Irish baby names have been popular in the States for centuries. In recent years, though, certain Irish names have been becoming more popular in the US than ever before.
According to recent statistics and surveys, there are certain Irish names that are becoming more popular than ever with babies born in the US.
An interesting thing to note is that many Irish surnames have become popular as first names in the US, like Kennedy or Casey.
If you’re looking for some baby name inspiration for a little one on the way, take a look at the list below of the top ten Irish baby names taking America by storm, you just might be inspired!
10. Cillian – could it be the Cillian Murphy effect?
Cillian is an Irish name that means ‘bright-headed’ or ‘church’. Cillian, and its variations, Killian and Kylian, derive from the same name. However, it is Cillian that has become more popular in recent years.
Famous faces like Cillian Murphy and his portrayal of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders and other roles often play a part in why a name starts to become more popular in places around the world.
9. Casey – popular as a first name
Casey, while traditionally an Irish surname, has been on the rise in the States as a popular first name for baby boys as well as girls.
Derived from the Irish Gaelic ‘Cathasaigh’ or ‘Cathaiseach’, the name translates to ‘vigilant’ or ‘watchful’. One notable American figure with this name is Casey Affleck, who has starred in movies like Manchester by the Sea and Gone Baby Gone.
8. Maeve – more popular than ever in the US
Maeve and its variations, Mebh and Meabh, are currently on the rise in America, with more baby girls being given this name than ever before.
Maeve translates to ‘she who intoxicates’ from the Irish language. Famous Maeve’s in recent portrayals include Tandy Newton as Maeve Millay in Westworld and Emma Mackey as Maeve Wiley in Sex Education.
7. Finnegan – one of the Irish names taking America by storm
Finnegan is the anglicised version of the Irish surname Ó Fionnagáin. It is the source of popular first names Fionn and Finn.
However, while it hasn’t broken the top 100 in the US yet, it is set to take the States by storm in the near future. This is another great example of an Irish surname adapted as a first name in America.
6. Quinn – a name with a ‘wise’ meaning
The first names as last names trend shows no signs of stopping in the US as Quinn is one of the Irish baby names taking America by storm.
Traditionally a surname in Ireland, Quinn means ‘wise’ or ‘reason’. It comes from the old Irish word ‘ceann’, meaning ‘chief’ or ‘head’.
5. Kennedy – popular as a first name in America
Kennedy derives from the Irish surname Ó Cinnéide. Much like Quinn, the name is said to originate from the Irish word ‘ceann’ meaning ‘chief’ or ‘head’.
While famous faces in history like John F. Kennedy have it as a family name, the name has become common as a female first name in the US in recent years.
4. Riley – a surname that has become popular as a first name
Riley is another Irish name that is common as a first name in America. Meaning ‘courageous’, the name derives from the common Irish surname O’Reilly. It’s a gender-neutral name that currently sits as one of the most popular first names for girls in the United States.
One of the most famous Riley’s in the world right now is Riley Keough, who plays Daisy in the popular TV series Daisy Jones and the Six.
3. Sloane – a popular gender-neutral name in the States
Sloane is the anglicised version of the Irish clan name Ó Sluaghhadáin. Sloan certainly isn’t a popular baby name in Ireland, but it is one of the Irish names taking America by storm at the moment.
2. Callahan – climbing in popularity amongst baby boys
Callahan is a name of Irish origin that derives from Ó Ceallacháin, meaning ‘descendant of Ceallachán’ or, similarly to Cillian, ‘bright-headed’.
This is another name set to burst in popularity in the States in the coming years, specifically for baby boys.
1. Reagan – one of the Irish baby names taking America by storm
A name that is extremely popular amongst baby girls in America is Reagan. The name derives from the Irish surname Ó Riagáin or Ó Ríogáin. It is made up of the Irish words ‘ri’, meaning ‘king’, and the suffix ‘in’. So, it is said to translate to ‘the king’s child’ or ‘big king’.
