330+ Irish Dog Names for your Lucky Dog!

Céad míle fáilte! (One hundred thousand welcomes to you!)

The island of Ireland is a land of rich culture and history and dog’s have always been an important part of society. From the bustling city of Cork to the coastal beauty of Galway, Irish dog names have a unique charm that captures the essence of the Emerald Isle. 

Whether you’re looking for names influenced by the stunning landscape that stretches from coast to coast, or wish to honor your Gaelic heritage, or even just want an Irish nod to the color of your pup’s fur (“Dubh” is the perfect name for black dogs), there is sure to be the perfect name on this list to make your furry friend feel like a true Irish Wolfhound!

Just a word of caution, if you choose an Irish name for your new dog, make sure you know how to pronounce it properly!

So grab your Guinness, and let’s dive in and explore the world of Irish dog names and the fascinating stories and Irish folklore behind them. 

Female Dog Names for your Cailín Dog

Do you have a typically Irish red haired ‘colleen’? Then she would be perfectly suited to one of these traditional female dog names. We love “Aoibheann” (pronounced AY-VEEN) for a black dog with a very shiny coat. 

Ailbhe

Aine

Aisling (pronounced ash ling)

Alaina

Aoibheann (meand “beautiful sheen”)

Aoife

Ardeen

Breena

Brida

Bríghid

Bronagh

Cadhla

Cadie

Caoimhe (pronounced kee va)

Cara

Ciara (pronounced kee ra)

Cliodhna

Clodagh

Colleen

Connie

Cordelia

Dearbháil

Deirdre

Eabha

Eila

Eilis (Irish version of Elizabeth)

Eimear

Erin

Fiadh

Fiona

Fionnuala (means “fair shouldered”)

Imogen

Keira

Kiana

Laoise (pronounced lee sha)

Maire (Irish form of Mary)

Máiréad

Moira

Myrna

Nessa

Nola

Nora

Nuala

Oona

Orla

Riona

Sadbh

Siobhan

Sorca (pronounced sur ka)

Male Irish Dog Names for your Buachaill Dog

If your new pup is an energetic boy terrier, there is sure to be a fun Irish dog name here that suits him perfectly. We adore the name “Conan” which means “little warrior” for any dog with Irish roots.

Aidan

Ailbe

Alastor

Angus

Arden

Artek

Brody (means “muddy place”)

Cael

Callum

Caoimhín (Gaelic for Kevin)

Caolan

Carrick

Cathal

Cillian (pronounced kill ee an)

Conchobhar

Conan (means “little warrior”)

Conlan

Cormac

Cullen

Declan

Dermot

Diarmuid

Donal

Donnacha

Doyle

Eamon

Eoghan

Eoin

Finian

Finn

Fion

Flannery

Flynn

Girvin

Ian (Gaelic version of John)

Kieron

Lachlan

Liam

Lorcan

Mellan

Milligan

Murphy

Niall (means “noble knight”)

Odhran (means “little pale green one”)

Oisin (pronounced osh een)

Oran

Oscar (means “deer lover”)

Padraig

Rian

Rogan

Rory

Rowan

Seamus

Sean

Sullivan

Tadgh

Funny Irish Dog Names that Pay Tribute to Irish Pride

Everyday life in the land of leprechauns is a rich source of inspiration for a fun dog name. Whether you pick a name related to history, culture or the difficult but beautiful language, you are sure to have fun picking a name for your new dog. Our favorite names are “Loti” and “Pog” because they encapsulate the quirky nature of Irish culture.

