Irish Dog Names and Their Meanings by Clare O Hagan

The Irish have a special regard for dogs. They are part of our culture, our history. There is much mention of them in Irish stories and myths. The tallest dog in the world is the Irish Wolfhound, bred originally to hunt stags and wolfs. Well known dog breeds from Ireland include the Irish Red and White Setters the Irish Water Spaniel, the Kerry Blue. We have the terriers: The Irish Terrier, the Wheaten Terrier, and The Glen of Imaal Terrier. The Irish dog breeds mentioned were bred for working. They are hardy, intelligent, and courageous, and very good looking dogs.

We have made a list of Irish names that would suit a dog. In addition to well known Irish names and their meanings, we have introduced new ones. We have suggested dog breeds that would suit the names. We have included words that sound right, they are at times, whimsical and poetic.

Enjoy reading the list of names and their meanings. Thank you.

Anlan – great hound or warrior, this name has a majestic ring to it

Bannon – white - wheaten terrier

Blaine – thin - greyhound, whippet

Bran, Brenna – raven, Bran is the name of an adventurer

Caha – showery mountain - Caha is two syllables, good when calling a dog

Cara – friend – every dog

Cargan – little rock – would suit a small breed of dog

Carrig - rock

Carey – dark (Black Labrador)

Conan – hound – has a protective ring to it

Conor – lover of hounds

Conry – king of wolves/hounds

Crolly – shaking dog – perhaps a spaniel or waterdog

Derry – descendent of the red haired one, or oak wood

Donn or Dun – brown - chocolate Labrador

Dougal – black strand

Egan – small fiery one -any terrier

Emly – Lake marsh of the yew tree - any beautiful dog

Finn – river in Donegal, blond haired

Fintan – white fire

Flynn – dark red

Grainna – she who inspires terror – perhaps a small wirey terrier

Hugh - fire

Kasey - brave

Kelly - warrior

Kerry – descendant of the dark one – Kerry Blue

Kyla - attractive

Lana – peaceful, attractive

Lorcan - fierce

Madden – little dog

Murphy – hound of the sea

Nola – Noble

Orla – golden princess

Paddy – short for Patrick

Quinn - strong

Rory – Red king

Ryan – little king

Rua – red – red setter

Sion – fairy hill – where the author was born

Tara – rocky hill, assembly area

Tory – mountain like

Tressa - strength

Tynan – Dark

Tullia – quiet and peaceful

©2006 Clare O Hagan - http://www.clareohagan.com

Clare O Hagan is co-owner of O Hagans Irish Store. A genuine lover of dogs, Clare and fellow artist Denise Wyllie, design, produce and sell, dog clothes with an Irish twist. http://www.clareohagan.com

The artists are affiliated to leading Women's Health Institutions internationally. See their art at http://www.wyllieohagan.com

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