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Irish Dog Names – 175+ Awesome Ideas for Your Dog

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Irish dog names are so fun, so playful, and definitely unique.

But why go with an Irish dog name when there are thousands of other cool ideas out there for your pup?

Irish dog names

Well, for starters, if you’re Irish, it’s a cool way to pay tribute to your heritage.

And if you’re not Irish, don’t let that hold you back. Ireland is a beautiful country with legendary history and a gregarious attitude toward life. There’s so much to love!

So, without further ado, here are some great Irish names for dogs we’re sure will top your list.

Fun Irish Dog Names

If you’re looking for Irish dog names, then start here! We’ve gathered names from many aspects of Irish culture, from holidays and national symbols to popular drinks and dishes to local legends and more.

  • Patrick – As in St. Patrick’s Day, the famous Irish holiday celebrated around the world.
  • Paddy – An Irish abbreviation. (Don’t you dare spell it Patty!)
  • Shamrock – The green, clover-like plant that serves as the national emblem of Ireland.
  • Clover – A pretty green plant, the clover is considered lucky if it has four leaves.
  • Leprechaun – A type of mythical creature in Irish folklore, usually depicted as a little bearded man.
  • Rainbow  At the end of the rainbow is a leprechaun with a pot ‘o gold!
  • Goldy – You can recognize the leprechaun’s treasure with a fun name like Goldy.
  • Charm – The Irish love their good luck charms, and this name is cute and sweet.
  • Emerald – As in the beautiful, green color that is so often associated with Ireland.
  • Lucky – Because it’s the luck of the Irish!
  • Guinness – The famous Irish stout originated in Dublin.
  • Bailey – Baileys Irish Cream is an Irish whiskey- and cream-based liqueur, made by Gilbeys of Ireland.
  • Whiskey – Irish whiskey is quite popular.
  • Shandy – Shandy, a beer mixed with a soft drink, is quite popular in Ireland.
  • Cabbage – This leafy vegetable is a staple in Ireland and makes a funny dog name.
  • Boxty – A traditional Irish pancake, the boxty is a beloved dish.
  • Celt – The Celts came to Ireland around 500 B.C. and have had a huge influence on culture and traditions.
  • Gael – Gaelic language and culture originated in Ireland.
  • Puca – A creature of Irish folklore, the Puca could bring both good and bad luck.
  • Dagda – An important god of Irish mythology, the Dagda is a often described as a large man wearing a hooded cloak.
  • Fin MacCool – Fin MacCool is an Irish legend with a super cool name.
Dog in Ireland

Irish Dog Names Inspired by Locations

Even though Ireland is a small country geographically, it’s home to many well-known cities and sites, all of which provide excellent inspiration for dog names.

You’ll definitely want to check out these if you’re set on a unique Irish name.

  • Dublin – Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland.
  • Galway – A city in the West of Ireland, Galway is an ancient place full of myth and wonder.
  • Limerick – Located in the middle/west portion of the country, Limerick is a charming town that makes a super cool Irish dog name.
  • Cork – A populous city, Cork is located near the bottom of the island.
  • Blarney – This town is home to Blarney Castle and the legendary Blarney Stone.
  • Kilkenny – A popular tourist destination, Kilkenny is another Irish city that makes a fun dog name.
  • Wexford – Located at the southeast corner of Ireland, Wexford is a town that also sounds like a sophisticated Irish dog name.
  • Moher – The Cliffs of Moher is a natural attraction with amazing views.
  • Killarney – The city of Killarney is home to a popular national park.
  • Connemara – Located in the northern area of County Galway, Connemara has some spectacular topography.
  • Burren – As in the karst landscape in County Clare. 
  • Ennis – This Irish town could also serve as a unique male dog name.
  • Donegal – Last but not least is Donegal, a beautiful, historic city in the northern region of Ireland.
dog resting on couch

Traditional Male Irish Dog Names

Strong yet charming, Irish male names can also serve as a moniker for your dog. These names are full of character and would make excellent picks for a pup.

To give you the full scope of the name, this list includes traditional meanings. 

