Ainmneacha — the names

Irish boys' names

202 names, each with how to say it out loud, what it means, and the saint, queen or legend who carried it first.

A B C D E F G I L M N O P R S T U

A

Ádhamh “AWV” from Hebrew Adam, 'one made', a creature Adhamhnán “EE-nan” 'little Adam' Ágaistín “AW-gish-teen” from Latin Augustinus, a diminutive of Augustus, 'venerable' Ailbhe “AL-va” possibly from albho, 'white', or from ail, 'rock' — 'noble, bright' Ailill “AL-ill” possibly 'elf' or 'sprite' Ailín “AL-een” probably a diminutive of a name beginning Ail-, 'noble' Aindrias “AN-dree-as (Munster an-DREE-as)” from Greek anēr, andros, 'man' Alastar “AL-as-tar” an Irish form of Alexander, from Greek, 'defender of men' Ambrós “AM-bross” from Greek ambrosios, 'immortal, divine' Amhlaoibh “OW-leev (Munster OW-lee)” from Norse Óláfr, 'ancestral relic' Anraí “AN-ree” from Old French Henri, Germanic in origin Antóin “AN-tone” from Latin Antonius, an ancient Roman name Aodh “AY (also EE)” 'fire' — possibly also the name of a god Aodhagán “AY-a-gawn” 'little little Aodh' — a double diminutive of Aodh, 'fire' Aodhán “AY-dawn” 'little fire' — a diminutive of Aodh Aonghas “AY-nus” from oinos, 'one', and gustus, 'choice' — the one choice Aonghus “AY-ngus (also EN-gus)” 'one choice' or 'one strength' — aon + gus Ardghal “ARD-gal” árd, 'high', and gal, 'valour' Arlia “ar-LEE-a” not known — Macalister could only write ‘a name not found elsewhere’ Art “ART” 'bear' — and by extension 'champion, hero' Artúr “AR-toor” uncertain; Wiktionary suggests a Brittonic word for 'bear'

B

Barra “BA-ra” short form of Fionnbharra, 'fair-headed' Bearach “BAR-akh” from bear, 'a spear' — or anything with a point on it Bearchán “BAR-a-khawn” a diminutive of Bearach Bearnárd “BAR-nard” from Frankish Bernhard, 'strong bear' or 'brave warrior' Bran “BRAN” 'raven' Breandán “BREN-dawn” probably from a Welsh word for 'prince'; not from bran, 'raven' Breasal “BRASS-al” from an old Celtic word for strife or war Brian “BREE-an” possibly 'noble' or 'high'; disputed Brochadh “BRUKH-a” a West Connacht corruption of Murchadh Buadhach “BOO-akh” from buaidh, 'victory'

