Irish Names for Boys

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

Gary Sinise chose this Mc name for his late son McCanna, called Mac, in 1990, before Irish and Scottish surnames beginning with Mc or Mac became common as first names. Mac Sinise passed away from a rare form of cancer at the age of 33.

McCabe is an Irish patronymic surname that originated with Scottish mercenaries in Ireland who wore distinctive hats -- or cabas, which is also the name for capes.

The famous Battle of the Boyne, in Ireland, vanquished the Catholic king.

Brennan alternative.

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.

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

A really unusual choice that could be used to honor Grandpa Will.

Cheerful and distinctive.

Kesey is a possible literary hero name honoring Merry Prankster Ken Kesey, whose characters flew over the cuckoo's nest. Kesey rhymes with easy.

Obscure and quirky, but not without some appeal.

Forever Dickens's con artist in Oliver Twist.

This name is a fabulous option for parents looking for a victorious name but who find Victor just a little too obvious. This name can also be spelled Kearney.

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

Associated with the poet and novelist Galway Kinnell, this name of an Irish city, county, and bay would make an evocative choice. For further literary cred, writers Liam O'Flaherty and Frank Harris both hail from Galway.

Barely-used Irish surname that's more streamlined than popular Donovan.

You lick. You like. We didn't think so.