Roisin, Aoibheann, Sorcha. So, you want to give your new dog a traditional Irish name? We get it! Irish names are rich in history. Many have incredible mythical origins. Their spellings can seem appealingly surprising and unique. (If you’re not well-versed in Gaelic, that is. No? Us either.) Whether you have Irish roots in your family tree, or just love Ireland and its rich culture, choosing an Irish name for your new dog is a great way to show the world that this pup is truly part of your clan. Here are 101 Irish dog names to get you inspired.
Cute Irish Dog Names
When you want your pup’s name to be both inspired by the Emerald Isle and super adorable, choose one of these cute Irish dog names.
Aisling
Pronounced ASH-ling, this name means “vision” or “dream” in Gaelic—perfect for the Irish pup of your dreams.
Angus or Aengus
According to Celtic legend, the name “Angus” means “one strength” in Gaelic and belonged to the god of love. And what’s the thing that dogs are best at (besides sniffing out treats)? That’s right: love.
Carrick
In Gaelic, this name means “rock.” It’d be perfect for a Bulldog, since they’re basically boulders on legs.
Colin
This name, a shortened form of Nicholas, means “pup” in Gaelic. How on the nose is that?
Conan
The name Conan (as in late-night host Conan O’Brien, who’s undeniably Irish) comes from the Gaelic word “con” which means “hound” or “wolf.” And the suffix “an” means “little warrior.” What’s cuter than a little hound who thinks he’s a warrior?
Darby
This Irish name sounds adorably quirky, but it has a serious meaning: “Liberty.”
Donovan
A common last name and increasingly popular first name, Donovan means “dark” in Gaelic. If you want your lil’ squish to have a goth vibe, this name is perfect!
Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland, and also a great unisex name for your new doggo.
Finn or Fionn
Finn is the Anglicized version of Fionn. Both mean “fair-headed” or “white,” making this a precious choice for a dog whose hair is on the lighter side.
Fitzgerald
The name translates to “son of Gerald” in Gaelic. But more importantly, it sounds like the name of a classy dog who has a vast collection of argyle sweaters.
Flynn
Also the name of the hero in the Disney movie “Tangled,” this name means red, bright red or fiery red. A cute reference to your new dog’s ginger fur, perhaps?
Liam
Liam means "resolute protection" in traditional Gaelic. There’s no better name for a guard dog.
Morna
This name means “affection” and is a great pick for a snuggly girl dog.
Murphy
Murphy is a common last name in the U.S. and in Ireland, and giving it to a dog adds a whole new level of cuteness. Plus, the name means "sea warrior" in Gaelic―perfect for a dog who loves to swim.
Nuala
Pronounced NOO-lah, this is the diminutive of the name Fionnuala, which means “fair shouldered.” Regardless of how attractive your dog’s shoulders are (we’re sure they’re stunning), we also love this name for its charming nickname, “Nu.”
O’Malley
This was an Irish clan surname, and doubles as a super cute first name for a dog.
Puca
This adorable-sounding name refers to an Irish spirit, seen in the form of a dog or horse.
Roisin
Pronounced ROW-sheen, this name means "little rose”―a sweet name for a small-breed cutie.
Sullivan
This name is a common Irish last name in the U.S., but it’s also become a popular first name for pets and people alike. Just think: Your pup’s nickname could be “Sully,” like the kind-hearted fuzzy monster in “Monsters, Inc.”
Irish Girl Dog Names
If you’ve brought a lucky lassie into your life, consider these strong and sassy Irish girl dog names.
Ailbhe
In Irish legend, this was the name of a female warrior. It’s pronounced AL-va, and is perfect for a feisty girl pup.
Aoibheann
This name looks like a mouthful, but is pronounced AY-veen. It means “of pleasant, beautiful sheen” or “radiant beauty.”
Ardeen
This name means “little height,” a great name if your new pup happens to be a Corgi.
Cadhla
Cadhla is pronounced KY-lah, and it means “beautiful, comely, and graceful.” If your new dog has an elegant air about her, this is a winner.
Cara
In Irish, this name means “a friend”—and that’s exactly what your new dog will be to you.
Ciara
Pronounced KEE-a-ra, Ciara means “dark-haired and brown-eyed,” matching the description of many gorgeous doggos.
Claire
There have been many famous Claires, from Danes to Foy to the region of Ireland with a slightly different spelling: County Clare. Why not add your dog to the list?
