Irish parents are continually looking for fresh name ideas for their newborns. Here are 14 stunning names that ranked in the top 100 Irish names for the first time in 2024.
From traditional monikers to fresh choices and classic names with a modern twist, these are the stunning new additions to the top 100 Irish names in 2024.
Having made their first appearance in the top 100, these beautiful names are set to continue to gain prominence over the next couple of years.
For now, however, they are still relatively rare. So, if you’re expecting and want to get ahead of the next big naming trend, read on to discover these stunning new additions to the top 100 Irish names in 2024.
Beautiful names with beautiful meanings – inspired by nature
Many of the new additions to the top 100 Irish names in 2024 are inspired by nature.
From ocean-inspired monikers to names that relate to animals, many Irish parents are taking name inspiration from the beauty of the natural world.
One such name that ranked in the top 100 last year is the beautiful girl name, Eibhlín. Used seven times in 2024, this stunning name is pronounced ‘ehv-leen’ and means ‘bird’.
Other nature-inspired girl names that featured in the top 100 for the first time last year include Peigí, pronounced ‘peggy’ and meaning ‘pearl’ and Mollaí, pronounced ‘mol-lee’ and meaning ‘star of the sea’.
Eoghan, which ranked at number 90, was the only boy name inspired by nature to feature as a newcomer. The increasingly popular name is pronounced ‘ow-an’ and means ‘born of the yew tree’.
Traditional yet original – classic names with a twist
Several beautiful girl names ranked among the top 100 for the first time, highlighting a shift in naming trends for newborn baby girls.
One such name was Nainsí, which was used seven times in 2024. Pronounced like ‘nancy’, this unique Irish name means ‘grace’. Similarly, Éile was used eight times in 2024. It is pronounced ‘ay-lah’ and means ‘blade’.
Even more popular choices included Rua, which is pronounced ‘roo-ahh’ and means ‘red’, and Sibéal, which is pronounced ‘shi-bale‘ and means ‘God is my Oath’. These stunning names were used 11 times last year.
New additions to the top 100 Irish names – gaining momentum
Bronagh, pronounced ‘broh-nah’ and meaning ‘sorrow’, and Nessa, pronounced ‘ness-ah’ and meaning ‘pure’, were both used 13 times in 2024. Meawhile, Íde, pronounced ‘ee-jah’ and meaning ‘thirst’ was used 14 times.
Seoidín was perhaps the most popular newcomer, given to 25 newborn baby girls. This unique Irish name is pronounced ‘show-deen‘ and means ‘little jewel’.
For boys, Iarlaith was a new popular choice. Ranking at number 72, this name means ‘ruler’ or ‘leader’ and is pronounced ‘EER-lah’.
Finally, Ciarán ranked at number 88 in the list of popular boy names after not appearing in 2023. Pronounced ‘keer-awn’, this increasingly popular name means ‘dark-haired’.
Find out more about Irish names that joined these stunning new additions to the top 100 Irish names in 2024 on the Central Statistics Office (CSO) website here.
