Some of the most popular baby names in American right now have an Irish meaning and origin. In fact, these names are so popular now that you probably already know some children with Irish names…..and their parents may not even be aware of the history of their child’s moniker! Ireland has always produced beautiful names, and the soft, lyrical sound of the names of the Emerald Isle have made them beloved all across the world, especially in the Western hemisphere. Just as you’ll find more than one Irish surname in most neighborhoods in the West (especially in the United States), you’ll find even more Irish first names!

If you’re expecting a baby and looking for a name with strong Irish meaning and character, or if you’d just like to let your favorite niece or godchild know about the history associated with their name, you’re in luck. Here are the top 10 Irish boy’s and girl’s names in the Western hemisphere right now, and their meanings!

Girl Names

1.  Brianna–Modern feminine form of Brian, an Anglicization of the Irish name Brion, meaning “noble”
2.  Kayla–A modern variation of the Irish male name Cadhla, meaning “slender”
3.  Anna–Typically considered a Latin name, Ana is also an ancient Celtic goddess known as the “Wealth Provider”
4.  Megan–Though technically a Welsh name, it’s similar to the Irish surname O’Meegan, meaning “descendent of the brave warrior”
5.  Kaitlyn–American form of the Irish Caitlín (Irish version of Catherine)
6.  Makayla–Another modern variation of the Irish man’s name “Cadhla,” meaning slender
7.  Kaylee–A variation of the Irish word “céilí,” meaning a gathering
8.  Kylie–Usually considered an Australian Aboriginal name meaning “boomerang,” it’s also a form of Kiley, which is an Anglicization of the Irish name Cadhla, meaning “slender”
9.  Riley–Riley is an English surname meaning “rye field” or an Anglicization of the Irish surname O’Reilly, or Ó Raghaillaigh, meaning from “descendent of Raghaillaigh,” an Irish chieftan
10.  Erin–A poetic name for Ireland. The name is not usually used in Ireland, but it’s recently gained in popularity in America and Britain

Boy Names

1.  Ryan— Anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Ríain, meaning “descendent of the little king”
2. Brandon— Anglicization of Breanainn, which possibly means “sword.”
3. Logan–From the Irish surname O’Loughan
4. Austin–Anglicization of the name Aghaistín, the Irish form of Augustine, which is taken from a Latin name meaning “great” or “magnificent”
5. Kevin–Anglicization of the Irish name Caoimhín, meaning “beautiful birth”
6. Connor–Modern form of the Irish name Conchobhar, meaning “dog lover.”
7. Kyle–Anglicization of the Irish word “coil” meaning “woods.”
8. Aidan–Anglicization of Aodhán, meaning “little fire”
9. Brian–Anglicization of the Irish name Brion, meaning “noble”
10. Sean–Irish form of John, which means “gift from God”