101 Irish Boy Names (With Meanings You’ll Adore)

Irish boy names have traveled far and wide, from the rolling hills of Connemara to the bustling streets of New York City and beyond.

While some Irish names for boys, such as ‘Liam’, are widely recognised, others, like ‘Deaglan’, are unique and less common.

Below, you’ll find a mix of classic Irish male names, rich in historical significance, alongside modern choices, complete with their meanings and pronunciations.

Irish boys names beginning with A

We’re going to work through the various Irish names for boys alphabetically. You’ll notice that some letters, like ‘A’, have considerably more names compared to others.

Below each name you’ll find how to pronounce it, what it means and a little section with famous people who have the same name.

1. Aodhan (Aidan + Aedan)

Aodhan (anglicised as ‘Aidan’) comes from the very old Irish boy name, ‘Aodh’.

In Irish mythology Aodh was the prince of the Daoine Sidhe – a supernatural race.

He was the son of High King Lir who ruled the Tuatha de Dannan.

• Pronunciation: Ay-dawn
• Meaning: Fiery, bringer of fire or little fire

2. Aengus (Angus)

This is a common name throughout Irish mythology and is spelt ‘Angus’ outside of Ireland.

Aengus was a member of the warriors the Tuatha Dé Danann. He was a Celtic God of love and poetry.

• Pronunciation: Ang-gus
• Meaning: One choice or one strength

3. Ardan

In Celtic mythology, Ardan was one of the Sons of Uisnech.

In the tale of Deirdre, Ardan and his brothers Naoise and Ainnle helped Deirdre flee to Scotland.

• Pronunciation: Ar-dawn
• Meaning: High aspiration or high ambition

4. Anluan

Anluan (pronounced ‘An-lon’) is one of the more unique Irish boys names and it means ‘Champion’.

It’s rare that you’ll hear this name which makes it all the more appealing if you’re looking to move away from commonly used Irish boy names.

• Pronunciation: An-lon
• Meaning: Champion, hero or warrior

5. Abbán

Abbán is a beautiful Celtic boys name. According to Ireland’s national biographical dictionary, the name ‘Abbán’ is often interpreted as ‘little abbot’.

However, it’s likely that the name originates from the diminutive form ‘abba,’ with a repeated middle consonant, influenced by the Irish girls name Ailbe.

• Pronunciation: Ab-awn
• Meaning: Abbot or father

6. Ailill

Ailill is an old Irish boys name and it’s one that many struggle to pronounce.

In Irish mythology, Ailill was the King of Connacht and husband to the warrior Queen Medb.

• Pronunciation: Ah + yill
• Meaning: Beauty

7. Anrai (Annraoi + Henry)

Anrai is the Irish version of ‘Henry’. Although the spelling may intimidate some, it’s simply pronounced ‘Awn-ree’.

Meaning wise, this is another of the strong Irish boys names and it’s said to mean ‘Rules the home’/’Ruler of the home’.

• Pronunciation: Awn-ree
• Meaning: Rules the home/estate

8. Ainmire (Ainmuire)

Ainmire is another name with strong links to ancient Ireland. Ainmuire mac Sétnai was a High King of Ireland from 566 to 569.

He notably defeated Uí Néill’s high king at the Battle of Cúl Dreimne in 561.

• Pronunciation: Ayen-mire
• Meaning: Great lord

9. Ardál

If you’re looking for unique Irish baby boys names that have strong Irish links and are easy to pronounce, ‘Ardál’ is a good option.

Although the fada over the ‘a’ will confuse some, most will have no trouble with this one.

• Pronunciation: Ar-dahl
• Meaning: High valour

10. Art

Art is an old Celtic boys name that means ‘bear’ or ‘champion’. In ancient Ireland, this was a name steeped in royalty.

Two High Kings of Ireland (Art mac Cuinn and Art mac Lugdach) bore this name. 

• Pronunciation: Art
• Meaning: Bear or champion

11. Alroy

Although the origin of the name ‘Alroy’ is unclear, its meaning has a fair bit of Irishness to it.

