Old Irish names belong to the Old Irish language tradition. This collection contains 28 Old Irish names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 23 names traditionally given to boys and 3 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Old Irish is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Old Irish-speaking communities. Common themes include warrior, nature, divine, showing what Old Irish cultures have valued across generations.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name derives from the Irish (Gaelic) “naomh,” meaning “saint, saintly, holy,” plus a diminutive suffix. In turn, the name means “little saint, little holy one.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 13.
This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Murchadha,” meaning “descendant of Murchadh.” The name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle), hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” It was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the middle Ages. The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.”
This name derives from the Irish (Gaelic) “naomh,” meaning “saint, saintly, holy,” plus a diminutive suffix. In turn, the name means “little saint, little holy one.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 13.
This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Murchadha,” meaning “descendant of Murchadh.” The name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle), hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” It was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the middle Ages. The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.”
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of two Irish (Gaelic) elements “muir,” meaning “sea” plus “gus,” meaning “choice.” In turn, the name means “sea-warrior, mariner.” 1) Muirgheas mac Aedh († 999) was king of Uí Díarmata. 2) Muirgheas Ua Cú Ceannainn († 1106) was King of Uí Díarmata. 3) Muirgheas Ua hEidhin († 1180) was King of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne. The Irish name Muirgheas has been anglicized into Muiris, which is not etymologically related to Maurice. However, Muiris is also a form of Maurice in Irish.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name derives from the Irish (Gaelic) “naomh,” meaning “saint, saintly, holy,” plus a diminutive suffix. In turn, the name means “little saint, little holy one.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 13.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of two Irish (Gaelic) elements “muir,” meaning “sea” plus “gus,” meaning “choice.” In turn, the name means “sea-warrior, mariner.” 1) Muirgheas mac Aedh († 999) was king of Uí Díarmata. 2) Muirgheas Ua Cú Ceannainn († 1106) was King of Uí Díarmata. 3) Muirgheas Ua hEidhin († 1180) was King of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne. The Irish name Muirgheas has been anglicized into Muiris, which is not etymologically related to Maurice. However, Muiris is also a form of Maurice in Irish.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
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Old Irish names developed within the Old Irish language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Old Irish is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Old Irish names carry this history.
Old Irish naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Old Irish is spoken. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.
Today, Old Irish names appear far beyond regions where Old Irish is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Old Irish names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 28 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Old Irish naming traditions have developed their own patterns and preferences. Names may honor family members, reflect religious beliefs, describe hoped-for qualities, or commemorate significant events. These patterns explain which names stayed popular.
These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.
This collection breaks down to 82% masculine names (23) and 11% feminine names (3). About 7% (2) work as gender-neutral or unisex options.
Old Irish names follow the phonetic rules of their language of origin. English speakers may need to adjust their pronunciation for sounds that don't exist in English. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help.
When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Old Irish name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
The 28 Old Irish names in this collection offer choices ranging from familiar options to rare discoveries. Each carries cultural meaning from regions where Old Irish is spoken.
Old Irish names for boys outnumber those for girls at roughly 7.7:1 in our database. This reflects historical naming patterns, though modern naming trends are shifting.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Old Irish names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Old Irish-speaking communities.
Popular Old Irish names for boys include Murdo, Niven, Murph, Nevan, Murphy. Our database contains 23 Old Irish names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 3 Old Irish names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Old Irish names carry meanings from the Old Irish language tradition. Common themes in Old Irish names include warrior, nature, divine, noble. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Old Irish names follow the phonetic rules of their language. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide. When uncertain, listening to native speakers provides the most accurate reference.
This database contains 28 Old Irish names: 23 for boys and 3 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Old Irish names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Old Irish phonetics. Some Old Irish names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.