Parents in the United States have an unusually high admiration for Irish boy names – and it shows in the list of most popular boy names released by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) every year.
For those who don’t know, the SSA has collected and analyzed baby names from Social Security card applications for births that occurred in the US for more than 145 years – dating all the way back to 1879.
And every year (since 1997), they release a master list of the most popular boys names in the US – fit with how many births of each name – and you’d be surprised at how many Irish boy names are included.
RELATED: 25 Baby Names for Boys Inspired by Revered Irish Saints to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
In fact, Liam (an Irish name that means ‘strong-willed warrior’ or ‘protector’) has ranked as the No. 1 most popular boy name in the US every year since 2017 – and has ranked in the top-3 every year since 2013.
According to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO), Liam ranked No. 8 in Ireland in 2023.
Other Irish boy names – such as Finn, Declan, Connor, and Brody – also consistently rank well in the US, and even the name Ryan (an Irish name that means ‘little king’) ranked No. 83 in the US in 2023.
If you’re thinking of adding some Irish boy names to your baby name list, here are 50 of our best ideas!
Irish Boy Names With Irish Origins
Most Irish boy names we see today are steeped in the country’s rich tradition and centuries of history – primarily drawing influence from the ancient Gaelic language and the eventual arrival of Christianity.
Some even have Norman and Scandinavian roots – a result of Viking invasions hundreds of years ago.
In contemporary times, many Irish names have been modernized or adapted to suit current naming trends – with many of them being anglicized, meaning they were adapted into more English-sounding versions.
Whether you have family ties to Ireland or simply enjoy its culture, here are our favorite Irish boy names.
20. Cillian
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Old Irish name “Cillín,” which means “little church.”
Famous People: Cillian Murphy (Irish actor), Cillian Sheridan (Irish professional footballer), Cillian O’Connor (Irish Gaelic footballer), Cillian Buckley (Irish hurler), Cillian Vallely (Irish musician)
19. Ronan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: comes from the Old Irish name “Rónán,” which is derived from “Rón,” meaning “seal,” combined with a diminutive suffix
Famous People: Ronan Keating (Irish singer, songwriter and TV presenter), Ronan Farrow (American journalist and lawyer), Ronan O’Gara (Irish former rugby union player), Ronan Tynan (Irish tenor singer and Paralympic athlete), Ronan Vibert (British actor)
18. Declan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Old Irish name “Deaglán,” but exact meaning is uncertain
Famous People: Declan Donnelly (British TV presenter, producer, and actor), Declan Rice (English professional footballer), Declan McKenna (English singer, songwriter, and musician), Declan Galbraith (English singer), Declan Lynch (Irish journalist and author)
17. Sean
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Irish version of the name John, which means “God is gracious” or “gift from God.”
Famous People: Sean Connery (Scottish actor), Sean Penn (American actor, director, and activist), Sean Combs (American hip-hop mogul), Sean Astin (American actor), Sean Bean (English actor)
16. Kieran
Origin: Irish
Meaning: comes from the Irish name “Ciarán,” which is derived from the word “ciar,” meaning “dark” or “black”
Famous People: Keiran Culkin (American actor), Kieran Gibbs (English professional footballer), Kieran Tierney (Scottish professional footballer), Kieran Hebden (English electronic musician), Kieran Read (retired New Zealand rugby union player)
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15. Seamus
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Irish form of the name James, which means “supplanter” or “one who follows.”
Famous People: Seamus Power (Irish professional golfer), Seamus Heaney (Irish poet, playwright, and translator), Seamus Dever (American actor), Seamus Coleman (Irish professional footballer), Seamus McGarvey (Irish cinematographer)
14. Brody
Origin: Scottish, Irish
Meaning: In Scottish, “Brady” is derived from a place name meaning “ditch” or “muddy place.” In Irish, it could come from “bród,” meaning “pride.”
Famous People: Brody Jenner (American TV personality), Brody Dalle (Australian-American singer, songwriter, and guitarist), Brody Stevens (American stand-up comedian), Brody King (American professional wrestler), Brody Eldridge (former American football tight end)
13. Finn
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Old Irish name “Fionn,” which means “fair” or “white.”