  • Flannery – meaning ruddy and valor
  • Conan – little wolf
  • Rory – red
  • Murphy – sea warrior
  • Gallagher – descendant of foreign helper
  • Kieran – little dark one
  • Liam – resolute protection
  • Finn – white, fair
  • Finnegan – white, fair
  • Donovan – dark
  • Aidan – little and fiery
  • Cormac – charioteer
  • Doyle – black stranger
  • Finley – fair-haired hero
  • Donnelly – dark, brave one
  • Kirby – church settlement
  • Keegan – son of Egan
  • Duff – swarthy
  • Beacan – tiny one
  • Killian – church
  • Brennan – descendent of the sad one
  • Cashel – castle, stone fort
  • Grady – noble, illustrious
  • Cian (pronounced kee-an) – ancient
  • Connor – lover of hounds
  • Flynn – son of the red-haired one
  • Cullen – holly tree
  • Eamon – wealthy protector
  • Niall – cloud
  • Ronan – little seal
  • Seamus – supplanter
  • Sullivan – black-eyed one
  • Sean – wise, old
  • Oisin(pronounced o-sheen) – little deer
  • Darragh – dark oak
  • Cillian – bright headed
  • Fionn – handsome
  • Rian – little king
  • Eoin(pronounced owen) – young
  • Oscar – deer lover
  • Callum – dove
  • Tadhg(pronounced tige) – poet
  • Cathal(pronounced (ka-hal) – strong in battle
  • Shane – gift from God
  • Senan(pronounced sennin) – wise person
  • Odhran(pronounced orin) – little pale green one
  • Dara – fruitful
  • Shay – hawk
  • Donnacha(pronounced done-acka) – brown-haired warrior
  • Oran – white light
  • Colm(pronounced collum) – dove
  • Donal – ruler of the world
  • Lorcan – silent, fierce
  • Collin – cub, puppy
  • Caolan(pronounced keelin) – slender
  • Tiernan – little lord
  • Fergal – brave, courageous
  • Diarmuid(pronounced deer-mid) – without enemy
  • Daithi(pronounced da-hee) – swiftness
Female dog names

Traditional Female Irish Dog Names

Beautiful and unique, Irish female names are a fabulous choice. Rather than go with a traditional dog name, you can pick a female Irish dog name that recognizes the culture and heritage of a storied country.

  • Kira – throne
  • Erin – from the island to the west
  • Sheena – God is gracious
  • Rosalyn – pretty rose
  • Siobhan(pronounced shiv-on) – God’s grace
  • Imogen (pronounced imma-jen) – maiden
  • Aoife – (pronounced EE-fa) – beautiful, radiant
  • Orla – golden princess
  • Lia – weary
  • Muriel – of the bright sea
  • Glenda – fair and good
  • Breana – strong, virtuous, honorable
  • Cadie – pure
  • Shanna – old and wise
  • Sybil – prophetess
  • Sheila – pure and musical
  • Sinead – God’s gracious gift
  • Nessa – rough
  • Bidelia – strength or exalted one
  • Eimear (pronounced EE-mer) – swift
  • Ciara – black haired
  • Clodagh – (pronounced CLO-dah) – Irish river name
  • Deirdre – sorrowful
  • Eileen – bright, shining one
  • Maeve – (pronounced mayv) – she who intoxicates
  • Roisin (pronounced ro-sheen) – little rose
  • Shannon – old and wise
  • Tierney – descendent of a lord
  • Saoirse(pronounced ser-sha) – liberty
  • Cara – friend
  • Aisling(pronounced ash-ling) – dream or vision
  • Eabha(pronounced ey-va) – life
  • Aine(pronounced awn-ye) – radiance, brilliance
  • Fiadh(pronounced fee-a) – wild
  • Laoise (pronounced lee-sha) – radiant girl
  • Shauna – God is gracious
  • Grainne(pronounced grawn-ye) – grain or corn
  • Kayleigh – slim or fair
  • Fiona – fair, beautiful
  • Emer(pronounced eemer) – swift
  • Ailbhe(pronounced alva) – white
  • Mairead (pronounced mi-rade) – pearl
  • Cliodhna(pronounced clee-na) – love and beauty
  • Kara – friend, beloved
  • Riona – queen
  • Nuala(pronounced noo-lah) – fair shoulder
  • Una – unity
  • Caoimhe (pronounced kee-va) – gentle, beautiful
  • Niamh(pronounced neev) – radiance, brightness
  • Aoibhinn(pronounced ee-van) – radiant beauty
  • Blathnaid(pronounced blaw-nid) – flower or blossom
  • Bronagh(pronounced brona) – sad or sorrowful
  • Sorcha(pronounced sur-ka) – brightness
  • Muireann(pronounced mweer-in) – sea white
  • Brianna – noble
  • Tully – peaceful
  • Talulla – princess of abundance

Famous Irish People – More Fun Inspiration

Ireland has had its fair share of people make it big, either in movies, TV, sports music or media. These can make great Irish dog names for a number of reasons.

First, they all sound distinctly Irish. And second, they represent people we all know, giving your dog a unique but recognizable name. 

