125 Irish Catholic Names for Girls and Boys

unusual irish names

Last updated by

Last updated by

Jump to a Specific Section:

Jump to a Specific Section

    Ireland has a deep-rooted tradition of strong and meaningful names, many of which have connections to saints, mythology, and Gaelic heritage. Irish Catholic names, in particular, are often inspired by historical figures, biblical influences, and legendary warriors. Below, you’ll find a selection of boy and girl names, each with its Irish translation and meaning.

    Explore More Irish Names


    88 Irish Catholic Girl Names

    Irish girl names are known for their poetic beauty and strong ties to history, mythology, and spirituality. Many are inspired by queens, goddesses, and saints, symbolizing qualities such as wisdom, grace, and strength. These names often have lyrical sounds and deep cultural roots, making them timeless choices.

    Ailbe (Ailbhe) – Meaning “white” or “bright,” associated with St. Ailbe, one of Ireland’s earliest bishops.

    Áine (Áine) – Meaning “radiance” or “splendor,” linked to an Irish goddess and saints.

    Aisling (Aisling) – Meaning “dream” or “vision,” popularized in 18th-century Irish poetry.

    Aoife (Aoife) – Meaning “beautiful” or “radiant,” famously borne by a legendary warrior princess.

    Art (Art) – Meaning “bear” or “noble one,” famously borne by Art mac Cuinn, a legendary High King of Ireland.

    Baothghalach (Baothghalach) – Meaning “fond of foolishness,” an old Gaelic name rarely used today.

    Blathmac (Blathmac) – Meaning “son of flowers,” found in Irish poetry and mythology.

    Bláthnaid (Bláthnaid) – Meaning “little flower,” a poetic and romantic Irish name.

    Breasal (Breasal) – Meaning “strife” or “pain,” found in early Irish mythology.

    Bríd (Bríd) – Irish form of Bridget, meaning “exalted one,” famously associated with St. Brigid of Kildare.

    Cairbre (Cairbre) – Meaning “charioteer,” associated with several early Irish kings.

    Canice (Cainneach) – Meaning “handsome” or “mild,” famously borne by St. Canice, founder of Kilkenny.

    Caoimhe (Caoimhe) – Meaning “gentle” or “beautiful,” a very traditional yet modern-sounding Irish name.

    Caradoc (Caradog) – Meaning “beloved,” often used in early Irish and Welsh history.

    Cassidy (Ó Caiside) – Meaning “curly-haired,” a common surname that was originally a given name.

    Ceara (Ceara) – Meaning “fiery,” often linked to early Irish saints.

    Cellach (Cellach) – Meaning “war” or “bright-headed,” a name used among early Irish kings.

    Ciara (Ciara) – Meaning “dark-haired,” the feminine form of Ciarán, linked to St. Ciara.

    Cionaodh (Cionaodh) – Meaning “born of fire,” an alternative form of Aodh.

    Clíodhna (Clíodhna) – Meaning “shapely,” a name from Irish mythology associated with the goddess of love.

    Cobhthach (Cobhthach) – Meaning “victorious,” a common name among ancient Irish warriors.

    Coirpre (Coirpre) – Meaning “chariot driver,” associated with High Kings of Ireland.

    Colm (Colm) – Meaning “dove,” associated with St. Colmcille (Columba), who spread Christianity in Scotland.

    Comhghall (Comhghall) – Meaning “fellow valor,” famously borne by an Irish saint.

    Conla (Conláed) – Meaning “stronghold,” a rare but ancient Irish name.

    Conláed (Conláed) – Meaning “purity of hounds,” a rare ancient name.

    Cormac (Cormac) – Meaning “charioteer” or “son of the raven,” famously associated with King Cormac mac Airt.

    Daigh (Daigh) – Meaning “flame” or “fire,” connected to early saints.

    Deirbhile (Deirbhile) – Meaning “daughter of the poet,” associated with a famous Irish saint.

    Deirdre (Deirdre) – Meaning “sorrowful,” famously linked to the tragic love story of Deirdre and Naoise.

    Domhnall (Domhnall) – Meaning “ruler of the world,” a powerful name in Gaelic history.

    Donal (Dónall) – Meaning “world ruler,” a common name among ancient Irish kings.

    Donnacha (Donnacha) – Meaning “brown warrior,” historically linked to High King Donnchad mac Briain.

