Irish Names for Boys: 95 Charming Picks For Your Dear Little Shamrock

Looking for the perfect Irish name for your baby boy?

In this awesome list of 95 male Irish names, I’ve collected classic and rare options, added romantic historical picks, and, most importantly, shared each name’s meaning.

12 Classic Irish Names for Boys

Name	Meaning
Sean Patrick	Gift from God
Liam James	Strong-willed warrior
Aidan Connor	Fire; Much wanted
Brendan Michael	Prince, brave
Cian Finn	Ancient, fair
Declan Francis	Full of goodness

Classic Irish names for boys are a wonderful choice due to their rich cultural heritage. They often come with beautiful meanings.

18 Rare Irish Names for Boys

Colm

It means ‘dove’. It’s popular in Ireland, but rare in the U.S. because of its unique Celtic pronunciation.

Breccan

It means ‘freckled.’ It’s rare because it originated from ancient Irish folklore.

Cillian

This name means ‘church.’ It’s rare outside of Ireland due to its uncommon spelling.

Domhnall

This name means ‘world ruler.’ It’s rare outside of Ireland and Scotland due to its non-English pronunciation.

Fionn

It means ‘fair.’ It’s rare outside of Ireland due to its unique pronunciation, which doesn’t match its spelling.

Lochlann

This lovely name means ‘land of lakes’. It’s rare because it was usually given to descendants of Viking invaders in Ireland.

Naoise

This name means ‘warrior.’ It’s rare because of its ancient Gaelic origin and special pronunciation.

Ossian

This name means ‘little deer.’ It’s rare because it comes from ancient Celtic mythology.

Quirke

The name means ‘shapely.’ It’s rare due to it being typically seen as a surname insstead of a first name.

Ronan

Meaning ‘little seal.’ It’s rare because it mostly known from Irish legends and not often used as a modern first name.

Seraphim

This name means ‘fiery ones.’ It’s rare because it’s typically associated with traditional biblical names and not often used in Irish context.

Turlough

This name means ‘one who assists.’ It’s rare because of its ancient Irish origin and unique pronunciation.

Ultan

The name means ‘one from Ulster.’ It’s rare because it’s a regionally-specific name within Ireland.

Vincent

Meaning ‘conqueror.’ Although popular in other Western countries, it’s rare in Ireland.

Weylin

This name means ‘ son of the wolf.’ It’s rare because it’s mostly known from ancient Irish tales.

Xylon

The name means ‘from the forest.’ It’s a rare name because it’s a modern reinterpretation of traditional Irish woodland names.

Yeats

Named after the famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats. It’s rare as it’s more commonly known as a surname.

Zephyr

This name means ‘west wind.’ Not originally Irish but rare and used occasionally in Ireland due to its poetic nature.

Choosing a rare Irish name for your boy can offer him a unique identity, a connection to his roots, and a name that carries a deep symbolic meaning. These names stand out and make an impression.

On the flip side, a rare Irish name may occasionally be challenging to pronounce for those unfamiliar with the Irish language.

10 Nice One-Syllable Male Irish Names

Name	Meaning
Bryn	It means ‘hill’.
Quinn	It means ‘intelligence’.
Shay	This name means ‘hawk-like’.
Bret	This name means ‘from Britain’.
Neal	It means ‘passionate’.
Flynn	This lovely name means ‘son of the red-haired one’.
Kane	This name means ‘warrior’.
Tate	This name means ‘cheerful’.
Ross	The name means ‘redhead’.
Boyd	This name means ‘yellow-haired’.

There’s a simple elegance in one-syllable names that is hard to match. They are crisp, short, and easy to remember.

Such names tend not to be reduced to nicknames, meaning your child’s name is unlikely to be altered in an unlikable way.

Also, these names pair well with long last names, providing a harmonious balance that feels just right.

10 Historical Irish Names for Boys

Name	Historical Note
Tadhg	There have been many kings of Ireland named Tadhg, making this name truly fit for a leader.
Donal	Donal O’Sullivan was a nobleman who led his clan through a treacherous, snowy march in the 17th century.
Malachy	Malachy was the name of an important 12th century High King of Ireland.
Lorcan	Lorcan Ua Tuathail, also known as Saint Laurence O’Toole, was an archbishop of Dublin and is a patron saint of the city.
Muiris	This name recalls Muiris Ó Súilleabháin, an famed 18th century Irish writer.
Cathal	Cathal is a name associated with a brave 13th-century High King of Ireland, King Cathal Crobderg O’Connor.
Óisín	This name belonged to Oisín, a mythological Irish poet and warrior of the “Fenian Cycle” legends.
Art	This name is associated with Art Mac Morrough Kavanagh, a powerful 14th-century King of Leinster.
Daithí	The most famous bearer of this name was Daithí Mac Amhlaoibh, a legendary 19th-century giant from Kerry.
Finbar	Finbar was the name of an Irish saint who founded a monastery in the city of Cork.