Argyle (from the land of the Gaels)

Bally (common prefix to town names)

Ceili (Irish dancing)

Celt

Charm

Claddagh (traditional Irish ring)

Dancer (riverdance)

Dara (Dara Celtic Knot for strength)

Eire

Fada (accent mark over letters)

Finnegan (Irish surname)

Freckles (freckles are common)

Gaeilge (Irish language in Irish)

Gael

Ginger (for the red haired Irish)

Goldy

Harpy (heraldic symbol of Ireland)

Ireland

Irish

Jig (Irish Jig – dance)

Loti (Luck of the Irish)

Lucky

Malone (Irish surname)

O'Hara (Irish surname)

Odi (“original dark Irish” – a pre-Gaelic tribe, “the people of Ciar” – modern Kerry)

Paddy (for Paddy’s day/Patrick’s Day)

POG (Pot of Gold)

Rainbow

Saint (all the Irish Saints)

Tiernan (means “lord”)

Triquetra (Trinity Celtic Knot of eternal love and life)

Top Irish Dog Names Inspired by Animals

There are several popular Irish dog names associated with native wildlife. The Irish deer is a mystical creature that has been featured in many legends and tales and so we like the name “Fia”.

Basker	basking shark
Blue	Kerry Blue Terrier
Bó	cow
Broc	badger
Caora	sheep
Capall	horse
Collin	means “cub or puppy”
Colm	means “dove”
Cú	hound
Éan	bird
Feileachán	butterfly
Fia	deer
Gabhar	goat
Glen	Glen of Imaal Terrier
Iolar	eagle
Lacha	duck
Lamb	Ireland is known for its sheep
Leon	lion
Madra	dog
Martin	pine marten
Phelan	means “wolf”
Pygmy	pygmy shrew
Ronan	means “little seal”
Shay	means “hawk”
Tarbh	bull
Tíogar	tiger
Wolf	Irish wolfhound

Fun Dog Names Derived from the Geography of Ireland

There are so many Irish cities and towns that provide inspiration for male and female dog names. We think “Captain Hook” is a fun name for an Irish Water Spaniel who likes to splash around on the beach by Hook Lighthouse. 

Aran	island
Atlantic	Wild Atlantic Way
Birr	Birr Castle Demesne
Blarney	Blarney Castle and stone
Bray	town
Burren	Burren National Park
Captain Hook	Hook Lighthouse
Carlow	small town
Cashel	town in Tipperary (the rock of Cashel is here)
Cavan	town
Clare	County Clare
Cobh	town
Corkey	Cork – city
Dalkey	town
Dingle	town
Dublin	the capital and most populous city
Ennis	town
Eyre	Park and garden in Galway
Fairy	Fairy Hill – St. Patrick baptized the king of Munster here
Ford	Waterford – county in the southern region
Gal	County Galway
Glenda	Glendalough historical site
Heda	Drogheda – town
Karst	karst landscape of the Burren in County Clare
Kenny	Kilkenny – Irish city
Kerry	County Kerry
Kinsy	Kinsale – town
Leix	Leixlip – town
Limerick	Limerick county
Liffey	river
Marshmallow	Mallow – town
Moher	the Cliffs of Moher
Munster	region of Ireland
Narea	Knocknarea mountain
Navan	town (“Nava” for short)
Patrick	St. Patrick's Cathedral (St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland)
Penny	Ha'penny bridge
Shannon	river
Sligo	county
Stoney	river
Tara	Hill of Tara
Temple	Temple Bar on Temple Street
Torc	waterfall
Trinity	Trinity College
West	Westport – town

Great Names for your Dog Inspired by Colors in the Irish Language

We think a great way to highlight the magnificent coat of your dog is to choose an Irish name based on colors. 

Bán	White color
Bándearg	Pink color
BuÍ	Yellow color
Corcra	Purple color
Dearg	Red color
Donn	Brown color
Dubh	Black color
Glas	Green color
Gorm	Blue color
Liath	Gray color
Oráista	Orange color

Great Names From Popular Irish Drinks

Ireland is a country known to solve every problem with a cup of tea, so the name “Barry” is the perfect name for a calm and comforting dog who raises your spirits when they’re down. If you prefer a more Irish name, you can’t go wrong with “Guinness”.