    Éabha (Éabha) – Irish form of Eve, meaning “life,” a biblical and beautiful name.

    Eachmarcach (Eachmarcach) – Meaning “horse rider,” found in medieval Irish history.

    Éanna (Éanna) – Meaning “birdlike,” often linked to Irish saints and early leaders.

    Echtghe (Echtghe) – Meaning “jealousy,” an uncommon ancient name.

    Eibhlín (Eibhlín) – Irish form of Eileen, meaning “desired” or “light,” popular in Irish poetry.

    Éile (Éile) – Meaning “radiant” or “beautiful,” connected to an early saint.

    Emer (Emer) – Meaning “swift,” known from Irish legend as the wife of the hero Cúchulainn.

    Eochaidh (Eochaidh) – Meaning “horse rider,” a common name for ancient Irish kings.

    Fearadhach (Fearadhach) – Meaning “manly,” borne by High Kings of Ireland.

    Ferdomhnach (Ferdomhnach) – Meaning “man of Sunday,” often linked to monks and religious figures.

    Fergal (Fearghal) – Meaning “brave man” or “valorous,” often associated with medieval Irish chieftains.

    Fergus (Fearghus) – Meaning “man of strength,” famously borne by Fergus Mac Róich in Irish mythology.

    Fiacc (Fiacc) – Meaning “raven,” famously associated with an early bishop of Leinster.

    Fiachra (Fiachra) – Meaning “raven,” found in both mythology and early Irish history.

    Fidelma (Fidelma) – Meaning “ever good,” historically found in noble Irish families.

    Findbarr (Fionnbharr) – Meaning “fair head,” associated with St. Finbarr of Cork.

    Flannchadh (Flannchadh) – Meaning “red warrior,” a powerful ancient name.

    Gearóid (Gearóid) – Irish form of Gerard, meaning “spear ruler,” historically used among Irish nobility.

    Gilla-Bríghde (Gilla-Bríghde) – Meaning “servant of Brigid,” used in medieval Ireland.

    Gráinne (Gráinne) – Meaning “grain” or “love,” associated with Irish mythology and Grace O’Malley, the pirate queen.

    Iarlaith (Iarlaith) – Meaning “prince” or “lord,” often linked to bishops and saints.

    Iseult (Iseult) – Meaning “fair lady,” from the tragic tale of Tristan and Iseult.

    Labhrás (Labhrás) – Irish form of Laurence, meaning “crowned with laurel.”

    Lachtna (Lachtna) – Meaning “milk-colored,” found in early Irish royalty.

    Laoghaire (Laoghaire) – Meaning “calf herder,” famously borne by King Laoghaire, who ruled during St. Patrick’s time.

    Laoise (Laoise) – Meaning “light” or “radiance,” connected to nobility.

    Maelíosa (Mael Íosa) – Meaning “devotee of Jesus,” a common monastic name.

    Maeve (Méabh) – Meaning “intoxicating,” famously borne by Queen Medb of Connacht.

    Máire (Máire) – Irish form of Mary, meaning “bitter,” historically one of the most common names in Ireland.

    Malachy (Máel Sechnaill) – Meaning “devotee of St. Sechnall,” a name associated with early Irish kings and saints.

    Maolmhuire (Maolmhuire) – Meaning “devotee of Mary,” used among early Irish religious figures.

    Maonach (Maonach) – Meaning “monk-like” or “devout,” associated with religious figures.

    Mealla (Mealla) – Meaning “lightning,” associated with Irish mythological figures.

    Muircheartach (Muircheartach) – Meaning “mariner” or “sea warrior,” a strong historical name.

    Muiris (Muiris) – Irish form of Maurice, meaning “dark-skinned” or “sea warrior.”

    Niamh (Niamh) – Meaning “bright” or “radiant,” associated with the princess of Tír na nÓg in mythology.

    Oonagh (Úna) – Meaning “unity” or “lamb,” commonly found in folklore.

    Orlaith (Orlaith) – Meaning “golden princess,” a name borne by medieval Irish queens.

    Raghnall (Raghnall) – Irish form of Ragnall, meaning “mighty power,” linked to Norse-Gaelic history.

    Ríonach (Ríonach) – Meaning “queenly,” found in medieval history.

