300+ Irish Boy Names And Their Meanings

Choosing the perfect name for your baby boy is probably one of the most exciting experiences for any parent. And among the most popular choices expectant parents have are Irish boy names. 

Names of Irish origin are not only popular among parents of Irish roots. Even non-Irish parents have been choosing traditional Irish names for a very long time now.

The fascination over the names rooted in the country known for its rich music, song, and dance has something to do with the beautiful Gaelic language. The uniqueness and charm this language possesses is a big factor in the birth of many popular Irish names of today. 

Aside from being unique and pleasing to the ears, Irish names for boys have relevant meaning, as well.

So if you want a name that will give your little one the boost and the inspiration that it needs in life, go pick an Irish name. However, considering the large range of selection you have on traditional Irish names, choosing the perfect one for your little bundle of joy will never be easy.

300+ Irish Boy Names And Their Meanings

So here’s a list of the most popular Irish boy names. Go choose the one that amplifies the love you have for your baby boy the most. 

• Popular Irish Last Names And Their Meanings
• Irish Boy Names That Starts With A
• Irish Boy Names That Starts With B
• Irish Boy Names That Starts With C

Popular Irish Boy Names

Aaden – fire and flame, warmth of the home

Abbán – little abbot

Achill – an uncertain person

Ádhamh – Adam

Aengus – Aonghus

Ailbhe – white or rock

Ailill –  from Irish mythology which means “elf”

Ailín – Irish cognate of Alan

Aindréas – Irish form of Andrew

Aindriú – Irish form of Andrew

Alan – noble

Alaois – Irish form of Aloysius

Alastar – Irish form of Alexander

Alby – Anglicized masculine form of Ailbhe

Alex – derived out of the name ‘Alexander’ which means “defender of mankind”

Alfie – wise counsel

Amhlaoibh – Irish form of Olaf

Anraí – Irish form of Henry

Aodh- fire

Aodhagán- diminutive of Aodh

Aodhán – little fire

Aonghus – one strength

Aran – from the name of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland

Ardal – Anglicized form of Ardghal

Ardghal – high valour

Bairre – diminutive of Fionnbharr or Barrfhionn

Barra- variant of Bairre

Barrfhionn – fair hair

Barrfind – older form of 

Barrie – variant of Barry

Bearach – variant of Berach

Ben – son of the right hand

Berach – derived from Irish biorach meaning “sharp”

Brádach – large-chested

Braden – salmon; broad valley or hillside; descendant of Bradán 

Bradford – a person who hails from a broad ford

Bradig – a person who hails from a broad valley

Bran  – raven

Brandon – prince

Breandán – Irish Gaelic form of Brendan

Brecken – freckled or speckled

Breda – Anglicized form of Bríd

Brendanus – Latinized form of Bréanainn

Brennan – derived from Ó Braonáin meaning “descendant of Braonán”, which means “rain, moisture, drop” 

Brexton – a fracklke-faced boy

Brian – high, noble, strong

Brion – a variation of the name Brian which means “honorable” and “strong”

Broderic – a brotherly person

Brogan – derived from Gaelic bróg “shoe” 

Brónach – sad

Bronich – a sorrow man

Bronagh- anglicized form of Brónach

Caden – battle or warrior; companion

Cadhla – a handsome and good-looking man

Cadogan – Anglicized form of Cadwgan

Caelci – a powerful soldier

Cahal – Anglicized form of Cathal

Cahill – a son of the battle ruler

Cahir – Anglicized form of Cathair

Cainneach – Irish form of Coinneach

Cairbre – charioteer

Calbhach – bald

Calhoun – a man from the narrow forest

Calvagh – Anglicized form of Calbhach

Cantiorix – an old Irish name

Caoimhín – Irish form of Kevin

Caolán – from Irish caol meaning “slender” 

