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Writer's pictureKostas Drakatos

163 Irish baby boy names and their meanings

Updated: Oct 6, 2023

Whether you want to honor your Irish roots or give your child the name of a famous warrior or a mystical deity, our anthology of 163 Irish baby boy names is a goldmine of inspiration!


Tethered to Irish folklore and culture, Irish boy names deeply reflect the vibrant Irish folklore and culture.


Derived from lusty and stout warriors and shimmering with innate beauty, names such as Oisín and Fionn are a rhapsody of Irish myths - a testament to ancient heroes!


Furthermore, names like Seamus and Oscar reveal abundantly the country’s poetic majesty and timeless artistry!


From classic and crowd-pleasers to adorable and audacious, our list serves as a splendid palette of choices for your cutie!


In this article:


Keep on reading and dig in our list of the top 163 Irish baby boy names and their meanings:


Top Irish Boy names:

  1. Adomnán - Little Adam

  2. Aidan - Little fire

  3. Ailbe - White

  4. Ailín - Handsome

  5. Aodh - Fire, fiery

  6. Aodhán - Little fire

  7. Art - Bear or champion

  8. Bardán - "Lives near the Boar's Den" and "Little Poet" or "Songster."

  9. Barry - Fair-haired

  10. Beacán - Small, little one

  11. Braden - Salmon

  12. Brady - Descendant of Brádach, spirited, broad

  13. Bran - Raven

  14. Bréanainn - Little Raven and Sword or Prince

  15. Brendan - Little Raven or Prince

  16. Brian - High, noble

  17. Brogan - Sturdy shoe or small shoe

  18. Caden - Son of Caden or Little battle

  19. Cael - Slender

  20. Caelan - Powerful warrior or slender

  21. Cahir - Battle man

  22. Callum - Dove

  23. Caolán - Little slender one

  24. Carrick - Rock

  25. Casey - Vigilant, watchful

  26. Cass - Curly-headed

  27. Cathal - Strong in battle

  28. Cian - Ancient, enduring

  29. Cianán - Ancient, enduring

  30. Ciarán - Dark-haired

  31. Cillian - Church, war, strife

  32. Cináed - Born of fire

  33. Clancy - Red warrior

  34. Coilin - Young dove

  35. Colm - Dove

  36. Conall - Strong wolf

  37. Conan - Little wolf

  38. Conchobhar - Lover of hounds

  39. Conor/Connor - Lover of hounds

  40. Cormac - Son of the charioteer

  41. Crevan - Fox

  42. Dáire - Fertile, fruitful

  43. Daire - Fruitful, fertile, or Oak Tree

  44. Darragh/Dara - Oak Tree

  45. Declan - Man of prayer

  46. Dermot - Without envy

  47. Desmond - South Munster

  48. Devin - Poet

  49. Diarmuid - Without envy

  50. Dillon - Loyal, faithful

  51. Domhnall - World ruler

  52. Donal - World ruler

  53. Donnacha - Dark-haired warrior

  54. Donncadh - Brown-haired warrior

  55. Donovan - Brown warrior

  56. Doyle - Dark stranger

  57. Driscoll - Interpreter

  58. Dubhghall - Dark stranger

  59. Eachann - Brown horse

  60. Eamon - Guardian of riches

  61. Ean - God is gracious

  62. Eanna - Bird-like

  63. Enda - Bird

  64. Eoghan - Born of the yew tree or youth

  65. Eunan - Little swift one

  66. Fachtna - Malicious

  67. Faelan - Little wolf

  68. Faelan - Little wolf

  69. Faolán - Little wolf

  70. Faolan - Wolf

  71. Fearghal - Man of valor

  72. Fearghus - Vigor of a man

  73. Feidhlim - Beauty, ever good

  74. Felim - Good forever

  75. Fergus - Strong man

  76. Finn - Fair, white

  77. Finnian - Fair, white

  78. Fintan - White fire, white bull

  79. Fionnbharr - Fair-haired

  80. Fionntán - White, fair

  81. Flann - Red, ruddy

  82. Flannan - Little red one

