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.

Cagney is one of the spunkiest Irish surnames around, and could make a lively and fresher successor to the tired Casey.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Cool a few decades ago, along with Lori and Tori. Currently out of fashion but may make a retro tomboy choice as an offbeat spin on Charlie.

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.

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.

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

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.

Corky was a sitcom moniker of the fifties, Corcoran a better fit for these times.