Colleen
Colleen is a classic Irish-American name and means, simply, “little girl.”
Eabha
This name, pronounced AY-va, is the Irish form of Eve, meaning “life.” Because hey, a life without dogs is no life at all.
Erin
Erin is the Anglicized version of Eireann, which directly translates to “Ireland.” It doesn’t get any more Irish than that.
Fiona
Similar to its masculine form, Fionn, this name means “fair, white, beautiful”—perfect for the newest blonde in your life.
Ita
Ita is the name of a 6th century Irish saint, and it also sounds like a tiny little witch you’d meet in the middle of the forest. Isn’t that the vibe we’re all trying to cultivate?
Kiana
This Irish name means “ancient,” fitting for a girl pup with an old soul.
Mab
According to Irish stories, Queen Mab was the monarch of the fairies―perfect for an especially regal pup.
Molly
In Irish and Latin, “Molly” means “star of the sea.” If your pup’s a fan of the ocean, it’s a perfect fit.
Nola
Nola is a shortened form of Fionnula, which means “white shoulder.” It’s also a cute nod to the city of New Orleans.
Riona
This name, pronounced REE-ona, comes from "rionach," and means "queenly.”
Sadhbh
Pronounced SYVE, this name mean can mean either sweet and lovely, or wise—both characteristics you’ll love in your new little girl.
Shannon
In Gaelic, Shannon means "old" or "wise.” It’s also the name of the longest river in Ireland.
Sinead
Pronounced shin-AID, this is the Irish form of the name “Jane” or “Jeannette,” and means “God is gracious.”
Sorcha
If your new girl pup shines bright like a diamond, give her this name! It means “bright” or “shining” and it’s pronounced SOR-ca.
Irish Boy Dog Names
Get inspired by these cool and strapping Irish boy dog names for your new little lad.
Ailbe or Alby
This name means “white,” perfect for a pup with white fur.
Alastar
Alastar is the Irish version of Alexander, and it sounds like the name of a king in the making.
Alroy
The name Alroy means “red,” and who doesn’t love a ginger doggo?
Brendan
Did you know this popular name for boys in America actually means “prince” in Gaelic?
Brian
Oh, you thought Brian was a boring name? Its Irish meaning is “hard, noble and strong.” Give the Brians of the world some credit.
Caoimhín
This name, pronounced Kwee-veen, means “handsome birth” in Gaelic, and is way more interesting than its more common version, Kevin.
Ciarán or Kieran
Both these names are pronounced the same way (KEE-run), and mean “little dark one” in Gaelic. It’s traditionally given to little boys (or boy dogs) with black or dark hair.
Conor
The name Conor—sometimes spelled with two n’s—translates to “lover of hounds” in Gaelic. If your new pup is a social butterfly and loves other dogs, this name is a great pick.
Cormac
Cormac translates to “charioteer” in Gaelic, making it a great name for a pup who loves to run.
Cullen
Yes, it’s the last name of arguably the most famous vampire family in YA fiction history. But it also means “holly tree” in Gaelic.
Darragh
Pronounced DA-rah, this is a traditional Irish name that means “oak tree” in Gaelic.
Donal
The Irish dropped the D from the end of “Donald” to create this name that means “proud chief” in Gaelic.
Eoghan
Eoghan is the Irish version of the name “Owen” and is pronounced the same way. It means “born of the yew tree” in Gaelic.
Finbar
The name “Finbar” means “white hair.” It’s also super fun to say. Go ahead, try it out. Finbar!
Finian
Finian is such a cute Irish name for a little boy pup. He sounds like a hipster dog who is always in the mood for a Puppuccino from Starbucks.
Lachlan
This name means “lake-land” in Gaelic, making it a good pick for a dog who’s equally happy in water as he is on dry land.
Niall
This Irish version of “Neil” means “cloud” in Gaelic. A great fit for a little ball of floof!
Orin
This Irish name means “light” or “pale,” so it’d be a fabulous name for a pup with light fur.
Oscar
Yes, the name of the resident grouch on “Sesame Street” has Irish origins. Oscar translates to “deer lover” or “friend of deer” as derived from the Gaelic “os” (deer) and “cara” (friend).
Patrick
Patrick is the name of the patron saint of Ireland, of course. You know, the St. Patrick who has his own holiday on March 17?
Patty or Paddy
These nicknames for “Patrick” both work as standalone names, too.
