You do have an Irish heritage and want to share the love you have for the Emerald Isle with your child? Then explore Irish baby names with meanings. Giving your bundle of joy an Irish name can be a good choice as the country has a rich culture and traditions. Irish names are known for their adorable sounds and powerful meanings. Whether you opt for anglicized or traditional, Irish baby names, they drip with charm and beauty. Lyrical and lilting Irish names conjure images of magnificent castles, beautiful landscapes, and lovely people. These names are unique in their own rights, which explains their popularity in the US. In fact, most of the top American monikers have Irish roots. This country of leprechauns, shamrocks, and green beer follows an old Gaelic tradition when it comes to naming babies. In Ireland, the first-born son has to be named after the father’s father, the second-born has to be named after the mother’s father, the third born after the father, and the fourth born after the father’s oldest brother. In the case of daughters, the firstborn is named after the mother’s mother, the second born after the father’s mother, the third born after the mother, and the fourth born after the mother’s oldest sister. A first name can be changed by an adjective to differentiate its bearer from other people with the same name. Mór (big) and Óg (young) are used to distinguish the father and son. They are similar to English epithets 'senior' and 'junior' but are placed between the personal or first name and the surname. Also, Irish people have significant accent diversity (1). There are four different accents with different pronunciation norms in Ulster, Connacht, and Munster. In this post, we have compiled an extensive list of Irish baby names with meanings. You can use the advanced search option to narrow down your search.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Decklan | Boy | A majestic and caring saint | |
Decklin | Boy | Declan; Full of goodness | |
Decklyn | Unisex | Strong and courageous | |
Declan | Boy | Full of goodness | |
Declin | Unisex | Full of virtue; Man of integrity | |
Declyn | Boy | Man of prayer; Full of goodness | |
Declynn | Unisex | Rebellious; Noble; Strong | |
Dedra | Girl | A steady, aging, and versatile being | |
Dee | Girl | Dark and sacred Goddess | |
Deedra | Girl | Beautiful melancholy of a broken heart | |
Degan | Unisex | Grain; Corn kernel | |
Deidre | Girl | Sorrow | |
Deirbhile | Girl | Beautiful daughter of a poet | |
Deirdra | Girl | Melancholy of the broken heart | |
Deirdre | Girl | One who has a broken heart | |
Deklan | Boy | A date tree; Tall one | |
Deklin | Unisex | Strong; Determined | |
Deklynn | Unisex | Man of prayer | |
Delan | Unisex | Challenger; Avenger | |
Delaney | Boy | The progeny of dark challenger | |
Delani | Unisex | Soft as wool | |
Delany | Boy | One who comes from a river | |
Demar | Unisex | Understands and embraces tradition | |
Dempsey | Boy | A proud and creative individual | |
Denelle | Unisex | Strong; Determined | |
Denson | Boy | Surname, derived from the personal name Denis or Dennis | |
Derian | Unisex | Gifted; Strong; Courageous | |
Dermot | Boy | Protector | |
Derren | Boy | Gifted; Great | |
Derron | Boy | Strong, determined, leader | |
Derry | Unisex | Oak grove or flourishing settlement | |
Dervla | Girl | Daughter of the poet; Poetic daughter | |
Desean | Boy | Gift from God | |
Desmon | Boy | Noble or worthy | |
Dessie | Girl | Ambitious; Determined | |
Devaney | Unisex | Descendant of Banbhan | |
Devanie | Girl | Beloved; Divine; Heavenly | |
Devany | Unisex | Divine; Heavenly; From heaven | |
Devaughn | Boy | Divine; Gifted individual | |
Deveny | Unisex | Divine, determined, and resilient | |
Devery | Unisex | Faithful and determined | |
Devin | Unisex | Poet | |
Devine | Unisex | Ox; Divine; Perfect | |
Devlin | Girl | Dark-haired, brave, valiant | |
Devlyn | Unisex | Brave; Fierce protector | |
Devone | Unisex | Descendant of a brave one | |
Devonte | Boy | Gifted; Determined; Charismatic | |
Dezmond | Boy | Noble; Determined; Strong | |
Diarmaid | Boy | Irish King; Without envy | |
Diarmid | Boy | Not envious; A warrior | |
Diarmuid | Boy | A great warrior who are without envy | |
Diedra | Girl | Sorrowful; Broken-hearted; Raging | |
