100 Irish first names and their beautiful meanings

Looking for an Irish name for a little bundle of joy on the way or just inspired by the beauty of Irish names and their meanings? Here are 100 ideas for you! 

Here are today's 100 most popular Irish language baby names, with their meanings and pronunciations - 50 girl names and 50 boy names. See if yours made the cut, or peruse the list for some inspiration! 

Irish Girls Names:

1. Aoife (ee-fa)

This name means beautiful, radiant or joyful, and likely derives from the Gaelic word ‘aoibh’ meaning ‘beauty’ or ‘pleasure.’ In Irish mythology, Aoife is known as the greatest woman warrior in the world. She gave birth to the mythological hero Cuchulainn’s only son, Connlach, and was the daughter of a king of Connacht. Legend has it, her marriage was arranged by St. Patrick himself.

2. Caoimhe (kwee-va or kee-va)

From the Gaelic word "caomh," this name means gentle, beautiful or precious.

3. Saoirse (ser-sha)

This name means "freedom" or "liberty." It has strong patriotic overtones and has only been in use since the 1920s.

4. Ciara (kee-ra)

The feminine form of Ciaran, this name comes from the Gaelic word "ciar," which means dark. It implies dark features, like hair or eyes. In history, St. Ciara was a distinguished figure who established a monastery in Co. Tipperary during the seventh century.

5. Niamh (neev or nee-iv)

Meaning radiance, luster or brightness. In Irish mythology, Niamh was the daughter of Manannan, the god of the sea - she was known as ‘Niamh of the Golden Hair’ and was usually depicted riding on a white horse. She was the lover of poet-hero Oisin; together they lived in Tir-na-nOg, the land of eternal youth.

6. Róisín (ro-sheen)

This name means "little rose," and has been used in Ireland since the sixteenth century. When Irish patriotic poetry and song was outlawed in Ireland, Irish bands would disguise their nationalistic verses and love songs, and sing about Roisin Dubh ("Dark Rosaleen") as the poetic symbol for their country.

7. Cara

In Irish, Cara simply means "a friend."

8. Clodagh (cloda)

Named for the River Clodagh, or Clody River, which runs through Co. Tipperary and Co. Wexford. Like most Irish rivers, the name is associated with a female deity.

9. Aisling (ash-ling)

This name means "dream" or "vision" from the Gaelic word ‘aislinge’ and refers to an “aisling,” which is a poetic genre of Irish language poetry from the late 17th century. It only started being used as a first name in the 20th century. The poetic genre has been personified in Ireland as a beautiful woman in peril.

10. Éabha (ey-va)

This is the Irish form of Eve (Adam and Eve are Ádhamh agus Éabha in Irish). It means ‘life,’ but comes with all of the connotations of the name Eve, i.e. the mother of all the living.

11. Aoibhinn (ee-van or ay-veen)

This name means pleasant, beautiful sheen of radiant beauty. It was a common name for princesses among the royal families of Ireland that has been revived in recent years.

12. Áine (awn-ye)

This name comes from the noun aine, which means "radiance, splendor, brilliance." The name is connected to fruitfulness and prosperity. In Irish legend, Aine, the Queen of the Munster fairies, was one of the wives of Fionn MacCool.

13. Sadhbh (sive, sigh-v)

This name mean can either mean sweet and lovely, or wise.

14. Aoibheann (ay-veen)

This name means “of pleasant, beautiful sheen” or “radiant beauty.” It is often interpreted as a diminutive for the word Eve, or, “little Eve.”

15. Fiadh (fee-a)

Fiadh is an old Irish word meaning “wild,” in the sense of a wild animal. It comes from the word for "wildlife," fiadhúrla.

16. Aoibhe (ey-va)

This comes from the Gaelic word “aoibh,” which means beauty.

17. Laoise (lee-sha)

This means "radiant girl," and is often Anglicized as Louisa. It also refers to light.

18. Eimear (ee-mur)

This name means "swift." In the Irish legend, Eimear was the wife of warrior legend Cuchulainn, and was said to have possessed the six gifts of womanhood, which are beauty, a gentle voice, sweet words, wisdom, needlework, and chastity.

19. Orla

Also spelled Orlaith, this name means “golden princess” or “golden sovereign” in Irish. Both the sister and daughter of Brian Boru were named Orla.

