Choosing an Irish name for your baby can seem like a difficult task because there are so many beautiful options, and within those options are several forms and alternative spellings. It can feel daunting, but that’s where we come in. I have compiled a list of 100 of the best Irish names, so you can feel more confident in your final decision. After all, this will be the first important choice that you make for your sweet little bundle of joy.
Below you will find a list of 50 Irish girl names and 50 Irish boy names with their meanings. This way you can skip the research and choose the name that best suits your little one. Many of these names are anglicized forms and are both easier to spell and pronounce. However, the old forms are included as well, in case you decide that you want something more traditional.
50 Irish Names for Girls
1. Aileen
Origin: Irish
Aileen means “bright, shining light” in Irish. It is a variation of the spelling Eileen, and a derivative of the name Eilidh. There are plenty of notable people who share this name including Aileen Bordman, who is an American filmmaker who has worked with Meryl Streep.
2. Aisling
Origin: Irish Gaelic
This Irish name means “dream” or “vision.” It comes from the Irish Gaelic word “aislinge,” which has the same meaning. It is a very popular girl’s name in Ireland and would be a great choice for a unique name in another part of the world.
3. Alana
Origin: Old High German, Irish
This is the feminine form of the name Alan and comes from the Gaelic word of endearment “leanbh.” It means “serenity” or “beauty” in Irish. There are several spellings that you can choose from if you want to make this baby name a little bit more original.
4. Aoife
Origin: Irish
Pronounced “eefa,” Aoife is a very popular name in Ireland. It is derived from the Irish word “aibh,” and it means “beautiful” or “radiant.” Irish legend says there was a warrior princess with this name. What more could you want in a wonderful and strong name for your daughter?
5. Brianna
Origin: Irish
This is the female version of “Brian” and means “strong, virtuous, and honorable.” Its meaning makes it a bold choice for your baby girl. It is an alternative spelling for the name Briana. You can find this name in the poem “The Faerie Queene” by Edmund Spenser.
6. Bridget
Origin: Irish
Although this Irish name isn’t as popular as it used to be, this would be the perfect opportunity for it to make a comeback. It is actually an Irish Gaelic name that is derived from the word “brigh,” which means “exalted one.”
7. Caitlin
Origin: French
This is the Irish version of the French name Cateline. There are many versions of this name, including Katelyn and Caitlyn. It is one of the most popular baby girl names in the world.
8. Cara
Origin: Celtic
This name is of Celtic origin. In the Irish language, it means “friend.” You can choose this name as a given first name, or it would be a great nickname for something like Caralee, for example.
9. Casey
Origin: Gaelic
This name is derived from the Irish Gaelic word “cathasaigh,” which means “vigilant.” It is also a really great unisex name if you are waiting to find out your baby’s gender until their birthday.
10. Cassidy
Origin: Irish
This name means “curly-haired” in Irish and comes from the surname “Caiside.” It is also a gender-neutral name but is more commonly used for baby girls. There are plenty of spelling variations of this name as well if you want something slightly different.
11. Deirdre
Origin: Irish
The name Deirdre means “sorrowful” or “broken-hearted.” Ancient Irish mythology speaks of Deirdre of the Sorrows, a tragic character whose prophecy was that as her beauty increased and made her the most beautiful woman in all of Ireland, she would bring war and sadness along with it. Soap Opera star Deidre Hall shares this name and uses a slight variant that carries the same meaning.
12. Delaney
Origin: Irish
This is a popular Irish surname that many families have been using as a first name for baby girls. It means “dark challenger” in Irish.
13. Eire
Origin: Irish
In Irish mythology, Eire is a goddess who named Ireland after herself. You can use this beautiful name for a meaningful tribute to the country.
14. Enya
Origin: Celtic
This name means “fire” in Irish and is the anglicized version of “Eithne.” Famous Irish singer Enya shares this name, and her given name was actually Eithne. It is considered a Celtic name as well.
15. Erin
Origin: Irish
Erin is another Irish name for Ireland, and means “from the island to the west.” It is a great simple name for your daughter that also carries a lot of significance.
16. Fiadh
Origin: Irish
This name is rising in popularity. In Irish, it means “wild.” It is pronounced “fee-a,” and some say it is deeply associated with nature.
17. Finley
Origin: Gaelic
This is a very strong name for a girl and can be used for a boy as well. It is derived from the Gaelic name “Fionnlagh” and means “fair warrior.”
18. Fiona
Origin: Gaelic
Made popular by famous singer Fiona Apple, this name is of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word “Fionn” and means “white” or “fair.”
