690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)
- Gilmore
Origin:
Irish and ScottishMeaning:
"devoted to the Virgin Mary"Description:
For better or worse, this name is still firmly attached to the TV series Gilmore Girls. It's one of a number of Scottish and Irish surname names beginning with Gil, meaning "servant". In this case, it's "servant of Mary", making it a subtle male Marian name.
- Carey
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, black"Description:
Variously spelled trendy name in the 1970s that hasn't even been in the Top 1000 in a decade.
- Tulla
- Barry
Origin:
Irish "spear"Meaning:
"spear"Description:
Out-of-date for a boy, innovative for a girl.
- Kassidy
Origin:
Variation of CassidyDescription:
Like Cassidy, Kassidy peaked near the turn of the millennium and has lost ground in recent years.
- Aydan
Origin:
Spelling variation of AidanMeaning:
"little fiery one"Description:
Aydan has been a popular alternate spellings of Aidan, though it has been declining in usage since 2008. It has also been seen as a girl's name.
- Quillen
Origin:
Variation of Quillan or QuillonDescription:
The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.
- Flann
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"ruddy, red-haired"Description:
Friendly, cheerful Irish name that originated as a nickname for a redhead. Potential problem: reminiscent of the Spanish custard.
- Lochlann
- Aibhilin
Origin:
Irish variation of EvelynDescription:
A spelling variation of Evelyn for those who prefer the Irish form. Little Aibhilins might have to explain how to pronounce their name, but some may feel that it's worth it to choose a unique option.
- Kennedi
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"misshapen head"Description:
Kennedi is a spelling variation of Kennedy. Kennedi has been on an upward trend since she entered the Top 1000 in 1998. If you're going to go with this trendy Presidential name, we prefer Kennedy.
- Laughlin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dweller at the fjord-land"Description:
First used for Norse invaders, this name, along with the similar Lachlan, is an attractive, worldly, and unusual choice — despite connections to the Nevada gambling resort.
- Dearbhail
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"true desire"Description:
This Irish Gaelic name would be more accessible in other cultures in its modern Dervla form.
- Becan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little man"Description:
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.
- Flannery
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of Flannghal"Description:
Flann variation that's most familiar as the name of writer Flannery O'Connor. It derives from the Irish surname Ó Flannghaile, meaning "descendant of Flannghal".
- Runyon
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of a champion"Description:
Runyon is an Irish surname with considerable flair; some will connect it with Guys and Dolls writer Damon Runyon.
- Mulligan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendent of the bald-headed"Description:
Less appealing than some other Irish surnames, such as Malone and Sullivan, unless used as a tribute to jazz musician Gerry. There could be some Mulligan stew teasing.
- Benen
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"mild"Description:
This name of an ancient Irish saint -- a favorite disciple of Saint Patrick -- could be an option for parents in search of a more distinctive alternative to Brendan or Aidan.
- Branagan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little raven"Description:
Bold Irish surname, full of energy and cheer.
- Banning
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"small, fair one"Description:
If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.