20. Meabh (Maeve)

This name means “intoxicating.” In the Irish legend, Meabh was the warrior queen of Connacht.

21. Shauna

As the feminine form of the popular Irish boys’ name Sean, this name means “God is gracious.” The name can also mean “present.”

22. Shannon

This name means “wise river.” The Irish form is Sionainn and it has many spelling variations, but it comes from ‘sion’ (wise) and ‘abhainn’ (river).

23. Sinead (shin-ade)

This is the Irish form of the name “Jane” or “Jeannette,” and means “God is gracious.”

24. Gráinne (grawn-ye)

From the Irish word “gran,” meaning grain or corn. In ancient Ireland, Grainne was the goddess of the grain or harvest. There is also a famous legendary Irish narrative, “The pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne,” which is about the love triangle between Fionn MacCool, princess Grainne and Fianna member Diarmuid O’Dyna.

25. Kayleigh (kay-lee)

This name means "slim and fair" or "slender," deriving from the Gaelic word for slender, which is ‘caol.’

26. Fiona

This name means fair, white, beautiful. It is the feminine form of Fionn.

27. Emer (eemer)

This name means "swift." In the Irish legend, Eimear was the wife of warrior legend Cuchulainn, and was said to have possessed the six gifts of womanhood, which are beauty, a gentle voice, sweet words, wisdom, needlework and chastity.

28. Siobhán (shiv-on)

Siobhan is another form of the name “Joan,” and means “God has been gracious” or “God’s grace.” It can also mean “full of charm.”

29. Ailbhe (alva)

This name is likely derived from the Gaelic word "albho" which means ‘white.’ In Irish legend, this was the name of a female warrior in the Fianna.

30. Mairead (mi-rade)

This is the Irish form of Margaret. It means “pearl.”

31. Clíodhna (clee-na)

This name comes from the word “clodhna,” meaning “shapely.” In some Irish myths, Cliodhna is the goddess of love and beauty. In some myths, she is the Queen of the Banshees.

32. Imogen (imma-jen)

This name means “maiden” or “daughter” from the Gaelic word “inghean” It can also be translated as “innocent” or “blameless.”

33. Órlaith (orla)

This name means “golden princess” or “golden sovereign” in Irish. Both the sister and daughter of Brian Boru had this name.

34. Caragh (kara)

This name means “friend” and “beloved.”

35. Aoibh (eve)

The Irish variant of “eve,” this name means beautiful and radiant.

36. Bláthnaid (blaw-nid)

In Irish, “blath” means flower or blossom. It is the Irish version of Florence, derived from the Latin word Florentia, which means blooming or blossoming.

37. Cadhla (ky-lah)

This name means beautiful, comely, and graceful.

38. Dearbhla (durv-la)

In Irish, ‘dearbh’ means truth, and ‘ail’ means loveliness or desire. This name implies “true desire.”

39. Bronagh (brona)

This name is rooted in the Irish word bronach, which means sad or sorrowful. Saint Bronagh is a venerated figure in Co. Down, where the name is popular.

40. Riona (ree-ona)

This comes from "rionach," and means "queenly."

41. Sorcha (sur-ka)

As the Gaelic form of the name Sarah or Sally, this name means “brightness” or “radiant.”

42. Nuala (noo-lah)

This is the diminutive of the name Fionnuala, which means “fair shoulder.” Sometimes used as an alternate for the name “Una,” which means lamb.

43. Éireann (erin)

This name means Ireland, as the genitive case of the word Eire. Commonly Anglicized as Erin.

44. Oonagh (Una)

This name means lamb, from the Gaelic word uan. Sometimes the name is translated as “unity,” from “una,” the Latin word for “one.”

45. Síle (shee-la)

This is the Irish form of the Latin name Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and implies ‘pure and musical.’

46. Muireann (mweer-in)

This name means "sea white, sea fair." In Irish mythology, this was the name of a 6th century mermaid caught by a fisherman in Lough Neagh. He brought her to St. Comghall, who baptized her, transforming her into a woman.

47. Nessa

This name can mean “rough” or “not gentle.” In Irish mythology, she was the powerful and ambitious mother of Conchobar (Conor) MacNessa, King of Ulster.