Carbrey – Anglicized form of Cairbre

Carroll- Anglicized form of Cearbhall

Cárthach – loving

Carthage – he is very loving

Casey – from an Irish surname, an Anglicized form of Ó Cathasaigh which means “descendant of Cathasach”

Cathair – battle man

Cathán – derived from Irish cath “battle” and fál “ruler”

Cathaoir- variant of Cathair

Ceallachán – diminutive of Ceallach

Ceallagh – variant of Ceallach

Cearbhall – from Gaelic cearbh which means “hacking with a weapon”

Cennétig – armoured head or misshapen head

Channing – member of the church

Cianán – diminutive of Cian

Ciar – derived from Irish ciar meaning “black”

Ciardha – derived from Irish ciar which means “black”

Cillian – from Gaelic ceall meaning “church” 

Cillín – variant of Cillian

Cináed – born of fire

Cionaodh – modern Irish form of Cináed

Clancey – a warrior who is healthy red coloured, a soldier’s son

Cody – helpful or cushion

Cóemgein – original Irish form of Kevin

Coilean – Irish form of Cailean

Coleman – variant of Colmán

Colin – young, victorious

Collin – victor or victorious people

Colmán – diminutive of Colm 

Columban – an Irish diminutive of Columba

Comgal/Comgall  – variant of Comhghall

Comgan  – Anglicized form of Comhghán

Comhghall – joint pledge

Comhghán – born together

Conall – strong wolf

Conan – high, wise; little wolf

Connacht – brave; one who can tackle stressful and harmful situations

Connelly – love, friendship

Conor – one who loves wolves or lover of hounds

Cory – from the round hill; ravine

Craig – rock or near the rocks

Crevan – fox, cunning, smart individual

Crighton – lives at a rocky place

Cuchulainn – a warrior hero

Daci – possibility, providing hope

Daithi – swiftness or nimbleness

Dallen – blind one

Daniel – a prophet

Darby – free one

Darcy – the dark one or the fortress

Darren – great; oak tree

Dawayne – the one who is dark haired

Daylann – a steady and strong individual; blind

Dermot – free of envy

Desmond – from South Munster

Devin/Devon – poet or defender

Diarmid – they do not have any envy; a warrior

Dolan – unlucky , unfortunate; a black haired person

Donal – the Irish derivative of Donald which means “proud chief”

Donavan – dark brown haired Chieften

Druce – wise man

Duncan – dark warrior

Dunn – one who has dark complexion

Eamonn – protection; one who saves

Elroy – the king or a young person with red hair

Emmery – a leader of the household

Eóghan – born into nobility; born into youth

Evan – God is gracious; youth or young warrior

Farrell – courageous

Fearghus – to have great man-strength

Fergal – brave, courageous, and valorous

Fergie – he who is like a rock

Ferguson – the son of the rock

Fiachra – a saint-like man

Finn – fair or having light skin and hair; small blond soldier; wanderer

Fionn – fair-headed, white or clear

Firdous – the realm of paradise

Fleurette – a floret

Flynn – descendant of Flann (reddish or ruddy complexion)

Garrett – rules by the spear; brave or strong

Garvan – anglicized form of Garbhan which means tiny rough one

Gilibeirt – ladge

Glenn – from the small valley

Grady – noble, illustrious

Harkyn – dark red

Harmon – soldier 

Harry – home ruler or army commander

Hugh – mind, intellect

Hugo – heart, mind, intellect, spirit

Ian – God is gracious

Jack – one who thinks that the God is gracious

Jake – seizing by the heel, supplanting

James – one who undermines

Jamie – supplanter

Jarlath – a lord of tribute

John – God is gracious

Jonathan – Yahweh/God has given

Jordan – to flow down, descend

Kaedyn – a fighter, a companion fighter

Karl – a man, peasant, freeman

Kasey – an observatn and alert individual

Kaven/Kavon  – handsome, appealing, attractive, charming

Keegan – son or descendant of Egan or “Aodhagán” (fire or fiery)

