What are the most popular baby names in Ireland?

Based on our 2026 data, top choices include favorites like Liam, Noah, and Oliver. These reflect the current preference in Ireland for names that honor tradition while sounding modern.

What are traditional Irish boy names?

Traditional Irish boy names often carry deep meaning. Popular choices include names that reflect the nation's history, whether that be royal lineage, religious significance, or indigenous roots specific to Ireland.

What are popular Irish girl names?

Irish girl names are often chosen for their beauty and virtue. Many parents in Ireland select names inspired by nature, local flowers, or historical queens and figures of grace.

How do I choose a Irish name?

Consider the meaning and how it flows with your surname. In Ireland, it is also common to look at family history or meaningful locations. Short, high-energy names ending in vowels (like Dara, Orla) are trending, moving away from the heavier, multi-syllabic names of the past.

Curated Collection 2026

Top IrishBaby Names

Ireland's naming culture is experiencing a renaissance of its ancient past. Names that were once confined to mythology books—like 'Fionn', 'Saoirse', and 'Oisin'—are now mainstays. There is a deep pride in the Irish spelling, often defying English phonetic rules, which adds a layer of cultural distinctiveness to the identity. It's a statement of national pride wrapped in a given name.

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The Anglicization Balance

While traditional spellings are surging, there is still a practical balance. Many parents opt for the Anglicized version (e.g., 'Keeva' instead of 'Caoimhe') to help their children navigate a globalized world, creating a blend of heritage and practicality. This debate—original vs. phonetic—is a hot topic in Irish parenting circles.

Naming Laws & RegulationsIrish Registrars are flexible but generally refuse names that are offensive or misleading. The use of 'fadas' (accents like á, é) is legally protected and culturally vital, distinguishing 'Sean' (Old) from 'Seán' (John).