19. Grainne
Origin: Irish
This name means “love” in Irish. It is said that Grainne is the name of the goddess of grain in Irish mythology.
20. Imogen
Origin: Gaelic
You will find this name as a character in the play by William Shakespeare called Cymbeline. It is an Irish Gaelic name that means “maiden.” It is perfect if you are a fan of Shakespeare’s work.
21. Keeley
Origin: Gaelic
In Gaelic, Keeley means “slender” or “pretty.” Even though it is more commonly used as a name for baby girls, some parents still choose it for a boy as well. It is a unique choice if you also like the name, Kelly.
22. Keira
Origin: Irish
This name means “little dark one” or “black-haired” in Irish. You might choose this name if you are a fan of famous actress Keira Knightly.
23. Kiara
Origin: Gaelic
Kiara has the same meaning as Keira and is an alternate spelling for Ciara. The Gaelic pronunciation is “keera” rather than “keeara,” which is more common in the United States.
24. Laoise
Origin: Irish Gaelic
This Irish Gaelic name is pronounced “leesha” and means “light” or “radiance.” It is a great Irish version of the name “Louise.”
25. Mackenzie
Origin: Gaelic
This unisex name has Gaelic roots, but it is also a popular Scottish surname. It means “child of the wise leader.” Actress Mackenzie Phillips shares this pretty name.
26. Maeve
Origin: Irish
In Irish, Maeve means “intoxicating.” You can find this name in Irish mythology for the powerful warrior queen of the fairies, Maeve of Connacht. It isn’t a very popular name but would be a great unique choice if you want something that isn’t so simple.
27. Mairead
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
This is the Irish version of the girls’ name Margaret. It means “pearl.” If you enjoy the name Margaret but want it to be connected to your Irish roots, Mairead would be a great choice.
28. Moira
Origin:
This is the anglicized form of the name Maire, which is the Irish form of Mary. Since Mary is such a common name, Moira is a great Irish twist.
29. Molly
Origin: Greek
The name Molly has been around since the middle ages. In Irish, it means “star of the sea.” Some parents even use it as a nickname for Margaret or Mary as well.
30. Muriel
Origin: Celtic
Meaning “of the bright sea,” Muriel is a name of Irish origin that is derived from the Celtic elements “sea” and “bright.” It also has Gaelic roots and is considered more of an old-fashioned name these days. All the more reason to use it for originality!
31. Niamh
Origin: Irish
According to legend in Irish mythology, Niamh of the Golden Hair was said to be one of the first inhabitants of Ireland and also a banshee. She was said to live in the lands of eternal youth called “Tirnanog.” The name means “bright” or “radiant” in Irish and is pronounced “Neev.”
32. Nora
Origin: Greek, English
This name means “light” or ” honor” in Irish. It is also said to have Greek and English roots as well. It is a derivate of the names “Honora” and “Eleanora.”
33. Orla
Origin: Celtic
This name is of Celtic origin and can various spellings, but this one is the most simple. The traditional spelling of “Orlaith” is what is more widely used in Ireland. It translates to mean “golden princess.”
34. Peyton
Origin: English
This was originally a popular English surname before it became more used as an Irish first name. It can also be spelled “Payton,” and it’s a great gender-neutral baby name choice. It means “fighting man’s estate” and can be seen shared with actress Peyton List or football player Peyton Manning.
35. Reagan
Origin: Irish
In Irish, Reagan means “little ruler” and was a popular surname that was also shared by former American President Ronald Reagan. It is considered a unisex name but is more popularly given to baby girls.
36. Riley
Origin: Old English
This is a very popular name for both boys and girls. It literally means “from the rye clearing” and is a variant of the Irish surname “Reilly.”
37. Riona
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Riona is of Irish Gaelic origin and means “queenly.” It is a popular baby girl name in Ireland, but not so much in other countries. The pronunciation of this Irish name is “Reena.” It’s perfect for your little princess.
38. Roisin
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Pronounced “rosheen,” this Irish baby name means “little rose” in both Irish and Gaelic. It can be used as the Irish version of the American name “Rose.”
39. Saoirse
Origin: Irish
Saoirse means “freedom” in Irish and is pronounced “seersha.” You can see famous actress Saoirse Ronan share this beautiful and unique name.
40. Shannon
Origin: Irish
This name is the anglicized form of “Soinainn.” In Irish, it means wise river. Many parents use this name for both baby boys and baby girls, but it is more commonly used to name girls.
41. Shauna
Origin: Irish, Hebrew
If you like this name and would prefer a more Irish spelling, you can also choose “Seana.” It means “God is Gracious,” and it also has origins in Hebrew as well.
