Irish Names that Start With D

Dearbhla along with its Anglicized form Dervla are both well-used in modern Ireland. There was a medieval Saint Dearbhla. The spelling Deirbhile is also used.

Spunky Irish surname that still has a pugnacious feel from its lingering association with one of boxing's greatest champs, Jack Dempsey. Many people may associate it more with Patrick Dempsey these days—McDreamy from TV's Grey's Anatomy.

Strong but gentle Irish last-name-first. Could bring to mind long-running rock group Duran Duran.

This authentic form of the name of an Irish mythological hero with the power to make women fall instantly in love with him would work far better here as the Anglicized Dermot.

With both the Dillon and Dylan spellings, usage of this gender-neutral names runs about ten to one boys to girls. But Dylan is used about 20 times as often as Dillon for both genders. Which might be a vote in favor of Dillon, though for better or worse, this spellings distances the name from singer Bob and poet Thomas.

Dark horse Irish surname.

This genial Irish surname feels much more current than Donald.

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner.

This somewhat boisterous Celtic name would be at home in a noisy pub or out walking on the moors. In Scotland, it was originally a nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion.

This Irish Gaelic name would be more accessible in other cultures in its modern Dervla form.

Donnelly is among the more appealing Irish surname names, less well used than Donovan. Related options include the place name Donegal and the mythological god name Donegan.

Much stronger than Dale for a boy.

A very popular name for boys in Ireland that's well-used throughout the British Isles, Darragh is also occasionally used for girls and certainly sounds feminine or at least unisex to the American ear. Simplified form Dara pushes it further toward the girls' side.

Once-popular boys' name works better now for girls, as a kind of Dara/Karen blend.

Fresh choice that could pick up where Dylan and Logan left off.

This Irish surname packs a lot of attitude, projecting an image of spunk and sass. The Welsh singer Duffy, born Aimee Anne Duffy, is best known for her songs Mercy and Warwick Avenue.

Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now.

An old Irish surname that was big in the 1960s, but would be an unexpected choice for a child now.

Has an incomplete feeling....

With Galway and Ireland in play as names (not to mention Shannon and Kerry), there's no reason this one can't work, too.