Celtic Irish Boys Names

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

If any of these names are incorrect, or if you know of any more Irish names with their meanings, orrigins, and a short storry to accompany it, please contact us.

A  top

  1. Adair - "from the ford by the oak trees." Adare.
  2. Adamnan - "the timid one"; name of an abbot of Iona. Awnan, Adomnan, Adhamhan.
  3. Aed - derived from the word aedh "fire"; common in early Ireland; name of several early saints, and four Ui Neill High Kings.
  4. Aedan - (EH-thahn) dim. also can be Aed. Saint Aodhan of Fern performed many miracles, including healing the lame and blind son of a British king.
  5. Aeducan - common dim. also can be Aed in medieval Ireland. Aodhagan.
  6. Ahern - "lord of the horses."
  7. Ailbhis - (AL-vis) 6th C. Irish saint; perhaps a also can be Ailbhe. Anglecized as Elvis.
  8. Ailill - name of a legendary king of Connacht and husband of Medb.
  9. Ailin - (ay-LEEN) derived Old Irish=ail "noble."
  10. Alan - "handsome" or "peaceful."
  11. Alastar - (AH-lah-star) Irish= Greek Alexander, introduced to Ireland via Scotland; modern Gaelic form Alasdair.
  12. Alpin - "attractive."
  13. Alsandair - Irish also can be Alexander.
  14. Amargein - (aw-VEER-een) Old Irish=ama "singing, song" + gein "birth." Most celebrated bearer of the name was the druid poet and judge of the Sons of Mil, legendary ancestor of the Irish. He pronounced the first judgment given on Irish soil, and his magic ensured that the Sons of Mil would triumph over the Tuatha De Danann. A traditional name in the O'Clery family.
  15. Aodh - (AY) from Old Irish aid "fire." Another name of the god Dagda in Irish myth. Borne by six high kings and twenty saints in early Ireland. Name of two Irish rebels in Queen Elizabeth I's time, Aogh (Hugh) O'Neill and Aodh Rua (Red Hugh) O'Donnell. Anglicized as Hugh.
  16. Aodhan - (EH-dawn or AY-dawn) version of Old Irish Aedan, dim. of aed "fire." Aedan was the name of 21 early Irish saints. Popular name, often anglicized as Aidan (AY-dahn).
  17. Aonghus - (AYNG-ghus) Old Irish=oen "one" + gus "vigor." In Irish myth, Oengus was a god of youth and love, the son of the goddess Boand and god Dagda Oengus Tirech was the name of a legendary hero, said to be the ancestor of the O'Briens an MacNamaras. Five saints, including Oengus Ceile De bore this name. Angus.
  18. Ardal - (AHR-dawl) Old Irish=art "bear" + gal "fury, valor." Artegal, Arthgallo.
  19. Ard-Greimne - "high power"; father of Scathach and Aoife.
  20. Arlen - "pledge." Arland, Arlyn.
  21. Art - (ART) from Old Irish art "bear." Ancient Irish name, not a nickname for English Arthur (but both derive from a common Indo-European bear word arth). In legend, Art Oenfer (Art the Lonely) was a high king of Ireland and father of Cormac mac Airt. A later, historical Art, Art McMurrough, was a medieval king of Leinster who fought the English. Artagan.
  22. Artur - (AR-toor) Irish= Arthur, first recorded in Ireland in the 9th C. Artair, Arthur, Artus, Arth.

B   top

  1. Bain - short version of Bainbridge, "fair bridge."
  2. Bairre - (BAW-re) also can be names Bearach and Finnbarr, also used as a name in its own right; anglicized as Barry; Barra. Banning - "fair and small."
  3. Barram - version of Barrfhionn.
  4. Barry - "spearman."
  5. Beacan - (BE-kawn or BA-kawn) Old Irish=bec "little" + dim. -an. Saint Becan founded a monastery in Westmeath in the 6th C.
  6. Beagan - "small."
  7. Bearach - (BA-rak) Old Irish=berach "pointed, sharp." Berach was the name of many Irish saints, including the patron siant of the O'Hanlys. Berach.
  8. Bearchan - (BAR-uh-kawn or BAR-uh-hawn) Dim. of Bearach. Common name in early Ireland; name of numerous saints, including Bearchan of Inishmore in Galway, whose feast day is April 6.
  9. Belenus - name of a sun and fire god similar to Greek Apollo and connected with the druids. His name is seen in Beltane, the May 1 festival.
  10. Blaine - "thin" or "lean."
  11. Blair - "plain" or "field."
  12. Blathmac - (BLAW-vak) Old Irish=blath "flower" + mac "son." Popular in early Ireland. Blathmacc mac Con Brettan was an 8th C. poet.
  13.   Bodb - (BOVE) Bodb the REd was a son of The Dagda and suceeded his father as king of the Tuatha De Danann. At Lough he had a sidhe, underground fairy palace.
  14. Bogart - "bog" or "marshland."
  15. Brady - "spirited." Bradaigh.
  16. Bram - Irish form of Abraham. Abracham.
  17. Bran - (BRAWN) from Old Irish bran "raven." Bran was the name of a pagan Celtic god in both Irish and Welsh myth. Popular in the Middle Ages.
  18. Brandubh - (BRAWN-doov) Old Irish=bran "raven" + dubh "black." Name of a medieval king of Leinster and 2 saints.
  19. Breandan - (BRAWN-dan) Poss. a borrowing of Welsh word brenhin "king or prince." In the medieval Latin tale, The Voyage of Saint Brendann, the 6th C. Irish saint known as Brendan the Navigator explored regions perhaps as far as North America in a leather-clad boat, or curragh; Brendan; Brendis, Brannon, Bryn, Breanainn (BREH-neen).
  20. Breasal - (BREE-sal) "land of the young" or "land of the blessed." Hi Breasil was another name for Tir-na-Nog.
  21. Breck - "freckled." Brec, Brexton.
  22. Bress - son of Elathan of the Fomors who married the goddess Brighid. The Fomors were a sea-dwelling race who opposed the Tuatha De Danann over Ireland and loSaint
  23. Brian - (BREE-an) Of uncertain derivation, poss. from Celtic brig "high, noble." In Irish myth, Brian was one of the three sons of the goddess Danu of the Tuatha De Danaan. High King Brian Boru ruled Ireland from 1002-1014 and defeated the Vikings at the battle of Clontarf.
  24. Bricriu - a mischief-maker at the court of Conchobar, where he instigated a rivalry among the heroes Cu Chulainn, Conall, and Loegaire.
  25. Brogan - Saint Brogan was scribe to Saint Patrick during his meeting with the Fianna. Broccan.