Alroy is said to mean ‘red haired’ which will suit those of you with red-headed newborns!

• Pronunciation: Ahl-roy
• Meaning: Red haired

Irish male names beginning with B

The second section of this guide looks at old and modern Irish boy names that begin with ‘B’.

Some, like ‘Brian’, you’ll be familiar with while others, like ‘Bradán’ are some of the more rare Irish boy names.

1. Braon (Braonán + Brennan)

Braon is one of the more unusual Irish boys names and, because of it’s meaning (rain or sorrow), it’s not one of the more popular.

Brennan, which is most commonly seen as an Irish last name, is Ó Braonáin in Ireland and means ‘descendant of Braonán’.

• Pronunciation: Bray-on
• Meaning: Rain or sorrow

2. Brian

The name ‘Brian’ possibly stems from an Old Celtic word signifying ‘high’ or ‘noble’.

It became one of the most popular Irish names for boys due to Brian Boru, a historic High King of Ireland.

• Pronunciation: Bry-an
• Meaning: High or noble

3. Brendan (Breanndán, Brandon+ Brénainn)

Brendan, meaning prince or king, originates from ‘Breandán’, a name that comes from an old Irish boys name ‘Brénainn’.

In ancient Ireland, St. Brendan was an Irish monk who wrote ‘The Voyage of St. Brendan the Abbot.’ It tells the story recounts St. Brendan’s legendary journey in pursuit of a remarkable island.

• Pronunciation: Brenn-dan
• Meaning: Prince or king

4. Barry (Báire)

Barry is both a first name and an Irish surname.

It’s linked to Báire, Barrfind, and Finbar and it means ‘fair-haired’.

• Pronunciation: Ba-ry
• Meaning: Fair-haired

5. Brady (Brághadach + Brádach)

Although you’ll rarely here Brady used as a first name in Ireland, it’s common ‘across the water’.

The name Brady has no clear meaning. However, the name comes from ‘Brághadach’ which means ‘large-chested’ or ‘spirited’.

• Pronunciation: Bray-dee
• Meaning: Large-chested or spirited

6. Bradán (Bradan +Braden)

The name ‘Bradán’ (‘Bradan’ or ‘Braden’ in English) is a funny one. You’ll rarely hear ‘Braden’ used as a first name in Ireland. The name comes from the Gaelic surname ‘Ó Bradáin’.

However, ‘Bradan’ is a commonly used name in the US, in particular. The Irish word ‘Bradán’ means ‘Salmon’ (see the story of the Salmon of Knowledge for more).

• Pronunciation: Bray-dawn
• Meaning: Salmon

7. Bain

Bain is one of several names that has a variety of origins, ranging from French and Scottish to Irish and English.

This is one of the more common Gaelic boys names and it means ‘white’ or ‘fair’.

• Pronunciation: Bay-ne
• Meaning: White or fair

Irish baby boy names beginning with C

We spent many day conducting research for this guide to Irish baby boy names and, surprisingly, we found more that start with ‘C’ than any other letter.

Below, you’ll find everything from modern Irish boy names, like ‘Cillian’ to the more unique Irish names for boys, like ‘Caolán’.

1. Conor

This is one of the most popular old Irish boy names, both inside and outside Ireland.

It’s believed to come from ‘Conchobhar‘ or ‘Conaire’, which are names that frequent many tales from Irish folklore.

• Pronunciation: Con-or
• Meaning: Lover of wolves/hounds

2. Cillian (Kilian + Killian)

Cillian, anglicised as ‘Kilian’ or ‘Killian’, is a traditional Irish boys name linked to Saint Kilian, an Irish missionary to Germany in the 7th century. It’s believed that the name means ‘little church’.

Fr Patrick Woulfe who authored ‘Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall’, a dictionary of Irish names and surnames, said the name Cillian is the ‘pet’ diminutive of ‘Ceallach’ which means ‘strife’ or ‘bright-headed’.

