Irish Baby Names
Irish names carry the warmth of Celtic tradition, the music of the Irish language, and centuries of mythology. From the ancient to the modern, these names are among the most evocative in the world.
A note on pronunciation
Irish Gaelic has sounds unfamiliar to English speakers. Our name cards link to individual name pages where you can hear more about pronunciation and origin. When in doubt, most Irish names have an established English pronunciation — use whichever feels comfortable for your child.
Irish Girl Names
Irish Boy Names
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Irish names?▼
Niamh, Aoife, Caoimhe, and Maeve are enduringly popular for Irish girls. For boys, Cillian, Fionn, Oisin, and Liam (the Irish form of William) are among the most beloved — and Liam has become one of the top names in the US overall.
How do you pronounce Irish names?▼
Irish names often have sounds unfamiliar to English speakers. Caoimhe is pronounced 'KEE-va', Niamh is 'NEEV', Oisin is 'uh-SHEEN', and Tadhg is 'TYG'. We've included pronunciations where they're non-obvious, and most Irish names have established English pronunciations that work well.
Do Irish names work outside Ireland?▼
Many Irish names have become international favorites. Liam, Connor, Erin, and Shannon are used worldwide. Even more traditional Irish names like Caoimhe and Oisin are growing in popularity outside Ireland, particularly among parents who want a name with real cultural weight.
What do Irish names mean?▼
Many Irish names are deeply connected to nature — Fionn (fair/white), Niamh (bright/radiant), Oisin (little deer), and Eoghan (born of the yew tree) all draw from the natural world. Others carry spiritual or heroic meaning from Irish mythology.
Are Irish boy names and girl names different?▼
While some names like Riley, Morgan, and Casey are used for both, most traditional Irish names are clearly gendered. Parents looking for truly unisex options might consider Reagan, Avery (from the Irish 'aeife' meaning beautiful), or Celtic names from the broader Gaelic tradition.
Explore Irish names in our database
Search, filter, and save Irish names with full meanings and SSA trend data.