40 Lucky and Beautiful Irish-Inspired Baby Names for Boys and Girls

More Americans self-identify as having Irish ancestry than actual inhabitants of the island of Ireland. Over 33 million Americans or 10% of the population say that they have Irish roots. The population of the island of Ireland is 6.6 million people. So it’s no surprise that Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in the U.S. with such liveliness and was considered a bigger deal in the states than it was in the motherland until the late 20th Century. St. Patrick is the foremost patron saint of Ireland and the day actually marks his death. Because of the Irish diaspora, the holiday is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival.

According to Irish lore, St. Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders from Roman-occupied Britain in the 5th Century. He was taken to Ireland as a slave and labored there as a shepherd for six years. During this time, he “found God” and eventually escaped back to Britain. There, he became a priest and then returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. An allegory of his efforts was created, and it was said that St. Patrick drove the snakes off the island. (No snakes have ever inhabited the region.) For many St. Patrick’s Day is a fun excuse to wear green and attend a parade. If you’re inspired by St. Patrick or you’re just really feeling the “luck of the Irish,” you might be tempted to name your baby an Irish inspired name. Irish names are heavily influenced by Gaelic and the storied political history of Ireland. These names seem both exotic and familiar. Here are our favorite Irish baby names.

30. Saoirse

Pronounced “ser-sha,” the name means “freedom” or “liberty” and has only been popular since the 1920s. The name’s most popular bearer is none other than Saoirse Ronan, an Irish actor who recently appeared in the film adaptation of Little Women. Other famous Saoirses include:

• Saoirse Noonan (born 1999), Irish footballer
• Saoirse-Monica Jackson (born 1993), Northern Irish actress
• Saoirse, a little girl in the 2014 film Song of the Sea
• Saoirse, a guardian spirit in the 2017 videogame Nioh

29. Ciara

Pronounced “kee-ra” this beautiful girl’s name is the feminized form of the name Ciaran and comes from the Gaelic word “ciar” which means dark. The name implies dark features and was popularized after St. Ciara established a monastery in Tipperary in the 7th Century. Famous Ciara’s include:

• Ciara Baxendale (born 1995), British actress
• Ciara Bravo (born 1997), American actress, pronounced “Sierra”
• Ciara Grant (footballer, born 1993)
• Ciara Hanna (born 1991), American actress and model
• Ciara (born 1985), singer Ciara Harris, pronounced “Sierra”^[1]
• Ciara Kelly, Irish journalist and broadcaster
• Ciara Newell, an original member of Irish girl group Bellefire

28. Conor

The meaning of the name Conor is contested. Many translate the name to mean “lover of hounds” but some argue it’s derived from the Irish word “coachuhhar” which means “high desire.” The Irish King, Conchobhar had a form of the name and according to legend was born the same day as Christ. Famous Conors include:

• Conor Brady, former editor of The Irish Times
• Conor Burns, British politician
• Conor Casey, American soccer player
• Conor Coady, English footballer
• Conor Daly, American racecar driver
• Conor Deasy, indie-pop singer
• Conor Jackson, Boston Red Sox outfielder
• Conor Knighton, San Francisco-based actor
• Conor Lamb, American Politician
• Conor Maynard, musician and youtuber
• Conor McGregor, MMA fighter
• Conor Sheary, American ice hockey player

27. Orla

One of the most storied kings of Ireland, Brian Boru had both a sister and daughter named Orla. Alternatively spelled, “Orlaith” the name means “golden princess.” Famous Orlas include:

• Órlaith íngen Cennétig, Queen of Ireland, died 941
• Órlaith Ní Maoil Seachnaill, Queen of Mide, died 1066
• Órlaith Nic Cennétich, died 1104. The ship LÉ Orla is named after her.^[3]
• Órlaith Ní Mael Sechlainn, Queen of Connacht, died 1115
• Órlaith Ní Diarmata, Princess of Moylurg, died 1252
• Órlaith Ní Conchobair, Princess of Connacht and Abbess, died 1283
• Orla Jørgensen, Danish male Olympic gold medalist in 1928
• Orla Hyllested, Danish union representative and politician