C

Cairbre “KAR-bra” 'charioteer' Calbhach “KAL-vakh” 'bald' Caoimhín “KWEE-veen” from caomh, 'gentle, kind' — 'of gentle birth' Caolán “KAY-lawn” 'slender' — a diminutive of caol Caomhán “KAY-vawn” 'gentle' or 'comely' — a diminutive of caomh Cárthach “KAR-hakh” 'loving' Cathal “KA-hal” cath + val, 'strong in battle' Cathaoir “KA-heer” possibly 'warrior' or 'battle-lord' Cathbharr “KAH-var” cath, 'battle', and barr, 'head': hence a helmet Ceallach “KYAL-akh” 'war' or 'strife' Ceallachán “KAL-a-khawn” a diminutive of Ceallach Cearbhall “KAR-a-val” uncertain; Wiktionary suggests Old Irish cerb, 'keen, cunning' Cian “KEE-an” 'ancient, enduring, long-lasting' Cianán “KEE-a-nawn” 'little Cian' — a diminutive of Cian, 'ancient' Ciarán “KEER-awn” from ciar, 'dark' — 'little dark one' Cillian “KIL-ee-an” possibly from cill, 'church', or ceall, 'little warrior'; disputed Cinnéididh “kin-AY-dee” ceann, 'head', and éide, 'armour': 'helmeted head' Coileán “kul-AWN” 'whelp', a young dog Coinneach “KUN-yakh” 'fair one' Coireall “KIR-al” an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it Colla “KUL-a” an ancient name; Woulfe records no meaning for it Colm “KUL-um” from Latin columba, 'dove' Colmán “KUL-mawn” 'little dove' — a diminutive of Colm Comán “KUM-awn” a diminutive of cam, 'bent' Comhghall “KO-al” 'co-pledge' or 'fellow-hostage' Conaire “KON-a-ra” an ancient name; Woulfe records no meaning for it Conall “KON-al” 'strong as a wolf' or 'strong wolf' Conán “KON-awn” an old name of uncertain meaning, often linked to cú, 'hound' Conchobhar “KON-a-khoor (commonly KRUH-hoor)” possibly 'lover of hounds' or 'wolf-lover' Conn “KON” possibly 'chief' or 'hound' Connla “KON-la” the name of Cú Chulainn's son in the Ulster Cycle Connlaodh “KON-lay” connla, 'prudent, chaste', and aodh, 'fire' Cormac “KOR-mak” possibly 'son of the charioteer' or 'raven's son'; disputed Criomhthann “KRIV-han” 'fox' Criostóir “KRIS-tore” the Irish form of Christopher, 'Christ-bearer' Cróchán “KROH-khawn” the name of a Kerry saint; Woulfe gives no meaning Cronan “KROH-nawn” from crón, 'dark yellow, swarthy' — 'little dark one' Cuán “KOO-awn” from cú, 'hound' — 'little hound'; also 'harbour' in modern Irish Cuimín “KWIM-een” a diminutive of cam, 'bent'

D

Dáithí “DAW-hee” 'swiftness, nimbleness'; also used for David Damhnaic “DOW-nik” an Irish form of Dominic Darragh “DA-ra” from dair, 'oak' — 'oak tree' or 'fruitful, fertile' Deasmhumhnach “DYASS-voo-nakh” 'a native of Desmond', South Munster Declan “DEK-lan” uncertain; possibly 'full of goodness' Diarmaid “DEER-mid” possibly 'without envy' or 'free man' Domhnall “DOH-nal” 'world-ruler' — domhan + val Donn “DOWN” 'brown', or 'chief, noble' Donnán “DUN-awn” a diminutive of donn, 'brown' Donnchadh “DUN-a-khoo” donn + cath, 'brown-haired warrior' or 'strong warrior' Dubhaltach “DOOL-takh” 'black-jointed' Dubhán “DOO-awn” a diminutive of dubh, 'black': 'little dark one' Dubhghall “DOO-gal” dubh, 'black', and gall, 'a foreigner' Dubhghlas “DOO-glas” the Irish form of Douglas; Woulfe gives no meaning

E

Eachann “AKH-an” from the older Eachdhonn — 'horse-lord' Éamonn “AY-mun” the Irish form of Edmund, 'protector of wealth' Éanán “AY-nawn” an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it Earcán “AR-kawn” a diminutive of earc, 'red' or 'speckled' Earnán “AR-nawn” from earna, 'knowing' or 'experienced' Éibhear “AY-ver” of unknown origin Éigneachán “EYE-na-khawn” a diminutive of Éigneach Éimhín “AY-veen” from eimh, 'swift' or 'active' Eireamhón “ERR-a-vone” an ancient name; Woulfe gives no meaning Enda “EN-da” possibly 'bird-like' Eochaidh “OH-khee” an old name built on each, 'horse' Eoghan “OH-in” 'born of the yew' — from eo, yew Eoin “OH-in” the Irish form of John, direct from Latin Johannes Ernán “AIR-nawn” from iarn, 'iron' — 'little iron one'

