200+ top Irish baby names with unique meanings and pronunciation

Struggling to choose a baby name? Want something unique but strong? Bold yet timeless? Classic yet cool?

Irish baby names are a perfect choice. Whether you have Irish heritage or not, the Emerald Isles has produced some of the most beautiful and poetic names around. The unique spellings and pronunciations will guarantee individuality, while their historical roots, in the old language, Gaelic, or from Irish folklore, they're a choice for the ages.

The latest official Irish baby name stats, for 2023, have been released by the Central Statistics Office and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Both sets of statistics feature several traditional Irish names in the top 100 rankings. For girls, these include Aoife, Caoimhe, Fiadh, Maeve and Saoirse and for boys, Rían, Seán, Darragh and Cillian.

What is a popular baby Irish baby name?

Irish names are consistently popular with parents on our Baby Names forum. For girls, Mumsnetters particularly love the names Maeve, Aoife and Saoirse. And how about the beautiful baby name Fiadh? It’s the most popular girl name of Irish origin, at number two in the latest official rankings for Ireland.

For boys, parents love traditional Irish names such as Rían, which is the most popular name of Irish origin for boys at number four, Oisín and Cillian at number five, and Tadhg at number seven

New entries, of Irish origin, to the top 100 rankings in Ireland are Caelan, Paddy, Éanna and Dáithí for boys and Cadhla and Síofra for girls. Overall, according to the new Irish Babies' Names stats from the Central Statistics Office, the fastest risers in the Republic of Ireland are both names of Irish origin. The girl name Síofra has gone up 57 places to number 100 and, for boys, the top riser is Caelan, which has leapt 58 places up the official rankings to number 50.

There are separate stats for Northern Ireland - compiled by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. While these rankings feature many of the same names as the lists from the Central Statistics Office for the Republic of Ireland, including several traditional Irish names, there are some interesting differences. For instance,  in Northern Ireland Fiadh is at number two and Aiofe is at number eight for girls, while Cillian is at number four and Oisin is at number seven for boys.

If you’re after a modern baby name with an Irish flavour, how about a classic Irish surname, such as McKenna, Rafferty or Lennon as a first name?

How we chose the top Irish baby names for girls and boys

We checked the new Irish Babies' Names stats from the Central Statistics Office and the he official stats for Northern Ireland from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency to see their list of the most popular baby names. 

We then consulted our own Baby Names forum to get an idea of the most loved and adored Irish names and also widened our research to discover some of the more unique and traditional options out there.

Popular baby girl names in Ireland 

Taken from the Central Statistics Office rankings

1. Grace - of English origin, meaning 'favour' or 'blessing

2. Fiadh - of Irish origin, meaning 'wild'. Pronounced fee-ya

3. Emily - of Latin origin, meaning ‘striving' or 'eager'

4. Sophie - of Greek origin, meaning 'wisdom'

5. Lily - from the flower and of English origin, meaning 'purity’

6. Ellie - of Greek and Hebrew origin, meaning 'shining light'

7. Mia - of Italian, Scandinavian, Spanish and Greek origin, meaning 'wished-for child', 'one, 'only' or 'mine'

8. Amelia - of Germanic origin, meaning 'industrious' or 'striving'

9. Éabha - an Irish name, meaning ‘life’ 

10. Ella - of Germanic, English and Hebrew origins, meaning 'other', 'fairy maiden' or 'goddess

11. Isla - a Scottish name, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word for ‘island’. Isla is a variation of Islay, a Scottish island on the west coast