Rian
Rian means "little king" in Gaelic, perfect for your small-breed pup with a regal attitude.
Senan
The Irish remixed the Latin word for senator to create this name meaning "old" or "wise.”
Shay
Shay means “hawk” or “hawk-like and noble” in Irish, and is a great short and easy-to-say name for your pupper.
Badass Irish Dog Names
We get it. Your new dog’s a true rebel. These badass Irish dog names are the perfect fit.
Aedan or Aidan
Both versions of this name are pronounced the same way, AY-dan, and mean “born of fire.” Rock on.
Bridget
This name is derived from the noun “brígh,” which means "power, strength, and vigor.” Girl power!
Cathal
Pronounced KA-hal, Cathal means "powerful in battle" in Gaelic, and is a superb name for your tough little warrior pup.
Cliodhna
Pronounced CLEE-oh-na, this name comes from the word “clodhna,” which means “shapely.” In some Irish myths, Cliodhna is the goddess of love and beauty. Hey, if your pup already believes she’s a goddess, you might as well give her a name to match.
Delaney
The Gaelic meaning of Delaney is thought to be "offspring of the challenger,” perfect for a pup with a fiesty personality.
Egan
Egan means “little fiery one,” which makes this a great name for a dog who acts like he’s part dragon.
Fergus
Meaning “powerful and manly,” this is essentially a mustache and a flexed bicep in the form of a name.
Fiadh
Perfect for the pup who can’t be tamed (at least not fully), this name means "wild" in Gaelic and is pronounced FEE-ah.
Kerrigan
This name means “black, dark.” How metal of you.
Killian or Cillian
Killian and Cillian, both pronounced KILL-ee-an, translate to "war," "strife" or “bright-headed.” So, in general, it’s a pretty kick-ass name.
Lorcan
Lorcan means “little fierce one.” Yas, queen.
Lunn
This name means “strong” and “warlike.” You don’t want to mess with a Lunn.
Maeve
Meaning "she who intoxicates" in Gaelic, Maeve was the name of an ancient Irish warrior queen.
Mellan
This name means “little lightning.” So yeah, a pup named Mellan is basically the dog version of Thor.
Muireann
In Irish mythology, Muireann was the name of a mermaid who was transformed into a woman by a saint. It’s pronounced MWEER-in, and it’s just endlessly badass.
Orla
This name is a shortened version of the name “Órlaith.” Both names mean "golden princess" in Gaelic. Bow down.
Reagan
This name is translated to mean "little king" in Gaelic, which makes it equal parts cute and badass.
Saoirse
Pronounced SEER-sha, Saoirse means "freedom" in Gaelic. Imagine shouting it as you run across a grassy field into battle.
Creative Irish Dog Names
Your dog is one of a kind. Their name should be, too. So choose one of these creative Irish dog names for your new pup.
Barra
This unusual name means “fair-haired,” great for the unique blondie in your life.
Blathnaid
In Irish, “blath” means flower or blossom. That makes Blathnaid, pronounced BLAW-nid, a fit for your best “bud.” (See what we did there?)
Brogan
Brogan means “sturdy shoe,” so it’s not the most conventional dog name—and that’s what makes it cool!
Colm
This name means "dove" in Gaelic, making for an uncommonly peaceful dog name.
Conlan
This rare Irish name means “hero,” a natural choice for your super doggo.
Diarmaid
Diarmaid translates to mean "free man" in old Gaelic, and is pronounced similar to Dermot. Just don’t take it too literally; you should still keep your pup on a leash in most places.
Ennis
Ennis means “island,” so it’s a great name for an introverted doggo.
Girvin
This Irish name means “small rough one,” which would be fitting for a Chihuahua with a sassy ’tude and small stature.
Odhran
Pronounced O-rawn, the name means "little pale green one" in Gaelic. Your dog probably isn’t pale green, but they’ll likely be the only dog on the block with this interesting name.
Oona
Quirky and unique, Oona is pronounced exactly how you’d expect, and it means “one.”
Phelan
Phelan means “like a wolf.” Y’know who else is like a wolf? Your dog!
Ruairí
This is the traditional Irish spelling of the name Rory, a name that translates to "red king" in Gaelic.
Sile
Pronounced SHEE-la, this is the Irish form of the Latin name Cecilia, the patron saint of music. It means “pure and musical.”
These Irish dog names are just the beginning. There’s a whole world of dog names out there to explore. May the luck of the Irish be with you and your new pet!
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