Irish Horse Names And Meanings (300+ Amazing Ideas)

The world of Irish horse names is vast … almost as large as the Emerald Isle itself. But searching for the perfect Irish name to match your horse’s gender, looks, or personality (and maybe even a wee bit of your own persona) can be as daunting a task as finding a four-leaf clover on an Irish hillside.

If you’re dreaming of dubbing your new horse with a lyrical Irish name that’s brimming with beauty, tradition, and perhaps a touch of humor, here is an extensive list of Irish names and their meanings, separated by category.

With a little luck o’ the Irish, this guide will point you toward a clever and creative Celtic name for your equine companion.

Irish Draught Horse - Irish Horse Names

Best Irish Horse Names

Each Irish name below represents something to make your horse stand a little taller in his or her stall:

  1. Raghnall – Strong
  2. Bailintin – Valiant
  3. Ernan – Serious
  4. Kane – Gift or tribute
  5. Nolan – Noble
  6. Aguistin – Majestic
  7. Ailfrid – Wise
  8. Ailin – Handsome
  9. Maher – Generous
  10. Quinn – Intelligent
  11. Kelly – Energetic, lively, happy
  12. Clover – Charming, lucky, a green plant
  13. Finley – Brave and fair warrior
  14. Dublin – The capital city of Ireland
  15. Ambros – Divine
  16. Conlan – Hero, wise
  17. Connolly, Connacht – Brave, wise
  18. Ainmire – Great lord
  19. Shanahan, Seanachan – Wise
  20. Shea, Seaghda – Majestic
  21. Conan – Respected, brilliant, special
  22. Keegan – Little fire, feisty and spirited
  23. Cleary – Scholar
  24. Anmcha, Amnchadh – Brave
  25. Felix – One with good fortune, happy and content
  26. Austin – Majestic, magnificent, or regal
  27. Ahern, Ahearn – Lord of the horses
  28. Chance – Good luck and fortune
  29. Alphonsus – Noble, ready
  30. Maonaigh, Mooney – Wealthy
  31. Kelleher – Loving husband
  32. Cullen – Handsome and masculine
  33. Anntoin, Ann – Priceless
  34. Aralt – Leader
  35. Eimhin, Eimar, Evin – Swift
  36. Seamus – Cunning, clever
  37. Aineislis – Glorious stand
  38. Justin – Judicious
  39. Carthage, Carthach – Loving
  40. Morain, Moran – Great
  41. Anlon, Anluan – Champion

Irish Horse Names For Geldings

The following list includes meaningful Irish names that would be good for a gelding. They signify strength, nobility, and many other charming qualities:

  1. Kirby – A church farm
  2. Tully, Taicligh – Peaceful
  3. Fionn – Small fair-haired soldier
  4. Caffar – Helmet
  5. Keely, Kealy – Handsome
  6. Molloy, Malloy – Noble chief
  7. Dempsey – Proud
  8. Eachan – Horseman
  9. Abban – Abbot
  10. Craig – Rocks or crags 
  11. Lam – Forest, woods
  12. Flynn, Flin, Flinn – Son
  13. Caith – From the battlefield
  14. Shannon – Wise river
  15. Elroy – Red-haired youth
  16. Rory – Red, rust-colored
  17. Kevin – Handsome, small, cute
  18. Oscar – Deer-lover, a mythical character
  19. Farry – Manly
  20. Terrence – Tender
  21. Prionsa – Prince
  22. Canice – Handsome
  23. Regan, Riagan, Ryan, Rian – Little king
  24. Beacan – Cute or little one
  25. Renny, Raighne – Mighty
  26. Carlin – Little champion
  27. Coireall – Lordly
  28. Ward – Son of the bard
  29. Tormey, Tormaigh – Thunder spirit
  30. Trevor, Treabhar – Prudent
  31. Ualtar – Strong fighter
  32. Breandan – Prince
  33. Carroll, Cearbhall – Manly
  34. Khu – Cheerful, joyous, adorable
  35. Melvyn, Malvin, Melvin, Mal – Chief
  36. Rian – Little king
  37. Tara – One that carries you
  38. Eamon, Eamonn – Guardian
  39. Torin, Toryn – Chief
  40. Finbar, Fineen, Finnin – Handsome
  41. Cahir, Cathaoir – Warrior
  42. Aengus, Angus, Aonghus, Oengus, Ungus, Enos, Hungas – Vigorous
See more male horse names

Irish Horse Names For Mares 

There certainly is no shortage when it comes to Irish names for mares.

