200+ Irish Boy Names with Strong Meaning and Heritage

Last Updated on May 21, 2025 by currentlyjess

Looking for the perfect Irish boy name? You’re in the right place. Whether you have Irish roots or just love names with strong history and heart, there’s something special about Irish names. They’re timeless, rich in meaning, and somehow manage to feel both grounded and unique at the same time.

Some of these names come straight from ancient legends. Others have a softer, more modern feel. There are familiar favorites and lesser-known gems—and I’ve grouped them so it’s easy to find the style that fits what you’re looking for.

However you’re naming your little one, I hope this list gives you a few new favorites to think about.

Also looking for girl names? You might like this list of over 200 Irish girl names, from timeless picks to more unexpected ones.

Also working on girl names? You might like this list of over 200 Irish girl names, from timeless picks to more unexpected ones.

Stunning Irish Boy Names

Classic Irish Boy Names

There’s just something about the classics. These names have been around forever, and they still feel strong and steady. If you’re drawn to names with history and heart, this list is a good place to start.

Connor – (Gaelic) Lover of wolves

Clark – (English) Secretary

Liam – (Irish) Resolute protection

Devin – (Irish) Poet

Dylan – (Welsh) Son of the sea

Dermot – (Irish) Free man

Patrick – (Latin) Noble

Craig – (Scottish) From the rocks

Connell – (Irish) Strong as a wolf

Sean – (Irish) God is gracious

Brendan (Irish) Prince or brave

Bryan/Brian – (Irish) Noble, strong, and virtuous

Caolán – (KAY-lawn or KEE-lin) (Irish) Slender

Tristan – (Irish) Noise or sadness

Brett – (Irish) From Brittany, France

Modern Irish Boy Names

These names have Irish roots but feel a little more current. Some are newer takes on older names, others just have that clean, simple sound that works well today. If you want something that feels Irish without sounding too traditional, this might be your lane.

Finn – (Gaelic) Fair

Bellamy – (English, Irish) Fine friend

Madden – (Irish) Little dog

Mckinley – (Scottish) Son of the fair hero

Conall – (Irish) Rule of a wolf

Sullivan – (Irish) Dark-eyed

Tadhg (TYG) – (Irish) Poet or storyteller

Cilian – (Irish) – War strife or church

Delaney – (Irish) Dark challenger

Lennon – (Irish) Lover

Kier – (Irish) Dark-haired

Shea – (Irish) Dauntless one

Payton – (English) Fighting man’s estate

Tieran – (Irish) Little lord

Dilan – (Turkish) Love

Rian – (Irish) King

Morrisey – (Irish) Sea taboo

Radigan – (Irish) To uproot

Colin – (Irish, English, and Scottish) People of victory

Caelan (KAY-lin) – (Scottish) Little slender one

McCoy – (Irish) Fire

Trendy Irish Boy Names

These names are climbing the charts, and it’s easy to see why. They’re fun, stylish, and still feel meaningful. If you’re looking for something that feels fresh but not too out there, these names hit that middle ground.

Callahan – (Gaelic, Irish) Little bright-headed one

Keegan – (Gaelic) Descendant of the fiery one

Callum – (Scottish, Latin) Dove

Carlin – (Irish) Little champion

Caio (KAI-oh) – (Gaelic) Rejoice

Callix – (Greek) Handsome

Roan/Rowan – (Irish) Little redhead

Kellan – (Irish) Swamp

Blaine – (Irish) Slender

Keane – (Irish) Fighter or sharp-witted

Aodhan (AY-dan) – (Irish) Little fire

Gannon – (Irish) Fair skinned

Kalen – (Gaelic) Slender, fair

Lochlan – (Scottish) Land of lakes

Sheridan – (Irish) Searcher

Finlay – (Irish, Scottish) Fair-haired hero

Tomas – (Irish) Twin

Shaw – (English) Lives by the thicket

Cool Irish Boy Names

Cool names can be tricky to pin down, but you know them when you hear them. These Irish boy names feel easygoing, a little bold, and full of personality. If you want a name that sounds strong but not too serious, this list might have what you’re looking for.

