Irish Names that Start With B

An old saint's name that, even with the post-Aidan wave of Irish names, is a bit too close to crone.

Out-of-date for a boy, innovative for a girl.

Actor Pierce made both his first and last name appealing.

Another candidate for mispronunciation.

Technically a pet form of Brigid and very commonly heard in Ireland, but pronunciation problems complicate Bride as a name choice in America.

If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.

Unusual and attractive entry to the growing Irish name canon.

Saint Bronach or Bronagh was a female mystic and a sixth century follower of Saint Patrick. Today, the name is most often heard in the modern form of Brona. Bronagh was a character in the Irish animated film Song of the Sea.

Bridget variation that's the root of the unattractive nickname Biddy. Bedelia is another spelling.

That sound again.

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

Barr fits alongside other short and snappy surname-names like Fyfe, Blair and Dawe. They're off the beaten track but instantly familiar.

This now-popular name has spawned several different spellings. Many parents choose it solely for its style and sound, but we like the history behind this version: the bradan feasa is the "Salmon of Knowledge" in the legend of Finn McCool.

Brigidine is a unique take on Bridget used by singer Sinead O'Connor. But assuming you're not an Irish rock star, you'd probably do better to stop at Brigid.