Travel to the islands of the North Atlantic with Celtic boy names. These handsome picks with rugged backbones are made to last, and many have come to bear the coveted timeless label. Let’s run through a few highlights together.
Arthur is the Celtic boy name that most people know. He’s powerful yet gentle, fitting a little scholar and a warrior alike. His meaning of “bear” is just as flexible, conjuring up images of a grizzly and a teddy bear all at once. He’s also the most popular Celtic choice, though he’s hardly approaching the point of overuse. He’s a classic name like James or William, but he remains fresh thanks to his tendency to hang out in a sweet spot on the baby name charts. He was also a betting favorite for the name of a certain little prince, thanks to his royal connections.
Other Celtic boy names aren’t nearly as common, but this makes them an attractive bunch for parents who’d like something rare. Variants of Tristan make up most Celtic boy names on the charts, including Tristen, Tristian, and Triston. He’s a polished pick, and his meaning of “noise” is more than fitting on a boisterous baby boy. Further down you’ll find the similar Tremaine, which is a name we see room for higher on the charts. He borders on preppy, a style that’s home to the popular Preston, Parker, and Wesley. He’s also relatively nickname-proof, a must-have for some parents.
As you can see, Celtic boy names are a goldmine of amazing monikers that deserve more attention. There’s Angus, a fun pick who has the adorable Gus nickname. He also has rockstar vibes because of a certain AC/DC co-founder, which ups his cool factor. Galvyn, meaning “sparrow,” is another awesome option. Similar to the much-loved Gavin, he’s perfectly suited for a modern little guy ready to spread his wings and fly. Eghan, Annon, and Avon are also close in sound to top baby boy names but remain rare. They follow today’s most popular trends, and we can see them fitting in easily with names like Logan, Aiden, and Mason. If you like the vintage name movement, take a peek at Murdoc. He’s a serious-sounding moniker, but like Watson and Oscar, he’s absolutely adorable on a little boy. His nickname of Doc is also a home run. Others that fit this style are Maccus, Dougal, Finnobarr, and Ferghus.
Like the lands they come from, Celtic boy names are full of history and meaning. This gives them a deep connection to their heritage and strength. Kincaid’s “battle leader” meaning is badass, as is his super cool nickname Cade. Similarly, Morrow’s “sea warrior” and Donaghy’s “strong fighter” are bold and brave. Don’t forget that knowledge is also mighty, as seen in Conant’s “wise.” There are so many more amazing meanings waiting for you too.
See what awesome finds you can uncover in Celtic boy names.
