Irish Names for Boys

A really unusual choice that could be used to honor Grandpa Will.

This friendlier Celtic version of Edmund has an upbeat feel and a good chance of competing with Aidan and Damon sometime soon.

Irish surname that refers to High King Brian Boru, also spelled O'Brien. Makes a fabulous first name.

Perfect as an updated namesake for Great-Uncle Neal (or Neil).

This Celtic surname is familiar but barely used at all as a first name.

Fogarty has the Old Fogey problem.

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.

When ordering a baby name, hold the mayo.

This Irish surname-name certainly feels brighter and fresher than the English equivalent, Clark.

This is one of several similar sounding Gaelic surname names that would make perfectly acceptable choices--others are Kennan, Keenan and Kenyon. Another possible meaning is "descendant of the fair ones," referring to the Norse invaders.

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.

Too close to baloney.

Clear and strong, if a little heavy.

A long shot, but it could join the crop of dashing Irish surname names.

There are many dynamic three-syllable Irish surnames; this is one of the rarer two-syllable ones. Molloy is the title of a 1951 novel by Samuel Beckett, initially written in French. Another Beckett novel of naming interest is Malone Dies.