Irish Names for Boys

Unusual and attractive entry to the growing Irish name canon.

A common Irish surname that's seldom heard as a first name, but has an appealing meaning.

The O'Haras are descended from Eaghra -- pronounced and phonetically spelled Ara -- the lord of Luighne, the modern Leyney in County Sligo. As a name, this makes a satisfying new twist on Harry.

See SEAMUS.

Magee has a broad and bouncy appeal for the sons of anyone from Adam to Zachary.

Compact, to-the-point surname name. Bear in mind the stock-market association - it may be a bit much with the last name Jones.

If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.

We'd be leery of this one.

Patsy has been rarely heard for half a century, for either gender, and we're not expecting that to change in the near future..

Actor Pierce made both his first and last name appealing.

If you're looking for an Irish last name that moves beyond Casey and Cassidy, this one is pleasant sounding and worth considering. Kavanaugh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanagh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'. Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or Caomhan. Early kings of Leinster bore the name Kavanaugh.

When ordering a baby name, hold the mayo.

Too close to baloney.

Pronounced like the word "even," this was a common name among the ancient royal families of Ireland, and has now become popular again.

Kavanagh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanaugh, and Cavanaugh, is one of the few traditional Irish surnames not to start with Mc or O'. Kavanagh relates to the name first Kevin or Caomhan. Early kings of Leinster bore the name Kavanagh.