• Pronunciation: Kill-i-an
• Meaning: Little church, strife or bright-headed

3. Cían

In Irish mythology, Cían was the son-in-law of Brian Boru, the King of Muster who was conquered in the battle of Clontarf.

Cían is consistently recognised as one of the most common boys names in Ireland.

• Pronunciation: Kee-an
• Meaning: Ancient or enduring in Gaelic

4. Callum

It’s believed that Callum derives from a Latin word meaning ‘dove’, which made it a popular name amongst early Christians.

It’s still a common Irish baby boys name that’s given in Ireland as well as in Scotland and the UK.

• Pronunciation: Cal-um
• Meaning: Dove

5. Conchobhar (Conchúr + Conochúr)

This is one of the more unusual Irish boys names that has a variety of spellings and means ‘Lover of canines’.

It’s also commonly associated with the more popular name, ‘Conor’.

• Pronunciation: Con-uh-chur
• Meaning: Lover of canines

6. Caolán (Kelan, Keelan + Kealan)

This traditional Irish boys name can be difficult to pronounce for many and is often spelt ‘Keelan’ or ‘Kelan’.

Meaning ‘Slender’ or ‘Fine’, it’s easily pronounced ‘Kee-lin’.

• Pronunciation: Kee-lin
• Meaning: Slender or fine

7. Ciarán

This traditional Irish boys name appears in Irish mythology and was also the name of two early Irish saints.

The name became prevalent due to Ciar, the King of Ulster.

Two early Irish saints (Ciarán the Elder and Ciarán the Younger), both of whom were part of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, shared this name.

• Pronunciation: Keer-awn
• Meaning: Little dark one or dark-haired one

8. Conán

Conán is one of the more beautiful Celtic boys names and it’s said to mean ‘little wolf’ or ‘small hound’.

The name ‘Conán’ has strong links to Irish mythology. Conán mac Lia was a member of the Fianna – some of the mightiest warriors in ancient Ireland.

• Pronunciation: Cone-an
• Meaning: Small hound or little wolf

9. Craig

The name Craig is a modern Gaelic boys name that has Scottish, Irish and Welsh links. 

A name symbolic with strength, it comes from the Gaelic word ‘Cread’ which translates to ‘Rock’.

• Pronunciation: Cr-ay-g
• Meaning: Rock

10. Colm

This name is a modern Irish variation of the Latin name ‘Columba’ and is often considered an alternative spelling to Callum.

Pronounced ‘Coll-um’, it means ‘Dove’.

• Pronounced: Coll-um
• Meaning: Dove

11. Cathal (Cahal)

The name ‘Cathal’ comes from the word ‘Cath’, meaning ‘battle’, and ‘val’, meaning ‘rule’. It’s likely for this reason that is a name that was given to many Irish kings.

Kings of Munster, like Cathal Cú-cen-máthair, and Kings of Connacht, like Cathal mac Conchobair, have favoured this name.

• Pronunciation: Cah-hall
• Meaning: Battle or rule

12. Cormac

Cormac is another old Irish boys name, although it’s meaning is not exactly clear. In Irish, the word ‘Mac’ translates to ‘son’.

However, it’s the ‘Cor’ part that’s unclear. It’s believed that ‘Cor’ relates to ‘Corb’ which is an old Gaelic word for ‘Wheel’.

Others believe it is an old Irish word for ‘Raven’, which was seen by the Celts as a mythical creature.

• Pronunciation: Cor-mack
• Meaning: Charioteer or raven

13. Coileáin (Colin, Cailean + Cuilen)

Colin is the anglicised version of ‘Coileáin’, ‘Cailean’ and ‘Cuilen’. Now, although ‘Coileáin’ may look intimidating, it’s easily pronounced ‘Quill-awn’, and it has a fine meaning.

It’s said to mean ‘Young pup’ or ‘Trickster’ which may be very apt for your newborn.

• Pronunciation: Quill-awn
• Meaning: Pup or trickster

14. Caoimhín (Kevin)

One of several traditional Irish boys names that can be near impossible for some to pronounce, ‘Caoimhín’ is the Irish version of ‘Kevin’.