C  top

  1. Caeoimhin - "gentle." Caemgen.
  2. Cahan - derived from cath "battle" or "warrior."
  3. Cairbre - (KAHR-bre) First legendary Sons of Mil to settle in Ireland. Two noted saints by this name: Bishop of Assaroe and Bishop of Moville.
  4. Cairell - name of several Irish saints.
  5. Cairpre - (KAIR-pre) the legendary Cairpre was the chief bard of the Tuatha De Danann and son of the god Ogma. Cairpre Liffechair wiped out the Fianna at the battle of Gabhra where he killed Fionn's grandson.
  6. Calbhach - from the word meaning "bald".
  7. Caley - alternate Irish= Caleb.
  8. Calhoun - "narrow woods." Coillcumhann, Colquhoun.
  9. Caoilte - (KWEEL-te) In legend, Cailte was a member of Finn mac Cumaill's warrior band. In medieval tale Colloquy of the Ancients, Cailte returned from the otherworld to tell Saint Patrick stories of Finn and other heros of old pagan Ireland.
  10. Caoimhin - (kwee-VEEN) Old Irish Caemgen: caem "gentle" or "beautiful" + gein "birth." 7th C. Saint Caemgen established the monastery at Glendalough in County Wicklow. Anglicized as Kevin.
  11. Carrick - "rock." Caroq, Carraig.
  12. Casey - "brave."
  13. Cass - (KAHS) from Old Irish cas "curly." Popular name in early Ireland. Name of a legendary ancestor of the O'Briens, MacNamaras and O'Gradys.
  14. Cathal - (KOH-hal) "strong in battle, battle-mighty." Old Irish=cath "battle." Popular in the Middle Ages. Cathal Crobderg (Red-Handed Cathal) was a king of Connacht in the 13th C. Traditonal in the MacManus, Maguire and MacDonagh families.
  15. Cathbad - legendary name of the druid and son of Conchobar mac Nessa who prophesied Cu Chulainn's warrior valor and the sorrow that Deirdriu would cause Conchobar of Ulster.
  16. Cavan - from Caoimhin. Cavin.
  17. Ceallach - "bright-headed." Cellach, Kelly.
  18. Ceallachan - (CAL-a-kawn) Meaning uncertain: may mean "someone who frequents churches" or "someone who is warlike." Name of a 10th C. king, and a saint. Anglicized as Callaghan.
  19. Cearbhall - (KAHR-e-val or KEE-a-ruhl) Old Irish=name Cerball or Cerbhall. Name of early kings of Ossory and Leinster; traditional among O'Dalys. Cearbhall O Dalaigh was apresident of the Irish Republic; anglicized as Carroll.
  20. Chullain - (KUHL-in) a mythic name coming from Cu Chullain.
  21. Cian - (KEEN or KEE-an) Old Irish=cian "ancient, enduring." In legend, Cian was the son of Cian Cecht, god of healing of the Tuatha De Danaan. Also the father of the hero Lugh.
  22. Cianan (KEE-nahn, Kioan, Keon, Kean.
  23. Ciaran - (KEER-an) Old Irish=ciar "dark" + dim. suffix -an. 6th C. Saint Ciaran founded the monastery on Clonmacnoise. Kieran.
  24. Cillian - (KEEL-yan) "war or strife"; variant of Ceallach.
  25. Clancy - "red-headed fighter."
  26. Cluny - from a word meaning "meadow."
  27. Coinneach - (KUH-nukh or KI-nek) Old Irish=name Cainnech, from cain "good, beautiful." 6th C. Saint Cainnech founded monasteries in Scotland and Ireland, including Aghaboe in County Laois. The city of Kilkenny takes its name from him. Anglicized as Kenneth.
  28. Colm - (KUHL-uhm) from Latin columba "dove." 6th C. Saint Colm Cille (Columba) "dove of the church" is one of the most important Irish saints, w/ Patrick and Brigid. Born in Donegal to a branch of the royal Ui Neill clan, Colm Cille was banished to Scotland for allegedly copying a book without its owner's permission. Founded the monastery on Iona and converted pagan kings of Scotland to Christianity. Colum.
  29. Colman - (KOHL-mawn) Dim. of Colm. In early records, there were more than 200 Irish saints by this name. Given name of Saint Columbanus (c. 543-615), who founded several of most renowned monasteries in Eurpose, including Luxeuil in France and Bobbio in Italy.