  83. Gallchobhar - Foreign help

  84. Garvan - Rough

  85. Gavin - White hawk

  86. Gearóid - Spear ruler

  87. Gilroy - Son of the Red-haired Servant

  88. Glen - From the valley

  89. Grady - Noble

  90. Ian - God is gracious

  91. Iarfhlaith - Lord of the West

  92. Iollan - One who worships a different god

  93. Jack - Healthy, strong, and full of vital energy. As the Irish version of John it also carries the meaning "God is gracious."

  94. James - Supplanter or Substitute

  95. Kavan - Handsome

  96. Keeffe - Gentle

  97. Keegan - Little and fiery

  98. Kennedy - Helmet-headed

  99. Kian - Ancient

  100. Killian - Little church

  101. Lennon - Cloak or cape

  102. Liam - Helmet of will or Guardian

  103. Lochlann - Land of lakes (referring to Scandinavia)

  104. Loman - Bare

  105. Lorcan - Little fierce one

  106. Lorcán - Little fierce one

  107. Lugh - Light or shining - is also associated with being an Irish king or warrior.

  108. Macdara - Son of oak

  109. Madden - Little dog

  110. Máel - Bald, prince

  111. Maguire - Son of the beige one

  112. Mahon - Bear

  113. Malachy - My messenger

  114. Manus - Great

  115. Maolmhuire - Devotee of the Virgin Mary

  116. Mathghamhain - Bear

  117. Melvin - Armored chief

  118. Micheál - Who is like God?

  119. Muireadhach – Maritime

  120. Muiris - Irish form of Maurice

  121. Murphy - Sea warrior

  122. Naoise - Mythical name

  123. Neil - Champion

  124. Niall - Cloud, champion

  125. Nolan - Noble, famous

  126. Nuallan - Famous, noble

  127. Odhrán - Little pale green one, sallow

  128. Óengus - One vigor or unique/one choice

  129. Oisín - Little deer

  130. Oran - Little pale one

  131. Oscar - Deer-lover or friend of deer

  132. Owen - Young warrior

  133. Pádraic - Patrician or noble

  134. Padraig - Noble

  135. Paidín - Little patrician

  136. Patrick - Nobleman

  137. Phelan - Wolf

  138. Quinn - Wise, intelligent

  139. Raghnall - Wise and powerful

  140. Redmond - Wise protector

  141. Rian - Little king or simply "king"

  142. Riordan - Royal poet or bard

  143. Rónán - Little seal

  144. Ruadh - Red-haired, red

  145. Ruadhan - Red, red-haired

  146. Ruaidhrí - Red-haired King

  147. Séamus - Supplanter

  148. Seán - God is gracious

  149. Seosamh - He will add

  150. Shea - Stately, dauntless

  151. Sheridan - Wildman

  152. Síthmaith - Good peace

  153. Slaine - Health

  154. Sorley - Summer sailor

  155. Tadhg - Poet, storyteller

  156. Teague - Poet or storyteller

  157. Tierney - Lord, master, or "descendant of a lord"

  158. Toirdhealbhach - "Like Thor" or "Thor-like"

  159. Tomas - Twin

  160. Turlough - Aid from Thor

  161. Uaithne - Green or wood or pillar or harmony

  162. Ultan - Man from Ulster

  163. Whelan - Joyful

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a super Irish male name?

There are myriad Irish names for boys clothed with ineffable grace and beauty and determining what makes an Irish name superb can be tricky.


Moreover, people tend to differ in their preferences, and as the old adage goes: There is no accounting for taste.


Nonetheless, a great choice for your boy could be the name "Cillian." This name boasts incontestable historical significance and has a smooth and serene aura that enhances its beauty.


It has multiple interpretations, but a prevalent meaning is "little church" or "church-related." It originates from the word "cill," which is of Irish origins and means "church" or "monastery."