Choosing a historical Irish name for your son can serve as a bridge to the past, connecting your child to the rich heritage of Ireland.

But why stick only to human history when choosing a name? A historical name from your own family tree can help maintain bonds with past generations, ensuring that your family’s history continues to live on.

16 Irish Names for Boys with Rhyming Endings

Name	Meaning
Riley Finley	Riley Finley means courageous falcon. Celebrity with the name: Riley Green, a country singer.
Brady Grady	Brady Grady means large-chested noble. Celebrity with the name: Brady Smith, an American actor.
Kieran Eoghan	Kieran Eoghan means dark-born and young. Celebrity with the name: Kieran Culkin, an actor.
Tadhg Fionnlagh	Tadhg Fionnlagh means poet and white warrior.
Alastar Eoin	Alastar Eoin means protector and God is gracious.
Malachy Rafferty	Malachy Rafferty means my messenger and prosperity wielder.
Oscar Ciaran	Oscar Ciaran means friend of deer and little dark one. Celebrity with the name: Oscar Wilde, a famous writer.
Darragh Fionnbharr	Darragh Fionnbharr means oak tree and fair-haired.
Fergal Donal	Fergal Donal means man of valor and world ruler.
Ronan Conan	Ronan Conan means little seal and hound. Celebrity with the name: Ronan Keating, a singer and songwriter.
Flann Naoise	Flann Naoise means red and warrior.
Ruaric Pádraig	Ruaric Pádraig means famous ruler and noble.
Seamus Fearghus	Seamus Fearghus means supplanter and strong man.
Tiarnan Cianan	Tiarnan Cianan means lord and ancient.
Deaglan Riagan	Deaglan Riagan means full of goodness and king.
Tadgh Padraig	Tadgh Padraig means poet and noble. Celebrity with the name: Tadhg Furlong, a rugby player.

An Irish name with a rhyming can make his name sound melodious and catchy.

29 Irish Names for Boys That Start With A

Name	Meaning and Fun Facts
Aodh	Aodh means “fire”. It’s been the name of some early Irish kings and saints.
Aodhán	A smaller version of Aodh, Aodhán means “little fire”, and it’s popularly used in modern Ireland.
Aelan	Aelin means “handsome”, and it’s an uncommon name that’s rich in personality.
Art	Art means “bear”, “rock”, or “stone”. In Irish folklore, Art was a popular name among high kings.
Alby	Similar to Albert, Alby means “bright” and is a sweet and simple name choice.
Allister	An Irish form of Alexander, Allister means “defender of men”.
Arlen	Arlen means “promise” or “pledge”. It’s a name that showcases commitment and dedication.
Arlis	Arlis stands for “pledge” and is a rare and unique name.
Adair	The name Adair means “wealthy spear”. It has a rich sound and signifies strength.
Abbán	Abbán signifies “little abbot”. It’s an uncommon name with religious overtones.
Alaois	Alaois is the Irish version of the name Aloysius, meaning “fame and war”.
Arthgallo	Arthgallo is a strong name with the meaning “valor or bear hero” has deep roots in early Celtic kings.
Alroy	Alroy means “red haired prince” and is a rare option for those seeking unique names.
Aodhfin	Aodhfin has a gentle meaning: “white fire”. It’s a great name choice for a child full of life.
Antoine	The Irish version of Anthony, Antoine means “priceless one”.
Augus	Augus is a rare name, having the meaning “exceptional or one choice”.
Alpin	Alpin stands for “white”, symbolizing purity and innocence.
Amarach	Amarach means “tomorrow”, representing hope and excitement for the future.
Amhlaoibh	Amhlaoibh is the Irish form of Olaf and it means “ancestor’s descendant”.
Anrai	Anrai is the Irish version of Henry, meaning “home ruler.”
Annaduff	A place name that means “the black marsh” – an unique option for nature-loving parents.
Assan	Assan is a local name meaning “waterfall.” It’s a fluid, melodious choice.
Athdara	The name Athdara is a unique choice with the meaning “from the oak tree ford”.
Abhartach	Abhartach means “dwarf” and is a name with legendary associations in Irish folklore.
Áedán	Áedán is a variant of Aodhán and means “little fire”.
Allán	Allán is an Irish name meaning “harmony” and is a variant of the name Alan.
Amargein	Amargein is an ancient Irish name that means “birth of a song”.
Aillil	Aillil is an old Irish name meaning “elf or sprite”.
Airell	Airell means “nobleman” and is a given name of an Irish saint.

Names starting with the letter “A” are considered powerful and successful. When these names are combined with the rich Irish culture and history, they become even more special.

Wrapping Up

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