26. Meabh

Meabh is the traditional spelling of the fantastic name Maeve. The name means “intoxicating.” According to Irish legend, Meabh was a warrior queen of Connacht. While most parent have adapted Maebh to Maeve we wanted to show famous Maeves:

• Maeve Binchy (1940–2012), Irish writer
• Maeve Dermody (born 1985), Australian actress
• Maeve Fort (born 1940), British diplomat
• Maeve Harris (born 1976), American abstract painter
• Maeve Jinkings (born 1976), Brazilian actress
• Maeve Ludlow, fictional character from Doctors
• Maeve McCarthy, Irish mathematician
• Maeve McGuire (born 1937), American actress
• Maeve O’Boyle (born 1987), Scottish singer-songwriter

25. Liam

Actors Liam Neeson and Liam Hemsworth were both given this handsome name. The name means “strong-willed warrior” and is the shortened form of the more traditional, Ulliam. Ulliam might look familiar to you because it’s the Irish form of the popular English name, William. Famous Liams include:

• Liam Hemsworth, Australian actor
• Liam Payne (born 1993), English singer and member of the British-Irish boy band One Direction
• Liam Aiken (born 1990), American actor
• Liam Callanan, American author
• Liam Darville, English footballer
• Liam Davison, Australian author
• Liam Eichenberg (born 1998), American football player
• Liam Fahy, Zimbabwean shoe designer
• Liam Howlett, DJ and member of The Prodigy
• Liam McCullough (born 1997), American football player
• Liam McIntyre, Australian actor
• Liam Plunkett, English cricketer

24. Cillian

The Irish name Cillian pronounced, “kill-ee-an” has many different meanings including “war,” “strife,” and even “bright-headed.” The name is derived from the word “cille” which is associated with “church” or “monastery.” Actor Cillian Murphy is one famous person who proudly bears this name. Famous Cillians include:

• Cillian Buckley, an Irish hurler
• Cillian Farrell, an Irish hurling manager
• Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor
• Cillian O’Connor, a Gaelic footballer for Mayo
• Cillian Ryan, an economist and Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Nottingham Trent University
• Cillian Sheridan, an Irish professional footballer who plays for Kilmarnock
• Cillian Twomey, a retired consultant physician in geriatric medicine at Cork University and St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork, Ireland
• Cillian Vallely, an Irish musician
• Cillian Willis, a professional rugby union footballer employed by Leinster Rugby

23. Shauna

Shauna is the female form of the popular Irish boy’s name Sean. The name means “God is gracious” or “present.” Famous Shaunas include:

• Shauna Burns, American singer, songwriter, pianist
• Shauna Coxsey, English professional rock climber
• Shauna Cross, American roller derby athlete
• Shauna Gambill, American beauty queen
• Shauna Grant, American nude model and pornographic actress
• Shauna Macdonald, Scottish actress
• Shauna Parsons, American news anchor
• Shauna Rohbock, American soldier, Olympic bobsledder, and former soccer player
• Shauna Rolston, Canadian cellist
• Shauna Sand, American actress and Playboy model

22. Oscar

The name Oscar means “deer lover” or “friend of deer” which is just darling. It comes from the Gaelic words “os” which means deer and “cara” which means friend. Irish mythology characterizes Oscar as the son of Oisin, the poet. Famous people with the name Oscar:

• Oscar I of Sweden (1799–1859), King of Sweden and Norway
• Oscar II of Sweden (1829–1907), King of Sweden and Norway
• Oscar De La Hoya (born 1973), American boxer and boxing promoter
• Oscar Gamble (1949–2018), American baseball player
• Oscar Isaac (born 1979), American actor
• Oscar Pistorius (born 1986), South African convicted murderer and ex-Olympic sprinter
• Oscar de la Renta (1932–2014), Dominican-American fashion designer
• Oscar Robertson (born 1938), American basketball player
• Oscar Wilde (1854–1900), Irish writer and poet

21. Sinead

While we’ve got you tuned into the names that start with SH-, the name Sinead pronounced “shin-ade” is the Irish form of Jane or Jeanette. Like Shauna, the name also means “God is gracious.” Famous and controversial Irish singer Sinead O’Conner bears the name. Famous Sineads include:

