Irish Dog Names

Everyone loves the Irish, so why not name your dog in their honour? Here are some beautiful Irish dog names, perfect for setters, shepherds and retrievers.

Tap the arrow to see a name's meaning, and the heart to save it to your shortlist.

Aednat
Derived from old Irish, meaning "little fire", often used in folklore.
Aghy
Derived from Gaelic, often used in Irish surnames and place names.
Aidan
Derived from Irish, meaning "little and fiery".
Aideen
Derived from Irish mythology, meaning "little fire" in Gaelic.
Aine
Associated with Irish mythology and means "radiance" in Gaelic language.
Aisling
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning dream or vision, often in poetry.
Alannah
Derived from Irish, meaning "child" or "darling child".
Alma
Not traditionally linked to Irish culture or language.
Angus
Associated with Celtic mythology and Gaelic language as a god's name.
Anlon
Derived from Gaelic, signifies "great champion" in Irish culture.
Annabella
Derived from Irish name Aibhilín, meaning beautiful or pleasant.
Aoife
A popular female name originating from Ireland's folklore and mythology.
Beacan
Derived from Irish, meaning small or little one.
Bevin
Derived from Irish, meaning "sweet, melodious, harmonious".
Bidelia
Derived from Irish, meaning strength or exalted one.
Bono
He's an Irish musician and the lead singer of U2.
Bowden
Derived from Irish surname Ó Buadáin, meaning descendant of Buadán.
Brayden
Derived from Irish surname O'Bradaigh, meaning descendant of Bradach.
Breana
Derived from Irish name "Brian", meaning noble or strong.
Breena
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "fairy palace" or "little raven".
Breeze
Associated with Irish surname Ó Breaslain, meaning descendant of the spirited one.
Brendan
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "prince" or "little raven".
Brian
Derived from an old Irish word meaning "noble".
Brianna
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "strong, virtuous, and honorable".
Bridget
Derived from Irish goddess Brigid, popular among Irish Catholics.
Brigid
Associated with an ancient Celtic goddess and a Christian saint.
Brody
Derived from Irish surname Ó Bródaigh, meaning descendant of spirited one.
Cadie
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning rhythmic flow of sounds.
Cailin
Means "girl" in Irish and is a popular female name in Ireland.
Cara
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "friend" or "beloved".
Carbry
A traditional Irish name, often associated with ancient kings and warriors.
Carrick
Derived from Irish, meaning "rock" or "rocky headland".
Carrigan
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "little rock" or "spear", a common surname.
Carys
Derived from Welsh, not connected to Irish culture or language.
Cashel
A historic town in Ireland known for its ancient royal and religious sites.
Cedric
Derived from Cerdic, an old Irish king's name.
Cian
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "ancient," often used in Irish mythology.
Ciara
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "dark-haired" and popular in Ireland.
Clancy
Derived from Irish surname, meaning "red warrior" or "son of Flannchadh".
Clare
Derived from Irish word "Clár", meaning a flat, level plain.
Clodagh
Derived from Irish Gaelic, symbolizing a river in County Waterford.
Colin
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "pup" or "young dog".
Collins
Derived from Irish surname Ó Coileáin, meaning "descendant of Coileán".
Conan
Derived from Irish, meaning "little wolf" or "hound".
Connell
Derived from Gaelic, meaning strong as a wolf, common in Irish heritage.
Connor
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "lover of hounds".
Cordelia
Derived from Irish name "Cordélia", meaning "daughter of the sea".
Cormac
Derived from old Irish, meaning "charioteer" or "son of defilement".
Covey
Derived from Irish surname Mac Cobhthaigh, meaning "victorious".
Cowan
Derived from Irish surname MacEoghain, meaning "son of Eoghan".
Cullen
Derived from Irish surname Ó Cuilinn, meaning "descendant of holly".
Darby
Derived from Irish, meaning "free from envy".
Darren
Derived from an Irish name meaning "great" or "fertile."
Davey
Beloved diminutive form of David, common in Irish families.
Declan
Originates from Irish Gaelic, meaning "man of prayer".
Deirdre
A prominent figure in ancient Irish mythology and folklore.
Dermot
A popular traditional male name originating from Ireland.
Desmond
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "man from South Munster," an Irish region.
Donnelly
A common surname originating from Gaelic meaning "dark, brave one".
Donny
Derived from Irish, meaning "brown" or "chief".
Donovan
A traditional Gaelic surname meaning "dark or brown-haired chieftain."
Dorren
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "stranger" or "exile".
Doyle
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "dark stranger".
Duff
Derived from Gaelic, meaning dark or black-haired.
Eamon
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "guardian of the riches".
Eileen
Derived from Irish origin, meaning "bright, shining one".
Eimear
Derived from Irish mythology, meaning swift and associated with horses.
Eloy
No connection between Eloy and Irish culture or language exists.
Emlyn
Derived from an Irish word, meaning 'eager and lively'.
Enya
Famous Irish singer-songwriter known for Celtic and New Age music.
Erin
Derived from Éirinn, a Gaelic term for Ireland.
Ethne
Derived from Irish mythology, meaning "kernel" or "grain" in Gaelic.
Evan
Derived from the Gaelic name Eóghan, meaning young warrior.
Eve
Associated with Irish word "Aoibh" meaning beauty, brightness, or radiance.
Eveleen
Derived from Irish, meaning "light" or "radiant, shining one".
Fergus
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "man of vigor", common in Irish folklore.
Fiadh
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "wild" or "wild deer" in Irish tradition.
Finley
Derived from Irish, meaning fair-haired hero.
Finn
Derived from Irish mythology, symbolizes a fair or white warrior.
Finnegan
Derived from Irish, meaning "fair or white", often used in folklore.
Finnian
Derived from Irish, meaning "fair" or "white", often used in folklore.
Finnley
Derived from Irish, meaning "fair-haired hero".
Fiona
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "fair" or "white", popular in Ireland.
Fionnula
Derived from Irish, meaning "white shoulder", often used in folklore.
Flannery
Derived from Irish, meaning red or ruddy, often used as a surname.
Flynn
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "son of the red-haired one".
Galen
Not directly linked to Irish culture or language.
Gallagher
A common surname originating from Ireland, often linked to Gaelic heritage.
Gerard
Derived from Irish, meaning "brave with a spear".
Gillian
Derived from Irish name Eilionoir, meaning bright, shining one.
Glenda
Derived from Glen, meaning valley, a common element in Irish place names.