Famous People: Finn Wolfhard (Canadian actor and musician), Finn Wittrock (American actor and screenwriter), Finn Jones (English actor), Finn Balor (Irish professional wrestler), Finn Cole (English actor)
12. Liam
Origin: Irish
Meaning: short form of the name “Uilliam,” which is the Irish version of William. The name William is derived from German “wil,” meaning “will, desire,” and “helm,” meaning “helmet, protection.”
Famous People: Liam Neeson (Irish actor), Liam Hemsworth (Australian actor), Liam Payne (English singer and songwriter), Liam Gallagher (English singer and songwriter), Liam Cunningham (Irish actor)
11. Aidan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Old Irish name “Aodhán,” a diminutive of “Áed,” which means “fire.”
Famous People: Aidan Turner (Irish actor), Aidan Quinn (American actor), Aidan Gillen (Irish actor), Aidan Gallagher (American actor and musician), Aidan Baker (Canadian musician and writer)
10. Ryan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: comes from the Gaelic words rí and an, which together mean “little king.”
Famous People: Ryan Seacrest (American TV and radio personality), Ryan Reynolds (American actor), Ryan Giggs (Welsh former football player and current coach), Ryan Gosling (American actor), Ryan Lochte (American swimmer and Olympic gold medalist)
9. Sullivan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: comes from the Irish surname “Ó Súileabháin,” which means “descendant of Súileabhán.”
Famous People: Sullivan Stapleton (Australian actor), Sullivan Sweeten (American actor), Sullivan Walker (Trinidadian actor and writer), Sullivan Fortner (American jazz pianist and composer), Sullivan Ballou (American lawyer, politician, and Union Army officer)
8. Cashel
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Irish word “caiseal,” which means “castle” or “stone fort.”
Famous People: while there aren’t a lot of people named Cashel, there is a town in County Tipperary, Ireland named Cashel – and it’s home to roughly 4,400 people. It’s situated in the Golden Vale, an area of rolling pastureland in the province of Munster.
7. Cormac
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the old Irish elements “corb,” meaning “chariot” and “mac,” meaning “son.”
Famous People: Cormac McCarthy (American novelist and playwright), Cormac Murphy-O’Connor (British cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church), Cormac Battle (Irish musician and radio presenter), Cormac Breslin (Irish politician)
6. Rafferty
Origin: Irish
Meaning: comes from the Gaelic surname “Ó Rabhartaigh,” which means “descendant of Rabhartach.” The name “Rabhartach” means “floodtide” or “abundance”
Famous People: The name Rafferty isn’t extremely popular, but it could be inspired by Rafferty Law (English model and actor) and Rafferty Blumberg (American actor)
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5. Rowan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Gaelic word “Ruadh,” meaning “red” or “ruddy”
Famous People: Rowan Atkinson (British actor and comedian), Rowan Blanchard (American actress), Rowan Williams (British Anglican bishop, theologian, and poet), Rowan Witt (Australian actor), Rowan Pelling (British journalist and former editor of ‘The Erotic Review’)
4. Nolan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: comes from the Gaelic surname “Ó Nualláin,” which means “descendant of Nuallán.” The personal name “Nuallán” is derived from “nuall,” meaning “noble” or “famous.”
Famous People: Nolan Ryan (American former MLB player), Nolan Gould (American actor), Nolan North (American voice actor), Nolan Gerard Funk (Canadian actor and singer), Nolan Richardson (American basketball coach)
3. Finley
Origin: Scottish, Irish
Meaning: derived from the Gaelic name “Fionnlagh,” which means “fair-haired warrior” or “fair hero.” The name combines “fionn,” meaning “fair” or “white,” with “laogh,” meaning “warrior” or “hero.”
Famous People: Finley Quaye (Scottish musician), Finley Peter Dunne (American humorist and writer), Finley Jeffrey (Grenadian calypsonian and soca artist)
2. Eamon
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Irish version of Edmund, which is derived from the Old English name “Eadmund,” which means “wealthy protector.”
Famous People: Eamon de Valera (Irish statesman and political leader), Eamon Dunphy (former footballer and broadcaster), Eamon Farren (Australian actor), Eamon Sullivan (Australian former competition swimmer)
1. Casey
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Gaelic name “Cathasaigh,” which means “vigilant” or “watchful.”