• Sinead Kerr, ice dancer
• Sinead Miller, cyclist
• Sinead Russell, Olympic swimmer
• Sinéad O’Carroll, singer with Irish pop band B*Witched
• Sinéad O’Connor, singer/songwriter
• Sinead Keenan, actress
• Sinead Matthews, actress
• Sinéad Noonan, model and actress

20. Kayleigh

The name Kayleigh is pronounced “kay-lee” and means “slim and fair.” It comes from the Gaelic word “caol” which means “slender.” Famous Kayleighs include:

• Kayleigh Gilbert, South African actress
• Kayleigh Green (born 1988), British footballer
• Kayleigh Hines (born 1991), English footballer
• Kayleigh McEnany (born 1988), American political commentator and writer
• Kayleigh McKee (born 1994), American voice actress
• Kayleigh Morton, a fictional character on Coronation Street
• Kayleigh Pearson (born 1985), English model

19. Cormac

Another name fit for a king, Cormac was the name of a 3rd Century king of Ireland. The meaning of this name might be offputting for some, it means “son of defilement.” Yes, you read that correctly. The name comes from Gaelic words, “corb” which means “defilement” and “mac” which means “son.” Famous Cormacs include:

• Cormac Láidir MacCarthy (1411-1494), Irish Chieftain, discoverer of the Blarney Stone and builder of Blarney Castle.
• Cormac McCarthy, American novelist
• Cormac Breslin, Irish politician
• Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Cardinal and Archbishop of Westminster
• Cormac Antram (1926-2013), also known as Father Cormac, American priest and expert on the Navajo language
• Cormac Costello, Gaelic football player
• Cormac Ua Liatháin, Irish saint

18. Dara

The name Dara comes from the word “daire” which means “fruitful” or “fertile.” If you’d like to get into the weeds a bit, Irish legend features Daire Mac Fiachna, who owned the “Brown Bull of Cooley” and refused to sell the bull to Queen Maebh. The refusal resulted in the fight between Ulster and Connacht. Both of which would later be names to provinces in Ireland. Personally, we would like to know more about this Brown Bull. Famous Daras include:

• Dara, South Korean singer, actress and TV presenter, real name Sandara Park
• Dara Horn, U S novelist
• Dara Rasmi , princess of Chiang Mai
• Dara Reneé, American actress
• Dara Khosrowshahi, Iranian-American businessman, CEO of Uber
• Dara Torres, U S swimmer

17. Fiona

Fiona is the feminine form of the boy’s name Fionn and means “fair.” Fiona Apple and Fiona Shaw are two celebrities with Irish roots that bear the name. Other famous Fianas include:

• Fiona Bruce, BBC presenter
• Fiona Campbell-Walter, British model
• Fiona Fairhurst, inventor of the Speedo Fastskin swimsuit
• Fiona Ferro, French tennis player
• Fiona Gubelmann, American actress
• Fiona Hill, British-American foreign affairs specialist
• Fiona MacDonald, Scottish curler
• Fiona Ritchie, American broadcaster

16. Imogen

Actor Imogen Poots might have an English accent, but both of her parents hail from Northern Ireland. The name Imogen comes from the Gaelic word “inghean” and it means “maiden” or “daughter.” Scholars suggest that the name can also be translated to mean “innocent” or “blameless.” The name is pronounced “imma-jen.” Famous Imogens include:

• Imogen Bailey (born 1977), Australian model, actress and singer
• Imogen Boorman (born 1971), British actress from Hellbound: Hellraiser II
• Imogene Coca (born 1908), American comic actress
• Imogen Cunningham (born 1883), American photographer
• Imogen Stuart (born 1927), German sculptor
• Imogen Stubbs (born 1961), English actress
• Imogen Thomas (born 1982), Welsh model and contestant on Big Brother UK

15. Rian

Pronounces, “ree-an” and not to be confused with Ryan, the name Rian means “little king.” It comes from the Irish word for King, “rí.” Famous Rians include:

