380+ Irish Baby Names Ideas for Cute Boy and Girl
From ancient Celtic legends to modern-day favorites, explore over 380 Irish baby names with rich meanings, spiritual roots, and timeless charm.
If you’ve ever fallen in love with the lyrical lilt of Irish names, you’re in the right place, friend. Whether you’re Irish yourself, have roots on the Emerald Isle, or simply appreciate names with a bit of poetry and history, these monikers are bursting with charm.
Irish names have a way of feeling both timeless and fresh. They roll off the tongue, carry stories from ancient legends, and somehow manage to sound magical even when you’re yelling them across a playground.
So, grab yourself a cozy cup of tea (bonus points if it’s Irish breakfast), and let’s explore over 300+ gorgeous Irish names — from ancient warrior titles to sweet, modern finds. I’ve split them into easy categories so you can scroll to your heart’s content. And yes, I’ve included meanings, origins, and little nuggets of trivia for each.
Choosing the Perfect Baby Middle Name: 300+ Ideas From Classic to Whimsical
Timeless Irish Classics
The names that have stood the test of centuries. You’ll find them in old Gaelic poetry, church registers, and modern-day baby announcements.
- Aidan – “Little fire”; once a saintly name from the 7th century, now a playground staple worldwide.
- Brendan – “Prince” or “descendant of Braonán”; Saint Brendan was a legendary voyager.
- Brian – “Noble”; worn proudly by Brian Boru, Ireland’s High King.
- Ciara – “Dark-haired”; elegant and simple, with that soft Irish “kee-ra” pronunciation.
- Cormac – “Charioteer”; ancient kings of Ireland carried this name into battle.
- Deirdre – “Sorrowful”; tragic heroine of Irish mythology, yet still deeply romantic.
- Eamon – “Wealthy protector”; a strong, traditional choice with a friendly sound.
- Eileen – “Bright, shining one”; has an old-Hollywood feel thanks to classic songs.
- Fionn – “Fair-haired”; tied to Fionn mac Cumhaill, legendary warrior-poet.
- Kathleen – Irish form of Katherine; sweetly vintage and always warm.
- Liam – Short for William, “resolute protector”; now one of the most popular boy names in the U.S.
- Maeve – “She who intoxicates”; fierce warrior queen of Connacht in legend.
- Niall – “Champion”; historically linked to High King Niall of the Nine Hostages.
- Patrick – Patron saint of Ireland; instantly Irish but works anywhere.
- Sean – Irish form of John; casual, cool, and always approachable.
- Siobhan – “God is gracious”; pronounced “shi-vawn,” effortlessly chic.
- Sinead – “God’s gracious gift”; iconic thanks to singer Sinéad O’Connor.
- Tara – “Hill”; seat of Ireland’s ancient kings and queens.
- Turlough – “Helper of the people”; rarely heard outside Ireland, making it extra special.
- Una – “Lamb” or “unity”; short, soft, and adorable.
- Ailín – “Little rock”; sturdy and grounded, perfect for a steady soul.
- Art – “Bear” or “champion”; worn by ancient kings and heroes.
- Barry – “Spear”; strong yet friendly and familiar.
- Barra – Short form of Finbarr; Saint Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork.
- Bearnard – Irish form of Bernard; “brave as a bear.”
- Cathán – “Battle”; small but mighty warrior vibe.
- Columba – “Dove”; peaceful and saintly, tied to early Irish Christianity.
- Conán – “Little hound”; features in heroic tales.
- Conleth – Saint Conleth was a 6th-century bishop known for his craftsmanship.
- Dermot – “Free from envy”; smooth, classic sound.
- Donncha – “Brown warrior”; noble and traditional.
- Eibhlín – Irish form of Evelyn; “desired” or “wished for.”
- Eochaid – “Horseman”; regal and mythic.
- Fearghal – “Man of valor”; a historic high king bore this name.
- Flannán – Diminutive of Flann (“red, ruddy”); tied to a 7th-century saint.
- Gearóid – Irish form of Gerard; “spear rule.”
- Iarlaith – “Prince, lord”; associated with an early bishop.