It’s believed that Caoimhín means ‘Noble at birth’. The most famous Kevin from ancient Ireland was Saint Kevin who founded Glendalough Abbey.

• Pronunciation: Kwee-veen
• Meaning: Noble at birth

15. Canice (Cainnech + Coinneach)

Although it may look like one of the more popular Irish girls names, ‘Canice’ is the anglicised version of ‘Cainnech’ and ‘Coinneach’.

This is a Celtic boys name that means ‘handsome’. 

• Pronunciation: Can-is
• Meaning: Handsome

16. Connell

Few old Irish names for boys have catapulted in popularity like Connell (yep, it was Paul Mescal’s characters name in the hit Irish show ‘Normal People’).

The name either means ‘hound’ (‘con’ comes from the ‘cú’, meaning hound) or ‘valour’.

• Pronunciation: Con-il
• Meaning: Hound or valour

17. Conlaoch (Connla)

Conlaoch is an old Irish boy name that’s said to mean ‘hero’ or ‘chief’.

The most notable Conlaoch in ancient Ireland is the son of the fierce warrior Cú Chulainn.

• Pronunciation: Connla (Kawn-lah). Conlaoch (Con-lay-ick)
• Meaning: Hero or chief

18. Conal

Although there are many Celtic symbols for strength, you won’t need any of them with a name like ‘Conal’, which means ‘Strong as a wolf’.

One famous Conall in Irish mythology was Conall Cernach who was described as ‘one of the fairest of the warriors of Ireland’.

It’s said that he had a crooked neck and slept with the head of his enemies under his knee.

• Pronunciation: Coh-nal
• Meaning: Strong as a wolf

19. Colmán

Said to be the equivalent of the name ‘Colm’, ‘Colmán’ is a name that was given to many Irish Saints.

One of the most notable was Saint Colmán of Cloyne who was a monk that was said to have extraordinary poetic powers.

• Pronunciation: Cohl-a-man
• Meaning: Little dove

Irish names for boys beginning with D

The next section in our guide to the most unique, traditional and unusual Irish boy names is dedicated to those beginning with ‘D’.

Below, you’ll find a mix of old and modern Irish boy names to consider.

1. Dónal (Domhnall + Donald)

Dónal is an old Irish boy name that came from an even older name, ‘Dòmhnall’.

The anglicised version is ‘Donald’ and it means ‘World ruler’.

This is easy-to-pronounce and it’s one of the more popular short Irish baby boys names.

• Pronunciation: Doh-nal
• Meaning: World ruler or world wielder

2. Diarmuid (Diarmuit + Dermot)

If you’re looking for strong Irish boys names, look no further than ‘Diarmuid’.

Although not too common outside of Ireland, versions of this name have been given to countless ancient Irish kings.

• Pronunciation: Deer-mid
• Meaning: Without envy or free from envy

3. Dáire (Dara, Darragh + Darren)

The name ‘Dáire’ is common in Ireland while the more anglicised versions (see above) can be found across the world.

Dáire is thought to have several meanings, two of which are ‘fruitful or fertile’.

However, it’s also believed that the name could be linked to ‘Doire’, the Irish word for ‘oak’ (linked to the Dara Knot).

• Pronunciation: Dai-reh
• Meaning: Fruitful, fertile or oak tree

4. Donnacha (Donnchadh)

You’ll often see the name Donnacha top lists to ‘Unusual Irish Boys Names’, but it’s a very common name here in Ireland.

In Irish legend, Donnacha was the name of a High King in Ireland. ‘Donn’ means brown/dark in Irish while ‘Chadh’ means noble or chief.

• Pronunciation: Done-acka
• Meaning: Dark chief

5. Dáithí (Dathí + David)

This old Irish boy name is hard to pronounce for some, which is why you’ll more often than not see boys given the name ‘David’ instead.

Pronounced ‘Dah-hee’, it means ‘Swiftness’ or ‘nimbleness’.

