The best Irish names for your dog

Trying to choose a name for your dog? Why not draw some inspiration from Ireland and the Irish language!

From fearsome hounds of Irish lore to beloved Irish figures, there are many great options for Irish dog names.

Here's IrishCentral's official list of the best Irish names for your dog:

1. Bran

Name of great Irish warrior Fionn Mac Cumhail’s dog, who was actually his nephew turned into a hound by a sorcerer. There is a long history of calling Irish wolfhounds, Bran.

2. Sceolan (skol awn)

The second dog of famous warrior Fionn Mac Cumhail, who was also his nephew.

3. Cúchulainn (Hound of Culainn)

Cúchulainn was the greatest Irish mythical warrior. He got his name from slaying a dog owned by the blacksmith Culainn, which was threatening to devour him. Cúchulainn offered to become the man’s watchdog and the name Cúchulainn (Ku-Kullen) stuck.

4. Morrigan

Goddess of war in Celtic mythology, yet a noble creature. Female Celtic hounds were often named after her.

5. Seamus

Meaning "supplanter," this Irish name received the presidential seal of approval from both Bill Clinton and Mitt Romney who had dogs named Seamus.

What would you name these precious pups? (Getty Images)

6. Finian

Of Irish origin meaning "fair," the name is famously associated with the play "Finian’s Rainbow," about an Irish family seeking their crock of gold in America.

7. Conan

From the word “con” meaning hound or wolf. Some say the meaning can also be “swift-footed warrior.” With the suffix “-an,” it means “little warrior.” According to Irish legend, Conan Maol (‘Bald Conan’) was part of the Fianna warrior band. In Ireland, Conan is a popular name for dogs

8. Madra

The Irish (Gaelic) word for dog. Variations of it are found all over the Celtic languages and countries. Madra (Mod-Rah) is most common in Ireland.

9. Cú (KU)

Literally means hound and used to mean dog as well in Irish. One of the most famous figures in Irish mythology was, again, Cúchulainn.

10. Brandon

This name derives from the Irish “Bréanainn” which comes from the word “brenhin” meaning prince - perfect for a pup!

Man's best friend deserves a great Irish name. (Getty Images)

* Originally published in Aug 2016. Last updated in September 2023.