- Labhrás – Irish form of Laurence; “from Laurentum.”
- Murchadh – “Sea warrior”; bold and adventurous.
- Peadar – Irish form of Peter; “rock”; grounded and faithful.
- Proinsias – Irish form of Francis; “free man”; timeless spiritual edge.
- Rónán – “Little seal”; charming and full of coastal Irish imagery.
- Séarlait – Irish form of Charlotte; “free woman”; classic and refined.
- Tomás – Irish form of Thomas; “twin”; universally familiar but distinctly Irish.
- Treasa – “Strength”; rare, yet rooted deep in tradition.
Nature & Mythology-Inspired Beauties
Ireland’s lush landscapes and rich folklore have inspired some of the dreamiest baby names.
- Aisling – “Dream” or “vision”; tied to a style of Irish poetry.
- Aoife – “Beauty, radiance”; legendary warrior maiden.
- Blathnaid – “Little flower”; delicate yet full of life.
- Bran – “Raven”; mystical and mysterious, with mythic roots.
- Caoimhe – “Gentle, beautiful”; pronounced “kee-va.”
- Colleen – Literally “girl”; a sunny, familiar favorite.
- Dara – “Oak tree”; steady and grounded.
- Eira – Though also Welsh for “snow,” in Irish it’s linked to Ireland itself (Éire).
- Étaín – Mythical heroine who transformed into a butterfly.
- Glenna – “Valley”; an earthy, outdoorsy pick.
- Iona – An island name with spiritual and natural beauty.
- Lugh – God of light and crafts; short, powerful name.
- Morwenna – “Sea wave”; romantic and mysterious.
- Neasa – Warrior queen of Ulster; bold yet lyrical.
- Orla – “Golden princess”; sunshine in name form.
- Rowan – “Little red-haired one” or the rowan tree, a symbol of protection.
- Saoirse – “Freedom”; famously carried by actress Saoirse Ronan.
- Sorcha – “Bright, radiant”; crisp and cheerful.
- Tiernan – “Lord”; has a regal yet nature-tied sound.
- Una – “Lamb”; soft and pure, perfect for nature lovers.
- Aibhilín – “Longed for”; tied to folk songs and the natural beauty of rural Ireland.
- Ailbhe – “White, bright”; linked to a legendary female warrior.
- Aoibheann – “Fair radiance”; delicate and almost fairy-like.
- Beagán – “Little one”; evokes gentle hills and meadows.
- Brónach – “Sorrow”; Saint Brónach was associated with a coastal monastery.
- Caolán – “Slender”; reminiscent of tall grass swaying in Irish fields.
- Carraig – “Rock”; rugged, natural strength.
- Clíodhna – Goddess of love and beauty in Irish mythology.
- Cuán – “Little hound” or “harbor”; both wild and serene.
- Dáire – “Fruitful, fertile”; earthy, abundant energy.
- Deaglán – “Full of goodness”; inspired by the patron saint of Ardmore.
- Éirinn – Poetic form of Ireland; “from the land of abundance.”
- Eithlin – Variant of Étaín; ties to the sun and transformation myths.
- Fiach – “Raven”; sleek, mysterious bird of legend.
- Fionnuala – “Fair shoulder”; daughter of Lir, transformed into a swan.
- Grian – “Sun”; bright and golden, from the goddess of the sun.
- Lir – God of the sea; powerful and untamed.
- Líadan – “Grey lady”; romantic poetess in Irish legend.
- Mealla – “Lightning”; electric energy, rare in use.
- Nuala – Short form of Fionnuala; airy and lyrical.
- Órlaithín – Diminutive of Orla; “little golden princess.”
- Sionnach – “Fox”; clever and graceful in movement.
- Tadhgán – “Little poet”; a name with both nature and artistry.
- Tuile – “Flood”; fluid and powerful.
- Uainín – “Little lamb”; soft and pastoral charm.
Saintly & Spiritual Names
For parents who love the deep history and faith woven into Ireland’s saints, abbots, and holy figures.
- Ailbe – “White, bright”; Saint Ailbe is one of Ireland’s earliest saints.
- Brendan – Saint Brendan the Navigator, a beloved voyager monk.
