With such a large Irish population living across the Atlantic, it’s unsurprising that Irish names are popular in the States. However, it’s proving increasingly fashionable for Irish family names to be repurposed as first names.
Parents in the United States tend to be a little more experimental with their baby names than in Ireland. Taking inspiration from countries, foodstuffs, and planets, the possibilities are almost endless.
With such a large Irish population living across the pond, it isn’t uncommon for American parents to give their newborns an Irish name. However, a new trend is proving increasingly popular.
Here are the Irish surnames that are becoming popular as first names in the United States…
A unique naming trend – paying homage to Irish roots
Several Irish surnames are enjoying a surge in popularity as first names among newborns in the US. Names such as Sullivan, Brennan, and Cullen are becoming increasingly trendy with new parents.
Brennan is a common Irish surname, which has been gaining momentum as a first name in the States since 1966. Historically, the O’Brennan’s were chiefs of a large territory in Roscommon.
Callahan, meaning ‘bright-headed’, is another Irish surname that is gaining popularity as a first name in the US. It dates back to an ancient king of Munster and was popularised in the States as the surname of Clint Eastwood’s character in Dirty Harry.
Crosby gained popularity as a first name following the emergence of Dax Shepard’s character, Crosby Braverman, in Parenthood. Meanwhile, Cullen rose in prominence thanks to the popularity of the Twilight Saga.
Irish surnames proving popular as first names in the US – options for boys and girls
Other common Irish surnames that have gained popularity as first names in the US include Dennison, Farrell, Finnegan, and Hayes.
With insightful meanings and cultural significance, these names are great options for parents looking for a unique and special baby name.
Lennon, Phelan, Rafferty, and Sullivan – from O’Sullivan – have also gained popularity in recent years as parents seek to bestow their little one with a unique name that pays homage to their ancestry and tradition.
Baby name analysts at Nameberry conducted the research to find out which Irish surnames are the most popular as first names in the US. Did your family name make the list?
