The baby names expected to rise in popularity in Ireland in 2026

Some of these are beautiful!

Research from My Name Tags has revealed the names that are due to become more popular in the new year.

The baby boy names tipped most likely to see a surge include Troy. 

It came in at 655 spot in 2024 in the CSO’s listing but following Troy Parrott’s magic performance in the last two World Cup Qualifier games for Ireland securing a playoff spot for Ireland for World Cup 2026, it is sure to be on the rise next year!

Seamus is also expected to be on the rise due to Ireland captain Seamus Coleman's similar success.

In a similar line of sporting themes, Irish golfing stars Rory McIllroy and Shane Lowry will no doubt also impact boys’ names choices for 2026 after their Ryder Cup performances. 

Rory ranked at 68 spot in 2024 in the baby names listing while Shane came in at 150, but both are sure to rise next year.

Liam is also predicted to rise in usage, thanks to none other than Oasis' huge tour this summer.

In terms of girls’ names, following the success of The Traitors Ireland, there's one name that's sure to become more popular.

For those who haven't watched it yet, and want to avoid spoilers, I'd advise you skip over the next sentence.

However, the winner was Kelley from Donegal, and with her name not even making the names list ranking in Ireland in 2024, it's predicted that it will definitely enter the charts in 2026 following her success on the much-loved programme.

In a similar vein, Paudie is expected to rise in popularity, up from its 139 spot in 2024, due to Paudie Moloney from The Traitors Ireland.

The success of The Summer I turned Pretty also has experts predicting that Isobel will rise up the rankings, up from its 259 spot in 2024.

Finally, Cáitriona is also anticipated to rise in popularity, following the major success of long distance runner Cáitriona Jennings from Letterkenny.

The name didn’t even make the rankings listing in 2024 with less than three babies named Cáitriona in Ireland that year so perhaps this Irish classic will see a resurgence in 2026.