Great Irish boys' names

Irish boys' names are solid - and full of character. Strength, protection, shades of light and dark - they're all here! Here's a useful hint when choosing an Irish baby name: If the spelling is unfamiliar - practise writing the name and reading it out loud.

Does the name still seem right to you? Is it easy to get used to?

Think about the "fit" - does the name combine naturally with middle names you may be considering? What about the surname?

Now let's look at the names and, where necessary, their pronunciation.

Boy's Irish baby names and meanings

Irish boys' names: Beineón Calatin Ciarán Connall Deglán (or Declan) Eimon Finn (or Fionn) Liam Murphy Oisín Quinlan Sheridan Uinseann

Beineón
bayn-yone
Of Latin origin, meaning "benign" or "well favored."

Calatin
This was the name of an Irish warror, and the name refers to a "trial" or "difficulty." But it's an attractive name, nevertheless!

Ciarán
keer-awn
Often seen as the name Kieran, this Irish boys' name means "little dark one." A popular name in Ireland.

Connall
Used both as a surname as well as first name, Connall is a good, solid name meaning "strong as a hound."

Deglán or Declán
deglan, deklan
Saint Declan is believed to be one of the first Irish christians, preaching there before the arrival of Saint Patrick. He performed many miracles, and his name, fittingly enough, means "full of goodness."

Eimon
Ay-mon
This is the Irish version of Edmond, and signifies "prosperity" and "protection."

Finn or Fionn
both fin - or with an "o", sometimes fyoon
This Irish boys' name means "fair-haired." A related name is Fintan (or Fiontan). There are two Saint Fintans. One of them, Saint Finton of Cloneagh, was a follower of Saint Columba, and lived as a hermit, then an abbot. He lived on bread and water - but he does have a "feast day" - it's February 17th!

Liam
An Irish form of the name William, this name means "strong protection."

Murphy
Often seen as an Irish surname, it refers to "the sea" and a "battle." Now moving back into first name territory again.

Oisín
osh-een
Oisín's mother was turned into a deer in Irish mythology. And so his name means "little dear."

Quinlan
Another surname that is being used as a first name. The probable meaning is "well shaped."

Sheridan
These surnames are becoming rather popular, aren't they! Richard Sheridan was a famous British poet and politician in the eighteenth century; and the name Sheridan can be seen gracing the titles of colleges, towns and their local newspapers. The meaning can be "wild one" or "treasure" - or "seeker", depending on the source.

Uinseann
win-shan
This name is the Irish version of Vincent, and means "conquering." There are almost thirty Saint Vincents.

In my Popular Baby Names section, you'll also find the most popular Irish boys' names - the top ten, and my picks from the top one hundred!