Choosing an Irish Baby Boy Name:  Get an Early Start Expressing His Irish Side!

Choosing an Irish baby boy name may seem difficult at first.  But once you know a few of them, you begin to recognize them - they are all around us!  Many Irish names have very interesting meanings and historical significance, making them a particularly wonderful way to express our individual Irish sides.

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I went through the process of choosing an Irish baby boy name when we named my third son Aiden.  Derived from the name of a 7th century Irish bishop - Aodhan - it basically means "fire" or "fiery one," reflecting the qualities of passion and strength.  A good choice on our part, if I do say so myself :-)

Anyway, I look forward to sharing some of our favorite Irish baby boy names with you and providing links to many more.  Let's begin!

Choosing an Irish Baby Boy Name

One place to start when choosing an Irish baby boy name is to answer a few questions for yourself and your co-parent.  What are the qualities you value and want to instill in your little one?  What aspects of Irish culture or history do you want to honor and commemorate in your family history?  Which Irish baby boy name sounds like it would be fun to say over and over again for many, many years? :-)

Please keep in mind - names often have very complex histories and a variety of different meanings.  The names below are my best summary of what I have learned about choosing an Irish baby boy name, but I make no claim that they are all 100% correct (or even 100% Irish, although they all have ties to Ireland). 

With that in mind, here are some ideas to get you started.

Breandan

Pronunciation: BREN-dawn
Common Derivations:  Brendan, Brandon
Meaning: "Prince" or "Little Raven"
Popular Example:  Brendan Gleeson, Irish actor
Historical Figure:  St. Brendan the Navigator

St. Brendan was one of the early Irish monastic saints who was renowned for his legendary voyage in search of the "Isle of the Blessed." Born in 484 AD, his daring journey across the Atlantic was chronicled in the "Navigatio Sancti Brendani," which described sights and adventures beyond the known world. His pursuit of mystical isles not only inspired fellow explorers but also contributed to the lore of pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact myths.

Callahan

Pronunciation: KA-luh-han
Common Derivations:  Calhoun, Gallahan
Meaning: "Bright-Headed"
Popular Example:  Callahan Walsh, TV host and child safety advocate
Historical Figure: Callahan O'Rourke

Callahan O'Rourke was a chieftain in the province of Connacht during the late 10th century. He was known for his wisdom and strategic prowess, often successfully mediating conflicts between rival clans. His leadership played a crucial role during the Battle of Cath Arda, where his quick thinking facilitated victory against a formidable Norse threat.

Cian

Pronunciation: KEE-an
Common Derivations: Kean, Keane
Meaning: "Ancient" or "Enduring"
Popular Example:  Cian Healy, Irish rugby player
Historical Figure: Cian mac Mael Muad

Cian was a notable figure in Irish mythology, hailed as the father of the legendary Lugh, a hero in Celtic myths. He was infamous for his tragic conflict with the sons of Tuireann, sparking tales of vengeance and quests for redemption. The mythological tales surrounding him emphasize the ancient Irish values of honor and kinship.

Colm

Pronunciation: COH-lum
Common Derivations: Colum, Collin
Meaning: "Dove"
Popular Example:  Colm Meaney, Irish actor
Historical Figure: Colm Cille (St. Columba)

Colm Cille was a 6th-century abbot and missionary credited with spreading Christianity in Scotland. Founded the famous monastery of Iona, which became a pivotal center for learning and spirituality. His dedication and diplomacy were integral to maintaining peace among warring clans, earning him sainthood and reverence in both Ireland and Scotland.

Conor

Pronunciation: KUH-nur
Common Derivations: Connor, Conor
Meaning: "Lover of Hounds"
Popular Example:  Connor McGregor, Irish mixed martial artist
Historical Figure:  Conor mac Nessa

King Conor ruled the Ulaid, an ancient kingdom in northern Ireland, during the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He was known for his charisma and martial prowess. His saga features fierce battles, legendary heroes, and tragic loves, reflecting the richness of Irish storytelling.

Daire

Pronunciation: DAW-reh
Common Derivations: Dara, Dáire
Meaning: "Fruitful" or "Fertile"Z
Popular Example:  Dara O' Briain, Irish comedian
Historical Figure: Dáire Doimthech

Dáire was a mythological king of Ulster, often associated with wealth and prosperity due to the fertile lands of his kingdom. His cattle are central to the epic "Táin Bó Cúailnge," which recounts the famed cattle raids that define much of early Irish narrative history. His reign exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of ancient Irish kingship.