• Rian Dawson, drummer for American pop punk band All Time Low
• Rian Hughes, British graphic designer, illustrator, and comics artist
• Rian James (1899–1953), American screenwriter
• Rian Johnson (born 1973), American film director, writer, and producer
• Rian Lindell (born 1977), American National Football League placekicker
• Rian Wallace (born 1982), American former football player
• Rian, a fictional character from Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance and J.M. Lee’s tie-in novels

14. Ronan

Ronan is an extremely old name that means “little seal.” In total, there are twelve saints named Ronan and an ancient king of Leinster who also had the name. Journalist Ronan Farrow famously has this vintage name. Other Famous Ronans include:

• Ronan Biger (born 1985), French football midfielder
• Ronan Falcão (born 1985), Equatoguinean footballer
• Ronan Hughes, (born 1998), Scottish footballer
• Ronan Huon (1922–2003), Breton writer
• Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí (born 1970), Irish broadcaster
• Rónán mac Colmáin (died 605), Irish king
• Ronan O’Gara (born 1977), Irish rugby player
• Ronan Racault (born 1988), French road cyclist
• Ronan Vibert (born 1964), British actor
• Saint Ronan of Locronan, 6th century Irish saint

13. Rory

The first person to come to mind when you hear the name Rory might be the character, Rory Gilmore from the show, Gilmore Girls. Although that Rory is a female, the name in Ireland is more commonly given to baby boys. The name means “rust-colored.” The last high king of Ireland, Rory O’Connor reigned from 1166-1170. Other famous Rorys include:

• Rory McIlroy (born 1989), Northern Irish golfer
• Rory Anderson (born 1992), American football player
• Rory Boulding (born 1988), English footballer
• Rory Bremner (born 1961), Scottish comedian
• Rory Brennan (born 1945), Irish poet
• Rory Calhoun (1922–1999), American actor
• Rory Cochrane (born 1972), American actor
• Rory Culkin (born 1989), American actor
• Rory Fitzpatrick (born 1975), American ice hockey player
• Rory Johnson (born 1986), American football player
• Rory MacDonald (fighter) (born 1989), Canadian professional mixed martial artist
• Rory MacGregor (born 1976), British actor
• Rory Markham (born 1982), American mixed martial artist
• Rory (Roger) O’Moore (1620–1655), Irish rebel
• Rory Sabbatini (born 1976), South African golfer
• Rory Schlein (born 1984), Australian speedway rider
• Rory Singer (born 1976), American mixed martial artist
• Rory Sparrow (born 1958), American basketball player
• Aurora ‘Rory’ Block (born 1949), American blues guitarist and singer
• Ellen “Rory” Flack (born 1971), American figure skater
• Rory Kennedy (born 1968), American filmmaker

12. Nessa

The name Nessa has a storied history in Ireland. It belonged to the powerful and politically ambitious mother of Conchobar (Conor) MacNessa, King of Ulster. Ironically, the name means “rough” which is odd for such an elegant sounding name. Famous Nessas include:

• Nessa Childers is an Irish politician who served in the European Parliament
• Nessa Cohen. Surname: Cohen. Initials: NC. Thursday, December 11, 1884. …
• Nessa Feddis. Surname: Feddis. Initials: NF. Wednesday, January 1, 1958. …
• Nessa Morgan. Surname: Morgan. Initials: NM. Fame Meter (0/100)
• Nessa Carey. Surname: Carey. Initials: NC. Fame Meter (0/100)

11. Fergal

Believe or not, the Irish name Fergal is extremely popular. The name comes from “Fearghal” and means “brave” or “valorous.” You could always call him “Fergie.” Famous Fergals include:

• Feargal Sharkey (born 1958), former lead singer of The Undertones
• Fergal Byron (born 1974), former Gaelic football player for Laois
• Fergal Devitt (born 1981), Irish professional wrestler
• Fergal Aidne mac Artgaile (died 696), King of Connacht from the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne branch of the Connachta
• Fergal mac Máele Dúin (died 722), High King of Ireland

10. Aoibh

Can we just take a moment to discuss how crazy Gaelic pronunciations are? The name Aoibh is both pronounced and comes from “eve.” We’re not sure how that grouping of letters gets one to Eve, but it’s fine. The name means “beautiful” and “radiant.” If you really want to go wild, another popular form of the name Aoibheann is also a derivative. It is pronounced “ay-veen” somehow. Aoibh is such a unique name will your kid be the first famous person to carry it?