12. Hannah - of Hebrew origin, meaning 'favour' or 'grace'

13. Sophia - of Greek origin, meaning 'wisdom' or 'skill'

14. Lucy - of Latin origin, meaning 'light'

15. Ava - of Latin, Germanic and Persian origin, meaning 'bird', 'living one' or 'voice

16. Sadie - of English and Hebrew origin, meaning 'princess'

17. Olivia - of Latin origin, meaning 'olive tree'

18. Freya - derived from the Old Norse goddess of love, ‘Freyja’

19. Emma - of Germanic origin, meaning 'whole' or 'universal'

20. Chloe - of Greek origin, meaning 'blooming' or 'young, fresh, and verdant'

21. Robyn (or Robin) - of English origin, meaning 'famous' or 'bright'. Closely associated with the red-breasted bird

22. Molly - of Irish and Latin origin, meaning ‘star of the sea’

23. Anna - of Hebrew, Greek and Latin origin, meaning 'favour', 'grace' or 'beautiful'

24. Croia - of Irish origin, meaning ‘little heart’

25. Evie - of English and Latin origin, meaning ‘life’

Popular baby boy names in Ireland 

Taken from the Central Statistics Office rankings

26. Jack - of English and Hebrew origin, meaning ‘God is gracious'.

27. James - of Hebrew origin, meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows'

28. Noah - a Hebrew name meaning 'rest' or 'repose'

29. Rían - of Irish origin, meaning ‘little king’

30. Oisín - of Irish origin and pronounced 'uh-sheen', meaning 'little deer'

31. Fionn - of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning 'fair-haired' or 'white'

32. Tadhg - Irish and Gaelic origin and is pronounced as tyg or tygue, meaning ‘poet’ or 'philosopher'

33.  Liam - of Irish origin, meaning 'strong willed warrior'

34. Cillian - of Irish origin, pronounced kil-ee-an, meaning ‘war strife' or 'little church’

35. Daniel - of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘God is my judge' or 'God is my strength'

36. Finn - of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning ‘white’ or ‘fair’

37. Conor - of Irish origin, meaning 'lover of wolves' or 'lover of hounds'

38. Charlie - of Germanic origin, meaning 'free man'

39. Seán - of Irish and Hebrew origin, meaning 'God is gracious'

40. Michael - a name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'Who is like God?'

41. Leo - of Latin and Greek origin, meaning ‘lion’

42. Theo - of Greek origin, traditionally short for Theodore and meaning ‘Gift of God’

43. Thomas - of Greek origin, meaning 'twin'

44. Patrick - of Latin origin, meaning ‘nobleman’

45. Luke - the English form of the Latin Lucas, meaning 'light' or 'light-giving'

46. Tommy - of Greek origin, meaning 'twin', originally short for Thomas but now a popular standalone name

47. Oliver - of Latin origin, meaning 'olive branch'

48. Adam - of Hebrew origin, meaning 'man', 'ground/earth', 'red' or 'son of the red earth'

49. Harry - the Middle English version of 'Henry'. It means estate/home ruler or protector

50. Luca - a name of Latin origin, meaning ‘bringer of light’

What Mumsnetters say about popular Irish baby names

“Fiadh? I’m in Belfast and it’s very very popular- there was a period a while back where three birth announcements from my Facebook friends in a row featured a baby Fiadh.” - Mumsnet user, TerribleCustomerCervix

"My three-year-old DS is called Cillian (husband is Irish) and he always gets so many compliments on his name. We live in London and it’s rarely mispronounced" - Mumsnet user, Londonmama85

Cute Irish baby girl names 

51. Aine - pronounced awn-ye, this gorgeous name means ‘brilliant’ and ‘happiness’

52. Aoibhinn - You pronounce this ee-van and it means ‘radiant beauty’

53. Aileen - Pronounced a-lean, this gorgeously vintage name means ‘moon halo’ or ‘bright and shining one’

54. Bellamy - another classic first and surname choice, you may think of Muse frontman Matt Bellamy. It has French, Irish and even Norman origins and means ‘good friend’

55. Blathnaid - a gorgeous Gaelic name that means ‘flower’ and is pronounced blaw-ned 

56. Bronagh - a classic name that means ‘sorrow’. You pronounce it bro-nah

57. Cara - a name with a variety of origins, with the Irish root meaning 'friend'

58. Cathasaigh - pronounced kah-a-see, this name means 'vigilant' and watchful. It's gender-neutral and the English version is Casey

59. Clodagh - derived from a river in Ireland and also a saint, this name is pronounced klow-dah

60. Collins - traditionally a surname that derives from the Gaelic O'Cuilleain and translates to ‘holly’

61. Daireann - meaning 'fruitful' or 'bountiful', this name is pronounced dar-awn

62. Dearbhla - pronounced durv-la, this Irish name means ‘daughter of a poet’ or ‘daughter of Ireland’. A lovely tribute to the Emerald Isles

