Irish Names that Start With C

Connelly is a rollicking and rare example of the popular surname genre that may work even better for girls. A huge update on Colleen.

While the lin ending is more commonly found in girls' names, Carlin is an authentic Irish male choice and was used just about evenly for both sexes in the US last year.

Variously spelled trendy name in the 1970s that hasn't even been in the Top 1000 in a decade.

Stronger and more contemporary twist on Carla or Carly, Carlin was used just about equally for girls and boys in the US last year.

This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and connotation since homophone Carol was favoured in the 1940s and '50s for daughters. We think it's time for a resurgence of Carrolls amongst the boys.

Lovely and rare (even in Ireland) mythological widow whose tears rained on Ireland.

Despite pronunciation, looks a bit like an airline or -- worse still -- a hair dryer name.

Connolly, an alternate spelling of Connelly, could make a livelier and less common substitute for Connor.

A name scattered throughout Irish mythology with an intriguing sound, Carbry is one of the rare Irish names for boys virtually unknown in the US. Bry is the obvious, but lovely nickname option.

Cool a few decades ago, along with Lori and Tori -- but no more.

Pleasant Irish last name that could be a more masculine alternative to the overused Cassidy. Early kings of Leinster bore the name, which relates to the first name Caomhan or Kevin and can also be spelled Kavanagh, Cavanagh, Cavenagh, and Kavanaugh.

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

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.

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

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

Curran is a curry-flavored Irish surname-y name that could work as well for girls as boys. Curran can be a fresher spin on the Twilight-inflected Cullen.

This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.