9. Eabha

The Irish forms of Adam and Eve are Ádhamh agus Éabha. The name is pronounced “ey-va” and means “life” or “mother of life.” Famous Eabhas include:

• Éabha McMahonIrish singer for Celtic Woman.
• Éabha Doorley (b. 2010)daughter of Scottish folksingers Julie Fowlis and Éamon Doorley.

8. Aisling

Pronounced “ash-ling, Aisling is a name that only became popular in the latter 20th Century. The name comes from the Gaelic word “aislinge” and refers to an “aisling” which is a poetic genre of Irish language poetry from the 17th Century. Famous Aislings include:

• Aislin, the pen name of Canadian political cartoonist Terry Mosher (born 1942)
• Aisling Bea (born 1984), Irish comedian
• Aisling Daly (born 1987), Irish mixed martial arts fighter
• Aisling Franciosi (born 1993), Irish-Italian actress
• Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace (born 1978), British glamour model and Big Brother contestant
• Aislín McGuckin (born 1974), Northern Irish actress
• Aislinn Meaney (born 1998), Irish association footballer

7. Brendan

Over 17 saints bear the name Brendan and the most famous of them is Saint Brendan the Navigator who is rumored to be the first European to set foot on American soil a full 1,000 years before Christopher Columbus. Brendan is an anglicized form of the Irish Breandan, meaning “prince.” Famous Brandans include:

• Saint Brendan of Clonfert (c. 484 – c. 577), Irish monastic saint
• Saint Brendan of Birr (died 573), Abbot of Birr in Co. Offaly, contemporaneous with the above
• Brendan Byrne (1924–2018), American Democratic Party politician from New Jersey
• Brendan Donnelly (born 1971), baseball player
• Brendan Evans (born 1986), American tennis player
• Brendan Fraser (born 1968), Canadian-American actor
• Brendan Hansen (born 1981), American swimmer
• Brendan Harris (born 1980), American baseball player
• Brendan Haywood (born 1979), American basketball player
• Brendan Lane (basketball) (born 1990), American basketball player
• Brendan Langley (born 1994), American football player
• Brendan Leipsic (born 1994), Canadian hockey player
• Brendan Mahon (born 1995), American football player
• Brendan Walsh (born 1959), American chef

6. Riona

If you’re not bold enough to name your daughter Rihanna outright, you can always go with the Irish form of the name, Riona. The name comes from the Gaelic word “rionach” which means “queenly.” It’s a name fit for a queen! Riona is such a unique name will your kid be the first famous person to carry it?

5. Oran

Oran is a popular boy’s name in Ireland and means “pale.” Some scholars argue that it more accurately translates to “little pale green one.” Famous Orans include:

• Oran Milo Roberts, former governor of Texas
• Oran McNulty, Irish rugby player
• Oran McPherson, Canadian politician
• O(d)ran of Iona, Irish Christian Saint

4. Cian

Pronounced “kee-an” the name means “ancient” or “enduring.” Irish legend contains tales of Cian Mac Mael Muad who was the son-in-law of Brian Boru, both men were apparently killed in the Battle of Clontarf. Famous Cians include:

• Cian Bolger (born 1992), Irish footballer
• Cian O’Callaghan, Irish Social Democrats politician
• Cian O’Connor (born 1979), Irish equestrian
• Cian Dillon (born 1988), Irish hurler
• Cian Healy (born 1987), Irish rugby union player
• Cian Hughton (born 1989), British-Irish footballer
• Kian Lawley (born 1995), American YouTuber and actor
• Cian Maciejewski (born 1988), Australian soccer player
• Cian McCarthy (born 1989), Irish hurler
• Cian O’Sullivan, Irish footballer
• Cian Ward, Irish footballer