• Pronunciation: Dah-hee
• Meaning: Swiftness or nimbleness

6. Deaglan (Declan)

If you see your young lad giving Irish blessings from an altar in the future, the name ‘Deaglan’ might be worth considering.

Meaning ‘Man of prayer’ or ‘full of goodness’, the name is closely tied to Saint Declán who founded a monastery in Ireland during the 5th century.

• Pronunciation: Dehk-lun
• Meaning: Man of prayer or full of goodness

7. Desmond

The name ‘Desmond’ is said to come from Desmond (South Munster) in Ireland.

Although it’s meaning isn’t anything fancy, it’s tied to the Earl of Desmond – a title of nobility.

• Pronunciation: Des-mond
• Meaning: South Munster

Unique and unusual Irish boys names beginning with E, F, G, H and I

The next few sections of our guide to modern and old Irish boy names chucks several letters together as some letters, like ‘H’, have very few names.

Below, you’ll find some unique Irish boy names, like ‘Eachan’, to some common Irish male names, like ‘Eoghan’.

1. Eoghan (Eógan, Eoin + Owen)

If you live outside of Ireland, it’s likely that the name ‘Eoghan’ will cause your little fella a heap of hassle in later years.

This is yet another old Irish boy name that appears in Irish legend as the name of one of Niall of the Nine Hostages’ sons.

• Pronunciation: O-in
• Meaning: Noble born

2. Éamonn (Eamon)

In Irish, ‘Éamonn’ is akin to the English names ‘Edmund’ or ‘Edward’.

It’s said to mean something along the lines of ‘Wealthy protector’.

• Pronunciation: Ay-mon
• Meaning: Wealthy protector

3. Eachan

One of the more unusual Irish boys names, ‘Eachan’ is, strangely enough, anglicised as ‘Hector’.

It’s believed that the name means ‘Horse lord’ (each meaning ‘Horse’ and donn meaning ‘Lord’).

• Pronunciation: Eac-h-an
• Meaning: Horse lord

4. Ernan

Ernan is a name that was given to several Irish Saints, one of which was St. Ernan, Son of Eogan who was a nephew of Saint Columba.

Simply pronounced ‘Air-nen’, it’s one of several Gaelic boys names that means ‘Wise one’.

• Pronunciation: Air-nen
• Meaning: Iron or wise one

5. Enda

Enda is one of several gender neutral Irish names in this guide. In ancient Ireland, Enda was a warrior-king in Ulster.

Around 484, he established the first monastery on Arranmore Island in County Donegal.

• Pronunciation: En-dah
• Meaning: Like a bird/bird-like

6. Fintan

Fintan is arguably most suited as an Irish boys name if the new arrival is fair (the name means ‘Little fair one’).

In Irish mythology, Fintan MacBochra was a shapeshifter who survived the Great Flood. He symbolised knowledge.

• Pronunciation: Fin-ten
• Meaning: Little fair one or white-haired

7. Fiachra (Fiach)

If you’re a fan of Irish folklore, you may recognise the name ‘Fiachra’ from the famous story of the Children of Lir.

Although it may look like one of the more intimidating Irish boys names to pronounce, it’s easily said – ‘Fee-uh-kra’.

• Pronunciation: Fee-uh-kra
• Meaning: Crow or raven

8. Féilim (Felim, Féidhlim + Fedlimid)

The chances are you’ll be more familiar with the anglicised version of this traditional Irish boys name – ‘Felix’!

The name ‘Féilim’, which means ‘beauty’, ‘ever good’ and ‘constant’ is easily pronounced – ‘Fail-em’.

This is another name that was worn by many High Kinds of Ireland, like Felim Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht.

• Pronunciation: Fail-em
• Meaning: Beauty, ever good and constant

9. Fionn (Finn)

Next up is arguably one of the most beautiful Irish baby boys names and it’s one that rings loud in the tales of Irish mythology.

‘Fionn’, which means ‘White’ or ‘Fair-haired’, is a name that many will know from the stories of the mythical Irish warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill.

