Few people outside of the British Isles know that there are two official languages in Ireland: English and Irish. These two languages couldn’t be more different, as Irish is a Celtic language. On a positive note, this means that Irish dog names are truly unique.
Most popular Irish dog names
If we wish to be utterly stereotypical, then we suggest the most Irish-sounding name out there: Patrick (or Paddy). The patron saint of Ireland, the name actually comes from Latin, meaning a “nobleman.”
Other all-Irish names include: Rainbow, Shamrock or Clover (for a lucky pup), Leprechaun, Guinness, Kerry, Lucky, Celt (any Boston Celtics fans out there?), Finn (short for Finnegan), Bailey, etc.
If we wish to be utterly stereotypical, then we suggest the most Irish-sounding name out there: Patrick (or Paddy).
Common Irish names for your pup
Apart from the usual Irish-sounding names listed above, you can try other names popular on the Emerald Isle. Puca is a girl name that means a “ghost” or a “spirit,” perfect for a white dog.
Then there is Charm, Killian, Rory, Cullen, Gael (from Breton and Welsh; short for Gaelic), Brady, Big Red, Boxty, Devin or Devon, Liam, etc.
Irish names for fearsome dogs
Probably everyone has heard of Boudica/Boadicae, the queen of the Iceni people who led an uprising against the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD.
However, there are many more Irish/Celtic names that pack a punch: Fiadh [Fee-A], meaning “wild,” Nessa, meaning “rough,” or Cillian [Kill-Ee-An], signifying “war” or “strife.” (We provide the pronunciations of Irish names in square brackets).
The Irish word for “fiery” is Aodh [Aidan], a quick pup can be named Eimear [Ee-Mur], while the word for “hawk” is Shay. Meabh [Maeve] would be “the warrior queen of Connacht” and Conan, now popular name, is the Irish for “wolf” or “hound.”
Finally, you have Lorcan, meaning “fierce” (or “silent” in some contexts) and Donnacha [Done-Acka]: a “brown-haired warrior.”
Names suitable for pups and cute canines
Collin would be a good name that literally means a puppy or a cub. Then we have Ronan, “the seal,” Darren, “the little oak,” perfect for a dark brown puppy, and Odhran [Orin], meaning “little pale green one.”
The list of outright cute names goes on with Senan [Sennin] suited for a smart little pup, Colm [Collum], the name of a saint meaning “dove,” and Oscar, “the deer lover.” Tiernan would be a “little lord” of your heart, Aidan is a “small, fiery one”, while Rian [Ree-An] is a “little king.”
Collin would be a good name that literally means a puppy or a cub.
The meaning of potential male Irish dog names
When it comes to choosing the name for your dog based on its gender, Cathal [Ka-Ha] is perfect for a battle-mighty dog that isn’t shy of entering a scuffle with other canines. Árdghal [Ardal] means “high valor” and Eoghan [Oh-An] is a “youthful warrior.”
Breandán [Brendan] is ideal for a brown-and-black hound, meaning “brown raven,” while Niall [Nile] is a “noble knight” or “champion,” a name that befits any canine. Conchobhar isn’t that hard to pronounce: Connor, meaning “high will” (for a resolute pup).
One of the most common names in Ireland is Pádrick [Paah-Rick] (not to be confused with Patrick) and Oisín [Osh-Een], meaning “deer” and it’s perfect for a brown hound.
The meaning of potential female Irish dog names
When it comes to ladies, Aisling [Ashleen] is a dreamlike name, Máiréad [Mi-Rade] is suitable for a pearl-white dog, while Bríghid [Brigid] is a name for strong female mutts.
Nuala [Noo-La] means “fair-shouldered,” Dearbháil [Dearmid] is “truth” or “desire,” and Caoimhe [Kee-Va] would be ideal for a graceful and beautiful canine lady.
If you consider your black dog a “little black rose,” then the name Róisín [Rosheen] suits her perfectly. Sorcha [Sur-Ka] is “clear” or “bright” (for a pristinely white pup), Eibhlín [Eileen] will be the “sunlight” of your life, and Niamh [Neev] can be a “dazzling light” lady dog.
When it comes to ladies, Aisling [Ashleen] is a dreamlike name, Máiréad [Mi-Rade] is suitable for a pearl-white dog, while Bríghid [Brigid] is a name for strong female mutts.
Inspirational names of Irish cities and towns
If you still haven’t visited Ireland, we suggest you do so during the summer months. The places you discover will serve as inspiration for naming your pup. For instance, the Irish capital of Dublin (that’s the anglicized name; in Irish it’s Baile Átha Cliath) is a great name for both males and females.
Then we have another “unisex” capital, Belfast (in Northern Ireland). Galway is a great name for a girl (Who mentioned Ed Sheeran?), as well as Doolin and Kinsale. Limerick would go well with a small dog breed and Cork with a Corgi.
Other toponyms across the island that double as dog names include Adare, Killarney, Carrickfergus (or just Fergus), Derry, Blarney, Sligo, Greystones, Kilkee, Ennis, Tralee, Cavan, Navan, Mallow, Birr, Donegal, etc.
Toponyms across the island can double as dog names.
Potential Irish names for black dogs
We’ve already covered several potential names for dogs with a black fur coat (e.g. Róisín) but there are many more suggestions. The most common name would be Ciara or Ciarán [Kee-Ra], simply meaning “dark” in Irish.
For a hound with silky black fur, the names Aiobhinn [Ee-Van] and Aine [Awn-Ye] stand out as they imply sheen and brilliance. Darragh [Darra], meaning “dark oak” is for animals with ink-black fur and Laoise [Lee-Sha] is already the stage name of an Irish pop singer.
The most common name would be Ciara or Ciarán [Kee-Ra], simply meaning “dark” in Irish.
Dog names inspired by the famous Irish
Speaking of celebrities, Ireland might be a small country/island in global terms but many famous people are proud of their Irish roots. Their respective first and last names are inspirational for many, like the singer of U2 – Bono (doesn’t it sound like “bone”?).
Liam Neeson is another inspirational individual, as well as Colin Farrell and Pierce Brosnan, 90s’ favorite Bond. Oscar Wilde and James Joyce come from the literary world, while Saoirse [Sur-Sha] Ronan and Cillian Murphy are famous actors.
Since Irish (or Gaelic) is a Celtic language, it is different from everything English speakers are used to. You can use this air of mystery the language possesses to give your pup an Irish-sounding name.
Not only will your pup stand out from the crowd but Irish dog names confer a deeper symbolism which is a great conversation starter at the dog park.
Our veterinarians might not speak Irish, but they will definitely find a common language with your Gaelic four-legged friend.