These selections and their meanings would be sure to show the world how much you prize your bonnie lass:

  1. Avonmore – From the great river
  2. Assan – Waterfall
  3. Holly – A majestic and lovely creature
  4. Quinlan – Graceful
  5. Annabelle – Joyful and happy pet
  6. Daibheid – Dearly loved
  7. Adhamh – Of the earth
  8. Nayeli – Cute and attractive
  9. Cadhla – Graceful, beautiful
  10. Fiona – Beautiful, fair
  11. Sheridan – Untamed
  12. Cordelia – Honest and good-hearted
  13. Ennis – Extraordinary, special
  14. Kylie – Graceful, beautiful
  15. Riona – Regal or queen-like
  16. Lorcan – Little wild one
  17. Yale – Fertile upland
  18. Connemara – Wild and beautiful
  19. Shauna – Gift, God’s grace
  20. Imogen – Innocent, maiden
  21. Brady, Bradaigh – Spirited
  22. Ivy – A vine, evergreen climber
  23. Willow – Caring, soft, quiet
  24. Erin – Peaceful, calm, and kind 
  25. Laoise – Light, splendor
  26. Cliodhna – Goddess of love, beautiful
  27. Clare – Clear and bright, famous
  28. Niamh – Daughter of the sea god, lustrous
  29. Fineen – Beautiful child
  30. Feich, Fay – Raven
  31. Sadhbh – Sweet and wise
  32. Haley – Ingenious
  33. Mairead – Pearl, shining
  34. Benen – Kind
  35. Sorcha – Radiance, brightness, splendor
  36. Destiny – Fortune, good luck, fate
  37. Vala – Chosen
  38. Anna – Graceful, poised, and elegant
  39. Wenda – Comely, a friend
  40. Egon, Egan, Eagon – Fiery
  41. Hanraoi – Rules the home
  42. Cara – A beloved friend, a kindred spirit
  43. Eimear – Gentle words, wisdom, virtue, beauty, sweet voice, and skill
  44. Claire – Dark-haired
  45. Kaylee, Kayleen – Pure and pristine 
  46. Brennan – Little raven, little drop
  47. Eileen – Bright light, guiding light
  48. Moher – Irish coastal sea cliffs
  49. Glaleanna – Dwells in the glen
  50. Carney, Cearnach – Victorious
  51. Roisin – Little rose
  52. Willow – Caring, soft, and quiet
  53. Caley, Caly, Caolaidhe – Slender
  54. Ciara – Dark-haired or having dark eyes
  55. Aleen – Pretty, good-looking
  56. Hurley – Sea tide
  57. Kayla – Innocent, good, and pure 
  58. Meadhra, Meara – Happy
  59. Daithi – Beloved, nimble
  60. Dearbhla – True desire, lovely
  61. Blathma – Flower, sun
  62. Siobhan – Charming
  63. Aine – Mythical queen, radiance
  64. Blathnaid – Blooming flower
  65. Cadie – Rhythmic, flowing sounds
See more female horse names

Famous Irish Horse Names

Irish culture is known the world around for its profound influence on music, literature, sports, and the stage. So why not hitch your steed to the name of a famous Irish horse, or even a famous Irish human? 

Famous Irish draught horses:

  1. King of Diamonds
  2. Clover Hill
  3. Sea Crest
  4. Ado Annie
  5. Carling King
  6. Cruising
  7. Free and Clear
  8. Sir Rivie
  9. McKinlaigh
  10. Kiko

Famous Irish horses on TV and in movies:

  1. Seamus (appeared in BBC TV series, “Poldark”)
  2. Tír Na Nóg (appeared in the movie, “Into the West”)

Famous Irish humans:

  1. William Butler Yeats
  2. George Bernard Shaw
  3. Maeve Binchy
  4. Liam Neeson
  5. Pierce Brosnan
  6. Colin Farrell
  7. Kenneth Branagh
  8. James Joyce
  9. Oscar Wilde
  10. Samuel Beckett

Funny Irish Horse Names

Comedy seems to be an Irish pastime, judging by the likes of Conan O’Brien, John Mulaney, Jimmy Fallon, George Carlin, Stephen Colbert, Dana Carvey, Bill Murray, Art Carney, and Alec Baldwin. There’s comedy in the punch lines of many a limerick, too.