• Pronunciation: Fee-y-un
• Meaning: White or Fair-haired

10. Fearghal (Fergal)

Fearghal is another Irish boys name that can be tricky to pronounce for some, however, it’s simply ‘Fer-ghal’.

There’s many a famous Fearghals, but few compare to Fearghal Ó Taidg an Teaghlaigh – a bodyguard of King Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair of Connacht (circa 1226).

• Pronunciation: Fer-ghal
• Meaning: Man of valour

11. Feargus (Fergus)

It’s said that Feargus is one of the oldest Gaelic boys names, with men across Ireland and Scotland proudly donning the name.

Easily pronounced (‘Fir-gus’), this another of the traditional Irish boys names and it means ‘Strong one’ or ‘Masculine one’.

• Pronunciation: Fir-gus
• Meaning: Strong one or masculine one

12. Finbar (Finbarr, Finbarre + Finnbar)

The name ‘Finbar’, as was the case with the name ‘Fionn’, means ‘fair-headed-one’ (from the word ‘Fionnbharr’).

One of the more beautiful short Irish boys names, the most famous Finbar was Saint Finbar of Cork who founded a monastery that grew to be the city of Cork.

• Pronunciation: Finn-bar
• Meaning: Fair-headed-one

13. Gearoid (Gerald, Garrett + Gerard)

Gearoid is one of a handful of Irish boys names with a fairly unclear meaning – it’s believed that it means something along the lines of ‘strength of spear’.

Those familiar with Irish folklore may remember Gearoid Iarla – the 3rd Earl of Desmond. He was Chief Justice for Ireland in 1367 and was known to dabble in magic.

This was ancient Ireland, remember. Poor aul Gearoid was said to be sent to live beneath the ancient Lough Gur in Limerick where, every seven years, he rides around the lake on a white horse.

• Pronunciation: Gah-rohd
• Meaning: Strength of spear

14. Iollan

Next up is one of the more unusual Irish boys names – Iollan (pronounced ‘Ull-an’).

It’s said that Iollan means ‘the one that worships a different God’ and that it was used to describe Pagans in ancient Ireland.

• Pronunciation: Ull-an
• Meaning: One that worships a different God

15. Iain (Ian)

Iain is one of the more popular Celtic boys names and it’s found throughout Ireland and Scotland. It’s believed that it stems from the Hebrew name ‘Yohanan’.

Pronounced ‘Ee-n’, it means ‘God is gracious’, which will suit those of you looking for religious Irish male names.

• Pronunciation: Ee-n
• Meaning: God is gracious

Old and modern Irish boys names beginning with J to Z

The final section in our guide to old and modern Irish boys names contains names that begin with the letters ‘J’ all the way to ‘Z’.

Below, you’ll find a mix of traditional and uncommon Irish boy names. Enjoy!

1. Jarlath

Jarlath, pronounced ‘Jar-lath’ is another of the traditional Irish male names and it’s one that you don’t hear too often.

One of the most famous Jarlaths was Saint Jarlath, an Irish priest from Connacht who founded the Archdiocese of Tuam in Galway.

• Pronunciation: Jar-lath
• Meaning: Prince, leader or tributary lord

2. Liam (Uilliam)

Uilliam is an old Irish boy name that the name ‘Liam’ stems from. ‘Liam’ is also said to be a shortened version of the Germanic name ‘William’.

It means ‘Guardian’ or ‘Helmet of will’ and is easily pronounced ‘Lee-um’.

• Pronunciation: Lee-um
• Meaning: ‘Guardian’ or ‘Helmet of will’

3. Lorcan

Next is another name that is rich in history – Lorcan. This name belonged to several kings, including the grandfather of the most famous king, Brian Boru.

Pronounced ‘Lor-ken’, there’s a lovely meaning behind this name – ‘Little fierce one’.

• Pronunciation: Lor-ken
• Meaning: Little fierce one

4. Lachlan (Lochlan)

Lachlan is another of the more unusual Irish boys names and it’s said to be the anglicised version of the Gaelic name ‘Lochlann’.