Diedre | Boy | A beautiful melancholy of a broken heart | |
Dierdra | Boy | One who has a raging attitude | |
Dillan | Boy | Son of the sea | |
Dillen | Boy | One who is like a Lion; mighty | |
Dillon | Boy | A faithful and loyal friend | |
Dilynn | Boy | A loyal individual; An embodiment of mercy | |
Dodo | Unisex | Precious Gift of God; His uncle | |
Dolan | Unisex | Unlucky; Unfortunate; A black haired person | |
Dolton | Boy | Settlement by the hill | |
Dominca | Girl | A Famous Saint; one who belongs to the Lord | |
Donagh | Boy | Brown-haired warrior | |
Donal | Boy | Stranger; Great chief | |
Donavan | Boy | Dark; Brown-haired chieftain | |
Donavin | Boy | Dark chieftain; Dark warrior | |
Donavon | Boy | Descendent of Donndubhan | |
Donis | Unisex | Gift from God | |
Donley | Boy | Ruler of the World | |
Donnacha | Boy | The one who is a brown-haired warrior | |
Donnagan | Boy | A brown-haired man who is also a chief | |
Donnan | Boy | Brown one; Majestic being | |
Donnelly | Boy | They have great valor and are born chief | |
Donner | Boy | Dark Warrior; one who is strong as thunder | |
Donovan | Boy | Brown-haired chieftain | |
Donovin | Boy | Dark warrior; Strong fighter | |
Dooley | Boy | Hero with a dark skin; A dark-haired person | |
Doolin | Boy | Black blade or sword; majestic and confident | |
Doon | Boy | One who is from Doon; Excellent people | |
Dorane | Boy | One who is in exile; A wanderer | |
Doreen | Girl | A beautiful yet moody person | |
Dorrian | Unisex | Gifted, determined, charismatic | |
Dorrin | Boy | The one who is dark-browned colored | |
Dover | Boy | A shaking Bog or an island | |
Doyle | Boy | One who is a black stranger; Famous person | |
Dravon | Unisex | Strong; Powerful; Leader | |
Drennan | Unisex | Descendant of Ronán | |
Drennen | Unisex | Strong; Courageous; Determined | |
Driscoll | Boy | One who is a descendent of a messenger | |
Druce | Boy | Son of drew; Wise man | |
Dublin | Unisex | Black pool | |
Dunn | Boy | One who has a dark complexion | |
Dunne | Boy | One with a brown complexion | |
Dunnere | Boy | Dark brown colored; shadow | |
Dwyer | Boy | Black one who lives by the tradition | |
Dyllon | Boy | A loyal one from the sea | |
Eabha | Girl | To live | |
Eadbhard | Boy | Rich protector | |
Eadoin | Girl | Majestic | |
Eagan | Boy | Son of fire | |
Irish names are famous for their distinct sounds and timeless appeal. Hopefully, this list of Irish baby names with meanings will inspire you to find a great name for your boy or girl. When you choose one, ensure to study its pronunciation. This is because although they seem like English words, their pronunciation differs significantly. Speak the names aloud after knowing their meanings and find out if they will match your young one's personality. Browse through the list and take your pick.
Infographic: Exquisite Irish Baby Names
The popularity of Irish names is compounding with each passing year. If you’ve been blessed with a baby and wish to honor your Irish roots, this is the right time to explore names from this ancient culture. These names are strong, unique, and packed with deep meanings. Check out the infographic we have compiled below and pick your favorite one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Irish name means love?
Áine is the goddess of love and fertility, according to Irish legend. This feminine name means radiance or brilliance. Caomhán is a masculine name, meaning ‘beloved in Irish.’ It is the name of an early Irish saint.
2. Which name means gold in Irish?
Órfhlaith, Orla, Orlagh, and Órlait are some of the Irish names commonly associated with gold.
3. Which Irish name means darling?
Muirne, Caoimhe, Caomh, and Caomhán are some Irish names that reflect the meaning of ‘beloved’ or ‘darling.’
4. Which Irish name means angel?
Aingeal is the Irish cognate of Angela, derived from the Greek Angelos, meaning ‘the divine heavenly messenger.’
5. What is the Irish name for happiness?
Suibhne is derived from the Old Irish Suibne, meaning ‘joy,’ ‘pleasure,’ and ‘happiness.’ The name was a notable title borne by many famous Irish personalities in their early history.
References
- Irish word of the week
https://irishartscenter.org/event/irish-word-of-the-week-chapter-2