3. Shannon

Just a stone’s throw away from Shauna, Shannon means “wise river.” The traditional Irish spelling of the name is Sionainn although there are many different spellings, like Shannen. Actress Shannen Doherty has this beautiful name. Famouns Shannons include:

• Shannon Bahrke (born 1980), American freestyle skier
• Shannon Beveridge (born 1992), American YouTuber
• Shannon Bilbray-Axelrod (born 1973), American politician
• Shannon Bobbitt (born 1985), American basketball player
• Shannon Boxx (born 1977), American soccer player
• Shannon Bream (born 1970), American journalist
• Shannon Brown (musician) (born 1973), American singer
• Shannon Click (born 1983), American model
• Shannon Curfman (born 1985), American singer
• Shannen Doherty, American actress
• Shannon Elizabeth (born 1973), American actress
• Shannon Magrane (born 1995), performer on American Idol

2. Craig

If you’re looking for a rugged baby name, look no further than Craig. It comes from the Gaelic word for rock, “carraig.” Famous Craigs include:

• Craig Bartlett, (born 1956), American animator
• Craig Biggio (born 1965), American baseball player
• Craig Breedlove (born 1937), American racing driver
• Craig Cohn (born 1983), American professional wrestler
• Craig Cotton (born 1980), American football player
• Craig Curry (born 1961), American football player
• Craig Flournoy (born 1951), American journalist
• Craig Kallman, chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records
• Craig Keith (born 1971), American football player
• Craig Kilborn, American talk show host, preceded Craig Ferguson as host of CBS’ The Late Late Show
• Craig Mack (1970–2018), American rapper
• Craig MacTavish, (born 1958) American hockey player
• Craig T. Nelson (born 1944), American actor
• Craig Newmark (born 1952), American founder of the online classified site Craigslist
• Craig Robinson (actor) (born 1971), American actor and stand-up comedian

1. Patrick

We couldn’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without talking about the name Patrick. Patrick is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Padraig pronounced, “paw-drig.” The name means “nobly born” and both forms of the name come from Latin, Patricius.There are tons of famous Particks and here are just a few.

• Saint Patrick
• Pat Sajak, American game show host
• Patrick Dempsey, American actor
• Patrick Duffy, American actor
• Patrick Ellis (radio host) (1943–2020), American radio show host
• Patrick Swayze (1952–2009), American actor

40. Brona

Brona is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Bronach or Bronagh. The charming sound belies its sullen meaning of “sorrow.”

39. Larkin

Larkin is a boy’s name of Irish origin meaning “rough” and “fierce.” We love the Lark element of this name which is a subtle nod to nature.

38. Merrin

Merrin is the Irish variation of the Cornish name Merryn. The name means “joyful” and “lighthearted.” It’s a great alternative to Mary or Marilyn.

37. Keelan

Keelan is the Anglicized form of Caelan (which you can totally use as well). Keelan is a sleek name that means “slender” or “fair.” It’s one of the most accessible options that has gone virtually unused in the US.

36. Riona

If Fiona is too commonplace for you, consider going with its Irish, cousin name, Riona. It has a winning meaning in “queenly.”

35. Torin

Torin is having a bit of a moment for the first time in the US in recent years. Parents are turning to this name like never before as it is so attractive and accessible. Torin’s Irish root means “chief.”

34. Renny

Renny is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name, Rathnait. Renny proves an easier sale for most American parents. The name means “small, prosperous one.”

33. Madden

Madden has been a mildly popular choice for baby boys since 2007. Madden comes from an Irish surname that’s related to Madigan and means “small dog.”

32. Breda

Anglicized variation of the Gaelic name, Brighid. We like the casual coolness of Breda. The name means “exalted one.”

31. Blaine

Blaine has been a popular name for boys in the US since records began in 1880. The name’s Gaelic root means “slender” or “angular.” The name actually belongs to a seventh-century saint.

Irish people have spread across the globe and with them, their culture, heritage, and even names. These Irish names are some of our very favorites and many of them offer alternatives to more common English names. If your baby is due in March or if you just have an affinity for Irish names, any of these thirty options would be great choices.