- Ciarán – “Little dark one”; Saint Ciarán founded the monastery at Clonmacnoise.
- Columba – “Dove”; peaceful saint who spread Christianity to Scotland.
- Deirbhile – Patron saint of Erris; gentle and faithful.
- Enda – Saint Enda of Aran, known for kindness and teaching.
- Fintan – “White fire”; wise saint associated with monastic learning.
- Gobnait – Patron saint of bees; quirky and sweet.
- Ita – Called “the foster mother of the saints of Ireland.”
- Kevin – Saint Kevin of Glendalough, connected to nature and animals.
- Adomnán – “Little Adam”; 7th-century saint and biographer of Saint Columba.
- Ailín – “Little rock”; saintly figure known for steadfastness.
- Baithín – Disciple of Saint Columba; “little yellow one.”
- Benignus – “Kind”; devoted follower of Saint Patrick.
- Cainneach – Also known as Saint Canice; “handsome, fair.”
- Caoimhín – Irish form of Kevin; saint known for gentleness and love of nature.
- Carthach – Saint Carthach the Younger was an abbot and poet.
- Cianán – Early saint and bishop of Duleek.
- Cillín – “Little church”; charmingly tied to sacred places.
- Columbán – Saint Columbanus, missionary to Europe.
- Comgall – “Fellow hostage”; saint who founded Bangor Abbey.
- Cronán – “Little dark one”; name of several early saints.
- Dallan – Saint Dallán Forgaill, patron saint of poets.
- Declán – “Full of goodness”; beloved saint of Ardmore.
- Enda – Early Irish saint who promoted monastic life on the Aran Islands.
- Erc – Saint Erc, mentor to Saint Brendan.
- Fachtna – Saint Fachtna founded the monastery at Rosscarbery.
- Fanchea – Sister of Saint Enda; known for her deep piety.
- Ibar – One of the pre-Patrician saints of Ireland.
- Jarlath – Saint Jarlath, founder of the school of Tuam.
- Lasairfhíona – “Wine flame”; linked to early Christian women of Ireland.
- Loman – Nephew of Saint Patrick, first bishop of Trim.
- Macartan – Close companion of Saint Patrick.
- Molaise – Saint Molaise of Devenish Island, known for healing.
- Moninne – One of Ireland’s earliest female saints.
- Muirgen – Legendary saint who was transformed from a mermaid.
- Odhrán – Companion of Saint Columba; “pale green.”
- Ruadhán – “Little red one”; saint of Lorrha.
- Senán – Patron saint of Scattery Island.
- Tigernach – Saint Tigernach of Clones, noted for leadership.
Modern & Trendy Irish Picks
Fresh, fashionable, and perfect for today’s generation.
- Ailbhe – “White, bright”; sleek and modern-sounding.
- Ashlyn – Contemporary spin on Aislinn.
- Callum – “Dove”; peaceful and stylish.
- Cian – “Ancient”; short and modern-looking.
- Darcy – “Dark one”; literary yet modern, thanks to Austen’s Mr. Darcy.
- Declan – “Man of prayer”; loved by modern parents.
- Delaney – “From the alder grove”; playful and upbeat.
- Enya – Singer Enya made this name dreamy and international.
- Finley – “Fair warrior”; feels fresh and unisex.
- Kieran – “Little dark one”; soft yet strong.
- Larkin – “Rough, fierce”; quirky-cool.
- Lennon – Inspired by music icon John Lennon; “lover” in Irish.
- Nolan – “Champion”; sleek and sporty.
- Quinn – “Descendant of Conn”; unisex and sophisticated.
- Reagan – “Little ruler”; bold and political.
- Rian – “Little king”; stylish spelling twist on Ryan.
- Shea – “Dauntless one”; breezy and cool.
- Sloane – “Raider”; sharp, fashionable choice.
- Teagan – “Little poet”; lively and artsy.
- Tierney – “Lord, master”; spunky yet polished.
- Aibreann – “April”; breezy and seasonal, perfect for spring babies.
- Alanna – “Beautiful, serene”; feminine yet modern.
- Breccan – “Speckled”; cool, textured sound.