48. Fionnuala (fi-noola)

A variation of the name Finnguala, which means ‘fair shoulder’ or ‘white shoulder,’ from “fionn” meaning white and “guala” meaning shoulder.

49. Deirdre (deer-dra)

This name comes from the older Gaelic form “Derdriu.” The meaning is possibly derived from the Celtic word for woman. In Irish legend, Dierdre was the name of a tragic character who died of a broken heart after Conchobar, the King of Ulster, killed her lover Naoise.

50. Eithne (enya)

In Irish this name means “kernel of a nut or seed.” There were at least nine Saint Eithnes. It is also associated with the name Aidan, which means “little fire.”

Irish Boys Names:

1. Conor

Usually translated as “lover of hounds.” It can also mean “high desire,” as derived from the Irish word “coachuhhar.” Conchobhar MacNessa was the king of Ulster; according to the legend, he was born on the same day as Christ.

2. Sean

Sean is the Irish cognate of the name John, and means “God is gracious.” It can also mean “wise, old.”

3. Oisín (uh-sheen or o-sheen)

Meaning “little deer.” In Irish mythology, Oisín was a poet-hero, son of legendary warrior Fionn MacCool and the goddess Sive. His mother was turned into a deer by the Dark Druid, and she raised him in the forest for seven years; when his father found him while hunting, he recognized the boy as his own son and gave him the name “little deer.”

4. Patrick

Patrick is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Padraig, from the latin Patricius which means “nobly born.” The patron Saint of Ireland.

5. Cian (kee-an)

This name means “ancient,” or “enduring.” In the Irish legend, Cian Mac Mael Muad was the son-in-law of Brian Boru, both of whom were killed in the Battle of Clontarf.

6. Liam

Liam means a strong-willed warrior and protector. It is the short form of the Irish name Uilliam, which comes from the Frankish Willahelm. It is also the Irish cognate of the name William.

7. Darragh (darra)

Some translate Darragh into “fruitful” or “fertile,” and some translate the name into “dark oak” or “oak tree.” According to the Irish legend, Daire Mac Fiachna owned the Brown Bull of Cooley, and his refusal to sell it to Queen Maebh was part of the cause for the fight between Ulster and Connacht.

8. Cillian (kill-ee-an)

This name has several known meanings, including “war,” “strife,” and “bright-headed.” The word cille also means “associated with the church,” so the name is often associated with the word “church” or “monastery.”

9. Fionn (finn, fee-in or fyon)

meaning “fair-headed,” “white” or “clear.” Other translations include “small blonde soldier” and “handsome.” Fionn MacCool was a central character in Irish folklore and mythology - he was the leader of the warrior band “The Fianna.” Known for being brave, handsome, wise and generous.

10. Finn

Finn is the Anglicized version of Fionn. Meaning fair, blonde, or “small blonde soldier.”

11. Rían (ree-an)

This name means “little king” or “kingly.” Diminutive of the Irish word for “king,” which is “rí.”

12. Eoin (owen)

This name means “young.”

13. Oscar

Meaning “deer lover” or “friend of deer” as derived from the Gaelic “os” (deer) and “cara” (friend). In Irish mythology, Oscar was the son of the poet Oisin, and the grandson of the hero Finn MacCool.

14. Callum

The Gaelic form of the Latin “columba,” which means “dove.” It can also be translated as “the servant or disciple of Columba.”

15. Aidan

The Anglicized form of Gaelic “Aodhan,” which means “little fiery one.”

16. Tadhg (tige)

This name means “poet” or “bard” in Irish. It was the name of an 11th century King of Connacht.

17. Cathal (ka-hal)

Meaning “strong in battle.” Derived from Gaelic “cath” (battle) and "val" (rule). It was the name of a 7th-century Irish saint.

18. Shane

“Gift from God.” Anglicized form of Sean.

19. Senan (sennin)

This name means “little wise person,” “old” or “ancient.” Derived from Sean with a diminutive suffix.

20. Ronan

This is a very old name meaning “little seal,” derived from the diminutive form of “ron” (seal). There were twelve saints named Ronan as well as an ancient king of Leinster.

21. Eoghan (owen)

“Born of the yew tree.” Often associated with the Greek name “Eugenes.”