Keelan – slender one or small

Kevin – gentle, kind, or handsome; of noble birth

Keith – the wind

Kieran – having dark hair

Killian – little church or bright-headed

Leo – lion

Lorcan – silent or fierce

Luke – a bright glowing light

Michael – who is like God

Murphy – sea warrior

Mason – one who works with stone

Martin – of Mars or war-like

Matthew – gift of God

Max – the greatest

Nathan – gift

Neil – cloud; passionate or champion

Noah- rest, comfort

Ollie – olive tree

Oran – little pale green one

Orrin – green or otter

Oscar – golden city

Owen – lamb, youth

Pádraig – of noble birth or the patrician class

Paul – small, humble

Patrick – nobly born

Phillip – lover of horses

Rian – little king or kingly

Rory – red-haired ruler, chief, or king

Rowan – little red one

Ryan – little ruler; illustrious

Shawn – God is gracious; God is merciful

Séamus – the one that comes after; supplanter

Sean – God is gracious or wise and old

Senan – little wise person, or old an ancient

Shane – graced by God

Shay – hawk or hawk-like and noble

Shaun – God is gracious

Tiernan – little lord

Troy – foot soldier

Zach – remembrance of God

Unique Irish Boy Names

Aidan – little fiery one

Angus – one strength

Barry – fair haired

Bourke – fortified hill or a fortified settlement

Brendan – prince or king

Brody – broad eye or broad island

Blaine – slender or angular

Callum – dove, or the servant or disciple of Columba

Cormac – charioteer

Cian – pronounced as “keen” which means ancient

Colm – dove

Cullen – holly tree

Cathal – powerful in battle

Carson – son of the marsh dwellers

Clancy – red-haired warrior

Ciarán – little dark one

Declan – man of prayer

Diarmuid – without enemy

Dillon – loyal

Donnacha – brown-haired warrior

Donovan – dark

Diarmaid – free from envy

Daithi – beloved

Gulliver – glutton

Ivo – yew wood, archer

Kai – sea

Kellen – slender

Kayden – companion or friend

Kian – enduring

Killian – war, strife

Kermit – free man

Kerry – dark or dark haired

Keenan – ancient

Lennon – small cloak or cape or little blackbird

Liam – resolute protection

Lucan – man from Lucania

Maguire – son of the beige one

McCoy – fire

Marcus – dedicated to Mars or warlike

Nolan – champion

Nevin – holy

Niall – cloud

Phelan – wolf

Padraigh – patrician, noble

Piran – prayer

Quinn – intelligence, chief leader or descendant of Conn

Riley – courageous

Rory – rust-colored, red

Ruairi – red-haired king

Sullivan – black eyed one

Tristan – tumult, riot

Torin – chief

Tadhg – pronounced as “tiger” which means “poet”

Tyrone – land of Eoghan

Check out these articles for more Irish Boy Names:

• Irish Boy Names That Starts With D
• Irish Boy Names That Starts With E
• Irish Boy Names Starting With F
• Irish Boy Names Starting with G

Traditional Irish Boy Names

Aaron – the exalted one

Adam – red earth

Bradan – salmon which signifies “wisdom”

Brin – high/noble and strong

Carbry – charioteer

Cashel – castle, stone fort

Callahan – bright headed

Darragh – pronounced as “darra” which means “fruitful” and “fertile”

Eamon – keeper of riches

Eoin – pronounced as “oh-in” which means “well born”

Fergus – strong man

Fintan – white fire/heat

Lochlann – place of the lakes

Niall – passionate

Odhran – dark-haired

Oisin – pronounced as “usheen” which means “young deer” or “fawn”

Ronan – little seal

Ros – prominent

Ultan – Ulsterman, one of the provinces of Ireland 

Irish Boy Names Inspired by Places

Carlow – a county town in the south-east of Ireland 

Lucan – it means “place of elms”, a reference to the Elm trees that abound Lucan village in an outer suburb of Dublin

