I absolutely love hearing from you all each week through the Weekly Dose of Irish—whether it’s funny stories, questions about Irish history, or just a bit of craic about all things Irish. But this week, I got a particularly brilliant email from one of our wonderful subscribers, Erin.
She wrote:
“Love it, thank you, Stephen!!! Getting my first dog shortly and her name?? Shillelagh ☘️”
How fantastic is that? Shillelagh—not only is it fun to say (if you can manage the pronunciation), but it’s an incredibly Irish name, referring to the famous Irish wooden walking stick that doubles as a formidable weapon. Talk about a strong name for a dog! I can already picture a little terrier charging around the house with the attitude of a full-fledged Irish warrior.
That got me thinking—there are so many brilliant Irish dog names to choose from. Whether you want something classic, funny, meaningful, or just totally off-the-wall, Ireland’s rich language and culture have endless inspiration.
So, if you’ve got a new pup in your life (or just love dreaming up funny names), I’ve put together a list of the Top 20 Irish Dog Names—some full of charm, some steeped in history, and some just downright hilarious.
Let’s get into it! 🐾☘️
1. Fionn (Pronounced: “Fyunn”)
Named after the legendary Irish warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who was known for his strength and wisdom. Perfect for a clever and brave pup who thinks they run the household.
2. Saoirse (Pronounced: “Seer-sha”)
Meaning “freedom” in Irish, this is ideal for a dog who refuses to listen to commands and thinks the world is their playground.
3. Guinness 🍻
Because what’s more Irish than a pint of the black stuff? A brilliant name for a strong, dark-coloured dog—or one that has a knack for making you feel warm and fuzzy.
4. Spud 🥔
A cheeky nod to Ireland’s beloved potato. Ideal for a stocky, food-loving dog or one that’s just an absolute legend.
5. Murphy
One of the most common surnames in Ireland, it means “sea warrior.” Perfect for a water-loving pup who never misses a chance to dive into a puddle.
6. Óg (Pronounced: “Owe-g”)
Short for Oisín Óg, meaning “young” in Irish. Great for a pup who will forever act like an over-excited ball of energy.
7. Paddy
Short for Patrick, of course! A classic Irish name that suits a friendly, social dog who loves attention (or a dog that enjoys lying about on Paddy’s Day).
8. Shamrock 🍀
A lovely name for a lucky pup! Great for a dog that always finds the ball, the best treats, or just lands on its feet in any situation.
9. Róisín (Pronounced: “Row-sheen”)
Meaning “little rose”, it’s a sweet and elegant name for a dainty but spirited female pup.
10. Báinín (Pronounced: “Baw-neen”)
Meaning “little white one” in Irish, it’s perfect for fluffy white dogs—think Samoyeds, Bichons, or Westies.
11. Cú (Pronounced: “Koo”)
Short for Cú Chulainn, the legendary Irish warrior. A brilliant name for a strong or feisty dog who thinks they’re bigger than they actually are.
12. Tater Tot
Another fun spud-related name, but this one’s for a small, round, and adorable pup. If you’ve got a chubby little sausage dog, this name is a winner.
13. Bród (Pronounced: “Brode”)
Meaning “pride” in Irish. Fun fact: Bród was the name of one of the dogs owned by former Irish president Michael D. Higgins.
14. Peadar (Pronounced: “Pad-ar”)
An old-school Irish name meaning Peter. If your dog looks like a wise old man or just has that air of mischief, this is a solid choice.
15. Lucky ☘️
A simple but classic Irish reference. Because let’s face it—if you’ve got a dog, you’re already pretty lucky.
16. Molly Malone
A proper Dublin name, inspired by the famous ballad. If your pup loves attention and enjoys the sound of their own voice, this is a top pick.
17. Biscuit 🍪
For the dog that’s always looking for treats or has a golden-brown coat like an Irish shortbread biscuit.
18. Darragh (Pronounced: “Dara”)
A strong Irish name meaning “oak tree”—ideal for a sturdy and dependable pup.
19. Blarney
Inspired by the Blarney Stone, this name is a great choice for a chatty, affectionate pup who’s always looking for kisses.
20. Whiskey 🥃
Whether you prefer Jameson or Bushmills, this name is perfect for a pup with a smooth, golden coat or one that’s just a bit of a rascal.
Which Irish Dog Name Will You Choose? ☘️🐶
Whether you go for a legendary warrior name like Fionn, a cheeky and fun one like Spud, or something truly unique like Shillelagh, there’s no shortage of brilliant Irish names to choose from.
And let’s be honest—naming your dog is a serious business! You’ll be shouting this name in parks, calling it in the middle of the night, and maybe even having full conversations with your pup when nobody’s looking (don’t worry, we all do it).
So why not pick a name that carries a bit of Irish magic with it? Whether your pup is bold, playful, stubborn, or just the absolute best thing to ever happen to you, an Irish name is a perfect way to celebrate their personality with a nod to Ireland’s rich history and humour.
Do you already have a dog with a brilliant Irish name? Let me know! I’d love to hear the stories behind your furry friends’ names—drop a comment or send me an email, just like Erin did.
And to Erin—best of luck with little Shillelagh! Something tells me she’s going to be a mighty little pup. ☘️🐾
Sláinte to all the Irish dog lovers out there! 🐶💚
And if you are still here and have not subscribed to my weekly dose of Irish, then subscribe here! It’s free, and I send it to your inbox every week!