35 Modern and Traditional Irish Baby Names

Mariah Towles
·4 min read

Looking for a moniker inspired by the Emerald Isle? Consider choosing one of these 35 Irish baby names for your new bundle of joy.

Fact checked by Karen Cilli

Are you hoping to celebrate your Irish heritage through your child's name? Or does your little one have an important connection to Ireland, such as being born on St. Patrick’s Day? No matter the reason, you can pay homage to the Emerald Isle by choosing a charming and memorable Irish baby name, like the ones we rounded up here.

Some parents might opt for a traditional moniker such as Clodagh Siobhan, Rían, Róisín, Teagan, or Alfie. Would you rather choose a name that's a bit more modern? Try something with Irish origin that’s still popular today, like Connor, Sean, Cassidy, or Harper.

Interested in hearing more? Keep reading for our round-up of popular Irish baby names. Choosing one will surely to give your child "the luck of the Irish."

Related: 58 Baby Names Inspired by Nature

Traditional Irish Baby Names


These baby names are authentic to Ireland, and their unique spellings and pronunciations are sure to start a conversation.

  • Clodagh (pronounced cloh-dah) - Woodsy name meaning “of an Irish river”

  • Sadhbh (pronounced sigh-ve) - With a translation of “sweet" or "goodness,” this traditional Irish name is perfect for your adorable newborn. It’s derived from the original Celtic language.

  • Tadhg (pronounced tie-g) - Authentic Irish name interpreted as "poet" that has a vast history

  • Donnacha (pronounced dunn-ah-ka)- You’ll surely get a courageous baby with this name, which means “brown-haired warrior”

  • Darragh (pronounced dar-ra) - An Irish name meaning "oak tree" that can also be spelled Daire or Dara

  • Fiadh (pronounced fee-ah) - Consider choosing this short baby name, which means “wild,” to raise a child who loves adventures

  • Alfie (pronounced al-fee) - Diminutive of “Alfred,” meaning "wise counselor"

  • Niamh (pronounced nee-av) - Your baby will shine with this moniker, which means “bright”

  • Éabha (pronounced ay-va) - Because your baby is the center of your world, it’s only fitting to choose this name, meaning “life”

  • Rían (pronounced ree-an) - With a meaning of “king,” this Irish baby name is fit for royalty

  • Cillian (pronounced kill-ee-an) - Strong name meaning "war strife or church," which can pay homage to your faith

  • Siobhan (pronounced sheh-vahn) - Translating to "God is gracious," this name dates back to the early fourteenth century

  • Aisling (pronounced ash-ling) - Meaning "dream” or ”vision," this name will inspire a lifetime of aspirations for your new child

  • Cian (pronounced kee-an) - Irish name defined as "ancient" that’s sure to instill wisdom on your baby

  • Róisín (pronounced row-sheen) - Choose this sweet flower name, which means “little rose,” for your little bundle of joy

  • Oisín (pronounced osh-een) - Nature-inspired meaning "little deer" that’s prominent in Irish mythology

  • Croía (pronounced kree-uh) - How adorable is this Irish name, which is interpreted as “heart”?

  • Caoimhe (pronounced kweeva) - Meaning “beautiful,” this name has a Gaelic, Scottish, and Irish origin

  • Aoife (pronounced ee-fa) - Derived from the Irish word aoibh, meaning "beauty"

Related: The Top Baby Names Around the World

Modern Irish Baby Names

Irish names don’t need to be super traditional. You can still honor the country with more modern monikers—some of which are common in America today.

  • Rory - Short gender-neutral baby name derived from the Old Irish moniker “Ruaidhrí,” meaning “red king"

  • Erin - This baby name translates to "Ireland"

  • Teagan - Want to raise a creative child? Consider this Irish name, meaning “poet” or “philosopher” (it could also mean “attractive”)

  • Maeve - This Irish name meaning “she who rules” is a perfect contender for your strong baby girl

  • Cassidy - If you have curly-haired genes in your family, this Irish name, which means “curly-headed,” could be a cute pick

  • Kiera - Powerful name of Irish origin meaning “dark” or “dark-haired”

  • Nolan - With definition of “champion,” this name might predict a lifetime of success

  • Rylee - An Irish name that translates to “courageous” or ”valiant.” You can also choose the spelling "Riley."

  • Saoirse - Your child would share a name with the Irish-American Little Woman actress Saorsie Ronan

  • Kevin - Interpreted as “handsome" and derived from the Irish name Caoimhín

  • Sloane - Strong name that translates to “raider” or “warrior”

  • Quinn - Looking for a one-syllable name? This one means “wise,” “sense,” or “reason”

  • Colleen - Expecting a daughter? Consider choosing this moniker, which is interpreted as “girl”

  • Liam - Short form for “William,” this also works as a standalone name

  • Connor - This name meaning “lover of hounds” is fitting for an animal-loving new baby

  • Sean - An Irish name with religious significance meaning “God is gracious”

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