228+ Irish Names Starting with D
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Editor-in-ChiefUpdated Dec 5, 2025228 Names
Irish names starting with D connect your child to Ireland's long history. These names often honor saints, heroes, and family traditions from generations past. D names have a warm, welcoming sound that works well in many languages.
Consider the meaning behind each D name, not just how it sounds. Irish names often tell a story about strength, faith, or nature. Think about what values you want your child's name to represent.
Browse 228 Irish names beginning with D in this collection. You will find both popular choices and rare gems. Each entry shows the name's meaning to help you decide.
Popular Names
Use this visual breakdown to discover which irish names starting with d are trending most for boys and girls right now.
Irish Names Starting with D for Girls
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Descendant of the Challenger"
- Description:From an Irish surname, often analyzed as a patronymic meaning descendant of a figure characterized as a challenger.
- Origin:Irish, Persian
- Meaning:"Oak Wealthy"
- Description:Occurs in Irish traditions linked to oak and in Persian as a form of Darius-related meanings, yielding multiple valid etymologies across cultures.
- Origin:Irish, Modern
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:Variant of Devin, often linked to Irish surname traditions and sometimes glossed as poet in modern sources.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:Devin is used as an English form of Irish names associated with a poet, and also reflects surname-based adoption.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Challenger"
- Description:Surname-derived given name from Irish Ó Dubhshláine or related forms, with debated meanings involving dark and challenge.
- Origin:Modern English, Irish
- Meaning:"God; Ewe"
- Description:Contemporary feminine name resembling Diarra or Deirdre-adjacent spellings, with uncertain origin and variable interpretation.
- Origin:Arabic, Irish
- Meaning:"Circle or Oak"
- Description:Has multiple possible sources, including Arabic-derived forms and Irish-influenced spellings; meaning depends on the intended linguistic lineage.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Proud or Haughty"
- Description:From an Irish surname Ó Diomasaigh, commonly glossed as proud, later adopted as a given name in Anglophone contexts.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Descendant of Duibh"
- Description:An anglicized surname-derived given name associated with Irish Ó Dubháin traditions and family lineage meanings.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:A modern spelling of Declan, an Irish name associated in tradition with devotion and religious dedication.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Challenger"
- Description:A variant of Delaney, linked to an Irish surname with roots often interpreted as dark or challenger-related elements.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Descendant of Dabhan"
- Description:Adapted from an Irish surname form, used as a given name with clan-based patronymic implications rather than a literal meaning.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:A modern spelling variant of Devin, commonly linked to Irish roots associated with poets or learned figures.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:Associated with Saint Declan of Ardmore, the name remains strongly tied to Irish Gaelic heritage and modern Anglophone usage.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark Challenger"
- Description:Delanee is a contemporary spelling of Delaney, from Irish surname origins, now widely used as a feminine given name.
- Origin:Irish, Sanskrit
- Meaning:"Poet Divine"
- Description:Used with multiple origins, including Irish surname-related forms interpreted as poet and South Asian usage linked to Sanskrit for divine or godlike.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"From Ó Duibhín"
- Description:Surname-based given name from Irish Ó Duibhín and related forms, later reinterpreted through English as divine.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Assembly; Gathering"
- Description:Derived from Irish surname forms related to Dáil, often used as a given name through surname-to-first-name adoption.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Full of Goodness"
- Description:Declynn is a modern spelling of Declan, commonly glossed as full of goodness, with doubled consonants for style.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful"
- Description:Deirdre is an Irish name tied to legendary literature, commonly interpreted as sorrowful, reflecting themes of tragic narrative tradition.
