Irish boy names from mythology
Heroes, kings and gods of the old Irish tales have given us some of the island's most enduring boys' names. Each name below links to its full story.
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Aengus ANG-us
One strength, vigour
Aengus Óg was the Tuatha Dé Danann god of youth and love, who lived at Brú na Bóinne and loved a woman who became a swan. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Ailill AL-il
King of Connacht
King consort of Connacht and Medb's husband, whose boast of equal wealth with his wife triggers the Táin Bó Cúailnge. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Bres BRESH
Beautiful
A half-Fomorian king briefly imposed on the Tuatha Dé Danann, deposed for his stinginess, who returns leading a Fomorian invasion. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Conchobar KON-uh-var
Hound lover, debated
Conchobar mac Nessa was the king of Ulster, ruling from Emain Macha, whose court featured heroes such as Cú Chulainn and Fergus. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Cormac KOR-mak
Uncertain, perhaps charioteer
A legendary High King of Ireland whose reign at Tara is remembered as a golden age of wisdom, law, and prosperity. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Cúchulainn koo-HULL-in
Hound of Culann
The central hero of the Ulster Cycle, said to be the son of Lugh. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Dagda DAHG-da
Good god
The chief god of the Tuatha Dé Danann, associated with abundance, wisdom, and strength. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Diarmuid DEER-mid
Uncertain, perhaps without envy
Diarmuid Ua Duibhne was a handsome warrior of the Fianna who fled with Gráinne, promised bride of Fionn, and was pursued across Ireland. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Ferdiad FER-dee-ad
Legendary champion
Cú Chulainn's foster-brother and closest friend, forced into single combat against him during the Táin and killed by the Gáe Bulg. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Fergus FUR-gus
Man of vigour
Fergus mac Róich was an exiled king of Ulster and a great champion who fought for Medb in the cattle raid of Cooley. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Fionn FYUN
Fair, white, bright
Fionn mac Cumhaill was the great leader of the Fianna and a hunter-hero who gained wisdom from the Salmon of Knowledge. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Lugh LOO
Uncertain, perhaps shining
Lugh was a many-skilled warrior-god of the Tuatha Dé Danann who led the fight against the Fomorians at the second Battle of Magh Tuiredh. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Manannán MAN-an-awn
Of the Isle of Man, sea god
Manannán mac Lir was the sea god of the Tuatha Dé Danann, ruler of the Otherworld and keeper of magical treasures. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Nuada NOO-a-da
Uncertain, perhaps cloud-maker
Nuada was the first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, called Silver Hand after Dian Cécht fitted him with a replacement arm. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Ogma OG-ma
Of uncertain meaning; the god credited with inventing ogham
God of eloquence and champion of the Tuatha Dé Danann, traditionally credited with inventing the Ogham alphabet. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Oisín UH-sheen
Little deer
Oisín was a poet and warrior of the Fianna, son of Fionn mac Cumhaill, who spent what seemed a few years in the Otherworld with Niamh. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Oscar OS-ker
Divine spear (debated)
Son of Oisín and grandson of Fionn mac Cumhaill, celebrated as one of the fiercest warriors of the Fianna. Read the story on Gods of Ireland →
Frequently asked questions
Are there Irish names from mythology?
Yes. Many Irish names come from figures in the Mythological, Ulster and Fenian cycles, such as goddesses, queens and heroes.