Famous People: Casey Affleck (American actor and director), Casey Stengel (American MLB player), Casey Neistat (American YouTube personality), Casey Kasem (American disc jockey and voice of Shaggy in ‘Scooby Doo’)
Irish Boy Names Inspired By Irish Celebrities & Historical Figures
One of the main reasons Irish boy names are so universal today is because most of them have been popularized by some of Ireland’s most famous celebrities and historical figures – and there are a lot.
From political leaders like Michael Collins to athletes (George Best), explorers (St. Brendan), and literary giants (Seamus Heaney) – Ireland has had a large influence on world culture in a variety of ways.
And don’t worry – you won’t be the first parent to name their son after an Irish celebrity. You can’t tell me Liam Neeson (a Northern Irish actor) hasn’t played at least a little role in popularizing the name Liam.
His movie Taken was released in 2008 – a year that Liam was just the 75th most popular name in the US. By 2011, Liam jumped up to No. 11 in the US and has been in that No. 1 spot for seven straight years.
If you’re ready to follow the trend, here are 10 Irish boy names inspired by famous Irish celebrities.
10. Patrick
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the name “Patricius,” which means “nobleman” or “patrician.”
Who Is Saint Patrick? Saint Patrick was a 5th-century Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. He is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity and is the patron saint of Ireland.
9. Connor
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Gaelic name “Conchobhar,” which means “lover of hounds” or “wolf lover.”
Who Is Connor McGregor? Conor McGregor is an Irish professional mixed martial artist and boxer known for his brash personality and powerful striking. He has won multiple championships in the UFC, becoming the first fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
8. James
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name “Yaakov,” which means “supplanter” or “one who follows.”
Who Is James Joyce? James Joyce was an influential Irish writer known for his modernist works, including “Ulysses,” “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,” and “Dubliners.”
7. Oscar
Origin: Irish, Old English, Norse
Meaning: in Old English, it means “God’s spear,” while in Irish mythology, Oscar was the son of the legendary warrior Oisín. It also has Norse roots where it means “divine spear.”
Who Is Oscar Wilde? Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet, and author known for his wit and flamboyant style. His notable works include “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
6. Ernest
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: derived from the Germanic word “ernust,” which means “serious” or “resolute.”
Who Is Ernest Shackleton? Ernest Shackleton was an Anglo-Irish explorer renowned for his Antarctic expeditions. His most famous journey, the Endurance expedition, showcased his leadership and determination when he led his crew to safety after their ship was trapped and crushed by ice.
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5. Bono
Origin: Italian, Latin
Meaning: from the Latin “bonus,” meaning “good.”
Who Is Bono? Bono, born Paul David Hewson, is the lead singer of the Irish rock band U2. He is also a philanthropist and activist, known for his efforts in fighting poverty and AIDS, and advocating for human rights globally.
4. Graham
Origin: Scottish, English
Meaning: derived from a Scottish surname, which comes from the Old English word “grand” (gravel) and “ham” (homestead), meaning “gravelly homestead.”
Who Is Graham Norton? Graham Norton is an Irish television and radio presenter, comedian, and actor. He is best known for hosting “The Graham Norton Show,” a popular talk show featuring celebrity interviews and humorous segments.
3. Bram
Origin: Dutch, Hebrew
Meaning: short form of Abraham, which means “father of multitudes” in Hebrew.
Who Is Bram Stoker? Bram Stoker was an Irish author best known for his Gothic novel “Dracula,” which has had a profound influence on the horror genre and popular culture. He also worked as a theatre manager and wrote several other novels and short stories.
2. Rory
Origin: Irish, Scottish
Meaning: derived from the Gaelic name “Ruaidhrí,” meaning “red king.”
Who Is Rory McIlroy? Rory McIlroy is a professional golfer from Northern Ireland. He has won multiple major championships and is known for his powerful swing and consistent performance on the PGA Tour and European Tour.
1. Roy
Origin: Scottish, French
Meaning: from the Scottish Gaelic “Ruadh,” meaning “red,” often used to describe someone with red hair. In French, it means “king” (roi).
Who Is Roy Keane? Roy Keane is a retired Irish footballer and manager. He is best known for his time as a midfielder with Manchester United, where he was a key player and captain, winning numerous titles.
Irish Boy Names Inspired By Irish Mythology
Irish mythology is a rich and ancient body of myths and legends that originated in Ireland, and primarily preserved through medieval manuscripts, oral tradition, and folk tales – dating back to 7th century AD.