Donovan – (Gaelic) Little brown one, dark

Brennan – (Irish) Tear, sorrow

Kenny – (Gaelic) Handsome; Born of fire

Shane – (Irish) God is gracious

Devlin – (Irish) Unlucky

Redmond – (Irish) Wise protector

Cullinan – (Irish) Handsome

Bard – (Irish) Poet

Eames (EEMZ) – (English) Son of the Uncle

Gannon – (Irish) Fair-skinned

Cavan – (Irish) Hollow

Cullen – (Irish) Holly

Ailin (AWL-een or AY-leen) – (Gaelic) Handsome and cheerful

Tierney – (Irish) Descendant of a lord

Niall – (Irish) Champion

Finnian (FIN-ee-an) – (Irish) Fair

Lachlan – (Scottish, used in Ireland) From the land of lakes

Daman – (Greek) One who tames

Quade – (Latin) Son of Uaid

Renny – (Irish) Little prosperous one

Bold Irish Boy Names

These names have a little more edge to them. Some sound powerful, others just have that strong, stand-out quality. If you’re looking for something with a little grit or energy, this list may be for you!

Brogan – (Gaelic, Irish) Small shoe

Garvey – (Irish) Rough and tough

Cullin – (Irish) Young hound, good-looking

Kiernan (KEER-nan) – (Irish) Little dark-haired one

Rafferty – (Irish) Floodtide or abundance

Caledon – (Irish) Hard or rocky land

Donagh – (Irish) Brown warrior

Cahir (KAH-heer) – (Irish) Battle man

Conroy – (Irish) Wolf of the plain

Kyron – (Celtic) Little dark-haired one

Cormac – (Irish) Charioteer

Quinlan – (Irish) Fit or strong

Fiachra (FEE-akh-ra) – (Irish) Raven

Maguire – (Irish) Son of the beige one

Mack – (Irish) Son of

Brecken – (Irish) Freckled

If you like these bold Irish boy names you might also like this list of three letter boy names.

Handsome Irish Boy Names

These are the names that just have that good-looking sound to them. Maybe it’s how they flow or the way they roll off the tongue, but they feel classic, polished, and kind of effortlessly cool.

Flynn – (Irish) Descendant of the red-haired man

Allan – (Irish) Cheerful, handsome

Alastar – (Gaelic) Defender of mankind

Alby – (English) White, noble

Garrick – (Irish/English) Spear ruler

Kavanagh – (Irish) Born handsome or son of Caomhan

Kayce – (Irish) Alert, watchful

Niles – (Scandinavian) Son of Neil

Desmond – (Irish) From South Munster

Cassian – (Irish/Latin) Curly-haired

Rogan – (Irish) Redhead

Channing – (Irish) Wolf cub

Clancy – (Irish) Red-haired warrior

Sullivan – (Gaelic) Hawk eyed

Mythological Irish Boy Names

Irish mythology is full of warriors, poets, and heroes, and the names are just as bold as the stories. These picks come from ancient legends and folklore, and they definitely carry some character.

Eoghan (O-in or O-wen) – (Welsh) Young warrior, well born

Clancy – (Irish) Red warrior

Aengus (AYN-gus) – (Irish) Little and fiery

Kean – (Irish) Keen wit or eye

Killian – (Irish) Little church or war strife

Lugh – (Irish) God of many skills

Fionn (FYUN) – (Irish) Fair-haired

Ruadán (ROO-dawn) – (Irish) Red-haired warrior in myth

Mannix – (Irish) Little monk

Meriel – (Irish) Sea nymph or bright sea

Ailfrid (AL-frid) – (British) Elf or magical counsel

Amon – (Greek, Hebrew, Arabic) The hidden one

Diarmaid (DEER-mid) – (Irish) Free man

Cael (KAYL) – (Irish) Slender

Nature-Inspired Irish Boy Names

If you love names that feel connected to the land, these are full of earthy, outdoorsy charm. Think forests, animals, rivers, and skies. Ireland has no shortage of beautiful landscapes, and these names reflect that in the best way.

