Ireland, not just a land of rolling green hills, ancient legends, and perhaps the world's most charming accents, but also home to some of the most delightful dog breeds. From the spirited Irish Setter to the dignified Irish Wolfhound, these dogs have personalities as rich as the folklore they spring from. Friendly, outgoing, mischievous, and loyal – these 4 words can describe both, Irish people and their beautiful dogs.
Beauty is not the only thing these dogs are known for. Historically, these pups were more than just furry companions—they were vital to hunting, herding, and guarding. The Irish Wolfhound, for instance, whose job was to chase off wolves and protect homes. Irish Terrier, on the other hand, who became the farmer’s friend by being a thorough vermin killer.
Now that we are naming these, we better capture all these qualities and make it worth your time to go through them. Let’s start!
Celtic Dog Names
Celtic dogs refer to the breeds historically associated with the Celtic regions of Europe, such as Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. They’ve been around for centuries and have made an impact on Celtic art and literature. All our lovely Irish dogs are a part of the Celtic family. Apart from that, this fam also includes Scottish Terrier, Brittany Basset, Kerry Beagle, Bearded Collie, and even the smartest dog of all time, Border Collie. (1)Okay, we know you’re waiting. Let’s get to the names.
Name | Description |
Arianrhod | Welsh, "Silver Wheel") |
Aeron | Welsh, Goddess associated with hunting) |
Aine | Irish, Queen of the fairies) |
Alwyn | Cornish, "Noble friend") |
Banshee | Irish folklore, female spirit) |
Bran | Irish, Raven, associated with prophecy) |
Brizo | Celtic, Goddess of sailors) |
Cairn | Scottish, Type of terrier) |
Callan | Irish, "Rock") |
Cian | Irish, "Ancient") |
Clodagh | Irish, River name) |
Conan | Irish, "High, wise") |
Cormac | Irish, "Son of the chariot") |
Dagda | Irish, High King of the Tuatha Dé Danann) |
Deirdre | Irish, "Sorrowful") |
Eamon | Irish, "Rich guard") |
Eithne | Irish, "Kernel, grain") |
Emer | Irish, "Swift") |
Faelan | Irish, "Wolf") |
Fallon | Irish, "Descendant of the leader") |
Fionn | Irish, "Fair, white") |
Grainne | Irish, "Graceful") |
Iona | Scottish island) |
Isla | Scottish, Island) |
Kaelen | Irish, "Slender") |
Kiera | Irish, "Dark-haired") |
Laisre | Irish, "Flame") |
Liam | Irish, "Resolute protector") |
Maeve | Irish, "Intoxicating") |
Niamh | Irish, "Bright, radiant") |
Nola | Irish, "Noble") |
Odhran | Irish, "Little pale one") |
Orla | Irish, "Golden princess") |
Padraig | Irish, "Noble") |
Roisin | Irish, "Little rose") |
Ronan | Irish, "Little seal") |
Ruadh | Irish, "Red") |
Saoirse | Irish, "Freedom") |
Seamus | Irish, "Supplanter") |
Shannon | Irish, River name) |
Siobhan | Irish, "God is gracious") |
Sorcha | Irish, "Radiant, shining") |
Tara | Irish, Hill of Tara) |
Tiernan | Irish, "Lord") |
Tristan | Celtic legend) |
Una | Irish, "One, unique") |
Uisce | Irish, "Water") |
Yseult | Celtic legend) |
Wynn | Welsh, "Fair, blessed") |
Yarrow | Scottish, Plant) |
Gaelic Dog Names
Just like Celtic dogs came from a specific geography, Gaelic dogs refer to breeds associated with Gaelic-speaking regions, particularly Ireland and Scotland. Known for hunting, herding, and guarding, they are intelligent, loyal and come with a strong work ethic. Irish Wolfhound and the Scottish Terrier are two of them.
While the above names can also sound great on them, here are some Gaelic names for your dog -
Name | Description |
Aonghas | Scottish Gaelic, "Unique") |
Beinn | Scottish Gaelic, "Mountain") |
Cairistìona | Scottish Gaelic, "Christian") |
Calum | Scottish Gaelic, "Dove") |
Ceitidh | Scottish Gaelic, "Katherine") |
Coinneach | Scottish Gaelic, "Handsome") |
Dòmhnall | Scottish Gaelic, "World ruler") |
Eilidh | Scottish Gaelic, "Ray of sunshine") |
Fearchar | Scottish Gaelic, "Dear man") |
Fionnlagh | Scottish Gaelic, "Fair hero") |
Gormlaith | Irish, "Illustrious princess") |
Iseabail | Scottish Gaelic, "Elizabeth") |
Lachlann | Scottish Gaelic, "From Norway") |
Mairead | Scottish Gaelic, "Margaret") |
Murchadh | Irish, "Sea warrior") |
Niall | Irish, "Champion") |
Oighrig | Scottish Gaelic, "Eve") |
Raghnall | Scottish Gaelic, "Powerful counsel") |
Ruaraidh | Scottish Gaelic, "Roderick") |
Seumas | Scottish Gaelic, "James") |
Sorley | Scottish Gaelic, "Summer wanderer") |
Torquil | Scottish Gaelic, "Thor's cauldron") |
Uilleam | Scottish Gaelic, "William") |
Aodhán | Irish, "Little fire") |
Bláithín | Irish, "Little flower") |
Breandán | Irish, "Prince") |
Cadhla | Irish, "Kind, gentle") |
Caoimhe | Irish, "Gentle, beautiful") |
Ciara | Irish, "Dark-haired") |
Colm | Irish, "Dove") |
Aidan | Irish, "Little Fire") |
Eimear | Irish, "Swift") |
Eoin | Irish, "God is gracious") |
Fionnán | Irish, "Fair") |
Labhaoise | Irish, "Radiant") |
Lorcán | Irish, "Fierce") |
Muireann | Irish, "Sea-white") |
Nainsí | Irish, "Nancy") |
Oisín | Irish, "Little deer") |
Rónán | Irish, "Little seal") |
Sadhbh | Irish, "Sweet") |
Sean | Irish, "God is gracious") |
Siún | Irish, "Jane") |
Tadhg | Irish, "Poet") |
Treasa | Irish, "Strong") |
Aoife | Irish, "Beautiful, radiant") |
Art | Irish, "Bear") |
Eadaoin | Irish, "Rich") |
Fia | Irish, "Wild, weaver") |
Riain | Irish, "Little king") |
Top Dog Names in Ireland
Here’s our final list of dog names that are popular in Ireland.