22. Rory

Meaning “red” or “rust-colored.” Borne by Rory O’Connor, the last high king of Ireland, who reigned from 1166-1170.

23. Cormac

This name means “son of defilement,” from Gaelic “corb” (defilement) and “mac” (son). This was the name of a 3rd-century king of Ireland. Some think it means “charioteer.”

24. Odhrán (orin)

Means “little pale green one,” derived from the Irish “odhra” (pale green, sallow), plus a diminutive suffix.

25. Ciarán (kee-ran)

Meaning “little dark one.” Diminutive of Gaelic word “ciar,” which means black.

26. Dara

This name comes from "daire" and means “fruitful” or “fertile.” In the Irish legend, Daire Mac Fiachna, who owned the Brown Bull of Cooley, refused to sell the bull to Queen Maebh, which was thought to be the reason for the fight between Ulster and Connacht.

27. Shay

In Irish, Shay means hawk or hawk-like and noble.

28. Donnacha (done-acka)

This name means "brown-haired warrior." Derived from the Gaelic “donn” (brown) and “cath” (battle). Brian Boru’s son Donncha was a High King of Ireland until his death in 1064.

29. Cillian

Derived from Gaelic “cille” and means “associated with the church.” Borne by several Irish saints.

30. Niall (nye-al or niel)

This name can either mean “champion, passionate, or vehement” from the Gaelic "niadh," or “cloud” from the Gaelic word "neall." Niall of the Nine Hostages was a 4th century king of Tara.

31. Ruairí / Ruaidhrí (rory)

This name means “red-haired king,” from “ruadh” meaning red, as in the red colored hair of foxes.

32. Brian

This name means high, noble and strong. From Gaelic ‘brigh.’ The name has been incredibly widespread in Ireland, in honor of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland.

33. Oran

This name means white, light, or pale. Some believe it to mean sallow, pale green, or “little pale green one.”

34. Darren

Likely derives from the Gaelic name Darragh, meaning ‘little oak.’ The oak tree is a powerful symbol to the Celts, representing nobility, strength, vitality, and wisdom.

35. Brandon

This name derives from the Irish “Bréanainn” which comes from the word “brenhin” meaning prince.

36. Craig

This popular name comes from the Gaelic word “carraig” which means rock or crag.

37. Colm (collum)

This is the Gaelic variation of the Latin “columba” meaning dove.

38. Pádraig (paw-drig, patrick)

Gaelic form of the Latin “Patricius” meaning “nobly born.” Patron Saint of Ireland.

39. Donal

“Ruler of the world” is the implied definition of this name, from “domhan” (world) and “all” (mighty).

40. Diarmuid (deer-mid)

This name means “without enemy.” It has been the name of kings, heroes, and saints. In Irish legend, Diarmuid was the lover of Grainne, and the most beloved member of the warrior band the Fianna. “Dermot” is the Anglicized version.

41. Lorcan

This name can mean either “silent” or “fierce.” Lorcan was the name of Brian Boru’s grandfather as well as two kings of Leinster. It was likely used as the nickname for a “brave warrior.”

42. Barry

Meaning “fair-haired,” this name is associated with Saint Finbar, the patron saint of Cork.

43. Collin

This name means cub or puppy from the Gaelic word “cailean.” It can also be used as a diminutive of the name Nicholas, which means victor or victorious people.

44. Brendan

At least 17 saints bear the name Brendan, but perhaps the most famous would be Saint Brendan the Navigator. One of the rumors about the Navigator is that he was the first European to set foot on American soil, a thousand years before Columbus. Anglicized form of the Irish Breandan, meaning prince.

45. 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.

46. Caolan (keelin)

This name means "slender" from the Gaelic word "caol."

47. Aodhan (aidan)

As a diminutive form of “Aod” which means fire, this name implies the meaning "born of fire" or "fiery." Popularized by Saint Aidan of Iona.

48. Tiernan

This name means “little lord.” Tiernan O’Rourke was a 12th C. Irish king.

49. Dáithí (da-hee)

This is an old Irish name that means “swiftness” or “nimbleness.” Daithi, the last Pagan king of Ireland who ruled from 405-426 AD, had 24 dons.

50. Fergal

This name comes from Fearghal, and means brave, courageous and valorous.

* Originally published in 2014. Updated in 2024.