Find out the most popular boys' Irish names, with comments on trends and rankings over the past year.
There's a selection of interesting Irish names from the boy's top 100, as well as first-timers to this elite group.
Not too much action in the top ten - Michael is the only new entry, and Dylan goes out, dropping to 11th place.
To help you, I've listed the name including a little pronunciation help.
Let's kick off with the top ten boys' Irish names from 2009. The next stats for 2010 should be out this summer :)
Jack Two years at number two, a year at number one, down to two, and now Jack's second year at number one! His name is another version of the name John (who is in 21st place.)
Seánshawn It's Seán's third year at number two. Still ever popular, his name is a variant of John, which means "God is gracious."
Daniel It's Daniel's third year in the top five, and he's up from fourth spot last year. His name means "God is my judge."
Conor Fourth place is now home to Conor, whose name means "dog lover."
James His fifth year in a row ranked fifth, James comes from the name Jacob, meaning "supplanter."
Ryan A new entry to the top ten boys' Irish names in 2007, Ryan stays put this time.. Meaning "little king" Ryan could have his eye on an even better ranking next year!
Adam His name means "man" in Hebrew, and he stays put too.
Michael Michael is a new entry this year, up from 13th place, but he's no stranger to the top ten. His name asks "Who is like God?"
Alex Alex zoomed into the top ten last year, but has only managed to rise one spot this time. From the longer name Alexandros, a "defender of men."
Luke Luke drops yet another slot this year. His name could refer to someone who "brings light" or to the town of Luciana in Italy. Saint Luke is the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.
Pearls from the top 100 boys' Irish names
Darraghdahr-ra In 14th position, Darragh is a variant of Dara (who is at number 73.) His name refers to an "oak tree".
Cathalka-hal Cathal is "mighty in battle". A strong name, with tons of character. He's at number 47.
Callum This name ranks 29th, and is related to the name Columba, which means "a dove".
Eoghanowen Yes - like the name Owen, meaning "from a yew tree", Eoghan finds himself in 39th place.
Killian or Cillian There seem to be two possible meanings for Killian - "war" or "church"! Ranking 76th, Killian is beaten by Cillian at 22nd spot.
Tadhgtie - rhymes with "sky" - or sometimes just pronounced Tad in the US Tadhg is "a poet" - and he's raced up the charts from number 80 in 2002, to 42nd place.
Fionn, Finn and Oisín are also three little treasures in the top 100 - and you'll find them on my page of favorite Irish boys' names!
New top 100 entries
Three names appear for the first time in the top 100 boys' Irish names lists:
Bobby
Shay
Szymon
More about boys' Irish names More rankings detail can be found from my source for the top ten names in Ireland: the Central Statistics Office Ireland.