Ennis – it means “island”, a county town of County Clare

Ross – inspired by a town in southwest County Wexford

Navan – located in County Meath

Cashel – it means “stone ringfort”, a town located in County Tipperary

Pearse – the railway station on the Southside of Dublin 

Cabhan – it means “grassy hill” or “hollow”, the Irish name for County Cavan

Irish boy names in alphabetical order

Irish male names that start with A

Aaden – fire and flame, warmth of the home

Abbán – little abbot

Achill – an uncertain person

Ádhamh – Adam

Aengus – Aonghus

Ailbhe – white or rock

Ailill –  from Irish mythology which means “elf”

Ailín – Irish cognate of Alan

Aindréas – Irish form of Andrew

Aindriú – Irish form of Andrew

Alan – noble

Alaois – Irish form of Aloysius

Alastar – Irish form of Alexander

Alby – Anglicized masculine form of Ailbhe

Alex – derived out of the name ‘Alexander’ which means “defender of mankind”

Alfie – wise counsel

Amhlaoibh – Irish form of Olaf

Anraí – Irish form of Henry

Aodh- fire

Aodhagán- diminutive of Aodh

Aodhán – little fire

Aonghus – one strength

Aran – from the name of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland

Ardal – Anglicized form of Ardghal

Ardghal – high valour

Aidan – little fiery one

Angus – one strength

Aaron – the exalted one

Adam – red earth

Irish male names that start with B

Bairre – diminutive of Fionnbharr or Barrfhionn

Barra- variant of Bairre

Barrfhionn – fair hair

Barrfind – older form of 

Barrie – variant of Barry

Bearach – variant of Berach

Ben – son of the right hand

Berach – derived from Irish biorach meaning “sharp”

Brádach – large-chested

Braden – salmon; broad valley or hillside; descendant of Bradán 

Bradford – a person who hails from a broad ford

Bradig – a person who hails from a broad valley

Bran  – raven

Brandon – prince

Breandán – Irish Gaelic form of Brendan

Brecken – freckled or speckled

Breda – Anglicized form of Bríd

Brendanus – Latinized form of Bréanainn

Brennan – derived from Ó Braonáin meaning “descendant of Braonán”, which means “rain, moisture, drop” 

Brexton – a fracklke-faced boy

Brian – high, noble, strong

Brion – a variation of the name Brian which means “honorable” and “strong”

Broderic – a brotherly person

Brogan – derived from Gaelic bróg “shoe” 

Brónach – sad

Bronich – a sorrow man

Bronagh- anglicized form of Brónach

Barry – fair haired

Bourke – fortified hill or a fortified settlement

Brendan – prince or king

Brody – broad eye or broad island

Blaine – slender or angular

Bradan – salmon which signifies “wisdom”

Brin – high/noble and strong

Irish male names that start with C

Caden – battle or warrior; companion

Cadhla – a handsome and good-looking man

Cadogan – Anglicized form of Cadwgan

Caelci – a powerful soldier

Cahal – Anglicized form of Cathal

Cahill – a son of the battle ruler

Cahir – Anglicized form of Cathair

Cainneach – Irish form of Coinneach

Cairbre – charioteer

Calbhach – bald

Calhoun – a man from the narrow forest

Calvagh – Anglicized form of Calbhach

Cantiorix – an old Irish name

Caoimhín – Irish form of Kevin

Caolán – from Irish caol meaning “slender” 

Carbrey – Anglicized form of Cairbre

Carroll- Anglicized form of Cearbhall

Cárthach – loving

Carthage – he is very loving

Casey – from an Irish surname, an Anglicized form of Ó Cathasaigh which means “descendant of Cathasach”

Cathair – battle man

Cathán – derived from Irish cath “battle” and fál “ruler”

Cathaoir- variant of Cathair

Ceallachán – diminutive of Ceallach

Ceallagh – variant of Ceallach

Cearbhall – from Gaelic cearbh which means “hacking with a weapon”

