6 Irish boy names beginning with N, with what each one means and how to say it.
Updated November 2026
Naoise is a name from Irish legend, and its meaning is unknown. In the Ulster Cycle tale Longes mac nUislenn, “The Exile of the Sons of Uisneach,” Naoise is a young warrior at the court of Conchobar mac Nessa, king of Ulster, famed with his brothers Ardan and Ainnle for their singing and their speed in the hunt.
No. 88 for boys in Ireland in 2025, with 65 baby boys.
More about NaoiseNeal in Irish is Niall, meaning “passionate, vehement.” Say it NYE-al.
Not in Ireland's 2025 tables (fewer than three babies); last recorded in 2014.
More about NealNeil in Irish is Niall, meaning “passionate, vehement.” Say it NYE-al.
No. 372 for boys in Ireland in 2025, with 10 baby boys.
More about NeilNiall means “passionate, vehement.”
No. 244 for boys in Ireland in 2025, with 19 baby boys.
More about NiallNoel in Irish is Nollaig, meaning “Christmas.” Say it NULL-ig.
No. 402 for boys in Ireland in 2025, with 9 baby boys.
More about NoelNollaig is the Irish word for Christmas. It comes from the Old Irish Notlaic, borrowed from the Latin nātālīcia, “birthday celebration,” from nātālis, “of birth.” As a first name it is a 20th-century creation, an Irish translation of the French Noël, and like Noel it has traditionally been given to children born at Christmas.
Not in Ireland's 2025 tables for boys (fewer than three babies).
More about NollaigThere are 6 Irish boy names starting with N here. The ones readers look up most are Niall, Noel and Neil.