- Origin:Irish, Persian, Slavic
- Meaning:"Gift or Prosperous"
- Description:Darina appears across several traditions, with meanings varying by language and occasionally connected to gift or prosperity themes.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Assembly Descendant"
- Description:Daly originates from an Irish surname indicating descent from a historical clan associated with assemblies.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Descendant of Challenger"
- Description:Delaynie is a spelling variant related to Delaney, ultimately connected to an Irish surname with debated semantic interpretation.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:Variant of Devin/Devon, often traced to Irish sources connected with a word for poet or bardic tradition.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"Unlucky; Fawn"
- Description:Devlyn is a modern variant of Devlin, an Irish surname with contested interpretations including unlucky or fawn-related glosses.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"From the South"
- Description:Dacey derives from an Irish surname form, sometimes linked to directional or regional senses such as southern origin.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Little Dear"
- Description:A modern spelling associated with Irish styled diminutives, used to suggest endearment through sound and form.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Little Valley"
- Description:A diminutive-style form related to Dale and Darlene, typically interpreted with a valley sense in English.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Assembly"
- Description:Given-name use of an Irish surname Ó Dálaigh, linked to concepts of assembly or gathering and prominent literary families.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:Decklyn is a modern spelling variant of Declan, an Irish name often glossed as man of prayer in popular etymology.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:A modern spelling variant of Declan, an Irish name often interpreted as connected to prayer or devotion.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark Challenger"
- Description:A variant of Delaney, an Irish surname-name often interpreted with elements relating to dark or challenger themes.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Divine One"
- Description:Deona is typically treated as a contemporary variant form, and its etymology is not uniformly documented.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Descendant of Damhan"
- Description:Devaney is an Anglicized Irish surname-name, often traced to Gaelic roots referring to descent from Damhan.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Pool"
- Description:A toponymic given name derived from the Irish place name, historically interpreted as dark pool in Old Irish.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful"
- Description:Deidre is a variant of Deirdre from Irish tradition, widely interpreted as sorrowful and associated with early Irish legend narratives.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful"
- Description:Variant of Deirdre, from Irish legend, commonly interpreted as sorrowful or broken-hearted, with multiple English spellings.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Sorrowful"
- Description:Dedra is an English variant of Deirdre, an Irish legendary name traditionally interpreted as sorrowful or grief-associated in later glosses.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Small Dane"
- Description:Deneen is often treated as an Irish-influenced diminutive related to Dene, with interpretations connected to Danish ethnonyms.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Sorrowful One"
- Description:Typically treated as a modern variant of Deirdre, retaining the traditional association with sorrow in Irish legend.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful; Troubled"
- Description:A variant of Deirdre, associated with Irish legendary material and traditionally glossed with meanings tied to sorrow.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful"
- Description:Diedre is a spelling variant of Deirdre, a name from Irish legend often glossed with meanings related to sorrow or fear.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Of Sean"
- Description:A modern compound combining De prefix with Shawn, it reflects late twentieth century African American naming innovation and phonological patterning.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful"
- Description:Deirdra is a variant of Deirdre, an Irish legendary name often interpreted as sorrowful or laden with grief.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful; Broken-hearted"
- Description:A spelling variant of Deirdre, a name from Irish legend traditionally glossed with meanings related to sorrow or heartbreak.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful; Broken-hearted"
- Description:A modern spelling variant of Deirdre, retaining the traditional Irish legendary association and sorrow-related glosses.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Brown Ruler"
- Description:Donnell derives from Irish Domhnall-related forms, commonly interpreted as combining dark or brown with ruler elements in older glosses.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark or Swarthy"
- Description:An Anglicization of Gaelic surname elements, it historically functioned as a descriptive epithet before becoming a given name.
- Origin:Irish, Arabic
- Meaning:"Pearl; Oak Association"
- Description:Attested with multiple possible roots, it may reflect Irish surname usage or Arabic-derived interpretations depending on family context.