  30. Comhghall - (KOH-gahn or CO-en) "fellow hostage."
  31. Conaire - (KAW-ni-re) Ancient Irish name, poss. from cu (con) "wolf, hound" + aire "farmer, landowner." Conor, Conlan, Conroy.
  32. Conall - (KAW-nal) "strong as a wolf"; Old Irish=cu (con) "hound, wolf." Conall Cernach was a legendary hero of Ulster. Conall Gulban was the great-grandfater of Saint Colm Cille and the ancestor of the O'Donnells, O'Gallaghers, and O'Dohertys.
  33. Conan - (KOH-nawn) from Celtic kuno "great, high"; "hound, wolf" or "wisdom." Of legend, Conan mac Morna was a member of Finn mac Cumaill's band. Six Irish saints also of this name. Conann.
  34. Conlaed - derived from connla "prudent, chaste" + aed "fire." Conlaodh.
  35. Conlaoch - (CON-la) son of Cu Chulainn and Aoife.
  36. Conleth, Conley - (KAWN-lay, KOHN-leth) from old and rare name Conlaed. Most famous bearer Conlaed, a 6th C. bishop of Kildare, head of school of manuscript illumination there.
  37. Conn - (KOHN) Ancient Irish name, poss. derived from cu (con) "hound, wolf." Conn Cethchathach (Conn of the Hundred Battles) was a high king of Ireland in legend. Claimed as an ancestor by the O'Connors, O'Donnells, O'Dowds, O'Flahertys, O'Neills, and O'Rourkes.
  38. Connacht - from the Irish County of the same name and spelling.
  39. Connla - "son of Conn." Conlaoch.
  40. Connlaio - variant of Conley and Conleth.
  41. Connor - (KAW-nor) Old Irish=Conchobar: cu (con) "hound, wolf" + cobar "desiring." In Irish epic The Cattle Raid of Cooley, Conchobar mac Nessa was king of Ulster. Modern Irish form Conor, Conchobhar (KROO-ar).
  42. Conri - (KAWN-ree) Old Irish=cu (con) "hound, wolf" + ri "king." An early recorded men's name. Conroy.
  43. Corcoran - "ruddy" or "red." Corc.
  44. Cormac - (KAWR-mak) from corbaid "defile" + mac "son"; or "charioteer." Cormac mac Airt was a legendary high king of Ireland, ancestor of the O'Neills. Also the name of many real kings, bishops and saints.
  45. Corrigan - froma word meaning "spearman." Corey, Corrin.
  46. Cosgrove - derived derived from gaelic meaning"victor" or "champion."
  47. Cowan - might be "hillside hollow."
  48. Coyle - derived derived from gaelic meaning"leader in battle."
  49. Craiftine - harper to Labraid Longseach; his harp was made of wood that had retained a secret about the king.
  50. Craig - "a steep rock" or "crag." Craigen.
  51. Credne - a bronzesmith god of the Tuatha De Danann and one of the triad of smiths. He helped Dian Cecht make the silver arm for Nuada.
  52. Criofan - (KREE-fan) Old Irish=name Crimthann "a fox." Crimthann was the name of ten of Finn mac Cumhaill's warriors, and of one Saint Crimthann. Crimthann, Crimathann.
  53. Crofton - "a small town with little houses and fields."
  54. Cu Chulainn - (KOO KUHL-in) Name of the hero of the early Irish epic The Cattle Raid of Cooley. Cu Chulainn's birth name was Setanta, and was given his adult name after he killed a watch dog of the smith, Culann. He then assumed the dog's place and duties and was renamed Cu Chulainn "hound of Culann." Other early names that begin with cu are Cu Maige (Hound of the Plain); Cu Mara (Hound of the Sea); and Cu Coigriche (Hound of the Border). Cu was a common title of Celtic chieftains.
  55. Cu Roi - name of a king of Munster, Cu Roi mac Daire; he had great Otherworld powers. Because his wife, Blanaid, loved Cu Chulainn, she helped kill Cu Roi.
  56. Cuirithir - a poet who loved a woman Liadin, but she refused to marry him and became a nun.
  57. Culann - variant of Cu Chulainn. Cu Chulain served the chief Culann in payment for killing his dog. Culin.
  58. Culley - might be "woods."
  59. Cunningham - might be "village of the milk pail."

