Irish Names for Boys

Irish name with an intriguing lilt.

Has a decidedly Roman Catholic feel, thanks to the bishop.

The double 'e' gives this Celtic surname a genial sound. It derives from an old Irish name — Suibhne (SHEEV-ne) that was borne by several early saints and kings, including, unfortunately, one known as Mad Sweeney who spent his life living in trees and composing nature poetry. Another possible drawback is the association with Sweeney Todd, the bloodthirsty butcher of Sondheim stage-musical fame.

A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.

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.

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related. The name is usually used for girls.

This is an old Irish name associated with such heroes as the seventeenth century chieftain, scholar and poet Manus O'Donnell. In this country, though, parents would not find Manus as pleasing or impressive as Magnus.

McDermott is a common Irish surname that means, as all Mc or Mac names do, "son of" --then Dermott or Dermot, which is an Anglicization of the Irish Gaelic Diarmaid. The legendary Diarmaid was the lover of Grainne and the real King Diarmaid, in the twelfth century, first invited the English into Ireland. Actor Dermot Mulroney made his name famous in the U.S.

This was a common name in early Ireland, borne by numerous saints, but pronunciation problems would make it prohibitive here.

More user-friendly than the original.

Kesey is a possible literary hero name honoring Merry Prankster Ken Kesey, whose characters flew over the cuckoo's nest. Kesey rhymes with easy.

Bold Irish surname, full of energy and cheer.

Dugan is an open, friendly, and cheery Irish surname that would be suited to a dark-haired boy.

In Cool Names, we cite this as an "Artist Name," for twentieth-century abstract painter Grace Hartigan, though for you it may just be an upbeat Irish surname.

More common as a surname, Galvin is a possible alternative to Gavin and Calvin.

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

Ancient Irish king of the underworld, so much more powerful than Don.

Loman is one of those rare names that is at once simple and very unusual, with fewer than five baby boys given the name in the US in the most recent year.

Julia Roberts's choice of Phinnaeus gives a boost to all Ph forms. Or should we say, phorms.

The names may sound the same, but they have different origins and meanings. Take your pick.