- Origin:Irish, French, English
- Meaning:"From the Fortress"
- Description:An Irish surname used as a given name, it may derive from place or descriptive elements associated with a fortress.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"From the Deer Town"
- Description:Variant of Darby, from an English place name often interpreted as a settlement associated with deer.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"World Ruler"
- Description:Often treated as a variant of Donal or Donald, with spelling adapted in modern English usage.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Oak or Great"
- Description:Often linked to Irish surname and place-name elements, its etymology is debated, with associations to oak or greatness.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark; Swarthy"
- Description:An Anglicized form associated with Irish Gaelic elements, it became established in North American naming during the twentieth century.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Little Dean"
- Description:Anglicized Irish surname and given name form, often analyzed as a diminutive related to dean-like occupational terminology.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Gift"
- Description:Typically treated as a spelling variant of Doreen, it appears in English-speaking records from the twentieth century.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Great; or Oak"
- Description:Variant of Darren or Darrin; etymology is debated, sometimes linked to Irish elements or to oak-related interpretations.
- Origin:French, Irish
- Meaning:"World Ruler"
- Description:Donnelle appears as a French-styled diminutive influenced by Irish Donal forms, carrying a traditional leadership-related sense.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"World Ruler Variant"
- Description:A feminine compound derived from Donald and the suffix lyn, combining Gaelic heritage with modern stylistic spelling.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Red Seaweed"
- Description:English common noun for edible red seaweed used as a rare given name, especially in coastal cultural references.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Stranger"
- Description:Anglicized Irish surname occasionally used as a given name, traditionally glossed as dark outsider or stranger.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"From South Munster"
- Description:From an Irish regional name, it became established in English and Irish usage, sometimes associated with historical territorial divisions.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Descendant"
- Description:From an Irish surname based on Gaelic elements, commonly interpreted as referring to dark or brown lineage.
- Origin:Modern American, Irish
- Meaning:"God; Grace"
- Description:Modern blend resembling Deanna and Delana forms, with uncertain etymology and meanings usually inferred from component names.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Broken-hearted"
- Description:A spelling variant of Deirdre, drawn from Irish legend and traditionally glossed with themes of sorrow or heartbreak.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"God; Ewe"
- Description:Commonly interpreted as a variant of Deirdre or a phonetic form resembling dear, used as an English feminine name.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"God/Beloved; Grace"
- Description:Dauna is a modern variant sometimes aligned with Donna or Dawn forms, with meaning depending on which source name is assumed.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Unlucky or Fierce"
- Description:Irish surname-turned-given name, with etymology debated and interpretations ranging from misfortune to fierceness.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Of the Oak"
- Description:Usually treated as a variant of Darren, often linked to Irish topographic roots associated with oak or wooded places.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:Feminized or stylized form of Devin, from Irish surname roots sometimes interpreted as poet, with contemporary orthographic modification.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"God"
- Description:Variant spelling of Delaney, an Irish surname-derived given name with meaning tied to the original family name.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Poet; Fawn"
- Description:Variant of Devon or Devan, with possible Gaelic links to poet or fawn interpretations, though derivations vary by naming source.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"God/Beloved; Lake"
- Description:Used as a modern given name, sometimes linked to Gaelic-sounding elements, though documentary evidence for a single origin is limited.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Oak Grove"
- Description:Derry derives from an Irish place-name element meaning oak grove and is sometimes used as a given name in Anglophone contexts.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Sorrowful"
- Description:A spelling variant of Deirdre, associated with Irish legend and commonly glossed as sorrowful or troubled in traditional interpretations.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Oak"
- Description:May relate to Irish place-name elements for oak or grove, functioning as a short form in English-speaking environments.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful"
- Description:A variant of Deirdre, it comes from Irish legend and is often interpreted with sorrow or grief associations.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Little One"
- Description:A modern spelling variant of Duane, used primarily in North America, with meanings traced to Gaelic roots.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Descendant of Duibhne"
- Description:An Irish surname-origin name associated with Gaelic lineage terminology, sometimes adopted as a given name in English contexts.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Descendant of Damhán"
- Description:A variant spelling of Devin, ultimately linked to Irish surname traditions and adapted as a given name.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Great; Grace"
- Description:An Irish saint name of Gaelic origin, widely known through devotional tradition, though its literal meaning remains uncertain.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Hill"
