Odhrán

Boy Name
Pronunciation:/ˈoʊrɑːn/

Odhrán: a male name of Irish (Gaelic) origin meaning "This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow". It derives from the Irish (Gaelic) word "odhrÁ > ODHRÁN".

In Irish (Gaelic) tradition, Odhrán holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Irish (Gaelic) culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.

Quick Facts About Odhrán

Quick facts about Odhrán
OriginIrish (Gaelic)
GenderBoy name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

odhrÁ > ODHRÁN

How to Pronounce Odhrán

Odhrán is pronounced /ˈoʊrɑːn/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Odh-rán
  2. Say it like: "OOORAHN"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Usage & Popularity

Odhrán is predominantly used in irish speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

irish
Frequently Asked Questions About Odhrán
What does the name Odhrán mean?
Odhrán means "This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27.". The name comes from odhrÁ > ODHRÁN. This irish (gaelic) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Odhrán for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Odhrán's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like COLORS (GREEN) / COLORS (YELLOW), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Odhrán?
Odhrán is a irish (gaelic) name. The name traces back to odhrÁ > ODHRÁN. The name remains closely tied to irish naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The irish (gaelic) meaning "This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Odhrán a boy or girl name?
Odhrán is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In irish (gaelic) tradition, Odhrán has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Odhrán?
Odhrán is pronounced "/ˈoʊrɑːn/". This pronunciation follows ga language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Odhrán is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with irish (gaelic) names, listening to a native speaker say Odhrán can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Odhrán?
Odhrán is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Odhrán offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Odhrán's popularity may vary between irish (gaelic) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Odhrán holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Odhrán commonly used?
Odhrán is used primarily in irish naming traditions. Though irish (gaelic) in origin, Odhrán found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Odhrán into their naming traditions. A child named Odhrán will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Odhrán is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Odhrán?
Odhrán carries associations with COLORS (GREEN) / COLORS (YELLOW). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In irish (gaelic) culture, where Odhrán originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Odhrán sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Odhrán often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In irish communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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