63. Delaney - a gorgeously Gothic name that means ‘dark challenger’ 

64. Éalaigh - meaning 'escape' or 'to break free', it's pronounced ay-lee 

67. Eimear - meaning 'swift', this name is a variant of the old Gaelic name Emer. It's pronounced ee-mur

66. Eithne - meaning ‘kernel’. You pronounce it e-th-ne

67. Ériu - a stunning choice that means 'Irish goddess'. This name is pronounced eh-ru

68. Fallon - another choice that works for both first and surname, this means ‘descended from a ruler’

69. Fionnuala - pronounced fi-noo-lah or fi-noo-luh, this name is steeped in Irish mythology and means ‘white shoulder’

70. Grainne -  meaning 'grain' or 'love', this was also the name of the ancient grain goddess. You pronounce it grawn-ye

71. Kelsea - meaning ‘victorious ship’

72. Laoise - pronounced lee-sha, this comes from Irish Gaelic origin and means 'light'

73. Mairi - the Gaelic version of 'Mary', which means 'star of the sea, bitter or beloved'

74. Mairead - pronounced mi-rade, it means ‘pearl’

75. Zorán - pronounced zo-rawn, this name is from Old Irish and its specific meaning is a bit of a mystery. It has been used over time for both girls and boys

Cute Irish baby boy names 

76. Abbán - pronounced ab-bawn, this moniker means ‘little abbot’ and was also the name of a sixth century Irish saint

77. Aengus - pronounced ang-gus, this name means ‘one strength’

78. Ardghal - you pronounce this ahr-dahl, it means ‘high or bear-like valour’

79. Bairrfhionn - another complicated spelling but this is simply pronounced bar-een. It means ‘fair-haired’

80. Bran - not to be confused with the cereal grain, you pronounce this like brawn. A gloriously gothic name that means ‘raven’

81. Calbhach - a unique sounding name that is pronounced kal-a-wakh. Might not be the ideal choice if hair loss is a common theme in your family as it means ‘bald’

82. Caomhán - means ‘beloved’. It’s pronounced kee-wan

83. Cathal - the T in this name is silent as it’s pronounced kah-hal and means ‘strong in battle’

84. Ceallach - this is a rare name that has several possible meanings, including ‘bright-headed’ and ‘church’. You pronounce it kehl-ahc

85. Cearbhall - pronounced kyar-a-wal, this name means ‘sharp-pointed’

86. Comhghall - a name of Old Irish descent that means ‘fellow hostage’. It has a complicated spelling but is simple enough to say. Pronounced kow-all

87. Dáire - meaning ‘fruitful’ and ‘fertile’, you pronounce this daw-ra

88. Dòmhnall - meaning ‘world ruler’. It’s the Gaelic form of the name Donald and is pronounced daa-naal

89. Dubhán - pronounced duwb-aen, this strong choice means ‘little dark one’

90. Faolán - another rare Old Irish name that means ‘little wolf’. Ideal for an adventurous or outdoorsy child. It’s pronounced fee-lawn. A more modern spelling could be Phelan

91. Fintan - pronounced fin-tawn, this strong name means ‘little fair one’ or ‘white fire’

92. Gobán - this name is often associated with the Irish smith God Goibniu. It’s pronounced phonetically

93. Gulliver – you may associate this name with Gulliver’s Travels but its meaning is actually ‘glutton’

94. Iarfhlaith (or Iarlaithe) – a strong choice meaning ‘western ruler’. Don’t like the complicated spelling put you off as it’s simply pronounced eer-la 

95. Jarlath - pronounced phonetically, this name means ‘tributary lord’

96. Keefe - this unique name means ‘beloved’ and is pronounced phonetically

97. Lennon - another classic that can be a first or surname. Many will think of John Lennon and in more recent years, Liam Gallager’s son, Lennon. It simply means ‘lover’. We adore it as a gender-neutral option too