Eoin

Pronunciation: OH-in
Common Derivations: Owen, John
Meaning: "God is Gracious"
Popular Example:  Eoin Morgan, Irish born cricketer
Historical Figure: Eoin MacNeill

An influential scholar and nationalist leader, Eoin MacNeill played a prominent role in the early 20th-century Irish independence movement. As a co-founder of the Gaelic League, he was pivotal in reviving the Irish language and culture. Even though his call to arms during the Easter Rising was marred by last-minute counterorders, his impact on Irish history remains significant.

"Being Irish is very much a part of who I am. I take it everywhere with me." - Colin Farrell

Farrell

Pronunciation: FAR-el
Common Derivations: Ferrell, Fergal
Meaning: "Man of Valor"
Popular Example:  Colin Farrell, Irish actor
Historical Figure: Fearghal mac Máele Dúin

Fearghal was a high king of Ireland in the 8th century. Renowned for his valor and leadership, he met a dramatic fate at the Battle of Allen. His rule encompassed struggles for sovereignty and unifying the fragmented Irish chieftains under his command.

Lorcan

Pronunciation: LOR-kawn
Common Derivations: Larkin, Lorran
Meaning: "Little Fierce One"
Popular Example:  Lorcan Cranitch, Irish actor
Historical Figure: Lorcán Ua Tuathail (St. Laurence O’Toole)

A 12th-century archbishop of Dublin, Lorcán was noted for his diplomatic skills, managing relations between the Gaelic Irish and the newly arrived Anglo-Normans with deft grace. During his tenure, he championed peace and reform within the Irish church, ultimately canonized for his enduring faith and political acumen.

Niall

Pronunciation: NYE-al
Common Derivations:  Neal, Neil
Meaning: "Champion"
Popular Example:  Niall Horan, member of boy band One Direction
Historical Figure: Niall of the Nine Hostages

Niall was a legendary king who is often credited with bringing the legendary Scoti to Ireland. Famous for taking hostages from rival clans, his reign saw the consolidation of power and influence, setting the stage for the future High Kings of Tara. His lineage is said to have extended into historical Scottish and Irish dynasties.

Aodhan

Pronunciation: AY-dawn
Common Derivations: Aidan, Aiden
Meaning: "Little Fire"
Popular Example:  Aidan Turner, Irish actor
Historical Figure: Aodhan mac Gabran

Aodhan ruled as King of Dalriada in the 6th century, a kingdom straddling modern-day Ireland and Scotland. His ambitions to unite the Picts and Scots were marked by bold, albeit volatile, campaigns. His legacy resonates in the subsequent unification of Scottish territories (and in my own experience, when choosing an Irish baby boy name for my son).

Cillian

Pronunciation: KILL-ee-an
Common Derivations: Killian, Kilian
Meaning: "Church"
Popular Example:  Cillian Murphy, Irish Actor
Historical Figure: St. Cillian

St. Cillian was an Irish missionary bishop, leading efforts to Christianize parts of Franconia in the 7th century. His passion for spreading Christian tenets led to his martyrdom. Celebrated on the 8th of July, St. Kilian's Day is remembered for his enduring zeal and faith.

Eoghan

Pronunciation: OH-in
Common Derivations: Ewan, Owen
Meaning: "Born of the Yew Tree"
Popular Example:  Ewan McGregor, Scottish actor
Historical Figure:  Eoghan Ó Néill

Eoghan, a formidable Gaelic lord, played a pivotal role during the Elizabethan conquest in the late 16th century. He sought to preserve Gaelic lordship, forging critical alliances. His strategic acumen underpinned several key military victories against the English forces.

Fergal

Pronunciation: FER-gal
Common Derivations: Fergus, Fergie
Meaning: "Brave Man"
Popular Example:  Fergal Sharkley, Irish singer
Historical Figure:  Fergal mac Máele Dúin

High King of Ireland, Fergal's legacy is enshrined in his martial valor and ambition. His reign, marked by conquests, ended heroically at the infamous Battle of Allen. Celebrated in folklore, his courage still inspires.

Keegan

Pronunciation:  KEE-gan
Common Derivations:  Kegan, Keagan
Meaning:  "Son of Egan"
Popular Example:  Kegan Michael Key, American actor
Historical Figure:  Keegan O’Toole

Twentieth-century poet Keegan O'Toole became celebrated for his profound exploration of Irish identity. His evocative works brought rural Ireland's charm and struggles to a global audience, enhancing appreciation for Irish culture, and ensuring that Keegan would be a frequent option when choosing an Irish baby boy name.

Malachy

Pronunciation:  MAL-a-kee
Common Derivations:  Malachi, Malachie
Meaning:  "Messenger of God"
Popular Example:  Malachi Kirby, British actor
Historical Figure:  St. Malachy

12th-century Archbishop Malachy was renowned for his visions and Church reforms. His prophetic declarations, including predictions about papal succession, remain subjects of fascination. Canonized by Pope Clement III, he's venerated as a notable Irish patron saint.

