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You are at:Home » News » Culture » Top 20 Irish boy names that are fit for a king
Culture

Top 20 Irish boy names that are fit for a king

Siân McQuillanBy Siân McQuillanJune 7, 2021No Comments6 Mins Read
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From ancient names that find their roots in Irish history and mythology to modern names that have gained prominence in recent years, Irish names are perfect for your little king.

If you’re looking for Irish boy names that are fit for a king, then you’ve come to the right place.

Naming your son is an important task, and so, it is no surprise you’ll want to make sure you choose the right one!

20. Ronan – an ancient king of Leinster

Ronan is one of the Irish boy names that are fit for a king.
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

When it comes to Irish boy names that are fit for a king, you can’t forget Ronan.

This ancient name means ‘little seal’ and was the name of 12 Irish saints and an ancient king of Leinster. One of the most well-known people with this name is singer Ronan Keating.

19. Lorcan – for a brave warrior

Meaning either ‘silent’ or ‘fierce’, as well as a nickname for ‘brave warrior’, the name Lorcan is a beautiful name for your baby boy.

Lorcan was the name of Brian Boru’s grandfather and two kings of Leinster.

18. Brian – a High King of Ireland

Brian Boru was a High King of Ireland.
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Most famously the name of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland who ended the Uí Néill dynasty, Brian is a name that is widespread across Ireland.

Meaning ‘high’, ‘noble’, and ‘strong’, this is an excellent name for your little boy.

17. Niall – king of Tara

Pronounced ‘nye-all’, this popular Irish name means ‘champion’, ‘passionate’, or ‘vehement’.

Deriving from the Gaelic ‘niadh’, this name is most recognisable as the name of Niall of the Nine Hostages, the fourth-century king of Tara.

16. Cillian – a historic name

Cillian is one of the Irish boy names that are fit for a king.
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Cillian, or Killian, is a popular Irish name derived from the Gaelic ‘cille’, meaning ‘associated with the church’.

The name Cillian has several meanings, which include ‘war’, ‘strife’, and ‘bright-headed’. One of the most well-known people with this name is Irish actor Cillian Murphy.

15. Donnacha – a brown-haired warrior

Pronounced ‘don-aka’, this Irish name means ‘brown-haired warrior’ and derives from the Gaelic ‘donn’, meaning ‘brown’, and ‘cath’ meaning ‘battle’.

Donnacha was also the name of the son of High King Brian Boru.

14. Rory – for a red-haired king

Rory is the name for a red-haired king.
Credit: Flickr / Tour Pro Golf Clubs

This royal-esque name means ‘red-haired king’, making it the perfect name for your little newborn king.

Variations of this name include Ruadhri, Ruari, and Rory, and Rory O’Connor, the last high king of Ireland, is one of the most significant figures with this name. One of the most famous people with this name today is Irish golfer Rory McIlroy.

13. Oisin – the son of Fionn MacCool

Meaning ‘little deer’, the name Oisin is recognisable from Irish mythology as the name of Fionn MacCool’s son.

Pronounced ‘uh-sheen’ or ‘o-sheen’, this gorgeous name is perfect for your baby boy.

12. Brandon – the perfect name

Brandon is one of the Irish boy names that are fit for a king.
Credit: Pixabay / Victoria_Borodinova

Derived from the Irish word ‘Bréanainn’, which means ‘prince’ or ‘king’, there is no name more perfect for your little king.

Variations of the name include Brandon or Breandán.

11. Daithi – a gorgeous Irish name

A typical Irish name, Daithi is pronounced ‘da-hee’.

From Old Irish, this name means ‘swiftness’ or ‘nimbleness’ and was the name of the last pagan king of Ireland who ruled from 405-426 AD.

10. Donal – ruler of the world

Donal means 'ruler of the world'.
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Meaning ‘ruler of the world’, Donal is undoubtedly one of the Irish boy names that are fit for a king.

Deriving from ‘domhan’ meaning ‘world’ and ‘all’ meaning ‘mighty’, variations of this name include Donal, Domhnall, Donall, Dónal, and Domnall. One of the most famous people with this name is Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson.

9. Sean – the Irish version of John

The Irish version of the English name John, Sean is an excellent name for your baby boy.

Meaning ‘God is gracious’, or ‘wise’ and ‘old’, variations of this name include Sean, Shaun, and Shawn.

8. Cormac – a High King of Ireland

Cormac is one of the Irish boy names that are fit for a king.
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Cormac was the name of a third-century king of Ireland who ruled from Tara.

Meaning ‘son of the charioteer’, this name is a great choice for your little boy.

7. Cathal – strong in battle

Pronounced ‘ka-hal’, Cathal means ‘strong in battle’ and is derived from the Gaelic ‘cath’, meaning ‘battle’ and ‘val’, meaning ‘rule’.

This was the name of a seventh-century Irish saint.

6. Liam – a popular celebrity name

Liam is a popular celebrity name.
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Meaning ‘strong-willed warrior’ and ‘protector’, Liam is a great name for your baby boy.

A short form of the ancient Irish name Uilliam, Liam has increased in popularity in recent years, with a number of celebrities calling the name their own.

5. Conor – meaning lover of hounds

Meaning ‘lover of hounds’ or ‘high desire’, the name Conor is derived from the Irish word ‘coachuhhar’.

Variations of this name include Conchur, Conner, and Conchobhar. Conchobhar MacNessa was the King of Ulster, according to Irish legend.

5. Fionn – a famous Irish warrior

Fionn is one of the Irish boy names that are fit for a king.
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

The name Fionn has various meanings, including ‘fair headed’, ‘white’, ‘clear’, ‘small blonde soldier’, and ‘handsome’.

The most famous figure with this name is almost definitely Fionn MacCool, leader of the Fianna according to Irish folklore and mythology. Variations of the name include Fionn and Finn.

3. Tadhg – an 11th-century king

This gorgeous Irish name is pronounced ‘tie-ge’ and has gained huge popularity in recent years.

Meaning ‘poet’ or ‘bard’, Tadhg was the name of an 11th-century King of Connacht.

2. Patrick – after Ireland’s patron saint

Name your baby boy after Ireland's patron saint.
Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

The anglicised form of the Irish name Padraig and the name of Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick is a great name for your little boy.

Padraig derives from the Latin word ‘Patricius’, which means ‘nobly born’.

1. Ryan – for your little king

Ryan is one of the Irish boy names that are fit for a king.
Credit: Pixabay / Victoria_Borodinova

Ryan or Rian tops our list of Irish boy names that are fit for a king. The name derives from the Gaelic words ‘righ’ and ‘an’, which, when put together, literally mean ‘little king’.

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Siân McQuillan

    Siân McQuillan is a writer and travel lover from County Down, Northern Ireland. With a BA in English and History and an MA in Media and Broadcast Production from Queen’s University Belfast, Siân has gained extensive knowledge and experience writing across various forms of media. A travel lover, Siân can be found either out exploring new places around Ireland and the world or writing about her experiences of travelling and visiting new places. She recently wrote her first travel guide, The Ultimate Guide to Dublin, to share her love for Ireland’s capital city and offer some insight into all the things you need to see and do, places to eat and stay, hidden gems, and more.

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