These humorous horse handles are bound to cause some chuckles at the local stable (or pub): 

  1. Horsey McHorseface
  2. Irish You Well
  3. Givemeanothername
  4. Waikikamukau 
  5. Arnold Schwarzeneighgger 
  6. Hoof Hearted
  7. Ha Ha Ha
  8. Hermioneigh
  9. DoReMiFaSoLaTiDo
  10. Smartie-Pants
  11. Maythehorsebewithu
  12. David Hasselhoof 
  13. Myexwifesashes
  14. Hay Girl
  15. NightMare
  16. Harry Trotter 
  17. Forrest Jump
  18. Hoof Jackman 
  19. Buck Rogers 
  20. Britney Spurs
  21. Bunny Killer
  22. Pickles
  23. Dustin Hoofman 
  24. Liam Neighson 
  25. Sylvester Stallion 
See more funny horse names!

Unique Irish Names For Horses

The Irish names below are outstanding because of their association with Irish places or mythology, their unusual spellings, or the surprising fact that they describe other animals:

  1. Breena – A fairy castle from an imaginary tale 
  2. Owen – Born of a yew tree 
  3. Cairbre – Mythical name 
  4. Loki – Cunning, an ancient God, trickster 
  5. Nessa – Rough, powerful, a mythical character 
  6. Earnan – Knowing 
  7. Caomh – Lovable 
  8. Laoidhigh, Lee – Poetic 
  9. Cuinn – Intelligent 
  10. Griffin – Mythical creature, fierce guardian of precious treasures 
  11. Carys – Pure and deep love, soulful romance 
  12. Bronagh – Sorrowful, name of a saint 
  13. Teague, Teaghue – Poet 
  14. Asher – Blessed, an old Biblical name 
  15. Daithi – Agile and fast, a ruler of Ireland 
  16. Lugh – Mythical name 
  17. Donegal – A town in Northwestern Ireland, fort for strangers 
  18. Deirdre – A broken heart, emotional and sensitive 
  19. Heremon – Mythical name 
  20. Calhoun, Coillcumhann – From the narrow forest
  21. Orla – Golden ruler or princess 
  22. Doyle – Mysterious, dark stranger 
  23. Blarney – A lovely town in Southwest Ireland 
  24. Tadhe – Bard or poet, name of a historical king 
  25. Saoirse – Freedom, a patriotic name 
  26. Searbhreathach – Judicious 
  27. Grainne – Grain, goddess of harvest 
  28. Aghy – Friend of horses 
  29. Keenan, Keanan – Ancient 
  30. Cian – An ancestor of Cianachta, part of an Irish myth 
  31. Niall – A champion, exceptional, a star 
  32. Aisling – Dream, a form of poetry 
  33. Elhe – Legend name 
  34. Burren – Location in Southeast Ireland, a rocky place 
  35. Lakeland, Lochlann, Lochlain – Home of the Norse people
  36. Senan – Ancient, wise 
  37. Wexford – A coastal town in Southeast Ireland 
  38. Weyland – Light complexion 
  39. Sile – Patron of music, untarnished 
  40. Sean – God’s grace, old and wise 
  41. Aoibhinn – Beautiful and pleasant 
  42. Cashel – A town in southern Ireland, also means castle 
  43. Cruadhlaoich, Crowley – Hunchbacked 
  44. Seamus – Cunning, clever 
  45. Darragh – Fruitful, dark oak tree 
  46. Eabha – The Irish version of Eve, a Biblical name 
  47. Keenan, Keanan – Ancient
  48. Sage – Wise and intelligent 
  49. Gallagher – A kind and helpful pet 
  50. Banbhan – Piglet 
  51. Aidan – Energetic and lively pet 
  52. Ronan – Little seal 
  53. Faolan, Felan – Wolf
  54. Artur, Art – Noble bear 
  55. Oonagh – Lamb, unity, and oneness 
  56. Oisin – Small deer, a mythical poet, and hero 
  57. Gall – Rooster 
  58. Crevan – Fox
  59. Yuki – Fun-loving pet
  60. Flannery – Red-haired pet 
  61. Callum – Dove
  62. Collin – Cute cub or puppy 
See more unique horse names!