Bailey  (Baileys Irish cream)

Barry (Barry’s Tea)

Black Velvet (Guinness & Champagne)

Guinness

Jameson (whiskey)

Poitin (Irish moonshine)

Shandy (beer mixed with soda)

Tulle (Tullemore Dew whiskey)

Whiskey

Fun Food Related Names for your Irish Dogs

Does your Irish dog have a big appetite? Naming dogs after food has always been a popular trend and there are some amazing choices here for you to choose. We can’t even pick our favorite – see you in the kitchen! YUM!

Ballymaloe	Irish stew
Bap	breakfast roll
Boxty	potato pancake
Brack	Barmbrack – dried fruit bread with a ring baked into it
Cabbage	staple food
Cannon	Colcannon & Champ – mash potatoes, cabbage and spring onions
Champ	Colcannon & Champ – mash potatoes, cabbage and spring onions
Coddle	traditional stew
Porky	bacon and cabbage – traditional fare on Paddy's day
Pudding	black and white pudding – blood sausages
Rasher	Bacon
Shep	shepherd's pie
Spud	Potatoes go with everything
Stewy	Lamb stew is very popular

Irish Dog Names from History and Famous People

The only problem with picking an Irish dog name from history is being spoilt for choice. With such an interesting past, there is so much to draw inspiration from. Moreover, for such a small country there are so many well known celebrities to name your dog after. We just love U2, so “Bono” is the only Irish dog name for us!

Aengus	King of Munster	Male
Beckett	Samuel Beckett – author	Male
Bono	U2 singer	Male
Bram	Bram Stoker – Dracula author	Male
Brigid	Saint Brigid of Kildare	Female
Brosnan	Pierce Brosnan – actor	Male
Enya	singer	Female
Farrell	Colin Farrell – actor	Male
Fassi	Michael Fassbender – actor	Male
Flatley	Michael Flatley – riverdance	Male
Garech	Garech Browne – art collector	Male
Geldof	Bob Geldof – singer	Male
Gráinne	Gráinne Mhaol – legendary pirate queen	Female
Horan	Niall Horan – singer	Male
Ita	6th century saint	Female
Neeson	Liam Neeson – actor	Male
Norton	Graham Norton – comedian	Male
Saoirse	Saoirse Ronan – actress	Female
Sinead	Sinead O'Connor – singer	Female
Stoker	Bram Stoker – Dracula author	Male
Swifty	Jonathan Swift – author of Gullivers Travels	Unisex

Popular Irish Dog Names from Movies, TV Shows and Books

There are Irish names aplenty for dogs in pop culture from the land of green – Father Ted and Mrs. Brown’s Boys are a part of life in every household across the country.  We have a real soft spot for the name “Biddy” for a lady dog who is getting on in years. 

Artemis	Artemis Fowl	Male
Artie	Artemis Fowl	Male
Bernard	Black Books	Male
Biddy	Glenroe	Female
Boondock	The Boondock Saints	Unisex
Bran	Game of Thrones – Bran Stark	Male
Connell	Normal People	Male
Danny	Angel	Male
Darby	Darby O'Gill	Female
Dougal	Father Ted	Male
Drac	Bram Stoker's Dracula	Male
Flurry	The Irish RM	Unisex
Francie	The Butcher Boy	Female
Gulliver	Gulliver's Travels	Male
MacManus	The Boondock Saints	Male
Maggie	Maggie Poplin (play 1969)	Female
McKenna	Grace Notes	Female
Mrs. Brown	Mrs. Brown's Boys	Female
Mrs. Doyle	Father Ted	Female
O'Malley	Grey's Anatomy – George O'Malley	Male
Raven	Game of Thrones – the three eyed raven	Unisex
Sadie	The Twelfth Day of July	Female
Sherin	Banshees of Inisherin	Female
Ted	Father Ted	Male
Thomas	Aristocats	Male

Fun Irish Names Inspired by Irish Mythology

Mythology in Ireland is a cultural tradition that has spanned centuries. Many mythological creatures are well-known, not just locally, but across the world. Legends, tales and folklore stories are a great place to search for Irish dog names that fit a dogs mischievous spirit.