What is the rarest Irish boy's name?

One of the rarest Irish boy names is "Fiadh" or "Fia."This name means "wild" or "untamed" in Irish and is derived from the word "fiadh" which means "wild deer."


Radiating freedom and independence it has a subdued lyrical sound and is pre-eminently unique.


What are male Irish warrior names?

In Irish folklore and mythology, the unmistakable traces of Irish valor and courage shine through.


Irish warrior names seem tokens of the spirits of unconquerable and gallant heroes, that left their mark in Irish history through the battlefield valor.


Some inspiring male Irish names that belong to strong warriors are the following:


Irish names with strong meanings:

  1. Cúchulainn (KOO-hoo-lin) - The legendary figure of the Ulster Cycle, known for his exceptional skills in combat. This name is a unique, strong choice for your youthful warrior.

  2. Fionn (FIN) - Derived from the Irish word for "fair" or "blond," Fionn mac Cumhaill was a renowned warrior and leader of the Fianna.

  3. Oisín (UH-sheen) - A warrior and poet in Irish mythology, son of Fionn mac Cumhaill and a member of the Fianna.

  4. Diarmuid (DEER-mid) - Known for his heroic deeds and legendary love affair with Gráinne in Irish mythology.

  5. Conall (KON-ul) - Meaning "strong wolf," Conall Cernach was a famous warrior in Irish mythology and a member of the Red Branch Knights, ticking the box when it comes to another strong choice at your disposal.

  6. Cormac (KOR-mak) - Meaning "charioteer," Cormac mac Airt was a legendary High King of Ireland known for his military prowess.

  7. Artúr (ar-TOOR) - The Irish form of Arthur, associated with the legendary King Arthur and his knights.

  8. Dáire (DA-ruh) - Meaning "fruitful" or "fertile," and also "Oak Tree," Dáire mac Fiachna was a powerful warrior in Irish mythology.

  9. Éibhear (AY-vur) - Derived from the Irish word for "bow warrior," it carries the meaning of a warrior with great archery skills.

  10. Niall (NEE-ul) - Derived from the Irish word for "champion" or "cloud," Niall of the Nine Hostages was a legendary High King and renowned warrior.

What Irish boy names mean handsome?

Bestowing such a spirited name upon your boy will make him the lodestone, and all the girls will hang on his every word.


Check our list of the 10 Irish boy names that have meanings related to “handsome”:

  1. Aodhán (AY-den) - Derived from the Irish word "aodh," meaning "fire" or "fiery." It can also carry the connotation of "handsome" or "pleasing."

  2. Fionn (FIN) - Meaning "fair" or "blond," Fionn is associated with a fair and handsome appearance.

  3. Cian (KEE-an) - Derived from the Irish word "cian," meaning "ancient" or "enduring." It can also be welded with the meanings of "handsome" or "good-looking."

  4. Eoin (O-in) - The Irish form of John, meaning "God is gracious." It is also wedded to the qualities of being charming and handsome.

  5. Callum (KAL-um) - Although not originally Irish, Callum has become popular in Ireland. It means "dove" and can be associated with good looks and peace.

  6. Rían (REE-an) - Derived from the Irish word "rí," meaning "king." Rían can be interpreted as "little king" or "handsome king."

  7. Séamus (SHAY-mus) - The Irish form of James, meaning "supplanter" or "one who replaces." It is also associated with being attractive and charismatic.

  8. Tadhg (TYG) - Meaning "poet" or "storyteller," Tadhg is related to being handsome and charismatic.

  9. Tiarnán (TEER-nan) - Derived from the Irish word "tiarna," meaning "lord" or "master." Tiarnán can be interpreted as "handsome lord" or "charming master."

Final Thoughts

Infused with beautiful meanings and profound significance, Irish baby boy names can inspire everyone!


In the world of baby names, few things are as inspiring or rich in depth as our lists of the top Irish baby names and their meanings and the best Irish baby girl names and their meanings; make sure you don't lose out on them!

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