42. Sheridan
Origin: Gaelic
This name is Gaelic and means “seeker.” It is also the anglicized form of the Irish name “O’Sirideain.” Sheridan is the perfect uncommon name for a baby girl.
43. Sinead
Origin: Irish
You have probably heard this name before if you are a fan of the singer Sinead O’Connor. It is a very Irish-sounding name and means “God is gracious.”
44. Siobhan
Origin: Irish
Even though there is no direct connection to Sinead, Siobhan has the same meaning as it. It is derived from the name “Jehanne,” which is one of the most used Irish baby names.
45. Sloane
Origin: Old Irish
This is a great gender-neutral choice for an Irish name. It means “raider” in Irish. It is derived from the Old Irish surname “Sluaghhadáin.” Professional tennis player Sloane Stephens shares this name.
46. Talulla
Origin: Irish
This is a name of Irish origin that means “lady of abundance.” Bruce Willis and Demi Moore chose this name for one of their daughters, but instead used the spelling variation “Talullah.”
47. Tara
Origin: Sanskrit, Gaelic
This name originated from Sanskrit and Gaelic, and it means “hill” or “star.” It is derived from the Kingdom of Meath, where the ancient kings met. Tara is the name of that hill in Dublin, Ireland.
48. Teagan
Origin: Irish
Teagan is the anglicized female form of the masculine name “Tadgh.” It means “poet” in Irish and is growing in popularity as a baby girl name. It is also said to mean “attractive,” making it a great choice for your beautiful little one.
49. Tierney
Origin: Irish Gaelic
This is an Irish Gaelic name that means “lord” or “master.” It is also a popular surname in Ireland and the anglicized form of “Tíghearnaigh.” It is the perfect unique feminine name.
50. Una
Origin: Scottish
A popular spelling variation of this name is “Oona,” and it is of Irish and Scottish origin. It is also considered a Latin name, and it means “lamb.” Many parents love this name when they are looking for simple Irish baby names.
50 Irish Names for Boys
1. Aidan
Origin: Gaelic, Irish
Aidan is the anglicized form of “Aodhan” and is found in Irish or Gaelic mythology. It means “little fire” after the Celtic God of sun and fire, “Aodh.” It is the perfect choice for a bold Irish baby boy name.
2. Alan
Origin: Gaelic
This name means “little rock” in Celtic and “handsome” in Irish. It is said that the name is derived from “Ó h-Ailín,” which is Gaelic and also a common surname in England.
3. Brady
Origin: Gaelic
Primarily this is meant to be a unisex name, but it is more used for baby boys. In Irish, it means “broad meadow” or “large-chested.” It is said that it was derived from the Gaelic word “bradach,” which carries the same meaning.
4. Brendan
Origin: Irish
Sharing the name with one of the Irish saints named Saint Brendan who is known as Saint Brendan the Voyager who was believed to be the first European to reach America according to Irish legend, this name also means “prince” in Irish and can be seen in the movie world with actor Brendan Fraser.
5. Brody
Origin: Irish Gaelic
There seem to be several origins and meanings of this name, as well as the alternate spelling of “Brodie.” When it comes to its Irish Gaelic origin, it is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word “brothaigh,” which means “fortification.” It would be a good choice for a strong Irish baby name.
6. Caden
Origin: Arabic, Welsh
This name has roots in the Arabic and Welsh languages as well as Gaelic. It is considered a gender-neutral name that is more widely used as a boy’s name. It is said that Caden may be derived from the Gaelic word “cadain,” which means “battle” or “fighter.” It’s perfect for your little warrior.
7. Callum
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
This sweet Scottish Gaelic name means “dove.” Actress Jenna Dewan chose this name for her son because it reminds her of his peaceful entry into the world.
8. Colin
Origin: Irish
This Irish name is shared by famous actors Colin Firth and Colin Farrell. In Irish, it means “young pup” or “youth.” It is a great popular Irish baby name for a little boy.
9. Conan
Origin: Celtic
In Celtic, Conan means “little wolf.” It is also of Irish and Gaelic origin and has a similar meaning to “hound” or “wolf.” This name is famously known from TV personality Conan O’Brien as well as the name of one of the Irish saints in the 7th century. It is also carried in the name of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
10. Connor
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Connor is an Irish name that is the anglicized form of the Irish word “Conchobar” meaning “lover of wolves.” It is a popular Irish Gaelic name for boys that is even seen as a surname.
11. Darren
Origin: Irish, Gaelic
This name means “great” in Irish and Gaelic. It also has some Greek roots as well. Some say it is the anglicized form of “Darragh” which means “oak tree.” Either way, it is a very strong Irish baby name for a little boy.