D  top

  1. Dagda - a god called the Good God. Daghda.
  2. Daigh - "flame or fire."
  3. Daimine - derived from word dam "deer" or "ox." Daimhin.
  4. Dáire - (DEH-ruh, DI-re or DAHR-uh) Old Irish word meaning "oak grove," "fruitful" or "fertile", and most likely the name of an early fertility or bull god; the Brown Bull of Cooley was owned by Daire mac Fiachna, and his refusal to loan his bull to Queen Medb was part of the reason for the fight between the Ulsterman and the men of Ireland. Dary, Darragh.
  5. Daley - might be "an assembly" or "a valley." Dawley, Dale.
  6. Dearg - "son of the Dagda."
  7. Declan - (DEK-lawn) Name of a 6th C. saint who founded the monastery Ardmore in County Waterford.
  8. Delaney - "descendant of the challenger."
  9. Demne - when Fionn was tutored by Finneces, he took this name.
  10. Desmond - (DEZ-mond) from a surname based on an old name for the territory of South Munster. Demond.
  11. Desmumhnach - "man of Muman" which was a tribe or territory in the Cork area of Munster before the Anglo-Norman invasion.
  12. Devine - "ox." Daimhin.
  13. Diancecht - (DI-an-ket) the great physician of the Tuatha De Danann; father of Miach, Cian, Cethe, and Cu, daughter Airmid.
  14. Diarmaid - (DEER-mit) Old Irish=name Diarmait. In legends and folktales, Diarmaid was a member of Finn mac Cumhaill's warrior band. He had a mark on his face that caused women to fall instantly and madly in love with him. Diarmait, Diarmuid, Dermod, Dermot.
  15. Digby - "a town with a ditch or dike."
  16. Dinsmore - might be means "fortified hill."
  17. Doherty - "harmful."
  18. Dolan - from a word meaning "dark-haired." Dolyn.
  19. Domnall - "world-mighty"; popular in ancient Ireland. Donal, Domhnall.
  20. Donal - (DOH-nal) Old Irish=name Domnall: domun "world" + gal "ardor, valor." Popular since the earliest times. Domnall was the name of five high kings including Domall Ilchelgach (Donal of the Many Treacheries), ancestor of the O'Neills and MacLoughlins.
  21. Donn - (DON or DOWN) Old Irish=donn, meaning both "brown" and "chief." Mythological god of the dead, who lived on an island off the of Munster. Popular until the end of the 19th C., esp. with the Maguires and Kennedys. Donnagan, Donnan (DUN-ahn).
  22. Donnchadh - (DUN-uh-khuh) "brown lord"; Old Irish=name Donnchad: donn "brown" or "chief" + cath "battle." Name of the son of Brian Boru, King Donnchadh Donn (d. 1064). Traditional in O'Brien family. Donaghy, Donogh, Donagh (DOH-na).
  23. Donnell - related to Donal and Domnal; Doneal, Donnelly.
  24. Dooley - "dark hero."
  25. Doran - "stranger" or "exile." Deoradhain.
  26. Dow - "dark-haired. Dubg.
  27. Driscol - "interpreter." Driscoll.
  28. Dubaltach - "black-jointed" or "dark-limbed." Dubhaltach, Dualtach.
  29. Dubgall - (DOO-ahl) "dark or black foreigner"; refers to the Vikings, esp. from Denmark, who came to Dublin in 850. Dubghall.
  30. Dubhdara - (doov-DAW-ra) Old Irish=dub "dark" + dara "oak" = "dark man of the oak."
  31. Dubhghlas - from dubh "black" + glas "blue." More popular in Scotland than Ireland. Douglas.
  32. Dugan - variants Dubhan, Duggan.
  33. Dwayne - derived from "dark." Duwain, Duane.

E  top

  1. Eachan - "horseman."
  2. Eamon - (EH-mon or AY-mon)Irish forof Anglo-Saxon name Edmund. American Eamon de Valera (1882-1975) served as both president and prime minister of the Irish Republic. Aimon, Eamonn.
  3. Eanna - might be "birdlike."Ennae.
  4. Eion - from of Ian. Eann, Ein.
  5. Eireamhon - (AY-ra-vohn) Old Irish=name Eremon. In legend, Eremon led the expedition of the Sons of Mil to Ireland to avenge his uncle Ith, who was slain by the Tuatha De Danaan; which would make Eremon the chief ancestor of the Irish people.
  6. Eirnin - possible from iarn "iron"; male or female.
  7. Elatha - (AHL-a-hah) An old name meaning "art or craft."
  8. Eochaid - (OH-kad) Old Irish=ech "horse." May mean "horse rider." Real and legendary kings bore this name, horses were symbols of kingship and nobility in early Irish culture. Also a Saint Eochaid who was bishop of Tallaght, and another who was the abbot of Lismore. Eochaidh.
  9. Eocho - (OH-koh) Nickname for Eochaid that became its own name. Eocho mac Tairdelbaig was an ancestor of the O'Hallinan and O'Quinn families.
  10. Eoghan - (oh-GAHN or OHN) Old Irish=name Eogan "born of the yew tree": eo "yew" + gein "birth." Name of several early kings and saints. Eogan mac Damthacht was a celebrated Ulster hero. Earliest Saint Eoghan was a 6th C. bishop of Tyrone, and uncle of Saint Kevin. Eoin, Eogan.
  11. Eoin - (OH-en or OH-een) Irish= Latin Johannes. Irish names Eoin and Sean both derive from Johannes. Sean, from the French Jehan, was introduced to Ireland by Norman French centureis after Johannes became an Irish name.
  12. Erc - might be "battle boar." Earc.
  13. Eremon - he fought his brother Eber to see who should become king of Ireland. All later Irish kings claimed descent from him.
  14. Esras - master of wisdom in Gorias, one ofthe the four cities that the Tuatha De Danann came from; he later gave Lugh the victory spear, one of the Tuatha's treasures.

