Old/ unusual Irish boys names

I know what you mean! I like the names Aoife and Fionn but can you imagine putting those parents under the spotlight ''why did you choose such popular names, do you feel you might be subjecting them to a life of Aoife B Fionn B?''

there are some lovely names here. But yes I understand the fear of them being too obscure. My sisters and I all have very Irish names with Irish spelling and it’s been challenging at times (mainly while living in the U.K.) but ultimately We now all love having unique names that have meaning. I’ve called both my children Irish names but nothing too “out there”. It’s a fine balance and I know that a lot of ppl don’t understand naming your child an unusual Irish name. However in reverse I (internally) think “how ridiculously boring “ when I hear one of the very common names being used again. Of course I say nothing though. Unlike all the people who feel it’s ok to comment on our more unusual name choices

Colum
Marc

Relax there @Steeple😀 I don’t have a deep hate for Irish names, maybe that was the wrong choice of word, I just think giving a baby a ridiculous name that it’s impossible to pronounce is silly. And yes I’d say 90% people in Dublin (and I’d say rest of Ireland too) didnt hear half of these names mentioned here. I’m saying that - each to their own, If OP wants to give her baby a name that no one ever will know how to pronounce then why not? She can do it, nothing wrong with that. Just be prepared for a lifetime of teaching people how to spell and pronounce it: every phone call to insurance, every doctors visit, every school run, then every job interview etc.

@steeple I think it's appropriate to challenge and question the way Irish names are being used currently. The neurosis is all part of the heritage.

Steeple

You've come over all snooty. This is definitely the wrong place for you!

TBH, Elise's answer was the most Irish thing that's happened on this thread and if you can't cope with it you'd perish in Ireland!

[quote SeanChailleach]@steeple I think@elisemum makes a reasonable point. The OP did ask for old and unusual names, and some of these are very obscure. It's not surprising if many Irish people have never heard of them - that's kind of the point.
I absolutely love Irish names and I am glad people use them. I would love it if they would all learn to speak Irish as well and keep it alive on their tongues.[/quote]
I think you’re overlooking the part where she says she ‘hates Irish names’, so is hardly qualified to comment — and as the OP specifically asked for old and unusual Irish names, surely it’s entirely irrelevant that @Elisemum’s husband hasn’t heard of some of them?

@steeple I think@elisemum makes a reasonable point. The OP did ask for old and unusual names, and some of these are very obscure. It's not surprising if many Irish people have never heard of them - that's kind of the point.
I absolutely love Irish names and I am glad people use them. I would love it if they would all learn to speak Irish as well and keep it alive on their tongues.

I love Dónal. It seems a little out of fashion for some reason.

We’re also in Ireland but god I hate Irish names, I truly do, but in saying that we are having a baby Sean in 2 weeks and it’s the only name that I absolutely love and have been loving for years. Just be careful with a super unusual names.. my husband is Irish and didn’t hear half these names people here mentioned. We have a little girl in the family who has an unusual name (french name) and no one knows how to pronounce it despite the parents saying it numerous times. So everyone is just too embarrassed to ask again (me included )so they call her “baby” :) even singing a Happy birthday song for her was a bit akward, that’s why I’m not fan of unusual names

Then might I also suggest:
Lughan

Cearbhall is quite a good name.

I think it can also be spelled Lughan (I believe it's derived from the name of the pre-Christian god Lugh).

Neasán
Amhlaoibh
Fergus/ Fearghus
Oscar
Colmán
Ciarán
Cearbhall
Mel
Muireadach
Manus
Odhrán
Oistin
Raghnall
Domhnall
Tighearnach
Naithí
Flannán
Maeleachlainn
Macartán

@mathanxiety fair enough, some people are particular about name meanings, that's why I mentioned it. It is a nice sounding word mind you, just wish it meant more than Monday .

Luan means Monday in Irish, not sure how it got listed on name sites!

I suggested it - I have a relative of that name.

Good site with all the fades and sound bites:

www.ireland101.com/irish-baby-boys-names-iz

Eochaidh
Ruadhán
Roibeard
Seanan
Aidan
Ferdia

Poor old Ferdia got a raw deal in mythology but he still died with honour (I think?). Luan means Monday in Irish, not sure how it got listed on name sites! Daithi is quite common and a bit old fella down the road who is annoying. Iarla is nice though.

These are beautiful and very evocative

My favourite Irish boy name is Jarlath.

Ah. Maybe not that uncommon any more