12. Declan
Origin: Irish
This name comes from the Irish saint of the same name and is the anglicized form of “Deaglan.” It is a traditional name that means “full of goodness” or “man of prayer.”
13. Dermot
Origin: Celtic
This name is popular in Celtic mythology and means “free man” or “free of envy.” If you are a fan of actor Dermot Mulroney, this could be a great choice for your own son.
14. Desmond
Origin: Gaelic
Desmond comes from a place in Ireland that is the anglicized form of the Gaelic name “Das-Mhumnha” in South Munster. If you are a gamer, you might choose this name if you are a fan of the Assassin’s Creed series. One of the main characters has the name, Desmond Miles.
15. Donovan
Origin: Irish
This Irish baby name means “little brown one” or “dark” in Gaelic. It is also a well-known surname that comes from “Donnabhain.”
16. Eamon
Origin: Gaelic, Irish
This name is of both Gaelic and Irish origin and means “wealthy protector.” It is a great unique name for a baby boy that also has a very significant meaning.
17. Eoin
Origin: Hebrew, Irish
Eoin is of both Hebrew and Irish origin. It means “God is gracious” and is pronounced the same way as the Welsh name “Owen.” It is perfect if you want a religious name with Irish roots. It is also very similar to “Eoghan,” which is pronounced the same way and means “born of the yew tree.”
18. Finnegan
Origin: Irish, Gaelic
This Irish baby name means “fair-haired.” It is of both Gaelic and Irish origin. “Fionnagan” is the older Gaelic form of this Irish baby name. Even though it is well known as a surname, it is growing in popularity as a first name and even as a middle name.
19. Flynn
Origin: Gaelic
Flynn is an extremely popular surname in Ireland. It is the modern form of the Gaelic name “Floinn.” There are even fictional characters with this name such as Flynn Rider from the animated children’s film Tangled. It means “ruddy” in the Irish language.
20. Glenn
Origin: Gaelic
Glenn is the modern spelling and English version of the traditional Irish name “Gleann.” It is also very popular in Sweden. It means “valley” in Irish.
21. Grady
Origin: Irish
This name is derived from the old Irish word “grada” which means “noble.” A baseball player from the Cleveland Indians Grady Sizemore shares this name. It is also considered one of the alternative spellings of Brady.
22. Kennedy
Origin: Irish Gaelic
This is the Irish and Scottish form of the old Gaelic form of “Cinnedeigh” which means “chief with the helmet.” It is also considered a gender-neutral name, so it could also be a unique name for a baby girl who is your little female warrior.
23. Kevin
Origin: Irish
This name is also the name of an Irish saint. Saint Kevin or “Caoimhin” is one of the patron saints of the Archdiocese of Dublin. In Irish, Kevin means “noble birth.” it’s perfect for the new little prince in your life.
24. Kieran
Origin: Irish
In Irish and Gaelic, Kieran means “little dark one.” It is derived from the Irish word “ciar” and the Gaelic name “Ciaran.” It would be the perfect addition to your family tree if you are also a fan of the actor Kieran Culkin.
25. Killian
Origin: Gaelic
This is the anglicized form of the Gaelic spelling “Cillian,” which is used by actor Cillian Murphy. It means “little church” in Irish.
26. Lennon
Origin: Irish
The first thing you will notice is that Lennon is the surname of the late musician John Lennon. It originated in Ireland and means “lover.” Parents even choose this name for their baby girls as well.
27. Liam
Origin: Irish
Liam is a strong Irish name that was originally the short form of “William.” It means “protector” or “strong-willed warrior.” You will see famous actors Liam Neeson and Liam Hemsworth share this bold name.
28. Mack
Origin: Gaelic
This is a variant of the Gaelic name “Mac,” which means “son of.” It is said that the “k” was added to make it a little bit more formal. It’s a great simple first name or even a middle name for your child.
29. Murphy
Origin: Gaelic
This name is the anglicized form of the Gaelic name “O’Murchadha,” which means “sea warrior.” It is a common surname in Ireland that is quickly growing in popularity as a first name.
30. Neil
Origin: Irish
This is a name of Irish origin that means “champion” or “passionate.” The anglicized form of the name “Niall” is also included on this list below.
31. Niall
Origin: Celtic
This name comes from the Irish King “Niall of the Nine Hostages” who is said to have ruled over northern Ireland between the 6th and 10th centuries. Musician Niall Horan shares this name.
32. Nolan
Origin:
A traditional surname, Nolan means “champion” in Irish and “descendent of a chariot fighter” in Gaelic. It is gaining popularity as a first name.
