690+ Irish Names (With Meanings and Popularity)

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.

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

More user-friendly than the original.

Irish name with an intriguing lilt.

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

Julia Roberts's choice of Phinnaeus gives a boost to all Ph forms. Or should we say, phorms.

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.

Likable Irish surname name, but bound to be confused with Clooney.

The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.

This name of twenty early Irish saints sounds a little redundant.

A much prettier and feminine version of the boys name Ryan which is starting to be used for girls, while still retaining the Irish feel and the regal meaning.

This Irish saint's name makes an attractive alternative for Dylan or Donald.

Peadair is one way to reinvent a classic, though insisting on the authentic pronunciation could cause problems.

A dandy, bouncy family name with tap shoes, high hat, and cane. There are several theories of its derivation, including as a nickname from the word 'ganty,' for a person who commonly wore gloves, or from 'gamen,' for someone good at games.

Shevonne is proof that a name can be pretty and tacky at the same time.

Surname that could have pronunciation problems -- it's Dorrity -- as well as having an off-putting meaning.

You might want to honor premier U.S. architect Frank Gehry--even though he was born Ephraim Goldberg. Gehry, pronounced like the more common surname Geary, may be a spin on the name Gary, which means spear, or derive from the Middle English word geary, which means fickle.

Irish town names are now fair game -- as are most other places with connections to Ireland -- but are much better suited to boys.