- Callahan – “Bright-headed”; surname style with charm.
- Cara – “Friend”; short, sweet, and wearable anywhere.
- Carys – Irish/Welsh crossover meaning “love.”
- Collins – Literary surname (think Joan or Phil Collins) with crisp appeal.
- Corrigan – “Spear”; rare, bold surname-as-first-name.
- Dempsey – “Proud”; sporty thanks to boxer Jack Dempsey.
- Devlin – “Fierce courage”; edgy but grounded.
- Fallon – “Leader”; pop culture nod to Jimmy Fallon, but rooted in Irish heritage.
- Finnegan – “Fair”; fun, friendly, and literary (James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake).
- Galvin – “Sparrow”; uncommon and breezy.
- Hagan – “Little fire”; short and modern-leaning.
- Kavan – “Comely, handsome”; sleek and masculine.
- Keeva – Anglicized from Caoimhe (“gentle, beautiful”).
- Kinsley – Modern-sounding with Irish roots (“king’s meadow”).
- Lachlan – “From the fjord-land”; more common in Scotland but beloved in Ireland too.
- Madigan – “Little dog”; playful surname pick.
- Merrin – “Joyful”; bright and cheerful.
- Neely – “Champion”; light and breezy.
- O’Shea – “Dauntless one”; makes a bold surname-first choice.
- Quade – “Son of Uaid”; short and modern.
- Rafferty – “Abundance”; jaunty, creative vibe.
- Ronan – “Little seal”; sweet, nature-linked, and trending.
- Shaughnessy – Long, lyrical, and rare for first names.
- Tierna – Feminine form of Tiernan (“lord”); sleek and stylish.
- Torin – “Chief”; strong yet approachable.
- Wynn – “Fair”; short and chic, with airy charm.
- Zaira – Irish/Arabic crossover name meaning “blossom”; strikingly modern.
Warriors & Legends
Inspired by Ireland’s heroic sagas and fearless leaders.
- Aengus – God of love and youth in Irish myth.
- Conall – “Strong wolf”; legendary Ulster warrior.
- Diarmuid – Romantic hero of “Diarmuid and Gráinne.”
- Eochaid – Ancient warrior kings carried this name.
- Fiachra – One of the Children of Lir; tied to swan legend.
- Lugh – Sun god and master craftsman.
- Medb (Maeve) – Fearless queen of Connacht.
- Niamh – Golden-haired maiden from Tir na nÓg.
- Setanta (Cúchulainn) – Epic hero of the Ulster Cycle.
- Tuathal – Name of High Kings of Ireland.
- Áedán – “Little fire”; borne by early warriors and kings.
- Ailill – “Elf”; a legendary king in the Ulster Cycle.
- Amergin – Poet-warrior of the Milesians in Irish myth.
- Balor – One-eyed giant and fearsome leader of the Fomorians.
- Bébhinn – “Fair lady”; warrior women in legend carried this name.
- Bodb Derg – King of the Tuatha Dé Danann after the retreat to the Otherworld.
- Caílte – Swift-footed warrior and member of the Fianna.
- Cathbad – Druid and warrior from the Ulster Cycle.
- Ceallach – “Bright-headed”; found in warrior genealogies.
- Conchobhar – “Lover of hounds”; King of Ulster in the tales of Cú Chulainn.
- Congal – “Fierce as a hound”; name of warrior kings.
- Conn – “Leader, chief”; as in Conn of the Hundred Battles.
- Dáithí – Last pagan High King of Ireland, known for his bravery.
- Deichtine – Mother of Cú Chulainn, a strong female figure.
- Dónall – “World ruler”; warrior lineage name.
- Dubthach – Fierce poet-warrior in ancient tales.
- Éibhear – One of the mythical Milesian brothers who conquered Ireland.
- Fiacha – Warrior name meaning “raven”; tied to several kings.
- Fiachna – “Raven”; ancient warrior of the Fianna.
- Fergus mac Róich – Renowned warrior in the Ulster Cycle.
- Findabair – Daughter of Queen Medb, tied to war and politics.
- Goll mac Morna – Rival warrior leader to Fionn mac Cumhaill.
