Awesome Irish Names

First-wave Irish name and place name—the poetic name for Ireland—now supplanted by newer alternatives such as Maeve and Delaney.

This was a 100 percent boys’ name until celebs Jason Sehorn and Angie Harmon bestowed it on their daughter, followed by Lisa Marie Presley, who used it for one of her (female) twins. Finlay is also now among the most popular unisex names.

Finn is a name with enormous energy and charm, that of the greatest hero of Irish mythology, Finn MacCool (aka Fionn mac Cuumhaill), an intrepid warrior with mystical supernatural powers, noted as well for his wisdom and generosity.

Another two-syllable surname zooming up the ladder for boys, and poised to be grabbed by the girls.

Keelin is a form of Keelan, the Anglicized phonetic form of Caelan or Caoilinn, said to be a unisex name but in practice used almost exclusively for boys. Girls would more often be called Keela, Keeley, or Keely.

Keeva, the name chosen by "How I Met Your Mother" star Alyson Hannigan for her daughter, has recently been a Top 20 name in Ireland, using the authentic spelling Caoimhe. The male version is Caomhin--anglicized as Kevin.

Once the quintessential bouncy teenager name, Kelly helped launch the trend of unisex Irish names . But it now takes a backseat to more substantial surname names like Kennedy.

Kiera entered the American popularity list in 1988, though it lags behind the alternate spelling Keira, largely due to the fame of actress Keira Knightley.

Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number 1 spot for the past seven years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world.

Lúcás is the Irish Gaelic form of Lucas, ultimately derived from the Latin name 'Lucius,' meaning 'light' or 'illumination.' The accent mark over the 'u' indicates a longer vowel sound in Irish pronunciation. This name carries cultural significance in Ireland and among those with Irish heritage, representing a connection to Gaelic language and traditions. While less commonly seen outside Ireland, Lúcás offers parents an authentic Irish alternative to the more internationally recognized Lucas. The name combines historical depth with a modern, appealing sound, making it attractive to parents seeking a name with clear cultural roots and meaningful etymology.

Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. Maeve would make an excellent first or middle name choice, with more heft than Mae/May and more modern charm than Mavis.

Somber, almost mournful name that still has a lovely sound.

Mícheál is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Michael, a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'who is like God?' The name features the distinctive accent mark (fada) over the 'i' which indicates a long vowel sound in Irish pronunciation (approximately pronounced 'MEE-hawl'). This name carries deep cultural significance in Ireland, where it has been popular for centuries, particularly in Irish-speaking regions. Mícheál represents a strong connection to Irish heritage and language traditions. While less common internationally than the anglicized Michael, it remains an important cultural name that honors Irish linguistic traditions while maintaining its connection to the biblical archangel Michael.

Nainsí is the Irish Gaelic form of Nancy, showcasing the distinctive spelling conventions of the Irish language. The original name Nancy developed as a medieval diminutive of Anne, which comes from the Hebrew Hannah meaning 'grace.' In Irish form, Nainsí maintains the same pronunciation as Nancy while connecting the bearer to Irish linguistic heritage. The name represents the beautiful adaptation of imported names into traditional Irish spelling patterns, a process that helped preserve cultural identity through centuries of external influence. Though not among the most common Irish names today, Nainsí might appeal to families with Irish roots seeking to honor their heritage while using a name that remains recognizable across cultures.