Sean, Mary, Paddy, Niamh... There are some names that we always associated with Ireland and the Irish but have you ever considered the fact that some Irish names are actually popular outside of the Emerald Isle?!
It's an odd thing but there are several Irish names that are no longer the most popular names in Ireland... and we're not just talking about London and Boston! These Irish names make the top spots in countries outside of Ireland and truly not always in obvious countries. It does make a bit of sense given that up to 70 million people across the globe claim Irish ancestry.
Here are just some of the Irish names that are popular abroad, outside Ireland:
Liam
A name popular in Sweden.
Irish star, Liam Neeson... big in Sweden.
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.
There were over 20,000 Liams born in the US in 2020, according to the Social Security Administration.
While Liam is popular in Canada and the US (thank you Liam Neeson) it's also the second most popular name in Sweden.
Finn
Popular in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany and the United States.
The anglicized version of the Irish name ‘Fionn’, the name is very popular outside of Ireland. In particular, the name is most prevalent in Denmark.
Fionn means “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.
Saoirse
Outiside of Ireland Saoirse is most popular in Canada.
Saoirse Ronan.
This name means "freedom" or "liberty." It has strong patriotic overtones and has only been in use since the 1920s. Of course, it's the Hollywood star Saoirse Ronan who has really put this name on the map.
Conor
Hugely popular amongst Australian parents.
Conor McGregor.
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.
Riley and Quinn
We're going to throw these two in together. In Ireland, these two are, of course, surnames. However, in Canada, the United States and Australia they're hugely popular given names.
Erin
Big in Asian countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh.
"Eireann" in Irish (Gaeilge) means Ireland, as the genitive case of the word Eire. Commonly Anglicized as Erin.
Declan
Almost hit the top 100 names in the USA in 2019.
Declan is an Irish given name, an Anglicized form of the Irish saint name Declán, also Deaglán or Déaglán. The name is believed to mean "man of prayer" or "full of goodness."
Did we leave one out? Is there an Irish name that's hugely popular in your country, outside of Ireland? Let us know below.
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