- Labhraidh Loingseach – Legendary warrior king who became High King.
- Liath Luachra – Fierce female warrior in Fenian tales.
- Lughaid – Several heroic kings and champions in Irish saga.
- Mac Cécht – Warrior renowned for his strength in battle.
- Mongfhionn – Warrior queen whose name means “fair-haired.”
- Naoise – Tragic hero in the tale of Deirdre of the Sorrows.
- Scáthach – Fearsome female warrior and trainer of heroes.
- Sencha mac Ailella – Warrior-poet in the Ulster Cycle.
Old-School Cool
Vintage Irish names ready for a comeback.
- Aodh – “Fire”; ancient and bold.
- Brigid – “Exalted one”; goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft.
- Cathal – “Battle ruler”; strong historic vibe.
- Colm – “Dove”; gentle and old-fashioned in the sweetest way.
- Donal – “World ruler”; regal and solid.
- Eithne – “Kernel, grain”; humble yet lovely.
- Fergus – “Man of force”; a name with swagger.
- Grainne – “Grain”; legendary princess of romance and rebellion.
- Lorcan – “Little fierce one”; perfect for a spirited child.
- Malachy – “Messenger of God”; regal and rare.
- Manus – “Great”; weighty in meaning, gentle in sound.
- Maura – “Of the sea”; calm and steady.
- Muiris – Irish form of Maurice; charmingly vintage.
- Nessa – Linked to Queen Neasa; short and memorable.
- Oisin – “Little deer”; poet-warrior of myth.
- Padraig – Irish for Patrick; classic and proud.
- Roisin – “Little rose”; romantic and lyrical.
- Seamus – Irish form of James; literary and friendly.
- Tadgh – “Poet, philosopher”; rich with history.
- Una – Soft, timeless, and pure.
- Áine – “Radiance, brilliance”; goddess of summer and sovereignty.
- Art – “Bear” or “champion”; ancient kings of Ireland wore this name proudly.
- Beacan – “Little one”; quaint and charming.
- Blathnaid – “Little flower”; sweet with an old poetic ring.
- Bríd – Classic form of Bridget; saintly yet vintage-chic.
- Brogan – “Sturdy shoe”; surname-turned-first-name with a rustic vibe.
- Cadhan – “Battle”; crisp and old-school strong.
- Caireann – Mother of Niall of the Nine Hostages, rooted in royal legend.
- Caoimhín – Original form of Kevin, meaning “gentle, handsome.”
- Carthach – “Loving”; historical monastic name.
- Ciarán – “Little dark one”; saintly and widely loved.
- Colm – “Dove”; peaceful and deeply Irish.
- Colmán – Diminutive of Colm; old monastic and scholarly name.
- Comhghall – “Joint pledge”; medieval and dignified.
- Críostóir – Gaelic form of Christopher; noble and devout.
- Darach – “Oak tree”; earthy vintage appeal.
- Diarmuid – Heroic name meaning “free from envy.”
- Domhnall – “World ruler”; traditional form of Donald.
- Éanna – “Bird-like”; gentle yet strong.
- Eithne – “Kernel, grain”; borne by saints and queens.
- Énna – Ancient royal name meaning “bird.”
- Feichín – “Little raven”; saint’s name with a soft sound.
- Fionán – Diminutive of Fionn; crisp and airy.
- Flann – “Red, ruddy”; worn by kings and warriors alike.
- Lorcán – “Little fierce one”; compact and full of character.
- Muiris – Irish form of Maurice; vintage aristocratic flair.
- Nuala – Diminutive of Fionnuala; graceful and melodic.
- Odhrán – “Little pale green one”; old Gaelic treasure.
- Peadar – Irish form of Peter; warm and grounded.
- Séamus – Irish James; rich with history and personality.
Unique Finds & Rare Gems
Perfect if you want something distinctive but still rooted in Irish tradition.
- Ailill – “Elf”; rare and whimsical.
- Bevin – “Fair lady”; uncommon yet pretty.
- Brogan – “Sturdy shoe”; quirky and fun.
- Cael – “Slender”; short and punchy.
