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If you’re something of a history fan, you’ve probably considered Celtic baby boy names for your son-to-be. Dating back to the sixth century BC, the Celts hailed from Europe and Western Asia, and their culture still remains today. In particular, Celtic languages are spoken in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and even parts of Argentina and Canada.
It’s no wonder Celtic male names have stood the test of time. In particular, Irish male names and Gaelic boy names (note the difference – ‘Gaelic’ in isolation refers to Scotland, whereas ‘Irish Gaelic’ is spoken in this region) continue to remain popular today. So, what are some of the best Celtic names for boys?
In this article: 📝
- Celtic baby boy names and meanings
- What are some Celtic names from Scotland?
- What is the rarest boy name of Celtic origin?
- Need even more inspo?
Celtic baby boy names and meanings
Some recurring themes in Celtic baby boy names are nature, war, and even animals. In particular, you’ll notice a lot of animals in Irish male names, for example:
1. Conor
In Irish Gaelic, the name Conor translates as ‘lover of hounds’ – perfect if you’ve got a pup running around the house! For an even more authentic twist, you could try the Conall variant.
2. Oisin
This one has roots in Irish mythology. Oisin means ‘little deer’ because, legend has it, a warrior named Fionn MacCool witnessed his mother being turned into a deer!
3. Callum
Callum has Latin roots, coming from ‘columba’, which means ‘dove.’
What are some Celtic names from Scotland?
If you’re looking for a Celtic warrior name, set your sights on Caledonia – the Scots have a whole list of victory and war-themed names:
- Alastair – taken from the Scottish form of Alexander, this means ‘defender of mankind.’
- Caelan – this is a Scottish form of Nicholas and means ‘victorious people.’
- Keithen – a Scottish take on the better-known Keith, this means ‘battle place.’
If you’re looking for unique spelling, here are some more Scottish Gaelic boys’ names for your little one:
- Anndrais
- Aodh
- Aodhàn
- Aonghas
- Aonghus
- Arailt
- Beistean
- Benneit
- Caomhainn
- Cathal
- Seàrlas, Teàrlach
- Ciaran
- Cliamain
- Coinneach
- Còiseam
- Colla
- Diarmad
- Eairdsidh
- Ealar
- Eanraig
- Eanruig
- Gill-Eathain
- Gill-Eòin
- Gille-Aindreis
- Gille-Brìdhde
- Gille-Caluim
- Gille-Crìosd
- Gillebeart
- Harailt
- Horas
- Ianatan
- Maoilios
- Maol-Chaluim
- Maol-Iosa
- Maol-Moire
- Maoldònaich
- Maolmhuire
- Maolruibh
- Marc
- Marcas
- Neacal
- Neachdainn
- Niall
- Niallghus
- Oilbhreis
- Oisean
- Pàdair
- Pàdraig
- Pàdruig
- Pàl
- Rob
- Roibeart
- Sandaidh
- Seaghdh
- Seathan
- Seoc
- Seocan
- Seonaidh
- Seoras
- Seumas
- Seòras
- Taog
- Tasgall
- Tearlach
- Teàrlach
- Tiobaid
- Tomag
- Ualraig
- Uarraig
- Uilleachan
- Uilleam
What’s a Celtic badass name for a boy?
If you can see your little one captaining the football team or generally kicking ass in life, make sure you give him one of our strong Scottish or Irish male names.
- Malcolm evokes images of a natural-born leader, and quite literally means ‘follower of Saint Columba who Christianized North Scotland.’
- Donald means ‘a great chief who rules the world’ – which may explain some former presidents! It’s making a comeback and can be shortened to a cooler Don if you prefer.
- Sloane means ‘he is a warrior in heart.’ This one’s also unisex if you find an unexpected surprise come birthing day.
What is the rarest boy name of Celtic origin?
So, what are some edgy boy names that will get your little one noticed at recess? You can’t go wrong with some of the rarer Celtic baby boy names. Try Devlin for ‘fierce bravery’, Jarlath for a noble title or Taber, which quite simply means ‘well.’ Set your intentions for your son early on with a Celtic boy’s name!
More ideas for Irish boys’ names that are hard to come by include:
- Benen
- Berkeley
- Blaine
- Brady
- Brendan
- Brennan
- Brody
- Burke
- Calhoun
- Callahan
- Cashel
- Cillian
- Clancy
- Colm
- Cory
- Cullen
- Darcy
- Declan
- Derry
- Devin
- Dillon
- Donal
- Donnelly
- Eamon
- Eoin
- Faolan
- Fergus
- Ferris
- Finbar
- Finnegan
- Fintan
- Fionn
- Flynn
- Gallagher
- Grady
- Hugh
- Ivo
- Keegan
- Keenan
- Keir
- Kellen
- Larkin
- Lennon
- Liam
- Mack
- Mccoy
- Murphy
- Nevin
- Niall
- Nolan
- Oscar
- Patrick
- Piran
- Quinn
- Rafferty
- Redmond
- Rian
- Roan
- Rogan
- Ronan
- Rooney
- Rowan
- Sean
- Seanan
- Shane
- Shea
- Sullivan
- Torin
- Tully
- Tynan
- Ultan
- Veren
Need even more inspo?
Whether you’re looking for a more contemporary name or something with its own unique origins (and tricky spellings!), you’ll find both with Celtic baby boy names. And you could always ask the mamas of Peanut for even more suggestions!
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