130+ Unique Irish Names
- Rooney
Origin:
English or Gaelic surnameMeaning:
"descendent of the champion"Description:
Rooney is one of many bouncy Irish surnames that could make an agreeable first, once tied to Mickey Rooney (who was actually born Joseph Yule) in his young and spunky Andy Hardy period.
- Finian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fair"Description:
This lilting Irish saint's name shone in neon lights on Broadway for the classical 1947 musical "Finian's Rainbow," later made into a film starring Fred Astaire as Finian McLonergan, and there was also a character on "General Hospital" named Finian O'Toole. With the growing popularity of Finn and Finlay/Finley--and boys' names ending in 'an'--Finian, which can also be spelled Finnian, seems like a sure-fire winner.
- Gulliver
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"glutton"Description:
Gulliver is an obscure Gaelic surname known almost solely through its literary Travels until actor Gary Oldman used it for his son, instantly transforming it into a lively option. British actors Damian Lewis, of Homeland, and Helen McCrory also have a son named Gulliver.
- Tierney
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendent of a lord"Description:
An uncommon Irish-accented surname that seems particularly well suited to a girl. Tierney Sutton is a well-known jazz singer. Tierney, in its original Tiarnach form, was the name of several saints. It can also join the ranks of Old Hollywood names, via the haunting actress Gene Tierney. ER actress Maura Tierney is a current surname bearer.
- Sheridan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"searcher"Description:
Upper crust-y surname Sheridan gains some energy when used for a girl.
- Naoise
Origin:
IrishDescription:
Although it is now more often used for baby girls in Ireland, Naoise is originally a masculine name.
- Gannon
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"fair-skinned, fair-haired"Description:
The name of a historic Irish leader, Gannon has a solid, yet spirited feel. It was one of the fastest-rising names of 2014, but that trend didn't continue. One pop culture influence was the name of Teen Mom 3 son Gannon Dewayne McKee.
- Dermot
Origin:
Irish, Anglicization of DiarmaidMeaning:
"free from envy"Description:
Dermot is an appealing, relatively undiscovered Irish mythological hero's name long popular in the Old Country, and imported into the American consciousness by actor Dermot Mulroney. We see it in the next Celtic wave following Connor and Liam.
- Auley
Origin:
Scottish and ManxMeaning:
"ancestor's descendant"Description:
Also spelled Aulay in Scotland, this is an attractive form of the Scandinavian name Olaf that blends several currently fashionable sounds.
- Daire
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"oak tree"Description:
Daire, along with brother names Dara and Darragh, is among the Top 100 boys' names in Ireland today. An ancient name with an inspirational meaning, pronunciation could prove confusing to Americans.
- Larkin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"rough, fierce"Description:
The additional syllable makes Lark a masculine surname name.
- Makenna
Origin:
Spelling variation of McKenna, Irish, Eastern AfricanMeaning:
"son of Kenneth; happy one"Description:
Makenna can be considered a member of the McKenna, Mackenna, Mckenzie and Mckayla family: surname style names that are popular for girls. It translates to "son of Kenneth", or taking Kenneth's meaning into account, "son born of fire". This particular spelling peeked in 2010 when it reached #201 on the US charts, and while it remains in the Top 500, it has declined in popularity in recent years.
- Talullah
Origin:
Irish, Anglicized variation of TuilelaithMeaning:
"lady of abundance"Description:
Talullah or Talulla, the old Irish name of two early saints, is almost identical to the Native-American Tallulah. A modern hipster favorite, however it's spelled.
- Ita
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"thirst"Description:
The name of one of the most famous medieval Irish saints, who was known as "the foster-mother of the saints," and founded a nunnery in the county of Limerick. Might be of interest to someone looking for an unusual 3-letter name.
- Keeley
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"slender"Description:
Keeley is well-used in modern Ireland, also found as Keely and Keela. The boys' form is Keelan. Largely unknown in the US, this could make an interesting update for Kelly or Kaylie or Kylie. A famous bearer is actress Keeley Hawes.
- Donnacha
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"brown-haired warrior"Description:
Virtually unknown in this country, Donnacha is currently in the Top 100 in Ireland. According to legend, Donnacha was a High King of Ireland until his death in 1064. The English version Donaga (done-a) might be preferable here.
- Flannery
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of Flannghal"Description:
Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending sound.
- Clodagh
Origin:
Irish river nameDescription:
A popular choice in Ireland, Clodagh was the name of a river and later a saint. The "cloddy" aspect of the name has prevented it from spreading beyond Ireland, but that could change. Famous namesakes are singer Clodagh Rodgers and chef Clodagh McKenna.
- Fiachra
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"crow, raven"Description:
In Irish legend Fiachra was one of the four children of Lir who were turned into swans for 900 years. St Fiachra is the patron saint of gardeners.
- Odhran
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little pale green one"Description:
Odhran, Anglicized as Oran, was the name of an ancient saint. Today, Odhran is among the Top 100 Irish names for boys in Ireland.