Name | Description |
Buddy | A classic name for a loyal and friendly companion. |
Charlie | A popular and cheerful name, suitable for any dog. |
Max | A strong and reliable name, often chosen for larger dogs. |
Bella | A beautiful and elegant name, very popular for female dogs. |
Daisy | A sweet and cheerful name, often associated with flowers. |
Cooper | A friendly and dependable name, suitable for a hardworking or playful dog. |
Lucy | A classic and sweet name, popular for female dogs. |
Molly | A playful and affectionate name, often used for smaller dogs. |
Sadie | A sweet and gentle name, often chosen for female dogs. |
Rocky | A strong and resilient name, suitable for a tough or playful dog. |
Duke | A regal and dignified name, often chosen for larger breeds. |
Oscar | A friendly and approachable name, a classic choice. |
Toby | A playful and energetic name, often used for smaller dogs. |
Alfie | A sweet and charming name, popular for smaller breeds. |
Millie | A cute and playful name, often chosen for small to medium-sized dogs. |
Rosie | A sweet and cheerful name, often associated with flowers. |
Lola | A playful and sassy name, popular for small to medium-sized dogs. |
Coco | A sweet and chocolatey name, often chosen for dogs with dark fur. |
Bailey | A friendly and reliable name, popular for both male and female dogs. |
Ruby | A precious and beautiful name, often chosen for female dogs. |
Buster | A playful and energetic name, suitable for a boisterous dog. |
Sam | A classic and friendly name, a popular choice for any dog. |
Jack | A simple and friendly name, a classic choice for any dog. |
Bonnie | A sweet and charming name, often chosen for female dogs. |
Teddy | A cuddly and lovable name, often used for fluffy dogs. |
Willow | A graceful and elegant name, often chosen for female dogs. |
Skye | A free-spirited and adventurous name, inspired by nature. |
Millie | A sweet and playful name, suitable for a small to medium-sized dog. |
Hugo | A strong and distinguished name, suitable for a larger dog. |
Archie | A friendly and playful name, popular for various breeds. |
Ollie | A playful and energetic name, often used for smaller dogs. |
Leo | A strong and courageous name, often chosen for larger dogs. |
Lily | A beautiful and elegant name, often associated with flowers. |
Luna | A mystical and enchanting name, inspired by the moon. |
Penny | A sweet and charming name, often chosen for smaller dogs. |
Pippa | A playful and energetic name, popular for small to medium-sized dogs. |
Sophie | A sweet and sophisticated name, very popular for female dogs. |
Stella | A shining and bright name, often chosen for female dogs. |
Sunny | A cheerful and optimistic name, suitable for a happy dog. |
Zeus | A powerful and majestic name, inspired by Greek mythology. |
Diesel | A strong and powerful name, often chosen for larger dogs. |
Hunter | A skilled and alert name, suitable for a dog with hunting instincts. |
Ranger | A protective and watchful name, often chosen for guardian breeds. |
Maverick | An independent and adventurous name, suitable for a free-spirited dog. |
Champ | A winning and spirited name, often chosen for a dog with a strong personality. |
Finn | A short, strong, and friendly name, popular for various breeds. |
Gus | A friendly and approachable name, a classic choice. |
Louie | A fun-loving and energetic name, suitable for a playful dog. |
Tucker | A loyal and hardworking name, a dependable friend. |
Wrigley | A playful and energetic name, often used for smaller dogs. |
If you yet can’t choose one, here’s our personal favorite –
Whiskey – or you could go with Scotch. Now that you’ve got an Irish dog, we know that you appreciate the finer things in life.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
While you’re naming your dog, there’s one more thing we would recommend – Getting pet health insurance for your little buddy. The reason we say this is because your four-legged buddy may be prone to several medical conditions throughout its lifetime. These include Ehrlichiosis, heartworms, transmissible venereal tumors, distemper, parvovirus, etc. (1) The treatment costs for these can sometimes put a big dent in your savings. With a dog insurance plan, you can save up to 90% of them.
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
The resident animal enthusiast at Spot. I have a lifetime of pet parent experience. If it has fur, feathers, or scales, I’ve probably shared my home with it. I aim to be a reliable source, blending experience with a dedication to the well-being of pets.
Logue, H. (2024, May 10). Irish dog names: the most popular monikers. The Dog People by Rover.com. https://www.rover.com/blog/popular-irish-dog-names/