F  top

  1. Fallon - variant of Faolan. Fallamhain.
  2. Faolán - (FEH-lahn or FAY-lawn) Old Irish=faol "wolf" + dim. -an. Faolan was the name of fourteen saints, and ten warriors in Finn mac Cumhaill's band. Source of the surnames Phelan and Whelan. Anglicized Fallon, Faelan, Felan..
  3. Fearghus - (fay-REES) Old Irish=fer "man" + gus "strength, vigor." Fergus mac Roich, foster-father of Cu Chulainn, was a hero of the Irish epic The Cattle Raid of Cooley. Renowned for his strength and stamina both on the battlefield and the bedroom. Fergus Finbel (Fergus Wine-Mouth) was a poet of the Fiana. Classic, anglicized Fergus (FER-guhs).
  4. Fechine - might be from fiach "raven," or derived from gaelic meaning"battle." Fechin.
  5. Feidhlim - (FELL-em) "fortunate, lucky" or "ever good." Male or female name. Feidhlimidh.
  6. Fercetrniu - poet of King Cu Roi, whose wife caused the king's death; when the poet discovered this, he leaped over a cliff taking her with him to her death.
  7. Fergal - (FAYR-gal) Old Irish=fer "man" + gal "fury, valor" = "manly" or "valorous." Fergal mac Mael Duin was another ancestor of the O'Neills. Fearghal.
  8. Finneces - poet who lived by the River Boyne and guarded the Salmon of Knowledge for seven years. He planned to eat it himself to gain the knowledge, but his student Fionn mac Cumhail tasted it firSaint Finegas.
  9. Finnegan - "light skinned."
  10. Finnian - from finn "fair, pale-colored." Finnen.
  11. Fionn - (FYUHN) Old Irish=finn "bright, fair." Anglicized as Finn. Finn mac Cumhaill was a hero, poet and sometime outlaw who led a band of warriors known as the Fianna. Fiann, Finian.
  12. Fionnbharr - (FYUHN-var) Old Irish=finn "bright, fair" + barr "hair." Eight Irish saints by this name. Best known is 6th C. Saint Finnbarr, patron of Cork and of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. Anglicized as Finbar, Finnbarr; nicknames Barra, Bairre.
  13. Fionntan - (FIN-tan or FYUN-tawn) Old Irish=finn "bright, fair." In myth, Fintan was the consort of Cessair. Fintanwas the only one of the group to survived the great flood. Afterwards, he lived on for thousands of years as a salmon, an eagle and a hawk. Also the name of 74 early Irish saints.
  14. Fiontan - might be "white ancient" or "white fire."
  15. Fitzroy - "son of Roy."
  16. Flann - (FLAHN) Old Irish=flann "blood red." Flann has been the name of poets, scholars, abbots, saints, queens and kings. Flann Feorna was king of Kerry in the 8th C., and an ancestor of the O'Connors. Male or female name. Flainn, Floinn, Flannan, Flanagan, Flannagain, Flynn, Flannery.

G  top

  1. Gaeth - (GAYTH) Old Irish "intelligent, skillful."
  2. Gair - "small." Geir, Gaer.
  3. Galbraith - Old Irish meaning "Scotsman."
  4. Gallagher - from the word for "eager helper."
  5. Galloway - once referred to a Scotsman from Galloway, Scotland. Galway.
  6. Galvin - (GAHL-vin) Old Irish=gelbann "a sparrow."
  7. Garvey - from a word meaning "rough place." Gairbith.
  8. Gaynor - "son of the fair-skinned man." Gainor.
  9. Gearoid - (GAHR-ohd) Irish= Gerald, from ancient name Gelgeis, from gel "shining." May also mean "spear-might" and come from the Normans. Gearalt, Garalt.
  10. Genty - from a word meaning "snow."
  11. Gillean - "servant of Saint John." Gillan.
  12. Gillespie - "son of the bishop's servant." Gillis.
  13. Giolla Deacair - an Otherworld champion who owned a horse that could not be ridden. The hero Conan managed to mount the horse, but it carried him away to Tir Tairngire, and had to be rescued by Fionn.
  14. Gilroy - "devoted to the king." Gildray.
  15. Glenville - "village in the glen."
  16. Gobban - (GOH-ban) from the name Goibniu, the ancient god of smithcraft who worked for the Tuatha De Danann. Goban.
  17. Goibniu - god of blacksmiths known in Ireland and Wales, he forged all weapons for the Tuatha De Danann, they never missed their mark and the wounds inflicted were always fatal.
  18. Gorman - from a word meaning "dark" or "swarthy"; male or female name. Gormain.
  19. Guaire - common name of early Ireland meaning "noble or proud."
  20. Guthrie - "windy place."
  21. Guy - "sensible."

H  top

  1. Hagan - "youthful" or "young."
  2. Haley - from a word meaning "ingenious."
  3. Hoyt - from a word meaning "spirit" or "mind."

I  top

  1. Ibor - from iobar "yew tree." Saint Ibor opposed Saint Patrick because he was a "foreigner." Iobhar.
  2. Imar - probably the name Ivarr borrowed from the Norse-Vikings who invaded Ireland. Iomhar.
  3. Innis - "from the island." Innes, Iniss.
  4. Irv - "handsome." Irving.
  5. Iuchar and Iucharba - two brothers of Brian mac Tuirenn, who killed Lugh's father Cian.

J  top

  1. Jarlath - (JAR-leth) Name of 6th C. saint, teacher of Saint Brendan the Navigator. Brendan told Jarlath to drive his chariot east and build a church where his wheel broke; it broke in Tuam, and he founded a church that became a great center of learning and art. Modern Irish Iarlaith (YAR-lath or YAHR-le).

K  top

  1. Kacey - alternate spelling of Casey.
  2. Kavan - "handsome." Kavenaugh.
  3. Keallach - "little Kelly." Killian.
  4. Keary - "dark or dark-haired."
  5. Keelan - from a word meaning "slender."
  6. Keeley - "handsome." Kealey, Kealy.
  7. Keenan - "little Keene." Keanan, Kienan.
  8. Kellen - "mighty warrior." Kaelan, Kael, Kailen, Kallen, Kaylen, Kaylan, Kealan, Kelan.
  9. Keller - from a word meaning "little companion."
  10. Kelvin - "a narrow river." Kelvyn.
  11. Kendrick - from a word meaning "son of Henry." Keondric.
  12. Kennard - "brave chieftain." Kenner.
  13. Kennedy - (KI-ne-dee) Old Irish=Cennetig: cenn "head" + etig "ugly." Kennedy became a surname while still used as a first name. Cennetig mac Lorcain was the father of high king Brian Boru. Cennetig.
  14. Kenneth - variant of Cinaed. Kennet.
  15. Kenyon - "white or blond hair." Kenyan.
  16. Kermit - might be a variant of Dermot, or may mean "son of Diarmaid."
  17. Kildare - an Irish county.
  18. Kilian - (KIL-yan) Old Irish=Cillene, prob. from cell "church." Many saints bore this name including an abbott of Iona in Scotland. Cillene, Killian, Killy.
  19. Korey - variant of Corrigan.

