Unusual Irish boy names: Rare Irish names for one-of-a-kind boys

The melodic style of unusual Irish boy names offers parents a chance to choose a name their son won't share with five other classmates. Cool picks like Finnegan, Kieran, Lochlan, and Rory give babies character-filled yet uncommon Irish names.

Aengus: In Irish mythology, Aengus is the god of love, youth, and poetic inspiration. He was described as eternally youthful and highly attractive. The name means "one strength" or "true vigor" and is an uncommon but masculine Irish name.

Aodhan: Pronounced "AY-din", this name comes from the old Irish word "aodh" meaning fire. In legend, St. Aidan was known for his kindness, wisdom and miracles. An unusual name brimming with fiery strength and spirit.

Brendan: Saint Brendan was a 6th century Irish monk and navigator who is said to have reached North America long before Columbus. He established monasteries and spread Christianity. A spirited name for an adventurous boy.

Cahir: From the Irish word "cathair" meaning stone ringfort or walled city. Cahir was a heroic warrior in Irish legends. It's an uncommon name with ancient roots and a strong, valiant image.

Caoimhin: Pronounced "KEE-vin", this name means "kind, gentle, and handsome". Saint Caoimhin founded many churches and monasteries in Ireland during the 6th–7th centuries. An attractive, merciful name with spiritual roots.

Ciaran: Saint Ciarán was the founder of Clonmacnoise monastery in County Offaly in the 6th century. He was known for his scholarship and sanctity. An educationally distinguished yet unconventional name choice.

Conall: In legend Conall Cernach was an Irish warrior hero known for mighty deeds. The name means "strong as a wolf". Fierce yet unique name from ancient Irish tradition.

Cormac: This name comes from the Gaelic "corb" meaning raven and "mac" meaning son. Cormac mac Airt was a wise mythical high king and hero. An intelligent, mythical name for a special boy.

Daegan: An extremely rare Irish name possibly meaning "black haired”. St. Daegan was a 7th century Irish saint who did missionary work in Europe with St. Fintan. An obscure but quirky Irish boy’s name.

Daragh: An uncommon spelling of Dara meaning "oak tree". According to legend, Dara was the name of an ancient king of Ireland. A creative variation of a traditional Irish name.

Diarmuid: Pronounced "DEER-mid", Diarmuid was a warrior huntsman and lover in Irish legend. The name itself means "without enemy". A lesser-used mythical name that sounds masculine and valiant.

Donnacha: This uniquely Irish spelling of Duncan means "brown-haired warrior". Saint Donnach moccu Dallain was a 6th century Irish monk and abbot. A spirited and courageous name.

Egan: An anglicized form of Gaelic surname Mac Aodhagáin or Eoghan which means "born from the yew tree". St Egan was brother to 7th century St Kevin of Glendalough. A soft, spiritual Irish name.

Eoin: This form of John has early Irish origins and means "God is gracious". Used for many early Irish saints including Eoin mac Brendain. The distinctive Gaelic form of this common name.

Fallon: From the old Gaelic name O'Fallamhain, meaning "descendant of Fallamhan" (leader). Saint Fallon was a 7th century monk from County Galway. A saintly occupational name that sounds heroic.

Finn: Meaning "white" or "fair” in Irish. Finn MacCool was a mythical Irish hunter-warrior who became leader of the Fianna army. A legendary but simple Irish name.

Flann: Flann Sinna was a 9th century Irish king who reigned for over fifty years. The name may come from the Gaelic word "flann" meaning red or blood. An unconventional name steeped in ancient Irish history.

Keegan: The Anglicized form of Irish Mac Aodhagáin meaning “son of Aodhagán". Saint Ceegán was a hermit associated with St. Kevin of Glendalough. A gentle, spiritual name that's quite rare.

Lorcan: From "lorc" meaning fierce and warlike. Saint Lorcán was an early Irish saint and abbot during the 6th century known for his strict piety. An intensely rugged name for a hardy boy.

Lucan: The town of Lucan may have been named for St. Luchan, an early saint who did missionary work in Europe before retreating to a monastery in Dublin. A lesser-used saintly name.

Madden: An anglicized form of the old Irish "Madadhan" meaning "little hound" or "little dog". Used by early Irish royalty and later as a surname. Quirky yet cute for a tenacious little boy.

Murrough: An anglicized form of Gaelic "Murchadh”, meaning sea warrior or sailor. Popularly associated with Irish pirate queen Grace O'Malley. Ruggedly adventurous with a risky image.

Nevin: Anglicized form of Gaelic “Naomhan” meaning holy, little saint. St. Nevin was a petty British king who became monk and a hermit in Ireland in the 5th century. A spiritual and studious image.

Nolan: Anglicized form of Nuallain meaning “famous, noble". Saint Nolan evangelized in Ireland before the arrival of St. Patrick. A scholarly, revered yet rare Irish name.

Oran: Gaelic name possibly meaning pale green or sallow. Saint Oran was a companion of St. Columba who died in unusual circumstances on Iona island in the 6th century. Offbeat with quirky roots.

Riordan: Anglicized form of "Rua Mac Coinsiasa" meaning red-haired royal advisor. Could reference the ancient soldier-king Riordan who invaded Gaul according to Irish legend. Colorful yet noble.

Ronan: Means "little seal" in Irish - seal folklore features heavily in Celtic myth. Saint Ronan was an educated travelling monk in medieval Ireland and Europe. Cultured yet endearing name.

Ruari/Rory: "Rory" comes from the Gaelic "ruadhiri” meaning red-haired king. Legendary High King Rory O’Connor reigned over a unified Ireland in the 12th century. Regal and spirited.

Tiernan: An anglicization of Gaelic name “Tierrnan” meaning lord, chief or regal. Saint Tiernan built a monastery in Clones in the 5th century where he was first abbot. Exudes strength and nobility.

Turlough: Oddly spelled form of Gaelic name “Toirdhealbhach” meaning instigator. Legendary High King Turlough ruled Ireland heroically from Castle Turlough in the 5th century. Valiantly unique.

Alroy: Variation of Gaelic name Ailbhe. Saint Ailbhe was a 5th century missionary who established many churches and a monastery. Royal, religious, yet truly uncommon.

Kealan: Keelan comes from Gaelic “caolán” meaning slender, graceful. Used for many early Irish saints including St. Caolin who founded a monastery in medieval Kilkeen. Refined and gentle choice.

Leary: Anglicized form of Gaelic name O’Laoghaire meaning descendant of the calve herder. Unique as a first name yet retains Irish origins. Quirky animal-associated choice.

Teague: Form of Gaelic name “Tadhg” meaning poet or philosopher. Saint Tadhg was revered medieval monk and bishop central to early Irish Catholic church. Bookish, creative option.