For some parents, naming their baby is straightforward. Yet, for many parents, a lot of names are considered. Here are the top 10 most popular baby names in Ireland, for boys, for last year (2020).
There are mixed opinions on whether the Covid-19 pandemic – and more time at home – has led to an increase in births in Ireland. Babies born in 2020 certainly arrived at an unusual time.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 most popular baby names in Ireland, for boys, in 2020. The list is based on data provided by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The CSO has been keeping records of baby names in Ireland since 1964. Any name recorded in 3 or more instances is recorded.
Perhaps our list will provide some inspiration if you have a little person on the way!
10. Charlie – meaning free man
Coming in as at tenth most popular boy’s name in Ireland in 2020, Charlie is a version of Charles. Charles comes from the Old English word ceorl and the German Karl, both meaning “free man”.
The CSO records that 305 babies were named Charles in 2020.
9. Harry – meaning home ruler
According to the CSO, 311 babies born in 2020 were called Harry. This English name is actually a medieval version of Henry!
The name means home ruler.
8. Fionn – meaning white or fairheaded
The first Irish name to appear in our list of the top 10 most popular baby names in Ireland in 2020, is Fionn.
CSO records show that 305 babies were called Fionn last year. Fionn is both an Irish and Scots Gaelic name, meaning white or fairheaded.
The name has deep roots in Irish legend, being the name of the famous Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool).
7. Liam – meaning strong-willed warrior and protector
Number 7 for the most popular baby names in Ireland, for boys, in 2020 is Liam – another Irish name.
Liam means strong-willed warrior and protector. It is the shortened version of the Irish name, Uilliam. There were 329 babies named Liam in 2020, according to the CSO data.
6. Finn – meaning white or fairheaded
Another version of Fionn, which appears earlier in this list.
The CSO records that 331 babies were called Finn in 2020.
5. Conor – meaning lover of wolves
Halfway through our list of the top 20 most popular baby names in Ireland of 2020, for boys, is Conor.
Conor is an Irish name that means lover of wolves (sometimes cited as meaning lover of hounds).
345 babies were called Conor in 2020, CSO records show.
4. Daniel – meaning God is my judge
In at number 4 is Daniel. Daniel is a Biblical name. The earliest recording of Daniel occurs in the Bible; the book of Daniel. Daniel means God is my judge in Hebrew.
There were 359 babies named Daniel in 2020, according to the CSO.
3. Noah – meaning rest
The third most popular boy’s baby name in Ireland is also a Biblical name. Noah and the Ark is one of the most well-known Bible stories, and the name comes from the Hebrew word “noach”.
This means rest or repose.
The CSO records that 447 babies were named Noah in 2020.
2. James – meaning supplanter
The second most popular baby name in Ireland for boys in 2020 was James. James derives from the Hebrew name, Jacob.
495 babies were called James in 2020, according to the CSO. Interestingly, James is the only name in the top ten names for baby boys in 2020, which also features in the top ten list in 1964 (the year the Central Statistics Office started keeping records).
In 1964, James was the fifth most popular name for baby boys. 1154 babies were called James.
1. Jack – meaning God is gracious
Rounding off our list of the top 10 most popular baby names in Ireland, for boys, in 2020 is…Jack! Jack is an English name in origin meaning God is gracious.
The CSO records that 597 babies were called Jack in 2020.
That’s the end of our list of the top 10 most popular baby names in Ireland, for boys, in 2020. Were you surprised at all? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
You can check how popular a name is for any year between 1964 and 2020 on the CSO’s website.