- Daragh – “Oak tree”; variation of Dara, but rarer.
- Eoghan – “Born of the yew”; strong nature tie.
- Fiadh – “Wild”; short, fierce, and trending in Ireland.
- Gobnait – “Smith”; delightfully unexpected.
- Keelan – “Slender”; gentle yet masculine.
- Laoise – “Radiance”; pronounced “lee-sha.”
- Mairéad – Irish form of Margaret; “pearl”.
- Nevan – “Holy”; rare and sleek.
- Odrán – “Pale green”; soft and earthy.
- Róisín – Romantic diminutive of Rose.
- Sadhbh – “Sweet, lovely”; pronounced “sive.”
- Turlach – “Support”; unusual yet warm.
- Ultan – Named for Saint Ultan, known for kindness.
- Vaughan – “Small”; crisp and dapper.
- Yseult – Legendary tragic lover; mystical allure.
- Zeff – Modern twist from Zephyr, but tied to Irish Zefan forms.
- Aibhilin – “Longed-for child”; rare, romantic, and full of heart.
- Aifric – Old Gaelic name meaning “pleasant, lovely.”
- Ailbhe – “White, bright”; associated with legendary warriors and saints.
- Aodhfionn – “Fair fire”; a glowing and unusual twist on Aodh.
- Bairrfhionn – “Fair-topped”; old poetic name with a lyrical sound.
- Buan – “Enduring”; short, strong, and steeped in ancient use.
- Caelán – “Slender”; light, airy, and rarely spotted.
- Caireall – Warrior name meaning “champion.”
- Caoilfhionn – “Slender and fair”; elegant and intricate.
- Cnáimheach – Rare old name meaning “bony” — quirky and distinct.
- Dáirine – Legendary princess name tied to old sagas.
- Dearbháil – “True desire”; rich with medieval charm.
- Deasún – “Man of peace”; a gentle rarity.
- Dubheasa – “Dark beauty”; haunting and beautiful.
- Étaín – Mythical heroine reborn through many lifetimes.
- Fainche – “Slender”; delicate yet enduring.
- Feardorcha – “Dark man”; brooding and mysterious.
- Gormlaith – Queenly name meaning “illustrious princess.”
- Laoise – “Light”; soft, shining, and still rare outside Ireland.
- Liadan – “Grey lady”; tied to a legendary poetess.
- Lóegaire – “Calf herder”; worn by High Kings of old.
- Mairenn – “Star of the sea”; rare saintly gem.
- Muirenn – “Of the sea”; serene and flowing.
- Nechtan – Mythic figure linked to the Well of Wisdom.
- Órfhlaith – “Golden princess”; radiant and regal.
- Rónánán – Diminutive of Rónán, meaning “little seal.”
- Saorlaith – “Noble princess”; graceful and uncommon.
- Sibéal – Irish form of Sybil; mystical and rare.
- Tighearnach – “Lordly”; steeped in early Christian history.
- Uainín – “Little lamb”; tender and one-of-a-kind.
Names with Musical & Literary Charm
Perfect for parents who love the arts, literature, and Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition.
- Aisling – Also a poetic genre in Irish literature.
- Cara – “Friend”; lyrical and sweet.
- Darby – Quirky choice tied to old Irish folk tales.
- Enya – Named after the singer who’s pure Irish magic.
- Flann – “Red, ruddy”; historical poets carried this name.
- Lorcan – Connected to early Irish literature.
- Orla – Popular in Irish ballads.
- Róisín – “Little rose”; immortalized in the song “Róisín Dubh.”
- Saoirse – Famous from films thanks to Saoirse Ronan.
- Tara – Romanticized in literature and song.
- Ailfrid – Irish form of Alfred, meaning “wise counselor”; gentle and scholarly.
- Aoibheann – “Fair, beautiful”; a favorite in old poetry and song.
- Aonghus – God of love and youth in Irish myth; mentioned in many folk songs.
- Barra – “Fair-haired”; connected to Saint Finbarr and soft Gaelic ballads.
- Bláthmac – “Flower son”; ancient poetic figure.
- Caomhán – “Gentle, kind”; warm, lyrical, and saintly.