Grady
Derived from Gaelic, meaning noble or illustrious.
Gráinne
A prominent figure in Irish folklore and traditional Gaelic female name.
Griffin
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "descendant of the griffin-like."
Ian
Derived from John, commonly used in Ireland.
Iona
Derived from Irish, meaning "blessed island", also a sacred pilgrimage site.
Kane
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "battle" or "warrior".
Kayleigh
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "celebration" or "slender".
Keelin
Derived from Irish, meaning slender and fair.
Keely
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning slender or beautiful.
Keeva
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "gentle, beautiful, precious."
Keira
Derived from an Irish word meaning "dark-haired" or "little dark one".
Keiran
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "little dark one".
Kelly
Derived from an Irish surname meaning "descendant of war."
Kennedy
Derived from an Irish surname meaning "ugly head".
Kerry
A county in Ireland and a Gaelic-derived given name.
Kevin
Derived from Irish origin, meaning "handsome birth".
Kian
Derived from ancient Gaelic, meaning "ancient" or "enduring" in Irish culture.
Kiara
Derived from Ciarán, meaning dark-haired in Gaelic.
Kieran
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "little dark one" in Irish tradition.
Killian
Derived from Irish, meaning "little church" or "fierce warrior".
Kira
Derived from Ciara, an Irish name meaning dark-haired or dark.
Kirby
Derived from Irish surname Ó Ciarmhaic, meaning dark son.
Kyla
Derived from Irish origin, meaning "narrow strait" or "lovely".
Kylee
Derived from an Irish Gaelic word meaning "narrow strait."
Lana
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "little rock" or "harmony".
Leary
A common surname originating from Ireland, meaning "calf herder".
Lia
Derived from Irish, meaning "bearer of good news".
Liam
Derived from Irish, meaning "strong-willed warrior and protector."
Lorcan
Derived from Irish lore, meaning "little fierce one".
Lucky
Associated with leprechauns, symbols of good fortune in Irish folklore.
Madigan
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "descendant of the little hound."
Mae
Derived from Maebh, an ancient Irish queen's name.
Maguire
A common surname originating from Gaelic Mac Uidhir, meaning "son of Odhar".
Maire
An Irish variant of Mary, often used in Gaelic-speaking regions.
Makenzie
Derived from Irish surname Mac Coinnich, meaning son of Coinneach.
Mannix
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "monk", popular in Irish heritage.
Maureen
Derived from Irish, meaning "great" or "dark skinned".
McDougal
Derived from Gaelic, signifies son of Dougal, a common Irish name.
McErnie
Derived from Irish surname Mac Earnáin, indicating son of Earnán.
McKenna
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "son of the handsome one".
Meara
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "merry" or "rejoicing" in Irish culture.
Megan
Derived from Gaelic name "Meghan", meaning pearl.
Milligan
Derived from Irish surname Ó Maolagáin, meaning descendant of the bald one.
Mirren
Derived from Irish name Miren, meaning "sea white, sea fair."
Moira
Derived from Irish, meaning "bitter" or "great", often used in folklore.
Moly
Associated with a mythical herb in Irish folklore.
Muriel
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "bright sea", often used in Irish folklore.
Nainsi
An Irish variant of Nancy, often used in traditional folklore.
Neala
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "champion" or "passionate".
Nessa
Derived from Irish mythology, meaning "rough" or "not gentle".
Niall
Originates from Irish Gaelic, meaning "champion" or "cloud".
Niamh
Derived from Irish mythology, means "bright" or "radiant" in Gaelic.
Nolan
Derived from Gaelic surname Ó Nualláin, meaning descendant of Nuallán.
Nora
Derived from Irish, meaning "honor" or "light".
Noreen
Derived from Irish, meaning "honor" or "dignity".
Norris
Derived from Irish surname Ó Nóraigh, meaning descendant of Nórach.
Orla
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "golden princess".
Paddy
Common nickname for Patrick, often used in Ireland.
Patrick
Associated with Ireland's patron saint and widely used in Irish names.
Peggy
Derived from Margaret, popular in Irish folklore and history.
Peterson
Associated with Irish surname Mac Pheadair, meaning "son of Peter".
Pierce
Derived from Piaras, a popular Irish male name.
Quinn
Derived from Irish surname Ó Cuinn, meaning descendant of Conn.
Reagan
Derived from Irish surname "Ó Ríagáin", meaning descendant of Riagán.
Rhys
Derived from Welsh, not directly linked to Irish culture or language.
Riley
Derived from Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, meaning descendant of Raghallach.
Riona
Derived from Irish, meaning "queenly" or "royal".
Rogan
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "red-headed" or "of superior judgment".
Róisín
A popular female name in Ireland, meaning "little rose".
Ronan
Derived from Irish, meaning "little seal".
Rosalyn
Derived from Irish name Rosalind, meaning "beautiful, tender horse".
Rose
Symbolizes beauty in Irish poetry, also a popular female name.
Rosie
Derived from Irish name Róisín, meaning little rose.
Rosin
Associated with Gaelic origin, meaning "little rose" in Irish culture.
Roy
Derived from Irish word "ruadh", meaning red or red-haired.
Rylee
Derived from Irish surname O'Rielly, meaning courageous and valiant.
Saoirse
Derived from Irish, meaning "freedom", often used in traditional names.
Seamus
An Irish version of James, often used in Gaelic-speaking regions.
Sean
Derived from Irish, meaning "God is gracious" or "gift from God".
Shanna
Derived from Sionainn, meaning "possessor of wisdom" in Gaelic.
Shannon
Derived from an Irish river, often used as a female first name.
Sheena
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "God is gracious".
Sheila
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "heavenly" or "of the heavens".
Sinead
Derived from Irish, meaning "God is gracious" or "kindness".
Siobhan
Derived from Irish Gaelic, meaning "God is gracious".
Sorley
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "summer sailor" and common in Irish heritage.
Sullivan
Derived from Irish, meaning "dark-eyed" or "little dark-eyed one".
Sybil
Derived from an ancient Celtic goddess, symbolizing wisdom and prophecy.
Tamsin
Derived from Thomasina, an English version of Irish name Thomas.
Tara
Associated with a historic hill, symbolizing ancient kingship in Ireland.
Tiernan
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "little lord" or "dark lord".
Tierney
Derived from Gaelic, meaning "descendant of a lord or chief".
Troy
Derived from Gaelic "Troightheach", meaning foot soldier.
Úna
Derived from Irish, meaning "lamb", often used in Irish folklore.
Winnie
Derived from Irish name Gwyneth, meaning blessed or fair.

