
Made popular by the archangel Michael in the bible, this Hebrew name means “who resembles God.” Because of its biblical roots, it’s not only a popular Irish boy’s name, but in many other languages as well.
33. Naoise
Meaning “warrior,” Naoise served the king Conchobhar mac Nessa, but tragically fell in love with Deirdre, a maiden Conchobhar was raising in order to marry. Naoise and Deirdre ran away and lived in the wild, but were eventually lured back to the realm of Conchobhar with the false promise of security. On the way, Conchobhar had them ambushed and Naoise was killed.
34. Niall
Popularly said to have been derived from niadh, the Old Irish word for “champion,” other scholars suggest that it can be connected to meanings of “passionate” and “vehement,” or even “cloud.” In Ireland, this Irish boy’s name is most commonly connected to the ancient story “Niall and the Nine Hostages,” in which a group of sons were tested to see who would become king.
35. Odhrán
Some suggest that Odhrán comes from Odhar, meaning “dun-colored,” while other think the name is connected to the old word for “otter.” Odhrán is famous for being the charioteer of St. Patrick, ultimately sacrificing his life for him.
36. Oisín
Translating as “fawn,” the most notable Oisín in Irish mythology was the son of Finn Mac Cumall and Sadh. Sadh had been turned into a deer and in that form raised Oisín—hence his name. Oisín had a penchant for women, which eventually got him and others into trouble.
37. Pádraig
The English version of Pádraig is Patrick. Despite the importance of St. Patrick in Ireland’s lore, the name wasn’t commonly used in Ireland until the last three centuries. Now, however, the name is widespread on the island. A more recent Pádraig includes Pádraig S. Dinneen, who was a great scholar of the Irish language and created the first Irish-English dictionary in 1904.
38. Peadar
The Irish and Scottish Gaelic form of the English version Peter, the name was made popular by the apostle Peter in the bible. Ultimately, the name traces back to Greek, in the form of “Petros.”
39. Pól
Pól is the Irish version of Paul, ultimately meaning “small” or “humble.” The name maintains its popularity from Apostle Paul, a major figure in the New Testament. The name Pól, with the fada, also exists in the Faroese language.
40. Rían
Originating from the Irish word for king, Rí, the Irish version of Ryan, has been one of the most popular Irish names for boys in recent years. While Ryan was always a common last name, the recent generation has turned Rían into a widespread given name as well.
41. Rónán
Meaning “little seal” (rón the word for “seal” in Irish), Rónán is not only a popular Irish boys name, but its anglicized version, Ronan, is also widely used on the European continent and is growing in popularity in the United States. The name is thought to be connected to the Irish legend in which a seal takes human form and bears children to a fisherman, which were known as “ronans.” The seal longed for the sea, however, and ultimately returned to it.
42. Rúadhán
Derived from ruad, meaning “red,” the name Rúadhán translates as “little red-headed one.” St. Rúadán (another spelling of the name) of Lorrha cured many lepers, including by once striking his staff in the ground and bringing forth a fountain of water. The lepers bathed in the water and were healed.
43. Ruairí
Meaning “Red King” (rua translating as “red” and rí as “king”), the name Ruairí got a lot of use in Medieval Ireland. Examples include the 8th century king of Leinster Ruaidrí mac Fáeláin, Ruaidrí na Saide Buide (the king of Connacht twice in the early 1100s) and Ruairí Óg Ó Mórdha (the king of Laois born in 1544).
44. Séathrún
The Irish form of the English name Jeffery, the name was originally brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Séathrún Ceitinn was a historian born in County Tipperary circa 1570 who wrote the famous book Foras Feasa ar Eirinn (The History of Ireland).
45. Séamus, Séamas
The Irish version of the English name James, Séamus is another Irish boy’s name with biblical roots. In the modern era, the most famous bearer of the name is undoubtedly Séamus Heaney, the poet from Northern Ireland who won the Noble Prize for Literature in 1995.
46. Seán
One of the most popular Irish names for boys in these days, the moniker Seán ultimately traces back to the bible. The English form of the name being John, Seán was thought to be borrowed from the French version of the name, Jean. The “s” was used in place of the “j” because there is no letter “j” in Irish.
47. Seanán
A diminutive of Sean, meaning “old,” Senan is meant to translate as either “little old one,” or as more commonly noted, “little wise one.” St. Senán, born in Kilrush in 488, is a celebrated figure, particularly in the southwest of Ireland. Of his many impressive fetes, one was banishing a monster off an island near Kilrush and establishing a monastery there.
48. Tadhg
Another of the currently most popular Irish names for boys, the name Tadhg literally translates as “poet.” For this reason, variants of the name was trendy among Irish kings, such as Tadc mac Cathail, king of Connacht in the 11th century. Today, the name is particularly predominant in County Cork and County Kerry in Ireland.
49. Tiarnán
A diminutive form of Tighearn, meaning “lord,” it is not surprising that many Medieval rulers in Ireland bore this name. Other spelling variations include Tigernán and Tighearnán. Tiernan, an anglicized version, is also popular in Ireland.
50. Ultán
Meaning “someone from Ulster,” the northern province on the island, it is also the name of the saint Ultan of Ardbraccan, County Meath. He is often considered the Irish patron saint of children, in part from caring for the children whose mothers died in the plague.
Bígí páirteach!
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