- Caoimhe – “Gentle, beautiful”; rolls off the tongue like a melody.
- Ciar – “Dark”; short but soulful, like a minimalist verse.
- Columba – “Dove”; linked to Saint Columba and early Irish monastic hymns.
- Conchobhar – Legendary king of Ulster, immortalized in sagas and verse.
- Deirbhile – “Daughter of a poet”; a direct nod to literary heritage.
- Dónal – Irish form of Donald; appears in countless folk ballads.
- Éibhear – Ancient literary hero; name has a soft, airy rhythm.
- Éimhear – Heroine of the Ulster Cycle; name sings with elegance.
- Éirinn – Poetic form of “Ireland”; beloved in songs of the homeland.
- Feilim – “Ever good”; often found in bardic poetry.
- Fiachra – One of the Children of Lir; name carries a fabled, melodic weight.
- Flannán – Diminutive of Flann; tied to monastic scribes and storytellers.
- Gearóidín – Feminine form of Gerard; appears in lilting folk verses.
- Gobnait – Patron saint of beekeepers, celebrated in lyrical prayers.
- Íde – “Thirst”; simple yet powerful in early hymnals.
- Labhrás – Irish form of Laurence; appears in 19th-century nationalist poetry.
- Lorcán – “Little fierce one”; found in old bardic chronicles.
- Mairéad – Irish Margaret; featured in ballads with themes of love and loss.
- Méabhán – Diminutive of Maeve; delicate and songlike.
- Naoise – Tragic hero of the Deirdre legend; a name with a dramatic, operatic feel.
- Oisín – Legendary poet-warrior; name practically hums with music.
- Pádraigín – Feminine form of Patrick; used in folk songs with affectionate tones.
- Róisín – “Little rose”; immortalized in the patriotic song “Róisín Dubh.”
- Seosamh – Irish Joseph; carried in church hymns and traditional storytelling.
A–Z Quick Picks (Because Sometimes You Just Want to Browse Fast)
- A-Aidan, Aisling, Aoife, Ashlyn, Aodh
- B-Bran, Brendan, Brigid, Brogan, Blathnaid
- C-Caoimhe, Cian, Cormac, Colm, Cathal
- D-Dara, Darcy, Declan, Deirdre, Donal
- E-Eamon, Eileen, Eithne, Enya, Eoghan
- F-Fergus, Fiadh, Finley, Fionn
- G-Glenna, Grainne, Gobnait
- H-Hugh (from Aodh), Honora
- I-Iona, Íde, Iarlaith
- J-Jarlath, James (Seamus)
- K-Kathleen, Kieran, Keelan
- L-Laoise, Lorcan, Lugh, Lennon
- M-Maeve, Malachy, Manus, Maura, Mairéad
- N-Nessa, Niall, Neasa, Nolan, Nevan
- O-Odrán, Oisín, Orla
- P-Padraig, Patrick
- Q-Quinn
- R-Róisín, Rian, Reagan, Rowan
- S-Sadhbh, Saoirse, Sean, Shea, Siobhan, Sinead, Sloane, Sorcha
- T-Tadgh, Tara, Teagan, Tiernan, Tierney, Turlough
- U-Ultan, Una
- V-Vaughan
- W-Wyatt (Irish/Welsh crossover)
- Y-Yseult
- Z-Zeff
Wrap-Up: Finding “The One”
Choosing a baby name is like weaving a little piece of history into your family’s future. With Irish names, you’re getting a gorgeous blend of story, melody, and meaning. Whether you were drawn to fierce warrior queens like Maeve, gentle poetic souls like Tadgh, or modern trendsetters like Quinn, there’s truly something here for every parent.
Remember, the “perfect” name isn’t just about how it sounds today — it’s about how it will grow with your child, the pride it will inspire, and the smile it brings every time you say it.
So take your time. Let the names sit with you. Say them out loud, scribble them on paper, imagine them on graduation certificates and wedding invitations. You’ll know when you’ve found your name — it’s the one that feels like home.
And if that name happens to have a bit of Irish sparkle? Well, that’s just the luck o’ the Irish shining on you.