98. Meallán - meaning ‘pleasant’. Pronounced mehl-awn

99. Nollaig - ideal for any winter baby as this name means ‘Christmas’ in Old Irish. You say it naw-lak

100. Phelim - meaning ‘ever good’, it comes from the Irish names Feidhlim and Féilim. It’s pronounced fee-lim

What Mumsnetters say about unique Irish baby names

"Clodagh is my favourite" - Mumsnet user, maresedotes

"Bláthnaid is blaw-ned with a soft D like the ‘th’ in ‘thou’" - Mumsnet user, Naomh

Cool Irish baby girl names 

101. Aoife - a very popular Irish name meaning 'beauty'

102. Caoimhe - of Old Irish origin and pronounced kee-va, meaning 'gentle', 'beautiful' or 'kind'

103. Éabha - meaning 'to breathe' or 'to live'. You say this like Ava

104. Éilís - the Irish version of Ella, meaning 'God's promise'

105. Forlaith - pronounced fer-la, this name dates all the way back to the 8th century and means ‘an overlord, ruler or sovereign’

106. Iseult - a name of Irish mythology as it means ‘Irish mythological princess’. Pronounced ee-sult

107. Kentigerna - pronounced kin-tee-aurn-ah, this name means ‘kind ruler’ 

108. Labhaoise - this name means ‘warrior maiden’ and can be pronounced la-vee-sha, la-wee-sha or lee-sha 

109. Líle - the Irish variant of the name Lily, meaning the flower and also 'my God is an oath'. It's pronounced lee-leh

110. Lúile - pronounced like the name Lula, this name means 'child with thick hair'

111. Maeve - a very popular Irish name, meaning ‘intoxicating’ and derived from Medb, the name of a queen or goddess in Irish mythology.

112. Mckenna - a popular gender-neutral baby name that has its roots in both Scottish and Irish culture and was historically a surname that translated to 'son of Kenneth' 

113. Mealla - Pronounced meh-lah, this comes from the old Irish word for honey 

114. Murphy - a classic Gaelic name that works as a first and surname. It means ‘sea warrior’

115. Orla - meaning 'golden princess' and pronounced or-lah

116. Réitlín - pronounced rate-lean or rail-teen and it means ‘little star’

117. Róinseach - derived from the Old Irish word Rón which means seal, this unique name is the female version of the very popular name Ronan. You pronounce it rone-shack

118. Róis - if you’re a fan of botanical names, this one means rose and has the same pronunciation

119. Sadhbh - the Irish version of Sophia, it means 'sweet' or 'goodness'. It's pronounced sigh-ve

120. Saoirse - a cool Irish name meaning 'freedom'

121. Siofra - an Irish name for girls, meaning ‘sprite’ or ‘changeling’

122. Sloan - a gender-neutral baby name that means ‘warrior’ 

Cool Irish baby boy names 

123. Áed - pronounced like the letter A, this strong name means 'fire' and is perfect for a baby that's full of personality!

124. Ámhra - a name with such positive connotations as it means 'very wonderful'. You can pronounce this aw-vra

125. Ardkill - pronounced phonetically, this name means 'from the high church' 

126. Banning - meaning ‘small fair one’

127. Caolán - meaning 'slender warrior' and pronounced kay-lan

128. Cian - meaning 'ancient'

129.  Darragh - of Irish origin, pronounced dah-rah or dair-uh, meaning 'oak tree' 

130. Éanna - an Old Irish name, meaning ‘bird’

131. Finnegan - meaning ‘fair’ and ‘white’.

132. Oengus - pronounced en-gus, this name is similar to the English version Angus and means 'one strength'

133. Mac - meaning ‘son of’

134. Maguire - meaning ‘son of the beige one’

135. Mathghamhain - the Old Irish word for bear, this name has a complicated spelling but sounds wonderful on the ears. It's pronounced mac-oh-von