L  top

  1. Labraid - "speaker." Labhraidh.
  2. Labras - "a laurel bush." Labhrás.
  3. Laegaire - (LEERY) might be "calf-herd." Laoghaire.
  4. Laisrean - from laisre "flame." Laisren.
  5. Laoire - (LAY-re) Old Irish=name Laegaire, may mean "calf-herder." Name of two saints and a king of Tara. Anglicized Leary.
  6. Larkin - "rough and fierce."
  7. Lawler - from an Irish word meaning "mutterer."
  8. Leary - variant of Laoire and Laegaire.
  9. Lennan - (LAN-awn) Old Irish work meaning "lover, sweetheart." Leannan.
  10. Liam - (LEE-am) "resolute protector, unwavering protector." Irish= William, short for Uilliam, derived from name Guillaume, introduced to Ireland by Normans.
  11. Lir - father of Manannan mac Lir, his second wife turned his other four children into swans.
  12. Lochlainn - (LOCH-lan or LOX-lin) Old Irish=word for the land of the Vikings. In fairy tales, Lochlainn was the imaginary abode of the princess-who-must-be-rescued. Popular in Middle Ages. Lochlain, Lakeland, Laughlin, Lochlyn, Loughlin.
  13. Loegaire - Cu Chulainn's charioteer who went to Mag Mell with him to rescue its queen from abductors; another tale says he died from a spear meant for the hero.
  14. Lonan - (LYO-nawn) Old Irish=lon "blackbird" + dim. suffix -an. Eight early saints had this name, including Saint Lonan Finn.
  15. Lorcan - (LOR-kawn) Old Irish=lorc "fierce" or "cruel" + dim. suffix -an. Several early kings with this name. Saint Lorcan O Tuathail (Laurence O'Toole) was archbishhop of Dublin at the time of the Norman invasion.
  16. Luchtaine - god of carpentry for the Tuatha De Danann and a member of the trio of smiths. Luchta.
  17. Lugaid - son of Cu Roi and Blanaid, and known as the Son of Three Dogs because his mother had lain with three men with cu in their name. When Lugaid cut off Cu Chulainn's head, the sword slipped and cut off his own hand.
  18. Lugh - (LOO) Name of a Celtic god, from lugu "light." Lugh is also known as a Celtic sun god, and Lleu in Welsh myth. Lughan (LOO-awn), Lughna (LOO-na).
  19. Lunn - "warlike." Lonn, Lun.

M  top

  1. Mac Dara - (mahk-DAH-ra) Old Irish=mac "son" + dara "oak" = "son of the oak." Saint Mac Dara of Connemara is the patron of fisherman.
  2. MacBride - from the Irish meaning "son of the follower of Saint Brighid."
  3. Macarthur - "son of Aruthur." Mcarthur.
  4. Maccoy - "son of Hugh." Mccoy.
  5. Macrea - from the Irish meaning "son of grace." Mccrea, Mccrae.
  6. Mackenzie - "son of Kenzie." Mckenzie.
  7. Mackinnley - "son of the learned ruler." Mckinnley.
  8. Macklin - "son of Flann." Macland.
  9. Macmahon - "son of Mahon." Mcmahon.
  10. Mael Coluim - "servant or devotee of Colm." Maeolcholuim.
  11. Mael Iosu - "devotee of Christ"; at one time it was a name used among clergymen.
  12. Maelduine - his mother was a nun who was raped by his father Ailill. He made a skin boat and sailed among the Blessed Islands in search of his father's murderers.
  13. Maghnus - (MAKH-hus) "great"; variant of Manus, or the Norse-Viking Magnus.
  14. Mahon - "bear."
  15. Mal - Irish shortened version of names starting with "mal."
  16. Malachy - (MA-la-kee) (H) Used in Ireland as an anglicization for Irish names beginning with mael "servant or devotee" such as Mael Maedoc and Mael Sechlainn. Saint Malachy of Armagh was a church reformer in the 12th C. Maelachlainn, Milos.
  17. Malvin - Irish form of Melvin. Malvyn.
  18. Manannan mac Lir - (mah-NAN-awn mac leer) chief Irish sea god, son of the sea god Lir. see the Deities page for more info.
  19. Manus - (MA-nuhs) from Latin magnus "great." Borrowed from the Norse, who in turn borrowed it from Carolus Magnus, Latin name for Charlemagne. Mannuss.
  20. Marcan - (MOR-kawn) Old Irish=marc "horse" + dim. -an. Marcan mac Cennetig was the brother of High King Brian Boru and abbot of Killaloe. Saint Marcan of Clonenagh's Feast day - October 21.
  21. Mathghamhain - (ma-HOHN) Old Irish word for "bear" and popular in Middle Ages. Brother of High King Brian Boru. Mahon.
  22. Mayo - from the County in Ireland, meaning "yew-tree plain."
  23. Meallan - (MAHL-an) Old Irish=mall "lightening" + dim. suffix -an. Three early saints whose Feast days are Jan. 28, Feb. 7, and Oct. 26.
  24. Mel - no recorded meaning; Saint Mel was a bishop and patrion of Ardagh, County Limerick, and a nephew of Saint Patrick.
  25. Mellan - might be derived from an early word meaning "lightning."
  26. Merril - "bright sea." Meryl.
  27. Merritt - from a word meaning "valuable" or "deserving." Meritt.
  28. Miach - son of the Tuatha De Danann physician Dian Cecht; he was slain by his fther when he and his sister Airmid restored Nuada's physical hand.
  29. Micheal - (MEE-kal) Irish= Michael, "who is like God?"
  30. Midir - (MY-tir) a fairy king and another god of the Underworld, connected with the Isle of Falga (Isle of Man) where he had his palace. Midhir.
  31. Miles - Several derivations, including Latin miles "soldier." From the 17th C. on, Miles was used to anglicize names beginning with mael "servant or devotee," such as Mael Muire. Myles.
  32. Mochaomhog - name of a priest who cared for the swan-children of Lir. He made silver chains to hang around their necks so people could identify them as enchanted humans.
  33. Monahan - "monk." Monohan.
  34. Mongan - son of Manannan mac Lir and Caintigerna; some tales say he was the reincarnation of Finn mac Cumhail.
  35. Monroe - name derived from the mouth of Ireland's Roe River.
  36. Morann - (MOOR-an) Old Irish=name Morand, source unknown. Legendary judge of ancient Ireland who allegedly never gave a false verdict. Also the name of several if Finn mac Cumhaill's warriors. Morand.
  37. Morc - son of Dela, a Fomor King.
  38. Morfessa - a master of great wisdom who lived in Falias, onoe of the cities that the Tuatha De Danann came from. He gave the Tuatha the Stone of Fal, the inauguration stone for making a king.
  39. Moss - shortened also can be Maurice or Morris.
  40. Muirios - (MEER-ees) Old Irish=Muirgius: muir "sea" + gus "strength, vigor". Muirios was the name of several kings of Connacht.
  41. Murchadh - (MUR-kha or MOOR-uh-ka) Old Irish=muir "sea" + cath "warrior." Name of several early kings and warriors.
  42. Murtagh - variant of Murdock. Murtaugh.

