690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

One of many takes on the Keira/Kyra concept, this one was chosen by ice-skating champ Kristi Yamaguchi.

A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.

Connelly is an open, inviting, and rarely used Irish surname that can make a perfect alternative to the overused Connor or Colin for a boy.

In Cool Names, we cite this as an "Artist Name," for twentieth-century abstract painter Grace Hartigan, though for you it may just be an upbeat Irish surname.

Irish name with an intriguing lilt.

Can be used either with or without the addition of Mac.

Unusual Mary variety with literary underpinnings, most famously as a character in J.M. Synge's Riders to the Sea. You may have to do constant explaining of the spelling and pronunciation, but if you're looking for a distinctive and attractive form of Mary, you've found it.

While Niall -- pronounced as Neil or like the river Nile -- is conventionally a boys' name, it might theoretically work for girls.

Male name from Irish mythology makes stylish-sounding choice for girls.

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related. The name is usually used for girls.

More common as a surname, Galvin is a possible alternative to Gavin and Calvin.

Common in its native habitat, and worth consideration by parents in search of an authentic Irish name, though a pronunciation challenge.

One of the boys' names that sounds fresher today for a girl. Second-best-spelling for boys, Neal, may work even better for girls.

More user-friendly than the original.

This is an old Irish name associated with such heroes as the seventeenth century chieftain, scholar and poet Manus O'Donnell. In this country, though, parents would not find Manus as pleasing or impressive as Magnus.

Dugan is an open, friendly, and cheery Irish surname that would be suited to a dark-haired boy.

Ancient Irish king of the underworld, so much more powerful than Don.

Dacey is a delicate and lacy Irish name with real possibilities.

This was a common name in early Ireland, borne by numerous saints, but pronunciation problems would make it prohibitive here.

Honoring a male relative. Be bold and go with Glenn.