Cennétig – armoured head or misshapen head

Channing – member of the church

Cianán – diminutive of Cian

Ciar – derived from Irish ciar meaning “black”

Ciardha – derived from Irish ciar which means “black”

Cillian – from Gaelic ceall meaning “church” 

Cillín – variant of Cillian

Cináed – born of fire

Cionaodh – modern Irish form of Cináed

Clancey – a warrior who is healthy red coloured, a soldier’s son

Cody – helpful or cushion

Cóemgein – original Irish form of Kevin

Coilean – Irish form of Cailean

Coleman – variant of Colmán

Colin – young, victorious

Collin – victor or victorious people

Colmán – diminutive of Colm 

Columban – an Irish diminutive of Columba

Comgal/Comgall  – variant of Comhghall

Comgan  – Anglicized form of Comhghán

Comhghall – joint pledge

Comhghán – born together

Conall – strong wolf

Conan – high, wise; little wolf

Connacht – brave; one who can tackle stressful and harmful situations

Connelly – love, friendship

Conor – one who loves wolves or lover of hounds

Cory – from the round hill; ravine

Craig – rock or near the rocks

Crevan – fox, cunning, smart individual

Crighton – lives at a rocky place

Cuchulainn – a warrior hero

Callum – dove, or the servant or disciple of Columba

Cormac – charioteer

Cian – pronounced as “keen” which means ancient

Colm – dove

Cullen – holly tree

Cathal – powerful in battle

Carson – son of the marsh dwellers

Clancy – red-haired warrior

Ciarán – little dark one

Carbry – charioteer

Cashel – castle, stone fort

Callahan – bright headed

Carlow – a county town in the south-east of Ireland 

Cashel – it means “stone ringfort”, a town located in County Tipperary

Cabhan – it means “grassy hill” or “hollow”, the Irish name for County Cavan

Irish male names that start with D

Daci – possibility, providing hope

Daithi – swiftness or nimbleness

Dallen – blind one

Daniel – a prophet

Darby – free one

Darcy – the dark one or the fortress

Darren – great; oak tree

Dawayne – the one who is dark haired

Daylann – a steady and strong individual; blind

Dermot – free of envy

Desmond – from South Munster

Devin/Devon – poet or defender

Diarmid – they do not have any envy; a warrior

Dolan – unlucky , unfortunate; a black haired person

Donal – the Irish derivative of Donald which means “proud chief”

Donavan – dark brown haired Chieften

Druce – wise man

Duncan – dark warrior

Dunn – one who has dark complexion

Declan – man of prayer

Diarmuid – without enemy

Dillon – loyal

Donnacha – brown-haired warrior

Donovan – dark

Diarmaid – free from envy

Daithi – beloved

Darragh – pronounced as “darra” which means “fruitful” and “fertile”

Irish male names that start with E

Eamonn – protection; one who saves

Elroy – the king or a young person with red hair

Emmery – a leader of the household

Eóghan – born into nobility; born into youth

Evan – God is gracious; youth or young warrior

Eamon – keeper of riches

Eoin – pronounced as “oh-in” which means “well born”

Ennis – it means “island”, a county town of County Clare

Irish male names that start with F

Fagan – one who is a very eager child

Farrell – courageous

Fearghus – to have great man-strength

Fergal – brave, courageous, and valorous

Fergie – he who is like a rock

Ferguson – the son of the rock

Fiachra – a saint-like man

Finn – fair or having light skin and hair; small blond soldier; wanderer

Fionn – fair-headed, white or clear

Firdous – the realm of paradise

Fleurette – a floret

Flynn – descendant of Flann (reddish or ruddy complexion)