N  top

  1. Naoise - son of Uisliu and served Conchobhar mac Ness, King of the Ulaidh; hell in love with Deirdre, who was promised to the king, and had to flee for his life. When they returned under a promise of forgiveness, Naoise was ambushed and killed. Naoisi.
  2. Nechtan - husband of the goddess Boann and keeper of a magic well of knowledge which had nine hazel trees around it.
  3. Nemhglan - the bird-like being who was teh father of Conaire Mess Buachalla by a human woman.
  4. Niall - (NEE-AL)(Celt) "champion"; or From the Old Irish poss. derived from nel "cloud." King Niall Noigiallach of Tara founded Ui Neill dynasty and ancestor to the O'Neills and Scotland's
  5. MacNeils. Neal, Neil, Neill, Nyle, Nealy, Niallán (NEE-a-lahn).
  6. Nuada - a god known in both Ireland and Wales; he lost his hand in battle and had to step down as king of the Tuatha De Danann, since they demanded that a king be perfect. He wore a flexible silver hand made by Dian Cecht, until Miach and Airmid replaced the physical hand by magic.

O  top

  1. O'Neil - "son of Neil."
  2. Oengus - variant of Aonghus. Aengus.
  3. Ogma - known as Sun-GFace and Honey-Mouthed, siilar to the Greek hero Hercules. He caried a huge club and was the champion of the Tuatha De Danann. Legend says he created the Ogham script alphabet.
  4. Oisin - (oh-SHEEN) Old Irish=oisin "fawn" or "deer." Finn mac Cumhaill's son, was poet of the Fiana. Two saints by this name (Oissine). Oissine, Ossian.
  5. Oran - (OHR-an) from odran, Old Irish word for "otter." Saint Odran is patron of Waterford.
  6. Oscar - (OHS-car) Old Irish=os "deer", prob. meaning "one who loves deer"; or "warrior." Legendary warrior, grandson of Finn mac Cumhaill.

P  top

  1. Padraig - (PAH-drig or PAH-dreek) from Latin Patricius "noble." Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, was the first successful Christian missionary on the island. Patrick has only been a given name of children since 1700; considered too sacred earlier, children were given names Gilla Patraic "servant of Patrick" or Mael Patraic "devotee of Patraic." Padhraig, Paddy,
  2. Padraic, Patraig, Patrick.
  3. Patterson - Irish version of "son of Pat."
  4. Phelan - from a word meaning "wolf"; variant of Faolan.
  5. Piaras - (PEER-as or PEE-a-ras) "stone"; Irish= Peter, from French-Norman name Piers. Perais, Ferus, Pierce.
  6. Piran - "prayer"; the Irish saint of miners had this name.

Q top

  1. Quigley - from a word meaning "from the maternal side."
  2. Quillan - "cub." Quillon.
  3. Quinn - Irish variant of Conn, and the old spelling Cuinn.