F

Fachtna “FAKH-na” possibly 'hostile' or 'malicious' in origin Fáilbhe “FAWL-va” an ancient name; Woulfe records no meaning for it Faolán “FWAY-lawn” from faol, 'wolf' — 'little wolf' Fearadhach “FAR-akh” 'manly' Feardorcha “far-DOR-a-kha” fear, 'a man', and dorcha, 'dark' — the dark-complexioned man Fearganainm “FAR-gan-an-im” fear, 'a man', gan, 'without', and ainm, 'a name': 'nameless' Fearghal “FAR-gal” fear + gal, 'man of valour' Fearghas “FAR-gus” fear + gus, 'man of vigour' or 'manly strength' Feichín “FEH-heen” from fiach, 'a raven' Feidhlimidh “FAY-lim-ee” explained as 'the ever good' Ferdia “fer-DEE-a” 'man of God' or 'man of smoke'; disputed Fiacha “FEE-a-kha” Woulfe gives no meaning Fiachna “FEE-akh-na” possibly from fiach, 'raven' Fiachra “FEE-akh-ra” possibly from fiach, 'raven', or 'battle-king' Finghin “FIN-een” read as 'fair birth' or 'fair offspring' Fintan “FIN-tan” fionn + tan, 'white fire' or 'fair offspring' Fionn “FYUN (also FIN)” 'fair, bright, white' Fionnbharr “FIN-bar” fionn, 'fair', and barr, 'a head' Fitheal “FI-hal” a worn-down form of Fithcheallach, the root of the surname Ó Fithcheallaigh Flann “FLAN” 'blood-red, ruddy' Flannán “FLAN-awn” a diminutive of flann, 'ruddy' Frainc “FRANK” a pet form of Proinsias (Francis)

G

Garbhán “GAR-vawn” from garbh, 'rough' — 'little rough one' Gearóid “gar-OHD” the Irish form of Gerald Glaisne “GLASH-na” an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it Gréagóir “GRAY-gore” from Greek Grēgorios, 'watchman'

I

Iarlaith “EER-la” possibly 'tributary lord' Íosac “EE-sak” from Hebrew Yitschaq, 'laughter' Irial “IR-ee-al” an ancient name; Woulfe records no meaning for it

L

Labhrás “LOW-rawss” the Irish form of Laurence Lachtna “LAKHT-na” an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it Laoiseach “LEE-shakh” 'belonging to Laois' Lasairian “LASS-a-reen” from lasair, 'a flame' Liam “LEE-am” short form of Uilliam, the Irish for William — 'resolute protector' Lochlann “LOKH-lan” Lochlann — the Irish name for the Norse homeland, read as 'lakeland' or 'fiordland' Lomán “LUM-awn” a diminutive of lom, 'bare' Lonán “LO-nawn” from lon, 'a blackbird' Lorcán “LOR-kawn” from lorc, 'fierce' — 'little fierce one' Lughaidh “LOO-ee” derived from the god Lugh

M

Maghnus “MAN-us” from Latin magnus, 'great', via Norse Magnús Máirtín “MAWR-cheen (Munster mawr-CHEEN)” from Latin Martinus, from Mars, the Roman god of war Maitiú “MAT-yoo” from Hebrew, 'gift of God' Manchán “MAN-a-khawn” from manach, 'a monk' Maodhóg “MAY-ogue” a variant of Aodhán, with mo, 'my', in front and the diminutive -óg Maoilir “MWEEL-ir” from Welsh Meilir Maolcholm “mwayl-KHUL-um” 'servant of St Columcille' Maolíosa “mwayl-EE-sa” 'servant of Jesus' Maolruadháin “mwayl-ROO-awn” 'servant of St Ruadhán' Maolsheachlainn “mwayl-SHAKH-lin” 'devotee of St Seachnall' Mathúin “MA-hoon” 'a bear' Micheál “MEE-hawl” the Irish form of Michael, Hebrew 'who is like God?' Muircheartach “MWIR-kher-takh” muir + ceartach, 'skilled in seacraft' — 'navigator' Muireadhach “MWIR-a-khakh” from muir, 'sea': 'seaman', and also 'lord' Muiris “MWIR-ish” the Irish form of Maurice; also from muir, 'sea' Murchadh “MUR-a-kha” muir, 'sea', and cath, 'battle' — 'sea-warrior'