Cool Irish Names For Horses

Now we come to some names that have been selected simply because of their coolness factor. They fall into two groups.

Irish musicians:

  1. Sinéad
  2. O’Connor
  3. Enya
  4. Cranberry
  5. O’Riordan
  6. Hozier
  7. Van Morrison
  8. Damien
  9. Gallagher
  10. Rory
  11. Bono
  12. The Edge

Just some very cool names:

  1. Scannalan, Scanlon, Scanlan – Scandal
  2. Quigley – Unruly hair
  3. Callough, Calvagh, Calbhach – Bald
  4. Houdini – For horses who like to hide
  5. Mr. Frodo – For Lord of the Rings fans
  6. Usain Colt – An obvious reference to speed
See more cool horse names

Irish Horse Show Names

If you’d like to borrow a name from an Irish horse show, here’s a sample of the puissance (high jump) winners from the past several years at the Dublin Horse Show.

They range from the simple to the complex:

  1. Clyde (2013)
  2. Acorad 3 Afp’s Quick Vainqueur (2014)
  3. Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier (2015)
  4. Cisero Acorad 3 (2016)
  5. Cavalier Rusticana; Seapatrick Cruise Cavalier (2017)
  6. Citi Business; Chacote; CMS Tallulah; Hearton DuBois Halleux (2018)
  7. Dassler (2019)

Irish Race Horse Names

If speed is your thing, here are some famous Irish racehorse names to inspire you:

  1. Shergar
  2. Arkle
  3. Synchronised
  4. Dawn Run

Horse Name Inspiration

Just about anything Irish can inspire you, from songs to foods and beverages, to the color green. Try looking at those hilly green travel posters of Ireland and imagine you and your horse there.

If that doesn’t help, here’s a list of Irish songs, colors, and goodies to get your mind in gear (and your mouth-watering):

Irish tunes:

  1. Molly Malone
  2. Galway Girl
  3. When Irish Eyes are Smiling
  4. Danny Boy
  5. The Irish Rover
  6. The Foggy Dew
  7. Riverdance
  8. Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral

Synonyms for green:

  1. Lime
  2. Jade
  3. Olive
  4. Chartreuse
  5. Fresh
  6. Mint
  7. Verdant
  8. Apple

Irish foods and beverages:

  1. Beef stew
  2. Irish coffee
  3. Shepherd’s pie
  4. Irish soda bread
  5. Corned beef and cabbage
  6. Bangers and mash
  7. Irish brown bread
  8. Irish pasties
  9. Champ (mashed potatoes, butter, and onions)
  10. Irish cream
  11. Stout
  12. Pint

Help Choosing The Right Name

It’s common to struggle a bit when naming an animal, so it’s understandable that you might feel like you need a little help.

Friends and family are usually more than happy to tell you what they think of your name choices … for better or for worse.

Bouncing ideas around with fellow horse-lovers and those who know your horse’s personality traits is a good idea, too.

You can even join an Internet discussion group these days. Just describe your horse’s traits and see what pops up.

For example, if your horse happens to have a clover-shaped marking on its forehead, your new online friends might suggest one of the following:

  • Clover the Rainbow
  • Leprechaun’s Leap
  • Lucky in Love
  • Shady Shamrock
  • Clover the Moon

Conclusion

Maybe you’re Irish. Or perhaps you’re just attracted to Irish songs, Irish whiskey, or Irish eyes.

Whatever your motivation is for giving your horse an Irish name, have faith! You’ll find that four-leaf clover yet.

Because, as you can see, the choices are many. Maybe not quite as many as there are potatoes in Ireland, but close. And that’s no malarkey!

If you’re still looking for more inspiration, check out these awesome lists of horse names!

More Ideas