33. Oisin
Origin: Gaelic
Oisin is one of the most popular boy names in Ireland. Ancient legends say that Oisin was the name of a poet and war hero. It means “little deer” in Irish.
34. Oscar
Origin: Gaelic
This name was possibly derived from the Gaelic words “os” and “Cara” which means “deer friend.” It is also said to mean “spear of the Gods” because of an Irish legend where Oscar is said to be the son of Oisin. You can find this name shared by several famous people including author Oscar Wilde and boxer Oscar de la Hoya.
35. Padraig
Origin: Gaelic
This is a native Gaelic form of the name “Patrick” and many parents choose this name because they want a strong connection to their ancestry. It translates to mean “patrician” or “noble.
36. Quinn
Origin: Gaelic
This is one of the best gender-neutral Irish baby names on this list, but I really like it as a choice for a boy because it’s so uncommon and unique. It is the anglicized form of “O Cuinn” and means “counsel” in the Irish Gaelic language.
37. Rafferty
Origin: Gaelic
Originally a popular surname, Rafferty means “prosperity wielder” in Irish. It is also the anglicized form of the Gaelic name “O Rabhartaigh.” It’s perfect as a unique name for a baby boy.
38. Rian
Origin: Gaelic
This name means “king” in Gaelic. Ryan is one of the most widely used alternative spellings of this name and is even starting to be used more for baby girls. It’s a great choice for the little king in your life.
39. Ronan
Origin: Old Irish
This Irish name means “little seal” because “ron” means “seal” and “an” is a diminutive suffix. It is also the name of several Irish saints throughout history — twelve saints, to be more exact.
40. Rory
Origin: Gaelic
This name originated from both Ireland and Scotland. Rory shares the name with Rory O’Connor, a high king in Ireland. It is a combination of “ruadh,” the Irish word meaning “red-haired” and “righ” for “king. It’s a classic Gaelic unisex name and the anglicized form of “Ruairi.”
41. Ruairi
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Pronounced the same as “Rory,” Ruairi has the same meaning as that name as well. It is commonly anglicized from “Ruaidrhi” as well. It is just one of the fun and unique alternative spellings of “Rory” not commonly used outside of Europe.
42. Seamus
Origin: Irish
This is the Irish variant of the popular boy’s name “James.” It means “supplanter” in Irish. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you might choose this name in honor of the loveable character Seamus Finnigan.
43. Sean
Origin: Old French
This is the Irish cognate of the English name “John” and means “God is gracious.” There are many famous people with this first name including actors Sean Connery and Sean Astin.
44. Shane
Origin: Old French
Even though it is a gender-neutral name, Shane isn’t as common for a girl name. It means “graced by God” in Irish. This is also the anglicized form of “Seaghan.”
45. Sullivan
Origin: Gaelic
This is a boy’s name that is also seen as a popular surname. It is of Gaelic origin and means “dark eyes.” If you are a fan of Pixar, you know of the character James P. Sullivan in the film Monsters Inc. who also adopted the pet form “Sully.”
46. Tadhg
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning “poet” or “philosopher” in the Irish Gaelic language is found in ancient Irish legend. This is the name of the 11th century King of Connacht. It is pronounced “tayg.”
47. Tiernan
Origin: Old Irish
This is a well-known Irish family name that means “lord.” It is the perfect choice for the royal little lord in your life.
48. Torin
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Being of both Irish and Gaelic origin, this name means “chief.” It used to be used as a title rather than a given name, but things have changed over the years and many families are choosing this name for their little boys.
49. Troy
Origin: French, Greek
This name has an uncertain origin, but it might have been derived from “Troightheach” which means “foot soldier” in Irish. It also has Greek roots.
50. Ultan
Origin: Old Irish
This is a popular patron saint name that has been used by 18 different saints and means “man of Ulster” in Irish. Ulster is a northern province in Ireland.
Need more names?
Find the perfect baby name for your little one by selecting from our diverse lists below:
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100 Scottish Girl Names and their Meanings
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30 Trendy & Classic One-Syllable Boy Names
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100 Chinese Girl Names: Uncover the Meaning & Beauty Behind Our Top Picks
81 Pretty & Unique Japanese Names for Girls (With Meanings)
Final Thoughts
Irish baby names can be great options for beautiful little babes if you are looking for something to remind you of the Emerald Isle. Each of the Irish baby names above has its own unique meaning, hopefully making your decision easier. Whether you want an Old Irish name, an ancient name, or something from the English language with Irish roots, I’ve got you covered. There are even plenty of traditional Irish names as well. You surely won’t be disappointed.