    Róisín (Róisín) – Meaning “little rose,” commonly linked to the patriotic song Róisín Dubh.

    Ruaidhrí (Ruaidhrí) – Meaning “red king,” often used by Irish royalty.

    Sabhdh (Sabhdh) – Meaning “sweet” or “goodness,” often linked to ancient Irish nobility.

    Saoirse (Saoirse) – Meaning “freedom,” a modern patriotic name that became popular in the 20th century.

    Sibhéal (Sibhéal) – Irish form of Sybil, meaning “prophetess.”

    Síle (Síle) – Irish form of Cecilia, meaning “blind” or “heavenly.”

    Siobhán (Siobhán) – Irish form of Joan, meaning “God is gracious,” a long-standing traditional name.

    Sláine (Sláine) – Meaning “health” or “prosperity,” used in both mythology and early Christian Ireland.

    Suibhne (Suibhne) – Meaning “well-going,” famously borne by Irish kings and saints.

    Teague (Tadhg) – Meaning “poet” or “philosopher,” a traditional Gaelic name.

    Tighearnach (Tighearnach) – Meaning “lordly,” associated with saints and noblemen.

    Tighernach (Tighernach) – Meaning “lordly,” found among early Irish bishops.

    Tomás (Tomás) – Irish form of Thomas, meaning “twin,” widely used due to biblical influences.

    Treasa (Treasa) – Meaning “strength” or “battle,” commonly associated with St. Teresa.

    Úna (Úna) – Meaning “lamb” or “unity,” associated with Irish folklore and noble families.

    37 Irish Catholic Boy Names

    Irish boy names are often associated with strength, bravery, and nobility. Many are linked to ancient kings, warriors, and saints, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of Ireland. Whether derived from mythological heroes or Christian traditions, these names carry powerful meanings and deep significance.

    Explore More Irish Surnames

    Aodh (Aodh) – Meaning “fire,” a common name among early Irish kings and warriors.

    Aodhagán (Aodhagán) – Meaning “little fire,” a diminutive of Aodh.

    Beacan (Beacán) – Meaning “little one,” a rare name associated with Irish saints.

    Béibhinn (Béibhinn) – Meaning “fair lady,” found in medieval Irish history.

    Bran (Bran) – Meaning “raven,” a name with strong links to Irish folklore and warriors.

    Branwen (Branwen) – Meaning “beautiful raven,” connected to mythology.

    Brendan (Breandán) – Derived from Brennain, often associated with St. Brendan the Navigator, who may have reached America before Columbus.

    Brian (Brian) – Meaning “noble” or “high,” famously borne by Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland.

    Broccán (Broccán) – Meaning “little badger,” associated with early Irish saints.

    Cailean (Cailean) – Meaning “young pup” or “whelp,” used in Gaelic Scotland and Ireland.

    Caitlín (Caitlín) – Irish form of Catherine, meaning “pure,” commonly associated with saints.

    Cathal (Cathal) – Derived from cath (battle) and val (rule), meaning “battle ruler,” often used by ancient Irish kings.

    Cathan (Cathan) – Meaning “battle warrior,” often linked to early saints.

    Cian (Cian) – Meaning “ancient” or “enduring,” associated with Irish mythology.

    Cianán (Cianán) – Meaning “little ancient one,” famously borne by St. Cianán.

    Ciarán (Ciarán) – Means “little dark one,” often linked to St. Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, a founder of Irish monasticism.

    Cillín (Cillín) – Meaning “little church,” often linked to early Irish saints.

    Colmán (Colmán) – Meaning “little dove,” the name of several early saints.

    Conn (Conn) – Meaning “chief” or “wisdom,” famously associated with Conn of the Hundred Battles.

    Conor (Conchobhar) – Meaning “lover of hounds,” famously borne by legendary King Conchobar Mac Nessa.

    Crimthann (Crimthann) – Meaning “fox,” commonly found among early Irish kings.

    Crónán (Crónán) – Meaning “little dark one,” linked to multiple saints.

    Cuán (Cuán) – Meaning “little hound,” associated with saints and warriors.

    Dáithí (Dáithí) – Meaning “swift” or “nimble,” famously borne by the last pagan High King of Ireland.

    Dallán (Dallán) – Meaning “little blind one,” famously borne by Dallán Forgaill, poet of St. Columba.