R  top

  1. Raegan - "little king." Reagan, Reegen, Regan.
  2. Rafer - from a word meaning "rich, prosperous." Raffer, Rafferty.
  3. Ragallach - king of Connacht, he abandoned his infant daughter because of a prophecy that he would die at his daughter's hand.
  4. Reamonn - (RAY-moon) Irish= Raymond.
  5. Regan - see Raegan. Riagan.
  6. Rian - (REE-an) Dim. of Old Irish ri "king." Old first name is the source of surname Ryan, since adopted as a first name in N. America. Rigan, Rigan (REE-an).
  7. Riddock - "smooth field." Reidhachadh, Riddoc.
  8. Riocárd - (REE-kard)(OGer) "powerful ruler"; Irish= Richard, brought by the Normans. Richard, Risteard (REESH-tyard).
  9. Riordan - (REER-dawn) Old Irish=rigbarddan "royal poet."
  10. Roarke - "famous ruler." Roark, Ruarc, Ruark, Rorke, Ruaidhri, Rourke.
  11. Rogan - "red-headed." Ruadhagan, Rowe, Rowen, Rowyn, Rowin, Rowan, Ruadhan.
  12. Rónán - (ROH-nawn) Old Irish=ron "seal" + dim. suffix -an; or "a pledge." Ten saints, including Ronan of Lough Derg and Ronan of Lismore had this name. Ronan. Ross - (RAWS) from Old Irish ros "promontory." Popular; borne by kings, heroes, saints. Ross MacMahon, Archbishop of Armagh was an opponent of Cromwell. Ruadan - (ROO-an) Old Irish=ruad "red-haired." Son of Bress and Brighid, and fought with the Fomorians against the Tuatha De Danann. Ruadhan, Rhodan.
  13. Ruarc - (ROO-ark) Old Irish=arg "champion, hero", and source of surname O'Rourke. Anglicized Rourke.
  14. Ruairi - (ROO-e-ree) Old Irish=name Ruaidri: ruad "red" + re "king." Ruaidre Ua Conchobair, last high king of Ireland died in died in 1170. Ruaidhri, Rory.
  15. Ruarc - (ROO-ark) derived from the surname O'Rourke, from arg "champion, hero."
  16. Ryan - "little king." Rhyan, Ryne, Rian.

S top

  1. Saoirse - "freedom" or "liberty"; male or female name.
  2. Scanlon - "little trapper."
  3. Séafra - (SHEE-a-fra or SHE-fra) "God's peace"; Irish= Jeffrey, brought by the Normans. Sheary, Geoffrey, Seafraid, Seathrun.
  4. Séamas - (SHAY-muhs or SHEE-a-mus) from James (H); "the supplanter, one who supplants." Seamus, Seumus, Shemus, Shamus.
  5. Seán - (SHAWN) "God's gracious gift"; Irish= John, der. from Norman French name Jehan. Shaun, Shane, Sion, Shawn, Seaghan (SEE-a-gun).
  6. Seanán - (SHAW-nawn or SHAH-nan) Old Irish=sen "ancient." Seanan was the name of 20 Irish saints, including Saint Senan of Iniscathy. Shannon, Senan, Sinon.
  7. Semias - master of wisdom from Murias, one of the four cities the Tuatha De Danann came from; he gave his cauldron Undry to the Dagda.
  8. Setanta - birth name of the warrior Cu Chulainn.
  9. Shanley - "small", or "ancient." Seanlaoch.
  10. Sierra - "black."
  11. Sithchean - a druid who disguised himself as a smith and tested all the sons of the King of Tara to see who was fit to be the next king; only Niall completed the test satisfactorily.
  12. Skelly - "storyteller"; might be from Viking influence and their word for bard, skald.
  13. Sleibhin - (SLE-veen) Old Irish=sleib "mountain", meaning "mountain man" or "man of the mountain." Saint Slebine was abbot of Iona in Scotland in the 8th C. Slevin.
  14. Sloan - "warrior." Sloane.
  15. Somhairle - Irish version of Normans name meaning "summer-farer" or "summer wanderer."
  16. Strahan - "minstrel." Sruthan, Strachan.
  17. Struthers - from a word meaning "brook." Sruthair.
  18. Sualtam - husband of Dechtire and foster-father of Cu Chulainn. His severed head warned men of Ulster about the attack by Maeve.
  19. Suibhne - (SHEEV-ne) Old Irish=Suibne, of several early saints and kings. King Suibne Gelt (Mad Sweeney) went insane at the battle of Mag Rath in 637 as a result of a curse put upon him by a saint he had insulted. Spent the rest of his life living in trees and composing nature poetry. Sweeney.

T top

  1. Tarlach - (TAHR-lak) "abettor" or "instigator." Old Irish=Tairdelbach, prob. meaning "one who assists or aids." Popular during Middle Ages. Two kings: Tairdelbach, King of Munster, and Tairdelbach O'Connor, King of Ireland. Tairdelbach, Toirdhealbhach, Turlough..
  2. Tiarnach - (TEER-nahk) Old Irish=Tigernach, from tigerna "lord, superior, chief." Name of several saints, including Saint Tigernach of Clones.
  3. Tierney Tiarnan - (TEER-nawn) Old Irish=Tigernan: tigerna "lord, superior, chief" + dim. -an. Popular in early and medieval Ireland; name of several kings and saints, including Saint Tigernan of County Mayo. Tier, Tighearnach, Tiernan.
  4. Tigernach - from tigern "lord." Tighearnach, Tiarnach.
  5. Tigernan - from tigern "lord." Tighearnan, Tiarnan.
  6. Tomey - (TA-mahs) Irish= Thomas. Tomas.
  7. Tormey - Irish adaption of the Viking god Thor, "thunder spirit." Tormaigh.
  8. Torn - Irish version of Torrence. Toran.
  9. Treasach - (TRAH-sak) Old Irish=Tressach "fierce, warlike." Tracy.
  10. Trevor - "prudent." Trev, Treabhar.
  11. Troy - from a word meanings "foot soldier."
  12. Tulley - "at peace with God." Taicligh.
  13. Tynan - from the word "dark."
  14. Tyrone - (teer-OHN) Old Irish=tir "land" + Eoghain "of Eoghan" (man's name). Name of a County in Northern Ireland and used as a first name.

 

 

Page Updated on: Monday, 14 November, 2011

free counters