In ancient Irish literature, ‘Lochlann’ refers to a vague faraway place. However, in more recent history, the name was used to refer to Norway.

• Pronunciation: Lack-lan
• Meaning: Norway or from the land of lakes

5. Naoise

Naoise (pronounced ‘nee-sha’) is a strong Celtic boys name that some sources claim means ‘Warrior’, however, we couldn’t verify this.

In Irish mythology, Naoise was the nephew of King Conchobar mac Nessa of Ulster.

Naoise falls in love with Deirdre, a woman who the King is also persuing and the pair flee to Scotland. The story has a tragic ending.

• Pronunciation: Nee-sha
• Meaning: Unknown

6. Niall

Niall is one of the more popular Irish male names and it’s believe to come from the old Irish word ‘Niadh’, which means ‘Champion’.

Its popularity increased over the last decade, which may be down to the fame achieved by One Direction’s Niall Horan.

• Pronunciation: Ni-el
• Meaning: Champion

7. Naomhan

Naomhan (pronounced ‘Nee-vawn’) is a one of the rare Irish boys names that you don’t come across too often.

It comes from an old Irish word ‘noíb’, which means ‘Holy’ or ‘Sacred’.

• Pronunciation: Nee-vawn
• Meaning: ‘Holy’ or ‘Sacred’

8. Nechtan

Nechtan (pronounced ‘Nye-ach-tan’) was the name of a mythical figure from Irish legend that was linked to the spring that gave birth to the River Boyne.

Aptly, the name Nechtan is said to mean ‘Clean’ and ‘Pure’.

• Pronunciation: Nye-ach-tan
• Meaning: ‘Clean’ and ‘Pure’

9. Odhrán (Oran)

Odhrán is one of the more beautiful Irish boys names and its more common anglicised version is ‘Oran’.

It’s believed that the name means ‘Pale green’. 

• Pronunciation: Oh-ran
• Meaning: Pale green

10. Oscar

The origin of the name ‘Oscar’ goes back to Irish mythology and was the name of the grandson of Fionn Mac Cumhaill.

The word ‘Os’ means deer in Irish while ‘Car’ means friend or loving. The meaning of the name Ocar is open to interpretation, but ‘Friend of deer’ seems closest.

• Pronunciation: Os-kar
• Meaning: Friend of deer

11. Oisín

Oisin is a famous name from Irish mythology. He was the son of Fionn mac Cumhaill and is considered the greatest poet of Ireland.

Pronounced ‘Ush-een’, the name means ‘Fawn’ or ‘Young Deer’. In the legend of Tír Na nÓg, Oisín travels to the land of youth, but to great consequence.

• Pronunciation: Ush-een
• Meaning: Young deer or fawn

12. Pádraig (Patrick, Pádraic, Páraic + Páidí)

Pádraig is one of the more famous Irish male names and it comes from ‘Patrick’, a name with Latin origins.

The name means ‘Noble’ or ‘Nobleman’, which is apt when you consider Ireland’s most famous Patrick, Saint Patrick, is Ireland’s patron saint.

• Pronunciation: Pádraig (Pah-drig), Páraic (Pah-rick) + Páidí (Pah-dee)
• Meaning: Nobleman

13. Peadar (Peter)

Peadar is one of the more common Gaelic boys names and it’s believed that it comes from the Greek word ‘Pertros’,which means stone/rock.

Although the name may look intimidating at first glance, it’s easily pronounced ‘Pah-dar’.

• Pronunciation: Pah-dar
• Meaning: Stone/rock

14. Proinséas (Proinsias)

Next up is an unusual Irish name that is the Irish variation of Francis, a name which became known thanks to St Francis of Assisi.

It’s rare to see/hear this name in Ireland and, if you’re living abroad and considering name your boy ‘Proinséas’, just keep in mind people will have trouble reading/pronouncing it.

• Pronunciation: Pron-shiss
• Meaning: Little French man

15. Ruairí (Ruaidhrí + Rory)

Ruairí is one of the more traditional Irish boys names and it tends to be given to boys born with red hair.