Glen – (Scottish) Narrow valley

Orrin – (Irish) Pine tree, dun-colored

Ronan – (Irish) Little seal

Toran – (Irish) Thunder

Eirnan (AY-run) – (Irish) Iron

Beacan – (Irish) Little one or flame

Macdara – (Irish) Son of oak

Darragh – (Irish) Oak tree

Quillian – (Irish) Cub

Coill (KWEEL) – (Irish) Forest

Eanna (AY-nuh) – (Irish) Birdlike or air

Oisin (uh-SHEEN) – (Irish) Little deer

Carrick – (Irish) Rock

Daire (DAH-ra) – (Irish) Oak tree

Colm – (Irish) Dove

Sionnach (SHUN-ukh) – (Irish) Fox

Mirren – (Scottish) Drop of the sea

Hurley – (Irish) Sea tide

Carrick – (Irish) Rock

Odhran (OH-rawn or OR-awn) – (Irish) Little pale green one

Murtagh (MUR-tuh) – (Irish) Sea warrior

Blathmac (BLAW-vock) – (Irish) Son of flowers

Fiach (FEE-ukh) – (Irish) Crow or raven

Love the earthy, outdoorsy feel of these Irish names? You’ll probably like this list of nature names for boys too.

Royal Irish Boy Names

These names have true royal roots. They come from ancient Irish kings, warriors, and noble families, and many have been passed down through real historical lineages. If you’re drawn to names with a strong sense of heritage and a little weight behind them, this is a good place to look.

Fallon – (Gaelic) Of a ruling family

Grady – (Gaelic) Descendant of the noble one

Rian – (Irish) Little king

Ryann – (Irish) Little ruler/king

Brendin – (Irish) Prince

Eochaid (YO-khid or OH-khid) – (Irish) Horseman

Donal – (Irish) Chief

Riordan – (Irish) Royal poet

Macbeth – (Gaelic) Son of life

Caibre (KY-brah) – (Irish) Charioteer, royal ancestor

Eoghan (O-in or O-wen) – (Irish) Noble born

Regan – (Irish) Little king

Brennon – (Irish) Little prince

Tiernan – (Gaelic) Little lord

Torin – (Irish) Chief

Kyran – (Gaelic) Beam of light

Darien – (Irish, Gaelic) Great one

Iarlaith (EAR-la or EAR-lah) – (Irish and Gaelic) Ruler

Rory – (Irish) Red king

If you’re drawn to royal Irish names, you might also like this collection of Bridgerton-inspired baby names filled with elegance, charm, and timeless style.

Unique Irish Boy Names

These names are a little less common but still full of Irish charm. Some are older names that haven’t gotten much attention, and others just haven’t hit the mainstream yet. If you’re looking for something that feels a little different without being too out there, this is a great place to start.

Callen – (Gaelic) – Rock

Carrigan – (Gaelic) – Pointed, spear

Farrel – (Gaelic) – Hero, man of courage

Keelan – (Irish) – Slender

Keefe – (Irish) – Noble, handsome

Darren – (Irish) – Little great one

Dempsey – (Irish) – Proud

Turlough – (Irish) – Abettor

Kermit – (Irish) – Free man

Larkin – (Irish) – Rough and fierce

Bardo – (Irish) – Singer or poet

Fintan – (Irish) – White fire or white bull

Murphy – (Gaelic) – Descendant of sea warrior

Trace – (Irish) – Brave or dauntless

Dublin – (Irish) – The capital of Ireland

Lorcan – (Irish) – Little fierce one

Vintage Irish Boy Names

I have a soft spot for vintage names. There’s something about an old name with history that still holds up today. These have that worn-in feel, like they’ve been around awhile—in the best way.