136. Paddy - an Irish name traditionally used as a shortening for Padraig or Patrick but now a popular standalone na

137. Quinn - a gender-neutral name meaning ‘wise’

138. Riagán - pronounced ree-a-gan, this regal choice for a boy means ‘king’

139. Riordan - meaning ‘little poet of king’, this cute moniker is pronounced rear-den

140. Rochadh - a strong name that means battle, you pronounce this rock-ah

141. Ruadh - this name has its roots steeped in Irish and Scots Gaelic and means ‘red’. Pronounce it roo-ah

142. Ryan - of Irish origin, meaning 'descendent of the king' or 'little king'

143. Séaghdha - it may be a unique spelling but the name is easy enough to say, simply pronounced shay. It means ‘favourable’ or ‘learned’

144. Setanta - an old mythical name meaning 'son of Sualtam', it's pronounced phonetically

145. Shane - another classic Irish choice. Stemming from the Irish name Seán, it means ‘God is gracious’

146. Slevin - meaning 'mountain' or 'mountain climber', this unique moniker can also be a surname

147. Teagan - once a classic surname, the moniker has gained prominence in recent years and works for both boys and girls. It means ‘attractive', 'beautiful' or 'perfect’

148. Tighearnach - pronounced tear-nawk, a sixth-century Irish saint with the same name was said to have been taken prisoner by British pirates before escaping home

Traditional Irish baby girl names

149. Aisling - pronounced ash-ling, meaning 'dream' or 'vision'

150. Bébhaill - meaning ‘like the wind’, this name was very popular at one point but has most recently gone out of favour. Pronounced bay-vill, we see this name making a comeback

151. Cadhla - meaning ‘beautiful’ or graceful’, this gorgeous-sounding name has various pronunciations based on your region of Ireland. You can say it kay-la or loll-a or even ky-la

152. Caitlin - meaning 'pure'

153. Ciara - meaning 'dark-haired'

154. Colleen - meaning 'girl' or 'young woman'

155. Éalaigh - meaning 'escape' or 'to break free', it's pronounced ay-lee 

156. Enda - meaning 'bird-like' or 'freedom of spirit', this name is pronounced phonetically

157. Erin - derived from Éire, the Irish name for Ireland

158. Liadhán - pronounced lee-uh-awn, it means 'grey' or 'grey-haired'

159. Medb (or Meadhbh) - the Irish version of Maeve, pronounced the same way, it means ‘intoxicating’

160. Muireann - this name comes from the mythical mermaid of the same name who was transformed into a woman by a saint. It’s pronounced mweer-in