Irish Dog Names currently rank in 71st place out of all PupNames.com categories.

As of May 2025, irish dog names seem increasingly popular with new puppy owners. Our stats show that they are more fashionable than they were at this time last year.

We've seen quite a lot of variation for this category, which suggests its popularity could be seasonal or based on cultural events.

Which are the cutest and most unique Irish Dog Names?

These irish dog names range from cute to badass, and from traditional to unique. Click each circle to see the name.

Peggy is among the cutest of these. If you prefer tougher, edgier dog names, the one considered the most badass is Griffin.

Rosin scored high for its uniqueness, which would help your dog to stand out. But if you prefer more common, old-fashioned names, the more traditional option here is Lucky.

How does interest compare across the United States for Irish Dog Names?

The map below compares each state by the number of people browsing Irish Dog Names.

The states that love irish dog names the most are South Dakota, Vermont and Rhode Island.

The least amount of interest in this category was registered in Kansas, Idaho and Oklahoma.

Which countries have the most love for Irish Dog Names?

Here's a world map showing the popularity in each country of irish dog names.

Who'd have thought?! Some of the countries you might not have thought about that LOVE irish dog names are Isle of Man, Guernsey and Uzbekistan.

On the flip, PupNames data shows there's not much interest in Hong Kong, Iran and China.