Irish

♂ Boy

Pronounced EYE-rish /ˈaɪ.rɪʃ/High

Meaning: Irish is the English word for a person or thing of Ireland. As a given name it functions as a word-and-nationality name, often chosen as a heritage nod or as a nickname that stuck. It is not a traditional Irish given name, which we note.High

In 30 seconds: Irish is the word itself — of Ireland (said 'EYE-rish'). A heritage nod and nickname-turned-name, not a traditional Irish given name, which we note.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningIrish is the English word for a person or thing of Ireland. As a given name it functions as a word-and-nationality name, often chosen as a heritage nod or as a nickname that stuck. It is not a traditional Irish given name, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#12975 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 155

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Irish comes to naming as a word name — a nationality worn as an identity. In the U.S. it has long lived as a nickname, especially in sport and film, and a small number of families give it outright as a heritage nod. It is not a traditional Irish given name, which we note (said 'EYE-rish').

In the U.S. it is very rare for boys. Rare, plain-spoken, and full of heritage pride.

Did you know? Irish is used as a name the way Dallas or Reno are used: a place-and-people word worn as a badge. It is not a traditional given name in Ireland, which we note (said 'EYE-rish').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Irish — English word/nationality name; not a traditional Irish given name

Variations

ErinEireIreland

Nicknames

IshRish

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Irish…

Ireland— the place behind the word

Dallas— a like place-word name

Cash— a like short, brash word name

Rebel— another bold English word name

Explore names like Irish

By thememodern word-name heritage rare

By meaningGift / Blessing

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Irish mean?

Irish is the English word for someone or something of Ireland, used as a heritage word name.

How do you pronounce Irish?

It's said EYE-rish /ˈaɪ.rɪʃ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Irish a boy or girl name?

Here Irish is used as a boy's name; it is given to girls as well.

How popular is Irish?

Irish is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.