According to national statistics, these are the ten Irish baby names that are trending again.
Irish names come and go in terms of popularity in Ireland and elsewhere around the world. However, these names are truly timeless, usually backed by a poetic or interesting meaning or story.
Some of the names on our list of the top Irish baby names that are trending again in 2026 have been in the top ten for years, while some have entered the list for the first time since the data began being collected.
10. Liam – willing protector
Once again, Liam is one of the most popular baby names in Ireland. Coming from the Irish ‘Uilliam’, William in English, Liam has long been a popular Irish name, not just on Irish shores, but around the world.
It frequently ranks as the top or one of the most popular names in the United States. The name means something along the lines of ‘willing protector’.
9. Fionn – legendary Fionn mac Cumhaill
Pronounced ‘finn’, this spelling of the name has grown more popular than the spelling ‘Finn’ in recent years.
Meaning ‘white’ or ‘fair’, Fionn is trending once again as one of the top ten most popular baby names in Ireland right now. You’ll probably recognise this name from the legendary warrior from Irish mythology, Fionn mac Cumhaill.
8. Ríadh – one of the Irish baby names that are trending again in 2026
The Irish version of the name Ria, and pronounced as such, Ríadh is an Irish name given to baby girls that is trending once more as it has made its way into the top 100 baby names in Ireland this year.
7. Conall – strong wolf
Conall, pronounced ‘conn-ahl’, is an ancient Irish name meaning ‘strong wolf’ and one of three Irish names that are new to the top 100 most popular baby names this year.
6. Naoise – warrior
Naoise, pronounced ‘nee-sha’, might not be one of the top ten most popular Irish names at the moment, but it’s trending again because it has jumped from 164th place to 88th place in terms of popularity.
This is a strong Irish name with a mighty meaning – ‘warrior’ or ‘champion’. You’ll notice more and more Naoises popping up in your kids’ school or nursery groups in the next few years, but boys and girls. Just wait.
5. Dáire – a sturdy name
Dáire, one of many variations of the name (Dara, Darragh, Daire without the fada), has long been a common Irish name, but it’s one of the new entrants to the top 100 baby names in Ireland this year.
Pronounced ‘da-ra’, this is a lovely Irish name that means ‘oak tree’ or ‘oak grove’ and is not generally gender conforming.
4. Fiadh – little deer
The name Fiadh was virtually non-existent before it shot to popularity in 2019. It has been consistently in the top three names for girls in Ireland since then, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the Irish baby names that is trending again in 2026.
Pronounced ‘fee-ah’, this is a lovely nature-linked name that means ‘little deer’ or ‘wild’, the perfect name for a baby you think will grow up to be untamed and at one with nature.
3. Oisín – little deer
Oisín has remained one of the top ten boys’ names in Ireland since 2022. This year, it climbed from 9th to 5th place in the rankings.
Pronounced ‘osh-een’ or ‘ush-een’, this is a lovely Irish name that means ‘little deer’ or ‘fawn’.
2. Éabha – life
While the most popular name for new baby girls in Ireland in 2025 was Lily, the most popular Irish name, and second most popular overall, is Éabha.
Before 2018, Éabha wasn’t even in the top 100 most popular baby names in Ireland. In the last eight years, though, this once almost forgotten Irish name has soared to popularity. Meaning ‘life’ or ‘to breathe’, it’s pronounced ‘ay-va’.
1. Rían – little king
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Rían is the top trending Irish boy name in Ireland at the moment, with most parents of new babies in 2025 naming their sons as such.
This is the first time since 2007 in Ireland that Jack isn’t the most popular boys’ name. Meaning ‘little king’ and pronounced ‘red-an’, this has been a trending Irish name for a number of years.