Aibell	Fairy Queen who played a magic harp	Female
Balor	Baylor of the Evil Eye – giant demon with a large eye	Male
Banba	patron goddess of Ireland	Female
Banshee	wailing spirit that foretells death	Female
Cúchulainn	a noble knight who defended Ulster alone	Male
Dagda	Celtic Deity	Male
Darrig	far darrig is the leprechauns evil red twin	Male
Dulla	dullahan – headless faerie on a black horse	Male
Ellen	Ellen Trechend – 3 headed celtic monster	Female
Ériu	patron goddess of Ireland	Female
Faerie	Ireland is full of Faeries	Female
Fermac	dog that belched out wine, gold and silver	Male
Fódla	patron goddess of Ireland	Female
Gorta	fear gorta is a zombie like creature	Male
Kelpie	evil water spirit	Female
Leprechaun		Male
Lir	mythological sea god	Male
Lugh	celtic god of the sun and light	Male
Mab	queen of the fairies	Female
MacCool	Finn MacCool is an Irish legendary giant warrior	Male
Manannán	sea warrior and king of the Otherworld	Male
Meabh	legendary warrior queen of Connaught (also Maeve)	Female
Merrow	celtic mermaid	Female
Muckie	Ireland's Loch Ness monster – lives in the lakes of Killarney	Unisex
Muireann	pronounced “mweer in” – mythical mermaid	Female
Niamh	daughter of sea god Manannán	Female
Olli	olliphéist – celtic dragon monster	Male
Pooka	shapeshifting trickster spirit from Celtic folklore that brings bad luck	Unisex
Sionna	goddess of the river Shannon	Female

Irish Dog Names from Wild Nature

Much of the Irish countryside is wild and untouched, with rolling green hills, rocky outcrops and vast fields of beautiful seasonal flowers. There are many options of stunning names for your Irish dog that rival the unsurpassed splendor of Ireland’s nature. We adore “Shamrock” and “Clover” – two of the most Irish dog names ever.

Blathnaid	means “flower” – pronounced blaw nid
Clover
Darragh	means “oak tree”
Eibhlín	shining light
Emerald	Emerald Isle
River	Riverdance
Roisin	little rose
Shamrock	three leaf clover

Dog Names Related to Irish Sports

If you are looking for something a little bit different and less traditional, Irish dog names derived from sports is a good place to explore. We think the name “Cammie” , shortened from Camogie, which is Women’s hurling is such a cute name for your girl dog.

Brian	Brian O'Driscoll – rugby	Male
Camogie	Women's Hurling	Female
Conor	Conor McGregor – mixed martial artist	Male
Henry	Henry Shefflin – hurling	Male
Hurley	Stick for Hurling	Unisex
Lowry	Shane Lowry – golfer	Male
Paul	Paul O'Connell – rugby	Male
Roy	Roy Keane – football	Male
Sliotar	Ball for Hurling	Unisex
Taylor	Katie Taylor – boxing	Unisex

Irish Dog Breeds

There are nine Irish dog breeds recognised by the American Kennel club, the most popular of which are the Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter and Irish Terrier breeds.

The Irish Setter is a beautifully boisterous breed with a long dark red coat. These were traditionally hunting dogs and so require an energetic family to keep up with them.

The Irish Wolfhound is a giant dog breed  that was originally a wolf hunter. These calm, gentle souls sometimes come with black coats which adds a real touch of elegance to an already dignified and regal breed.

The Irish Terrier is a popular dog breed due to their tough and versatile nature. Often referred to as IT’s these daredevils have coats with a reddish hue, which matches their stubborn and mischievous temperament. If you doubt how hardy and tough they are, it might interest you to know that they were combat messengers during WW1.

Conclusion

We hope you have had lots of fun exploring the mystery and intrigue of the Emerald Isle with us and that you have found your favorite name from our list. Let us know below your top pick for an Irish dog name – we love to hear from our readers.