    Deaglán (Déaglán) – Meaning “full of goodness,” the name of St. Declan, an early Christian missionary.

    Deasmhumhain (Deasmhumhain) – Meaning “South Munster,” a rare historical name.

    Declan (Déaglán) – Thought to mean “full of goodness,” St. Declan was one of Ireland’s early Christian saints.

    Diarmuid (Diarmuid) – Meaning “without envy,” famously linked to the tragic romance of Diarmuid and Gráinne.

    Dubhán (Dubhán) – Meaning “little dark one,” often associated with monks and hermits.

    Éamon (Éamonn) – Irish form of Edmund, meaning “wealthy protector,” once popular among Irish nobility.

    Earcán (Earcán) – Meaning “little salmon,” associated with saints and mythological figures.

    Eimhin (Eimhin) – Meaning “swift” or “active,” a name used by saints and warriors.

    Eoghan (Eoghan) – Meaning “born of the yew tree,” a name found among many ancient Irish warriors and kings.

    Fáelán (Fáelán) – Meaning “little wolf,” a name carried by medieval kings.

    Finn (Fionn) – Meaning “fair” or “bright,” famously borne by Fionn Mac Cumhaill, a legendary warrior.

    Fintan (Fionntán) – Meaning “white fire,” often linked to saints and poets in Irish history.

    Fionnuala (Fionnuala) – Meaning “white shoulder,” linked to the Children of Lir myth.

    Flannan (Flannán) – Meaning “red-haired,” associated with St. Flannan, an early bishop.

    Garbhan (Garbhán) – Meaning “rough one,” commonly found among early Irish monks.

    Kevin (Caoimhín) – Meaning “gentle birth,” St. Kevin founded the monastery at Glendalough.

    Liam (Liam) – Irish short form of William, meaning “strong-willed warrior,” very popular in modern times.

    Lochlainn (Lochlainn) – Meaning “land of lakes,” often linked to Norse settlers in Ireland.

    Lorcan (Lorcán) – Meaning “little fierce one,” famously borne by the father of Brian Boru.

    Macartan (Macartan) – Meaning “son of Artán,” famously borne by St. Macartan, companion of St. Patrick.

    Meiccéin (Meiccéin) – Meaning “son of Cain,” an old Irish name.

    Micheál (Mícheál) – Irish form of Michael, meaning “who is like God?” and commonly used due to St. Michael the Archangel.

    Muireann (Muireann) – Meaning “sea white,” connected to folklore.

    Nechtan (Neachtan) – Meaning “clean” or “pure,” an ancient mythological and saintly name.

    Niall (Niall) – Meaning “champion” or “cloud,” famously borne by Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary king.

    Nóirín (Nóirín) – Meaning “little honor,” derived from Honora.

    Odhrán (Odhrán) – Meaning “pale green” or “dark-haired,” associated with early saints.

    Odrán (Odrán) – Meaning “dark-skinned,” associated with early Irish saints.

    Oisín (Oisín) – Meaning “little deer,” associated with Oisín, the son of Fionn Mac Cumhaill.

    Pádraig (Pádraig) – Irish form of Patrick, meaning “noble,” forever linked to St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint.

    Ríoghbhardán (Ríoghbhardán) – Meaning “little royal poet,” used in medieval Ireland.

    Rónán (Rónán) – Meaning “little seal,” found in Irish legend and among early saints.

    Ruairí (Ruairí) – Meaning “red-haired king,” commonly associated with medieval Irish rulers.

    Sárán (Sárán) – Meaning “noble,” an ancient name found in Irish genealogies.

    Scannlán (Scannlán) – Meaning “little scandalous one,” a playful ancient name.

    Séamus (Séamus) – Irish form of James, meaning “supplanter,” closely linked to Irish nobility and saints.

    Seán (Seán) – Irish form of John, meaning “God is gracious,” historically a very popular name in Ireland.

    Senan (Senán) – Meaning “little wise one,” famously borne by St. Senan, a 6th-century saint.

    Tadhg (Tadhg) – Meaning “poet” or “philosopher,” a name commonly found among Gaelic nobility.

    Torin (Torin) – Meaning “chief” or “lord,” an old Gaelic warrior name.

    Ultán (Ultán) – Meaning “from Ulster,” often associated with early Irish saints and scholars.