It can be broken down into four different sections, often known as cycles.
The Mythological Cycle includes stories of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Ulster Cycle revolves around Cú Chulainn, the Fenian Cycle revolves around Finn MacCool, and the Historical Cycle focuses on the kings.
Let’s take a look at some of the most unique Irish boy names inspired by Irish mythology.
10. Cu
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Old Irish word “cú,” which means “hound” or “wolf.”
Irish Mythology: Cú Chulainn, also known as the Hound of Ulster, is a mythical warrior and hero in Irish mythology. He is considered one of Ireland’s greatest heroes and the central character of the Ulster cycle in medieval Irish literature.
9. Lugh
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: associated with “light” and “brightness,” often interpreted as “shining one” or “light-bringer.”
Irish Mythology: Lugh is one of the most prominent deities in Irish mythology and was known as Lugh Lámhfhada (Lugh of the Long Arm) due to his prowess in multiple disciplines, including arts, crafts, and warfare. He is a central figure in the mythological cycle, associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of gods.
8. Aengus
Origin: Old Irish
Meaning: comes from the Old Irish “Óengus,” which mean “one strength” or “one choice”
Irish Mythology: Aengus, also known as Aengus Óg (Aengus the Young), is a god of love, youth, and poetic inspiration. He is the son of Dagda and Boann, and is often associated with the ancient site of Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange), where he lived. He’s famous for his love story with Caer Ibormeith.
7. Fionn
Origin: Old Irish
Meaning: derived from Old Irish “find,” which means “fair” or “white”
Irish Mythology: Fionn mac Cumhaill is a legendary hero in Irish mythology, and is the bonafide leader of the Fianna – a band of warriors protecting Ireland. He gained wisdom by tasting the Salmon of Knowledge and is featured in a wide range of adventures – including the ‘Fenian Cycle.’
6. Oisín
Origin: Old Irish
Meaning: derived from Old Irish “Oisin,” which means “little deer”
Irish Mythology: Oisin is the poet and warrior son of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the goddess Sadhbh. He was a prominent member of the Fianna and was famous for his journey to Tír na nÓg (the Land of Youth) with the fairy princess Niamh. He is credited with a lot of the poems in the Fenian Cycle.
RELATED: 25 Baby Names for Girls Inspired by Irish Saints to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
5. Nuada
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: Nuada means “cloud maker” or “possessor of the clouds.”
Irish Mythology: Nuada Airgetlám, or “Nuada of the Silver Hand,” is a king of the Tuatha Dé Danann. While he lost one of his hands in a battle, it was replaced with a silver one – a distinguishing characteristic of his. He led the Tuatha Dé Danann in the Battle of Mag Tuired and represents the ideal king and warrior.
4. Balor
Origin: ancient Celtic
Meaning: The meaning of Balor is less clear but often associated with a “deadly gaze” or “blinding.”
Irish Mythology: Balor is a giant and king of the Fomorians, a race of destructive beings. His most notable feature was his destructive eye, which could kill with a glance. He was ultimately defeated by his grandson Lugh in the Battle of Mag Tuired, and is a symbol of destructive power and chaos.
3. Caílte
Origin: ancient Irish
Meaning: The meaning of Cailte is not well defined, but it is often associated with “swift” or “quick.”
Irish Mythology: Cailte mac Ronain is a warrior and member of the Fianna. He is known for his speed and agility, and recounts the tales of the Fianna in the later Fenian tales. His adventures are chronicled in stories like “Acallam na Senórach” (Colloquy of the Ancients).
2. Dagda
Origin: Irish
Meaning: It implies “good” or “great god,” reflecting his all-encompassing power and benevolence.
Irish Mythology: Dagda is considered the chief god of the Tuatha Dé Danann, or “People of the Goddess Danu.” He is often depicted as a father-figure, king, and druid, and is associated with many powers and qualities, including fertility, agriculture, manliness, strength, agriculture, magic, and druidry.
1. Ogma
Origin: ancient Celtic
Meaning: believed to originate from the Proto-Indo-European root *ak- or *ag- meaning “to cut”
Irish Mythology: Ogma is a champion of the Tuatha Dé Danann and a deity associated with eloquence and writing. He’s credited with creating the Ogham script, the early form of writing used in Ireland, and was known for his physical prowess and poetic talent.