  • Bono
  • Liam Neeson
  • Colin Farrell
  • Sinead O’Connor
  • Oscar Wilde
  • Pierce Brosnan
  • Saoirse Ronan
  • Gabriel Byrne
  • Enya
  • Van Morrison
  • Jonathan Rhys Meyers
  • Dolores O’Riordan
  • Cillian Murphy
  • Michael Fassbender
  • Maureen O’Hara
  • Fionnula Flanagan
  • Damien Rice
  • Chris O’Dowd
  • James Joyce
  • Katie Taylor
  • Conor McGregor
  • Graham Norton
  • Jamie Dornan
  • Shane Lowry
  • Niall Horan
Terrier

Final Thoughts: Irish Dog Names

We hope you found inspiration in these 175+ Irish dog names. They’re cultured, cool and unique, which makes a perfect pick for your pup.

You may also want to check out Scottish Dog names and British dog names, too, if you’re liking the idea of a name from that region of the world.

Also, if you have ideas for Irish dog names, please share your thoughts below.

Fun Facts About Irish Dog Breeds

Did you know that Ireland has quite a few native dog breeds?

Some of these breeds include:

  • Irish Setter
  • Irish Terrier
  • Irish Wolfhound
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Kerry Beagle
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Wheaten Terrier
  • Glen of Imaal Terrier

Amazingly, the Irish Wolfhound came to Ireland over 5,000 years ago. They were originally used to hunt wolves, which is how they got their name. Back then they were quite a menace on the battlefield. Today? Not so much, thanks to centuries of domestication.

If your dog is on the list of breeds indigenous to Ireland, then of course you should add some cool Irish dog names to your list!

But no matter what breed your dog is, you should definitely consider an Irish name. After all, Irish dog names are spirited, charming and fun, with just a wee bit of mischievous mixed in.

Scruffy dog

More Dog Name Ideas for Your Pup

This guide was full of name ideas, but if you need more inspiration, our dog name generator is a great resource. Give it a try!

It allows you to search by your favorite names styles, like cute, classic, elegant, funny, tough and more. You can also choose fun themes, like movies, TV shows, history, music and so on.

With so much inspiration, we’re confident you’ll find just the right name for your newfound friend.

European Dog Names

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out these names inspired by other European countries.

You may just find a unique, awesome name fitting for your four-legged fur baby.

How Do You Pick the Right Name?

For nearly 10 years we’ve helped millions of people find the perfect name for their pup. Along the way, we’ve discovered some helpful tips and tricks.

Step 1: Create a List

As you browse for dog names, take note of any that catch your eye. Write them down in a list for reference.

After creating the list, go through it line-by-line and remove any name you’re not completely sold on.

Step 2: Test out the Name

Next, it’s time to test out the final names. First things first, ask yourself whether the name is easy to say. Some names look great on paper but are actually hard to pronounce and say in everyday life.

Also, figure out if you’re comfortable calling for the name loudly. When you have a dog, you’ll have to call their name and even yell it at times, depending on the situation.

And finally, see if it’s right for your individual dog. Will the name work with your pup’s personality? Does it fit their appearance?

Step 3: Finalize the Name

Once you have it narrowed down to 2-3 names, do a gut check. Does a certain name feel better and more appropriate for your pooch?

If there are other people in your household, check with them, too. Make sure everyone is in agreement on a name.

By following these steps, we guarantee you’ll quickly find the perfect name.

Irish Setter

Teach a Dog Their Name

Once you figure out a name for your adorable new dog, the next step in the process is to teach it to them.

This is important for training purposes. It’s also essential for their safety and wellbeing. (For example, you’ll need to get your dog’s attention quickly if they’re running away, etc.)

To get started, grab a bag of small treats. These will be used for positive reinforcement when your dog recognizes their name.

Also, find a quiet and peaceful place to practice. The fewer the distractions, the better, so your dog can focus.

Next, follow this process:

  • Say your dog’s name in a clear and confident tone. Also, make sure you’re positive and upbeat.
  • When your pup looks at you, say “yes” in recognition of their name.
  • Do this several times for practice.
  • Repeat this process several times throughout the day.

With patience and persistence, your dog will understand their name in no time!

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10 Comments

  1. LLOYD BELCHER

    I am quite surprised not to see Rueben on any list. That’s my pick.

  2. Tom Fuller

    Paddy after my grandfather …Thomas Patrick Casey

  3. Dani Sakrison

    Tater. My sweet English bulldog

  4. Shiloh Weaver

    Reagan, of course!

  5. Jennifer Nieboer

    Casey – brave

  6. Rick Dunbar

    Halighan is my male boxers name. I’m a firefighter so the name serves dual purpose. It is both Irish and my tool of choice.

  7. Carole Ashford Dessart

    What happened to Darby.

  8. Kathleen McDermott

    Rory Madra= Red King Dog. He is a very dark red Golden & fits him perfect

  9. Rachel

    We had an Irish Setter named Declan, which is also an Irish name. He was the best dog we’ve ever had

  10. John

    Our recently passed Kerry Blue “Celtic Warrior” but we called him Mr. Murphy”, our 1-week old Irish Terrier will be “Warriors Relief, but his call name will be “Seamus”.

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