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Out-of-date for a boy, innovative for a girl.

Unusual and attractive entry to the growing Irish name canon.

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

Another candidate for mispronunciation.

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

Actor Pierce made both his first and last name appealing.

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.

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.

That sound again.

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.