- Description:A modern given name with uncertain origin, possibly influenced by Donya and Irish surname phonologies in English contexts.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Divine; Ewe"
- Description:Diera is commonly treated as a modern form, sometimes linked by sound to Irish-derived names such as Deirdre.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Of the Oak Grove"
- Description:Contemporary formation influenced by Irish place-name elements, it is often interpreted through associations with oak and wooded landscapes.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"God; King"
- Description:A surname-derived given name linked to Irish family names, with meaning dependent on the originating Gaelic form.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Little Deer"
- Description:Modern name sometimes linked to Irish forms and deer imagery, though usage also reflects contemporary English coinage.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Little One (diminutive)"
- Description:Diminutive-style modern form resembling Deneen, often used as an affectionate variant with meaning inferred from naming patterns.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"From the South"
- Description:A short name sometimes linked to Irish surname forms, with meanings variably connected to directional or clan-based interpretations.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Little Brown One"
- Description:Diminutive formation associated with Irish Donn roots, though modern usage often reflects stylistic spelling variation.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Champion"
- Description:Primarily encountered as a surname-based given name, it may have Irish influences but lacks a single standardized derivation.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Brown; Chief"
- Description:From Irish elements associated with brown or noble status, appearing in early Irish naming and bynames.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"From the Dale"
- Description:Daleena is an elaborated form built on Dale, a topographic English element meaning valley, extended with a feminine suffix.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Oak Grove"
- Description:Short form influenced by the Irish place name Derry, derived from a term for an oak grove.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Exile; Stranger"
- Description:From Irish Gaelic surname traditions, it is commonly interpreted as relating to an exile or outsider.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark; Swarthy"
- Description:A variant of Duane, it stems from Irish roots often glossed as dark or swarthy in traditional etymologies.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Sorrowful"
- Description:Variant of Deirdre from Irish tradition, commonly glossed as sorrowful, with spellings shaped by English transliteration practices.
Irish Names Starting with D for Boys
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:Associated with Saint Declan of Ardmore, the name remains strongly tied to Irish Gaelic heritage and modern Anglophone usage.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"From South Munster"
- Description:From an Irish regional name, it became established in English and Irish usage, sometimes associated with historical territorial divisions.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Descendant"
- Description:From an Irish surname based on Gaelic elements, commonly interpreted as referring to dark or brown lineage.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:Devin is used as an English form of Irish names associated with a poet, and also reflects surname-based adoption.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Oak or Great"
- Description:Often linked to Irish surname and place-name elements, its etymology is debated, with associations to oak or greatness.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark; Swarthy"
- Description:An Anglicized form associated with Irish Gaelic elements, it became established in North American naming during the twentieth century.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Of Sean"
- Description:A modern compound combining De prefix with Shawn, it reflects late twentieth century African American naming innovation and phonological patterning.
- Origin:Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning:"Descendant of the Dark One"
- Description:Deegan is an Anglicized Irish surname used as a given name, associated with family descent and a dark epithet.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"From South Munster"
- Description:A variant spelling of Desmond, originating from an Irish regional name associated with southern Munster.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:Deklan is a spelling variant of Declan, an Irish name historically associated with an early saint and devotional interpretations.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark or Swarthy"
- Description:An Anglicization of Gaelic surname elements, it historically functioned as a descriptive epithet before becoming a given name.
- Origin:Irish, Sanskrit
- Meaning:"Poet Divine"
- Description:Used with multiple origins, including Irish surname-related forms interpreted as poet and South Asian usage linked to Sanskrit for divine or godlike.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:Variant of Devin/Devon, often traced to Irish sources connected with a word for poet or bardic tradition.
- Origin:Irish, Modern
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:Variant of Devin, often linked to Irish surname traditions and sometimes glossed as poet in modern sources.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Of the Oak"
- Description:Usually treated as a variant of Darren, often linked to Irish topographic roots associated with oak or wooded places.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Proud or Haughty"
- Description:From an Irish surname Ó Diomasaigh, commonly glossed as proud, later adopted as a given name in Anglophone contexts.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Little One"
- Description:A modern spelling variant of Duane, used primarily in North America, with meanings traced to Gaelic roots.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark One"
- Description:Donavan is a variant of Donovan, from Irish roots commonly glossed as dark or dark-haired in traditional explanations.