Irish Boy Names Inspired By Irish Towns & Cities
Ireland, a country about the size of Indiana, is renowned for its captivating landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture – and boasts a plethora of cities, towns, and villages that each offer a unique experience.
If you’ve never been to Ireland, it should be at the top of your wish list.
From the bustling streets of its capital city to the quaint charm of its smaller villages, Ireland’s destinations are as diverse as they are enchanting – making them the perfect inspiration for your little boy’s first name.
With that said, let’s take a look at some unique Irish boy names inspired by Irish towns and villages!
10. Kenny (Kilkenny)
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: derived from the Gaelic name “Coinneach,” which means “handsome” or “born of fire.”
Geographic Significance: Kilkenny is a historic town in southeast Ireland known for its medieval buildings and vibrant cultural scene. Famous landmarks include Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and the medieval Mile.
9. Cliff (Clifden)
Origin: English
Meaning: diminutive of Clifford, which is derived from Old English elements “clif” (cliff or slope) and “ford” (river crossing). It means “ford by a cliff.”
Geographic Significance: Clifden, located in County Galway, is known as the “Capital of Connemara.” This picturesque coastal town boasts stunning landscapes, including the Twelve Bens mountain range and scenic Sky Road.
8. Dublin
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Irish word “Dubhlinn,” which means “black pool.”
Geographic Significance: Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a vibrant city rich in history and culture. Key attractions include Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and Dublin Castle.
7. Shannon
Origin: Irish
Meaning: comes from the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name “Sionainn,” which means “wise river.”
Geographic Significance: Shannon, situated in County Clare, is known for Shannon Airport, one of Ireland’s main international gateways. The town is a base for exploring nearby attractions such as Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and the scenic Shannon Estuary.
6. Cobh
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Irish word “an Cóbh,” which is thought to mean “the harbor.”
Geographic Significance: Cobh, located in County Cork, is a charming port town known for its colorful waterfront and maritime history. It was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912. Notable sites include St. Colman’s Cathedral and the Cobh Heritage Centre.
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5. Tralee
Origin: Irish
Meaning: comes from the Irish “Trá Lí,” meaning “strand of the Lee” (a river).
Geographic Significance: Tralee, in County Kerry, is famous for the annual Rose of Tralee International Festival. The town offers attractions like the Kerry County Museum, Tralee Bay Wetlands, and the scenic Dingle Peninsula nearby.
4. Adare
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Irish “Áth Dara,” which means “ford of the oak.”
Geographic Significance: Adare, in County Limerick, is often called Ireland’s prettiest village. It features thatched cottages, historic buildings, and Adare Manor. The village is known for its picturesque setting and rich heritage.
3. Derry
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Irish “Doire,” which means “oak grove” or “oak wood.”
Geographic Significance: Derry, also known as Londonderry, is a city in Northern Ireland with well-preserved medieval walls. Key attractions include the historic city walls, the Peace Bridge, and the Guildhall. The city has a vibrant cultural scene and a significant place in Irish history.
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Irish “an Uaimh,” meaning “the cave.”
Geographic Significance: Navan, located in County Meath, is a growing town known for its proximity to historical sites such as the Hill of Tara and Newgrange. The town has a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm.
1. Bray
Origin: Irish
Meaning: derived from the Irish “Bré,” which means “hill” or “rising ground.”
Geographic Significance: Bray, in County Wicklow, is a seaside town known for its scenic promenade and Bray Head cliff walk. It offers a mix of coastal beauty, Victorian architecture, and attractions like the National Sealife Centre. Bray is also a gateway to the Wicklow Mountains.
Will Any of These Irish Male Names Crack Your Shortlist?
Does your family have Irish roots? Is St. Patrick’s Day your favorite holiday of the year? Do you have a deep appreciation for Irish culture, heritage, and/or mythology? Did you marry into an Irish family?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then the Irish boy names listed above should help.
Whether you’re obsessed with Liam Neeson’s movies, want to give Rory McIlroy a little luck so he can win another major championship, or want to honor the great Saint Patrick – you have plenty of options!
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Either way, we hope you find the perfect name that manages to be trendy, but without seeming too overly modern. And if the Irish boy names above were no good, then check out our blog for more name ideas.
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