Irish boy names
Many Irish names derive directly from the old Celtic language, not Latin—Aiden means "little fire" in Irish, while Liam is the short form of Uilliam. See how saints' names and mythology shaped modern favorites like Brian and Connor.
- Liam Will, Desire, Protection #2
- Brian Virtue and Honor, Strong one #9
- Aiden Fire #13
- Kevin Kind, Gentle, Handsome #15
- Patrick Nobleman #52
- Connor Dog lover, Lofty Desire #53
- Aidan Fire #56
- Bryan Strong one #71
- Shaun God is gracious, Irish form #92
- Corey From the Hollow, Lively, Strong #95
- Cory From the Hollow #114
- Garrett Rule, Warrior #123
- Barry Marksman #126
- Colin Victorious, Young dog #141
- Allen Harmonious #146
- Brendan Prince, Stinking Hair #174
- Declan Full of goodness and virtue #188
- Conner Lofty Desire #224
- Finn Fair, White #294
- Neil Champion #309
- Bryant Strong, Honorable, Virtue and Honor #328
- Donovan Strong fighter, Dark Warrior #328
- Ervin Handsome, Beautiful #388
- Conor lover of hounds or wolves #455
- Brennan Little Raven #464
- Desmond Youthful #526
- Arturo Bold #528
- Al Friend of All, Harmonious, Benevolent Ruler, Noble #611
- Mac son of descendant of #659
- Angus Exceptionally strong, Unique Strength #736
- Finnegan Fair haired small one #802
- Arlen Pledge #835
- Art Bold #835
- Cullen Pleasing to Look Upon #868
- Brodie Canal Builder #877
- Oran Green #962
- Corbett Raven #984
- Braiden broad valley or meadow #992
- Donnell Brave #1088
- Manley Heroic #1190
- Farrell man of courage valorous warrior #1275
- Donal world ruler and leader #1277
- Callum Dove #1292
- Murry sea warrior or sailor #1334
- Arlan Pledge #1344
- Arlin Pledge #1377
- Erving Handsome #1472
- Oneal Descendant of champion #1658
- Seamus God hears Irish form #1672
- Corie From the Hollow #1685
Irish boys' names come straight from the Gaelic language, carrying the sound of saints, warriors, and kings who ruled the island before the English ever landed. Liam and Aiden sound familiar to modern ears, but names like Brian and Kevin have been working their way through Irish history for over a thousand years, each one tied to a real person or place you could point to on a map.
Patrick, of course, belongs to the whole country now—but dig into the rest and you'll find names that shift between their original Irish spelling and the anglicized versions that took hold as families emigrated. Every name here shows you both the meaning and where it came from, so you know whether you're picking something from the ancient kings or something that only sounds old.