- Origin:Irish, Persian
- Meaning:"Oak Wealthy"
- Description:Occurs in Irish traditions linked to oak and in Persian as a form of Darius-related meanings, yielding multiple valid etymologies across cultures.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Great; or Oak"
- Description:Variant of Darren or Darrin; etymology is debated, sometimes linked to Irish elements or to oak-related interpretations.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Fruitful; Oak"
- Description:An Irish given name linked to Gaelic elements for oak or fertility, with longstanding use in Ireland.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:A modern spelling variant of Declan, an Irish name often interpreted as connected to prayer or devotion.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Brown Ruler"
- Description:Donnell derives from Irish Domhnall-related forms, commonly interpreted as combining dark or brown with ruler elements in older glosses.
- Origin:Irish, American
- Meaning:"God Is Gracious"
- Description:Typically analyzed as a modern elaboration on Shaun, which derives from John and carries the traditional gracious meaning.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:A modern spelling of Declan, an Irish name associated in tradition with devotion and religious dedication.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Great"
- Description:Variant spelling of Darren, with debated origins including Irish toponyms and Gaelic roots; meanings vary by source.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Descendant of Dark One"
- Description:Modern given-name use of an Irish surname form, sometimes linked to Gaelic roots associated with dark coloration.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"God; King"
- Description:Appears as an anglicized, phonetic-style Irish form, though etymology is uncertain in available onomastic records.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"From Desmond"
- Description:Desmon is a variant of Desmond, an Irish place-associated name adopted into English given-name usage.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Loyal; Lion-like"
- Description:Dillion is a variant spelling often associated with Dillon or Dylan-related forms, with meanings differing across etymological analyses.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Little Blind One"
- Description:Irish-derived masculine name linked to the root for blind, documented historically and revived in modern Anglophone usage.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Oak Tree"
- Description:Anglicized form of Irish Gaelic names tied to oak, used for both sexes in modern Ireland.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"From Ó Duibhín"
- Description:Surname-based given name from Irish Ó Duibhín and related forms, later reinterpreted through English as divine.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Unlucky or Fierce"
- Description:Irish surname-turned-given name, with etymology debated and interpretations ranging from misfortune to fierceness.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark or Brown One"
- Description:Donovin is a spelling variant of Donovan, derived from Irish Gaelic elements referring to dark coloration.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Stranger"
- Description:Anglicized Irish surname occasionally used as a given name, traditionally glossed as dark outsider or stranger.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark; Little One"
- Description:Donavon is a variant of Donovan from Irish naming, commonly glossed as dark or little dark one.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Black-haired"
- Description:Daegan is used as a modern form related to Deagan or Dagan, sometimes glossed from Gaelic descriptors such as black-haired.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Exile; Stranger"
- Description:From Irish Gaelic surname traditions, it is commonly interpreted as relating to an exile or outsider.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:Decklyn is a modern spelling variant of Declan, an Irish name often glossed as man of prayer in popular etymology.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Descendant of the Challenger"
- Description:From an Irish surname, often analyzed as a patronymic meaning descendant of a figure characterized as a challenger.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"From South Munster"
- Description:A variant spelling of Desmond, it derives from an Irish toponym historically linked to Munster.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"World Ruler"
- Description:Often treated as a variant of Donal or Donald, with spelling adapted in modern English usage.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Dark; Swarthy"
- Description:Usually a spelling variant of Duane, from Irish Dubhán, with semantic ties to darkness or swarthiness.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Assembly"
- Description:Given-name use of an Irish surname Ó Dálaigh, linked to concepts of assembly or gathering and prominent literary families.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Full of Goodness"
- Description:Deaglan is an Irish name traditionally connected to Declan, often glossed as full of goodness in popular interpretation.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark One"
- Description:Donaven is a variant of Donovan, from Irish elements often interpreted as dark or dark-haired.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Pool"
- Description:A toponymic given name derived from the Irish place name, historically interpreted as dark pool in Old Irish.