N

Naoise “NEE-sha” uncertain Naomhán “NAY-vawn” a diminutive of naomh, 'holy' Neasán “NASS-awn” Woulfe gives no meaning Niall “NEE-al (Ulster NYAL)” possibly 'champion' or 'cloud'; disputed Nioclás “NIK-lawss” from Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people' Nollaig “NUL-ig” 'Christmas'

O

Odhrán “OH-rawn” from odhar, 'dun, sallow, pale-brown' — 'little pale one' Oilibhéar “OL-iv-air” Woulfe takes it as a French form of Norse Ólafr, 'ancestor's relic' Oisín “uh-SHEEN (also OSH-een)” from os, 'deer' — 'little deer, fawn' Oistín “osh-TEEN” a Norse form of Augustine Oscar “OSS-kar” os + cara, 'deer-lover' or 'friend of deer'

P

Pádraig “PAW-drig” from Latin patricius, 'nobleman' Peadar “PAD-ar” the Irish form of Peter, 'rock' Piaras “PEER-us” the Irish form of Piers / Pierce Pól “POLE” from Latin Paulus, 'small' Proinsias “PRIN-shas” the Irish form of Francis

R

Réamonn “RAY-mun” Germanic, 'mighty protection' or 'counsel protection' Rian “REE-an” possibly 'little king' — from rí; disputed Ríordán “REER-dawn” traditionally read as 'royal poet', from ríogh + bardán Risteárd “RISH-tyard” a French-influenced variant of Riocárd (Richard) Roibeárd “REB-ard” Germanic Hrothberht, 'fame-bright' Rónán “ROH-nawn” from rón, 'seal' — 'little seal' Rossa “RUSS-a” from ros, 'wood' or 'headland' Ruadhán “ROO-awn (Munster roo-AWN)” a diminutive of ruadh, 'red' Ruairí “ROO-a-ree” 'red king' — rua + rí

S

Saorbhreathach “SAYR-vra-hakh” saor and breathach: 'noble judge' Séadna “SHAY-na” an ancient name; Woulfe gives no meaning Séafra “SHAY-fra” the Irish form of Geoffrey Séamus “SHAY-mus” the Irish form of James Seán “SHAWN” the Irish form of John, via Norman-French Jehan Seanán “SHAN-awn” from sean, 'old, wise' — 'little wise one' Séarlas “SHAYR-las” Germanic Karl, 'man' Seoirse “SHOR-sha” from Greek Geōrgios, 'husbandman, rustic' Seosamh “SHOH-sav (Mayo and Ulster SHOH-soo)” from Hebrew Yosef, '(God) shall add' Setanta “SHAY-dan-ta” possibly linked to the Setantii, a British tribe Siadhal “SHEE-al” an old name; Woulfe gives no meaning Síomón “SHEE-mone” from Hebrew Shim'on, from a root meaning 'to hear' Somhairle “SOR-la” from Norse sumarliði, 'summer traveller' — a Viking Stiofán “STIFF-awn” from Greek stephanos, 'crown' or 'wreath' Suibhne “SIV-na” 'well-going'

T

Tadhg “TYGE ('tiger' without the -er)” 'poet' or 'philosopher' Téadóir “TAY-dore” from Greek, 'God-gift' Tiarnán “TEER-nawn” from tiarna, 'lord' — 'little lord' Tiobóid “TIB-ode” Woulfe gives it only as a variant of Teabóid (Theobald) Toirdhealbhach “TUR-a-lakh” 'instigator' or 'shaped like Thor'; disputed Tomás “tuh-MAWS” the Irish form of Thomas Tuathal “TOO-hal” 'people-mighty'

U

Ualtar “OOL-tar” the Irish form of Walter Ultán “UL-tawn” 'an Ulsterman' — from Ulaid

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