Anyone with even a bit of Irish ancestry knows that traditional Irish names and names inspired by Ireland are the perfect way to honor your Irish roots.
While there's no shortage of classic Irish names to consider when naming a newborn, the experts over at Nameberry have pointed out five Irish names that are uncommon in the US, making them a great choice to use.
From Irish surnames to Irish placenames, we give our stamp of approval to these selections!
Bridie
This Irish name for girls is the "vintage diminutive of Bridget that's just as sweet as up-and-coming Birdie," Nameberry says. Bridget, meanwhile, is the Anglicized variation of the Gaelic Brighid, meaning "strength or exalted one."
According to the Social Security Administration in the US, Bridie has never been in the top 1000 names for any year, beginning with 1900. Bridget, however, continually ranks in the top 1000, coming in at 791st in 2022, a far fall from its top rank of 112th in 1973.
Bannon
This name for boys, Nameberry says, is "an Irish last name, meaning 'son of the little white one,' that's just as evocative and attractive as Nolan, Keegan, and the rest."
Bannon - which in the US would be quickly associated with the Irish-American former White House strategist Steve Bannon - has never been ranked in the US Social Security's top 1000 most popular names.
Ennis
While Nameberry says this name - used by Hollywood stars Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons for their son - is for boys, we could see it easily being used for girls as well. Ennis is the largest town in Co Clare in the southwest of Ireland and has previously been named the country's "friendliest."
The name Ennis has not been on the US Social Security's list of the most popular 1000 names for boys since 1943 when it was ranked 964th. Its highest rank was in 1900 when it was the 588th most popular name - perhaps it's time for an Ennis comeback?
Fitzpatrick
“This surname, meaning 'son of Patrick,' could be a good option as an honor name — and Fitz is a cool nickname too,” Nameberry says of this name.
Fitzpatrick - nor Fitz - has ever made the Social Security Administration's list of the top 1000 popular names in the US.
Sinead
“The Irish version of Janet is a classic in Ireland, but has never gathered momentum in the States,” Nameberry says of the name Sinead, but notes that thanks to Sinéad O'Connor, the pronunciation of this Irish name is widely known.
Sinead has not been in the top 1000 names for any year of birth in the US beginning with 1900.
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