161. Naoise - pronounced nee-sha, this bold name means 'warrior'

162. Niamh - this name comes from Old Irish and means ‘bright and radiant’. You pronounce it neeve

163. Oonagh (or Úna) - meaning 'lamb' and pronounced oo-nah

164. Orlaith - meaning 'golden princess'

165. Radha - derived from the Old Irish world Radharc, this name means 'view' or 'vision'. You pronounce it like rower

166. Réaltín - meaning little star, it's pronounced ray-al-teen

167. Róisín - meaning 'little rose'. Pronounced row-sheen

168. Séamaisíona - Pronounced shay-ma-she-ma, this gorgeous name means ‘may god protect’.

169. Shanley - pronounced phonetically, this gender-neutral name means 'hero's child'

170. Shaughnessy - a distinctive choice that means ‘elusive’

171. Shea - pronounced Shay, this is gender-neutral and the feminine version means 'from the fort'

172. Siúirtán - meaning to 'descend' or 'flow', this unique name is pronounced shoor-tawn

173. Sorcha - pronounced suh-ruh-kuh, this name means 'bright' or 'shining'

Traditional Irish baby boy names

174. Aidan - a gender-neutral name that means ‘little fire’

175. Ailill - pronounced ah-lil, it means ‘beauty’

176. Anrai - meaning ‘rules the home’, you say this name awn-ree

177. Ardan - Pronounced ar-dawn, this name means ‘high aspiration’

178. Auley - pronounced phonetically, this name means ‘ancestor's descendant’

179. Braon - pronounced bray-on, this name means ‘rain’ or ‘sorrow’

180. Brendan - a classic, this name has regal connotations as it means ‘prince’ or ‘king’

181. Caelan - a traditional Irish name meaning ‘slender’

182. Cian - meaning 'ancient'

183. Colm - the Irish version of Callum, this name means ‘dove’

184. Cormac - means ‘son of the charioteer'

185. Dáithí - of Irish Gaelic origin meaning ‘swiftness, nimbleness’

186. Diarmuid - meaning 'without enemy' or 'free from envy'. Pronounced deer-mut

187. Éamonn - meaning 'rich protector' or 'wealthy guardian'. Pronounced ay-mon

188. Eoin - pronounced like the name Owen, this means ‘God is gracious’

189. Fiachra - pronounced Fee-uh-krah, this means ‘crow’ or ‘raven’

190. Finbar - meaning ‘fair-headed one’

191. Fergal - meaning ‘man of valour’

192. Finian - from the Gaelic Fionn, it means ‘white’ and ‘fair’

193. Gearoid - pronounced gah-rod, it means ‘strength of spear’

194. Iain - meaning ‘God is gracious’

195. Kieran - meaning ‘little dark one’

196. Laoidheach - meaning 'songful' or 'poetic', this name is pronounced lee-ick 

197. Lorcan - meaning ‘little fierce one’

198. Nechtan - pronounced nye-ach-tun, it means ‘clean’ and ‘pure’

199. Niall - coming from the Old Irish word niadh meaning ‘champion'

200. Pádraig - pronounced pah-drig, this name means ‘nobleman’

201. Páidí - an Irish name meaning ‘nobleman’

202. Rafferty - meaning ‘one who will prosper’

203. Ronan - the name of 12 Irish and Scottish saints, it means ‘little seal’

204. Rory - a variant of Ruairí, meaning red king or red-haired king9204. Ruairí - pronounced roo-ree, meaning 'red king' or 'red-haired king'

205. Séamus - the Irish form of James, meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows'

206. Tiarnán - meaning little lord or regal'. Pronounced tee- uhr-nawn

207. Turlough - meaning 'lord of the land'. Pronounced tuh-lok

What Mumsnetters say about traditional Irish baby names

"I have a one-year-old Niamh. We've never had anyone not know how to pronounce it, which has been a pleasant surprise" - Mumsnet user, ILoveStickers

"We have a Rory and a Cillian. We are a mixed Irish English couple living in the UK too. We have had lots of lovely reactions to Cillian and I'm so glad we went with it now (he's only a baby still). We also considered Liam, Caolan and Ronan. Ronan means 'little seal' which I thought was cute" - Mumsnet user, Alwaysundecided

What is the rarest name in Ireland?

Determining the rarest name in Ireland can be challenging, as it depends on factors like historical records, changing naming trends and personal preferences. Additionally, some unique names might be so rare that they don't appear in public databases or records.

That said, certain old and traditional Irish baby names that are no longer in common use could be considered quite rare. Names including Róinseach (for girls) and Tiarnán (for boys) are less commonly used today.

What Irish name means ‘gentle’?

The Irish name Caoimhe, pronounced kee-vuh, means 'gentle' or 'kind.' It's a feminine name that reflects qualities of warmth and compassion.

What is the Irish name for ‘love’?

The Irish word for 'love' is 'grá.' It's a term that represents the concept of love, affection and care. In the context of baby names, Gráinne, pronounced grawn-ye, is a traditional Irish girl's name that is related to the word 'grá.'

Gráinne is often interpreted as 'grain' or 'love,' and it holds historical and legendary significance in Irish mythology. It was the name of the ancient grain goddess.

How to name your baby

If you don’t fancy any of these popular Irish baby names for your baby boy or baby girl, why not see which baby names are top in England and Wales, and the most popular choices in Scotland last year?

Celebrating a new arrival? Create your very own Amazon baby wishlist and get 15% off baby items when you spend £200 or more.

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist hailing from London. After graduating from university in 2011 with a degree in Journalism, she quickly moved into magazines and became the Style News Writer for more! magazine before moving to Closer magazine as their Junior Writer. Here, she progressed to Senior Writer and eventually Acting News Editor.

Kat has also worked across a number of national publications and, during her pregnancy, she had her own column with OK! Magazine discussing the trials and tribulations that come from expecting. She has also written content on baby names for the Daily Express.