Naoise

Pronunciation: NEE-sha
Common Derivations:  Neesha, Nee-shay
Meaning:  "Warrior"
Popular Example:  Naoise Dolan, Irish author
Historical Figure: Naoise mac Usnech

Central to the saga "Deirdre of the Sorrows," Naoise embodies tragic love and heroism. His story with Deirdre reflects the intricate dance of fate and emotion. Their legend captures the poignant intensity of ancient Irish storytelling.

Oisin

Pronunciation:  UH-sheen
Common Derivations:  Ossian, Osheen
Meaning:  "Little Deer"
Popular Example:  Oisin Tymon, British TV producer
Historical Figure:  Oisín son of Fionn

A bard and warrior, Oisín, son of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, stands at the heart of Fenian Cycle mythology. His epic love for Niamh of the Golden Hair symbolizes transcendent ties between mortal and mystical realms. Their sojourns to Tir na nOg, the Land of Youth, highlight timeless themes of love and longing.

Patrick Dempsey has shared that he is "proud" of his Irish heritage.

Padraig

Pronunciation:  PAW-rick
Common Derivations:  Patrick, Paddy
Meaning: "Nobleman"
Popular Example: Patrick Dempsey, American actor
Historical Figure:  St. Patrick

Ireland's foremost patron saint, St. Patrick was instrumental in establishing Christianity across the island in the 5th century. Renowned for his metaphoric use of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. His legacy is fervently celebrated worldwide on March 17th.

Ronan

Pronunciation:  ROH-nawn
Common Derivations:  Ronin, Rohnan
Meaning:  "Little Seal"
Popular Example:  Ronan Keating, Irish singer
Historical Figure:  Ronan Finn

Though less known than mythical peers, Ronan tactical exploits in the 13th-century annals against external raids exemplify tenacity. His prowess in ferocious battles against Viking incursions has become a quintessential tale of regional folklore. Ronan's places in the pantheon of legendary warriors augment the timeless spirit of Ireland.

Sean

Pronunciation:  SHAWN
Common Derivations:  Shaun, Shane
Meaning:  "God is Gracious"
Popular Example:  Sean Penn, American actor
Historical Figure:  Sean O’Casey

As a pivotal 20th-century playwright, Sean O'Casey vividly depicted Dublin's working-class life. His works, addressing political upheaval, are heralded for authentic representations and innovative narratives. Despite controversy, his contributions galvanized dramatic arts in Ireland.

Tadhg

Pronunciation:  TIE-g
Common Derivations:  Teague, Tiger
Meaning:  "Poet"
Popular Example:  Tadhg Furlong, Irish ruby player
Historical Figure:  Tadhg Dall Ó Huiginn

An eminent bard of the 16th century, Tadhg Dall Ó Huiginn, thrived on classical Gaelic poetry. His verses deftly interwove history and myth, adding rich layers to cultural tapestry. Revered at the Gaelic courts, his legacy pervades traditional Irish literature.

Ultan

Pronunciation:  UL-thawn
Common Derivations:  Ulick, Ulltan
Meaning:  "Of the Ulstermen"
Popular Example:  Ultan Conlon, Irish singer-songwriter
Historical Figure:  St. Ultan of Ardbraccan

St. Ultan flourished in the 7th century, known for contributions to religious education and charity. His famed orphanage offered sanctuary amid societal upheaval. Deeply respected, he's remembered for nurturing future clergy and compassion in teaching.

Daithi

Pronunciation:  DAH-hee
Common Derivations: Davey, David
Meaning:  "Beloved"
Popular Example;  Daithi O Se, Irish television presenter
Historical Figure:  Daithi, Last Pagan King of Ireland

Daithi's reign during the 5th century signaled the end of Ireland's pagan history. Known for resisting emerging Christianity, his demise at the Battle of Tara allowed a new epoch's dawn. His storied campaigns solidified his legacy among legendary Irish figures.

Fearghus

Pronunciation:  FER-gus
Common Derivations:  Fergus, Ferris
Meaning:  "Man of Strength"
Popular Example:  Fergus Henderson, British chef
Historical Figure:  Fearghus mac Roich

An embodiment of vitality in Ulster Cycle myths, Fearghus was a mighty warrior and noble chieftain. His tales of conflict and camaraderie with heroic Connacht warriors paint a vibrant picture of courage and loyalty. His eminent role underscores the intricate weave of myth and reality in Celtic heritage.

For more information on choosing an Irish baby boy name, have a look at The Bump, one of our favorite online sources for baby stuff in general!

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More Fun With Irish Expressions

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