Seamus – (Irish) Supplanter

Senan – (Irish) Old or wise

Art – (Irish) Bear

Murray – (Scottish) From the land by the sea

Flannery – (Irish) Descendant of Flannghal

Malachy – (Irish) Messenger

Baz – (Irish) Regal or Falcon

Hobart – (German) Bright or shining intellect

Donahue – (Irish) Dark fighter

Desmond – (Irish) From South Munster

Cedric – (Irish) Loved one, war chief

Bairre (BAH-rah) – (Irish) Fair-haired

Crosby – (Irish) Village with crosses

Ennis – (Irish) From the island

Fergus – (Irish) Man of force or strength

Finney – (Irish, English) The Nubian

Paddy – (Irish) Noble, regal

Cathal – (Irish) Battle ruler

Doyle – (Irish) Black stranger

Fitzgerald – (Irish, Scottish) Son of Gerald

Lucan – (Latin) From Lucania

Short Irish Boy Names

Simple doesn’t mean boring. These short Irish names are easy to say, easy to spell, and still carry weight. They’re great if you’re after something sweet and to the point, but still full of character.

Egan – (Irish) Little fire

Edan – (Hebrew) Pleasure, delight

Cody – (English) Helpful

Neil – (Irish) Cloud

Cael – (Irish) Slender

Caom (KEEV)– (Irish) Gentle

Loch – (Scottish) Lake

Nigel – (Irish) Black-haired

Breen – (Irish) Noble or fairy palace

Con – (Irish) Brave wolf

Bran – (Irish) Raven

Niall – (Irish) Champion

Aden – (Gaelic) Little fire

Donn – (Irish) Brown

Oran – (Irish) Pale or little green one

Fiann – (Irish) Warrior

Teague – (Irish) Poet or philosopher

Fee – (Irish) Raven

Enda – (Irish) Bird like

Keon – (Irish) God is gracious

Shay – (Irish) Hawk or stately

Keir – (Irish/Scottish) Dark-haired

Eoin (OH-in) – (Irish) God is gracious

If you love short and simple Irish names, you might also enjoy this list of strong four-letter boy names that pack a lot of character into just a few letters.

Unisex Irish Names

These names work well for boys or girls, and they’re especially nice if you want something that doesn’t feel overly traditional. They have a softer style but still feel solid, with a modern edge that a lot of parents are drawn to right now.

Sherian – (Irish) Searcher

Devin – (Irish) Divine or poet

Kennedy – (Irish) Helmeted chief

Teigen – (Irish, Norwegian) Poet, strip of land

Mackenna – (Irish) Son of the handsome one

Shea – (Irish) Hawk-like or stately

Kassidy – (Gaelic) Clever

Darcy – (Irish) Dark one

Shanley – (Irish) Old hero

Kelly – (Irish) War

Reagan – (Irish) Little king

Riley – (Irish) Wood clearing or courageous

Finley – (Irish) Fair-haired hero

Casey – (Irish) Vigilant or brave

Dallas – (Irish) Meadow dwelling

Final Thoughts on Irish Boy Names

Naming a baby is an important decision, and it’s completely normal if it takes a little time to find one that feels right. Whether you’re drawn to tradition, meaning, or just the sound of a name you love, the best choice is the one that fits your family.

Irish names have a way of feeling grounded and full of character, and I hope this list helped you discover a few new favorites.

If you’re still exploring, I have plenty of other name lists to help spark inspiration—classic picks, modern ideas, and everything in between. You can find more of them here.

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About Me

Hey I’m Jess! I’m a mom of two boys and a labor and delivery nurse just trying to navigate this crazy thing called motherhood. I’m so glad you’re here!

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