Fergus – strong man

Fintan – white fire/heat

Irish male names that start with G

Garrett – rules by the spear; brave or strong

Garvan – anglicized form of Garbhan which means tiny rough one

Gilibeirt – ladge

Glenn – from the small valley

Grady – noble, illustrious

Gulliver – glutton

Irish boy names that start with H

Harkyn – dark red

Harmon – soldier 

Harry – home ruler or army commander

Hugh – mind, intellect

Hugo – heart, mind, intellect, spirit

Irish boy names that start with I

Ian – God is gracious

Ivo – yew wood, archer

Irish boy names that start with J

Jack – one who thinks that the God is gracious

Jake – seizing by the heel, supplanting

James – one who undermines

Jamie – supplanter

Jarlath – a lord of tribute

John – God is gracious

Jonathan – Yahweh/God has given

Jordan – to flow down, descend

Irish boy names that start with K

Kaedyn – a fighter, a companion fighter

Karl – a man, peasant, freeman

Kasey – an observatn and alert individual

Kaven/Kavon  – handsome, appealing, attractive, charming

Keegan – son or descendant of Egan or “Aodhagán” (fire or fiery)

Keelan – slender one or small

Kevin – gentle, kind, or handsome; of noble birth

Keith – the wind

Kieran – having dark hair

Killian – little church or bright-headed

Kai – sea

Kellen – slender

Kayden – companion or friend

Kian – enduring

Killian – war, strife

Kermit – free man

Kerry – dark or dark haired

Keenan – ancient

Irish boy names that start with L

Leo – lion

Lorcan – silent or fierce

Luke – a bright glowing light

Lennon – small cloak or cape or little blackbird

Liam – resolute protection

Lucan – man from Lucania

Lochlann – place of the lakes

Lucan – it means “place of elms”, a reference to the Elm trees that abound Lucan village in an outer suburb of Dublin

Irish boy names that start with M

Michael – who is like God

Murphy – sea warrior

Mason – one who works with stone

Martin – of Mars or war-like

Matthew – gift of God

Max – the greatest

Maguire – son of the beige one

McCoy – fire

Marcus – dedicated to Mars or warlike

Irish boy names that start with N

Nathan – gift

Neil – cloud; passionate or champion

Noah- rest, comfort

Nolan – champion

Nevin – holy

Niall – cloud

Niall – passionate

Navan – located in County Meath

Irish names for boys that start with O

Ollie – olive tree

Oran – little pale green one

Orrin – green or otter

Oscar – golden city

Owen – lamb, youth

Odhran – dark-haired

Oisin – pronounced as “usheen” which means “young deer” or “fawn”

Irish names for boys that start with P

Pádraig – of noble birth or the patrician class

Paul – small, humble

Patrick – nobly born

Phillip – lover of horses

Phelan – wolf

Padraigh – patrician, noble

Piran – prayer

Pearse – the railway station on the Southside of Dublin 

Irish names for boys that start with Q

Quinn – intelligence, chief leader or descendant of Conn

Irish names for boys that start with R

Riley – courageous

Rory – rust-colored, red

Ruairi – red-haired king

Ronan – little seal

Ros – prominent

Ross – inspired by a town in southwest County Wexford

Irish names for boys that start with S

Shawn – God is gracious; God is merciful

Séamus – the one that comes after; supplanter

Sean – God is gracious or wise and old

Senan – little wise person, or old an ancient

Shane – graced by God

Shay – hawk or hawk-like and noble

Shaun – God is gracious

Sullivan – black eyed one

Irish names for boys that start with T

Tiernan – little lord

Troy – foot soldier

Tristan – tumult, riot

Torin – chief

Tadhg – pronounced as “tiger” which means “poet”

Tyrone – land of Eoghan

Irish names for boys that start with U

Ultan – Ulsterman, one of the provinces of Ireland 

Irish names for boys that start with Z

Zach – remembrance of God

If you are looking for more baby names, check out these different baby names ideas.

• Irish Names For Boys Starting With H 
• Irish Boy Names Starting With I
• Irish Names For Boys Starting With J
• Irish Boy Names starting with K
• Irish Boy Names Starting with M