Irish Boys’ Names

Irish boys’ names hold significant historical backgrounds and they have unique meanings. A name is the most precious thing that parents can give their children other than their love and devotion. A name stays with a person their entire life. The name should be a representation of the qualities that a boy must possess growing up. In this regard,

Irish boys’ names not only have majestic meanings, but they are also frequently found in Gaelic myths and epics.

Here are a few popular and beautiful names that you can choose from to give to your child

Recommended Reading: Top 10 Most Inspiring Irish Girl Names    

Top 10 Most Inspiring Irish Boy Names

• Aiden

Aiden is a popular Irish name. It has a respectable meaning and it is recognizable as Irish in its origin. The word Aiden is a diminutive version of Aed, which means fire. Therefore, it is same to assume that the name means “born of fire”. Apart from that, it is also the name of a seventh century figure: St. Aidan of Iona. This saint founded a monastery on the Lindisfarne Island. This monastery would later be the place from where Christian missionaries would evangelize the North of England. Other versions and spellings include Aedan and Aodhan.

• Niall

Niall means passionate and vehement. It is one of the most meaningful and romantic Irish boy names. Another version of the word is Nell which means “cloud”. Niall was the name of a king in the fourth century in Gaelic legends. According to the lore, all the princes were tested for the throne, by being sent into a forest to survive on their own. The starving and thirsty brothers were confronted by an old woman who offered water in return for a kiss. Niall agreed, and as he kissed the old woman, she transformed into a beautiful maiden. This maiden then granted him kingship.

• Cian

Cian means “enduring and ancient”. The name is easily recognized because of Cian Mac Mael Maud, who was a hero from Munster. According to this legend, he lead his forces from Munster, and fought against invading Vikings in the Battle of Clontarf. The battle took place in 1014, and Cian was killed during the battle, along with Brian, his father-in-law. Cian is also spelled as Kian. It is a name that is respected by all Irish people because of its historical background.  

• Liam

Liam was the fourteenth most commonly registered Irish name in 2016.. The name is in fact an Irish version of William. William, an English name is itself derived from the German name Wilhelm. The two components of this parent name are “will” and “helm”, respectively meaning “desire” and “helmet”. Therefore, the meaning of this Irish name can be assumed to be “strong protector”. The name is recognizable all around the world and it is popular in Ireland as well as many other Irish countries.  

• Darragh

Darragh is one of most popular name in Ireland. The name is a derivation of Daire, which is another Irish name. The meaning of Darragh is “fruitful and fertile”. The name is mentioned in an epic The Brown Bull of Cooley. Daire was a man who refused to sell his bull to Maebh, who was the Queen. This is believed to be one of the reasons for the fight between Ulster and Connacht.  

• Oisin

Oisin is a name that has Gaelic Origins, and not only is this name recognized all over the world, it is also the eighth most frequently used boys’ name in Ireland. The name means well, and it also has an impressive back story in Gaelic mythology. The meaning of Oisin is “little deer”. It was also the name of a mythical hero, Oisin the son of Fionn Mc Cumhail. Oisin, in these epics was a warrior and a poet. The name has other variants in Irish as well. Some of the more popular ones include Ossian and Osheen. Ossian has been used in various pieces of Irish literature.  

• Sean

John means “God’s Gracious Gift”. Sean is simply an Irish derivation of this English name. it is a saintly name for boys, bot only for its Christian and saintly meaning, but also because of the fact that Sean O’Neill was a notable leader from Norther Ireland, whose forces won numerous and unprecedented victories against Queen Elizabeth I. Sean is a name revered in Ireland and its meaning makes it a very fitting masculine name.  

• Daniel

Daniel is a bodacious name for boys. It has an Irish origins ant it is very popular. It is not only limited to Ireland but it is used all over the world. The name is derived from Domhan “world” and all “mighty”. A combination of these means “ruler of the world”. It is a fitting name for boys. It is also believed to be derived from a fifteenth century love song: Donal Og.  

• Dylan

Dylan was the tenth most popular name for boys in Ireland in 2003. Interestingly, the popularity of this name has only increased since then. Dylan is derived from Dealan. It means “flash of lightning”. There are others speculations that this is not in fact the correct origin of the name, that it in fact comes from another gaelic Irish word and that it means “loyan and faithful”. Though the meaning may be enshrouded in mystery, there is no denying that it is a beautiful name for boys.  

• Conor

Conor name is a very popular between English native speakers. Connor, Conner. Conor is a male given name of Irish origin. The meaning of the name is “Lover of Wolves” or “Lover of Hounds”. Conchobhar/Conchubhar or from the name Conaire, found in Irish legend as the name of the high king Conaire Mór and other heroes. Statistic source: http://www.cso.ie