The Irish people have a traditional method of naming their sons. Irish boy names are patronymic in origin. The sons’ names are taken after their grandfathers – the first from the paternal grandfather, the second from the maternal grandfather and the third takes after the father. The family lineage is a primary factor in the Irish tradition of giving boy names.
However, this tradition does not necessarily apply to those who wish to adopt Irish boy names. Americans who have adopted such names have translated them into the American English, whilst the meanings remain. In the Irish tradition, the bearer is distinguished from the other people having the same name with “Mor” which means big and “Og” which means younger, as in the English counterpart of Senior and Junior.
A look into the Irish boy names and Irish origins of some English or Anglicized forms reveal a big difference in spelling, which largely affects the way these are pronounced in English. Here are some popular English boy names and their original Irish names:
Charles = Cathal
Ken = Caoimhim
Douglas = Duhbglas
Ferdinand = Fearganainm
Neil/Neal = Niall
John = Sean
Ryan = Rioghan
Adan = Aidan
The Irish also prefer Aramaic, Hebrew and Christian names such as Aaron, Paul and Patrick. Irish boy names had been influenced by the history of ancient Ireland. The names were derived from the myths, legends, and old pagan religions. Their meanings have also been associated with the ancient history of the Gaels. The natural elements of the Earth, such as the arts, the sea, and places are also factors that influenced Irish boy names.
Everyone deserves to have a name. The manner by which the name is selected observes basic principles which parents must be fully aware of. This is a major responsibility of the parents, which entails a perspective beyond the name. Giving the right name to a boy is proof of the parents’ wish for their son’s well being. So, learn the meanings and the right Irish boy names for your son first.