- Origin:Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning:"Oak; Steadfast Strength"
- Description:Dair is associated with Irish Gaelic elements for oak, often interpreted as a symbol of endurance and resilience.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"Variant of Declan"
- Description:A contemporary spelling variant of Declan, a traditional Irish name historically associated with early Christian missionary traditions.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark One"
- Description:Donivan is a spelling variant of Donovan, associated with Irish surname roots often glossed as dark.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Brown; Chief"
- Description:From Irish elements associated with brown or noble status, appearing in early Irish naming and bynames.
- Origin:Irish, French, English
- Meaning:"From the Fortress"
- Description:An Irish surname used as a given name, it may derive from place or descriptive elements associated with a fortress.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"World Ruler"
- Description:An Irish form of Domhnall, analyzed from Gaelic elements meaning world and ruler, historically borne by kings and nobles.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark"
- Description:A variant of Duane, generally traced to Irish forms associated with darkness or swarthiness.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark, Little One"
- Description:A spelling variant of Donovan, from Irish surname roots commonly interpreted with meanings relating to darkness.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark"
- Description:Irish surname adopted as a given name, commonly derived from Gaelic elements meaning dark, historically associated with family lineages.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Oak Grove"
- Description:Derry derives from an Irish place-name element meaning oak grove and is sometimes used as a given name in Anglophone contexts.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Oaky; Fertile"
- Description:Darry is used as a diminutive of names like Darren and as an Irish-influenced form associated with place-name elements.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark"
- Description:Dwyane is a modern orthographic variant of Dwayne, often associated with Irish-derived surname traditions.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Stranger"
- Description:Doyal is a given name from Irish surname usage, likely related to Dubhghall and notions of a dark foreigner.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Little One"
- Description:Spelling variant of Duane, generally traced to Irish forms associated with dark or swarthy descriptions.
- Origin:Scottish, Irish
- Meaning:"World Ruler"
- Description:Donold is a rare spelling variant of Donald, from Gaelic Domhnall, traditionally interpreted as ruler of the world or world-might.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Great"
- Description:A variant of Darren, often connected to Irish naming, with interpretations ranging from great to oak-related associations.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"World Ruler"
- Description:Typically a reduced form of Irish Domhnall, associated with rulership and widespread historical Gaelic naming patterns.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Little Oak"
- Description:Anglicized form linked to Irish place elements for oak, used as a given name with topographic roots.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Of the Oak Grove"
- Description:Contemporary formation influenced by Irish place-name elements, it is often interpreted through associations with oak and wooded landscapes.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark One"
- Description:A spelling variant of Donovan, derived from Irish elements and commonly interpreted as referring to darkness or dark-haired identity.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark; Swarthy"
- Description:Primarily an Irish surname from Gaelic descriptive roots, sometimes adopted as a given name in Anglophone settings.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark"
- Description:Dewaine is a spelling variant of Duane, ultimately from Irish roots commonly interpreted as dark or swarthy.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Meadow"
- Description:Donley is a surname-derived given name associated with Irish and English usage, originally tied to place or family identification.
- Origin:Modern English, Irish
- Meaning:"Dark Descendant"
- Description:Donavyn is a modern spelling variant of Donovan, from Irish elements associated with darkness and lineage.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"Dark Descendant"
- Description:Donnovan is a modern spelling variant of Donovan, from Irish elements linked to darkness and descent.
- Origin:Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning:"Dark-haired One"
- Description:Degan is a rare given name linked to Irish Gaelic surname forms, often glossed with a descriptor for dark hair.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark One"
- Description:Dugan derives from an Irish surname tradition, commonly analyzed as a descriptor referring to darkness or swarthiness.
