It is thought that up to six million people in the UK have at least one Irish grandparent. One million Irish people emigrated overseas to escape the Great Famine of 1845-52, and their descendants live around the world today, particularly in the USA. If you have Irish ancestry, you might want to pay tribute to your roots when it comes to choosing your son’s name. Here are ten of the best Irish boys’ names to call your little one, and the stories behind them.
1. Aidan
From the Irish Aodhán, this name means ‘little fire’ or ‘born of fire’.
2. Connor
From the Irish Conchobhar, meaning ‘lover of hounds’ or ‘lover of wolves’. Conchobar mac Nessa is a semi-legendary king in Ulster in Irish mythology.
3. Dermot
From the Irish Diarmuid or Diarmaid, it is believed to mean ‘without envy’.
4. Eamonn
Eamonn is an Irish form of the English names Edmund or Edward, and means ‘rich protector’.
5. Fergus
Fergus is an Irish or Scottish name meaning ‘the strong one’ or ‘the masculine one’.
6. Finlay
Finlay is an Irish and Scottish name meaning ‘fair-haired hero’ or ‘loyal warrior in battle’.
7. Liam
Liam is an Irish form of William, meaning ‘willing protector’ or ‘desiring protection’.
8. Rory
Rory is derived from the Old Irish name Ruaidhrí, meaning ‘red king’.
9. Ryan
Ryan is derived from the Irish name Rían, meaning ‘little king’.
10. Seamus
Seamus is an Irish form of the name James, meaning ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel’.
