Last week, the Central Statistics Office released the list of the top baby names for 2024 across the country and there were some new entries on the list. One of the newest entries is a cute and slightly unusual name that is being chosen for lots of baby boys in Ireland these days but almost sounds more suited to an old man you’d meet in a pub!
In the past, the name Patrick consistently ranked in the top 10 of Irish baby names from 1964, when records began, until 1995 but it appears to be back with a new, modern twist.
While Jack took the top spot for baby boys for the eighth year in a row, the adorable name Páidí entered the list in its highest entry position yet.
The name Páidí is a shortened version of Pádraig, which is the Irish for Patrick, and means ‘nobleman’. Nameberry notes that: ‘Páidí is gaining in popularity in Ireland once again as part of the trend for vintage nicknames on the birth certificate.’
A notable Irish person with the name Páidí is Páidí Ó Sé, a legendary Kerry Gaelic footballer, who ran a famous pub bearing his name in Ventry, which is still running today.
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In 2017, there were less than 3 baby boys recorded with the name Páidí; however, the following year in 2018, there were 39 baby boys named Páidí – while the name ranked 151 of all baby boys recorded in Ireland.
Skip to 2024 and Páidí was ranked the 22nd most popular name of all baby boys recorded in Ireland with a total of 201 baby boys recorded with the name Páidí.
Funnily enough, it is proving most popular in two counties; Sligo and Monaghan, with the name Páidí ranking as the top name in both counties.
We think Páidí is just adorable, no wonder it’s having a comeback!
* This article was originally published on EveryMum.ie.
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