- Origin:American, Irish
- Meaning:"Dark, Little One"
- Description:Usually treated as a modern spelling of Duane, commonly connected to Irish elements interpreted as dark or small.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Free Man"
- Description:Dermot is an Anglicized form of an Irish Gaelic name long attested in medieval Irish historical sources.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Champion"
- Description:Primarily encountered as a surname-based given name, it may have Irish influences but lacks a single standardized derivation.
- Origin:Irish
- Meaning:"Dark; Black"
- Description:Duff comes from Irish Gaelic elements meaning dark, chiefly a surname that is occasionally repurposed as a concise given name.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:Devaun is a modern spelling influenced by Devon and Devaughn traditions, sometimes linked to Irish poetic associations.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark Descendant"
- Description:An English variant of Donovan, ultimately from Irish roots referring to a dark or brown-descended lineage.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"God/Beloved; Grace"
- Description:Typically considered a modern spelling variant related to names like Dalen or Daelen, with uncertain direct Gaelic etymology.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"Unlucky; Fawn"
- Description:Devlyn is a modern variant of Devlin, an Irish surname with contested interpretations including unlucky or fawn-related glosses.
- Origin:Irish, Modern
- Meaning:"Descendant of Lorcan"
- Description:Delorean derives from an Irish surname meaning descendant of Lorcan and became widely known through cultural references.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark; Swarthy"
- Description:An alternate spelling of Duane, ultimately from Irish Dubhán, historically associated with a dark or swarthy descriptive root.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Descendant of Damhán"
- Description:A variant spelling of Devin, ultimately linked to Irish surname traditions and adapted as a given name.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"God; King"
- Description:A surname-derived given name linked to Irish family names, with meaning dependent on the originating Gaelic form.
- Origin:Irish, Modern English
- Meaning:"Dark Little One"
- Description:Dywane is a modern spelling variant of Dwayne or Duane, ultimately connected to Irish elements interpreted as dark little one.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"From the meadow"
- Description:Transferred surname form related to Dorsey variants, used occasionally as a given name with variable etymology.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Little Deer"
- Description:Modern name sometimes linked to Irish forms and deer imagery, though usage also reflects contemporary English coinage.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark-haired Chieftain"
- Description:A creative spelling of Donovan, derived from Irish roots associated with a dark-haired leader.
- Origin:French, Irish
- Meaning:"World Ruler"
- Description:Donnelle appears as a French-styled diminutive influenced by Irish Donal forms, carrying a traditional leadership-related sense.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Man of Prayer"
- Description:Variant of Declan, an Irish saint name often interpreted as man of prayer, with modern spelling adjustments.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark Stranger"
- Description:Doyl is a shortened spelling related to Doyle, an Irish surname with traditional etymological interpretations involving darkness.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Poet"
- Description:A modern spelling variant of Devin, commonly linked to Irish roots associated with poets or learned figures.
- Origin:Scottish, Irish
- Meaning:"Dark"
- Description:Doak is a compact given-name use of a Scottish and Irish surname, likely originating as an epithet for complexion.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"God; Friend"
- Description:Dervin appears as an Irish-influenced name and surname form, with meanings depending on specific Gaelic derivations.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"From the Valley"
- Description:Delan is a short modern name related to Dylan and Delaney-like forms, often interpreted as valley-associated.
- Origin:Irish, English
- Meaning:"Dark; Little One"
- Description:Variant spelling of Donovan, from Irish surname origins often interpreted with dark or little elements in traditional glosses.
- Origin:English, Irish
- Meaning:"Hill"
- Description:A modern given name with uncertain origin, possibly influenced by Donya and Irish surname phonologies in English contexts.
Why Choose Irish Names Starting with D?
Parents often gravitate toward irish names starting with d when they want a name that sounds beautiful and also feels meaningful in everyday life. It balances heart, identity, and long-term fit.
Written by
Grace RoyalBaby Name Expert & Lead Editor
Editor-in-Chief with 15+ years in baby naming and linguistics. Columbia University M.A. in Linguistics.
Classic NamesName EtymologyCultural Naming Traditions