The word ‘Ruadh’ means ‘red-haired’ in Irish while ‘Rígh’ means ‘King’. The name, pronounced ‘Rur-ee’ means ‘Red-haired king’.

• Pronunciation: Roar-ee/Rur-ee
• Meaning: Red-haired king

16. Ryan

The first name ‘Ryan’ comes from, the Irish surname ‘Ryan’ which in turn stems from the old Irish name ‘Rían’.

Pronounced ‘Rye’an’, it’s believed that it means ‘Little king’ (do note that this meaning is credited to more modern sources).

• Pronunciation: Rye-an
• Meaning: Little king

17. Rónán

The name Rónán comes from the Gaelic word ‘Rón’, which means ‘seal’. This name pops up in an old legend about a mother seal that is warned to avoid getting close to the land.

However, a storm brigs her ashore and she gets trapped and becomes a Selkie. She marries a fisherman and has little ‘Rónáns’ (seals).

The story ends with her finding her seal skin and escaping back to sea yet always keeping a watch on her family from the waves.

• Pronunciation: Row-nan
• Meaning: Pledge, seal and promising oath

18. Senan (Sennan + Senán)

Senan is an old Irish boys name that is still popular today.

It’s particularly popular in and around the County of Clare, where St. Senan is from.

• Pronunciation: Se-nan
• Meaning: Old or wise

19. Seán (Shane + Seaghán)

Sean is a classic Irish male names that has become famous the world over.

The name is said to come from the Hebrew name ‘Johanan’, which means ‘God is gracious’.

Shane, the anglicised version of Seán, is more common, but Seán is a beautiful and easy to pronounce (Shawn) name.

• Pronunciation: Shawn
• Meaning: God is Gracious

20. Séamus

Séamus (prnounced ‘Shay-mus’) is the Irish equivalent of ‘James’ and it’s believed to mean ‘One who supplants’ or ‘One who grabs the heel’.

In recent years, Irish WWE wrestler Séamus has received world-wide fame.

• Pronunciation: Shay-mus
• Meaning: ‘One who supplants’ or ‘One who grabs the heel’

21. Sé (Shay)

This modern Irish boys name is thought to be the Irish variation of the Hebrew name ‘Shai’.

It’s often considered for either boy’s or girl’s names, although it’s more common as a male name in Ireland.

• Pronunciation: Sh-ay
• Meaning: Admirable

22. Tadhg

Tadhg was one of the most common Irish baby boy names in ancient Ireland with many kings, like Tadhg mac Muireadach Mac Cárthaigh – King of Desmond, bearing the name.

Pronounced ‘Tie-g’, the name means ‘Poet’ or ‘Philosopher’.

• Pronunciation: Tie-g
• Meaning: Poet or philosopher

23. Tómas (Thomas)

Tomás is a name with origins in Ireland, Portugal and Spain and has several variations and is the equivalent of ‘Thomas’.

 ‘Thomas’ is an ancient name and it features in the Bible courtesy of Thomas the Apostle (one of the twelve apostles of Jesus).

• Pronunciation: Tho-mas
• Meaning: Twin

24. Toirdelbach (Turlough)

Toirdelbach (anglicised as ‘Turlough’) is a name that’s tied many a tongues.

It comes from the Irish word ‘toirdhealbh’, which means ‘instigator’ or ‘prompting’

• Pronunciation: Thur-lock
• Meaning: Prompting or instigator

25. Tiernan

Although it’s more commonly seen as a last name, Tiernan can also be used as a first name.

The name comes from the Irish word ‘tiarna’, which means ‘Lord’.

• Pronunciation: Teer-nawn
• Meaning: Lord

26. Ultán

Finally, we have one of the more unique Irish boys names – Ultán, which means ‘Ulsterman’ (Ulster is a province in Ireland).

Historically, the province of Ulster was located at the heart of the Gaelic world (the Isle of Man, Ireland and Scotland).

• Pronunciation: Ul-tan
• Meaning: Ulsterman