Is Ireland a boy's or girl's name?

Ireland is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 209 recorded births.

When was Ireland most popular?

Ireland reached its peak popularity in 2009 with 345 births that year. It is currently ranked #1851 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Ireland?

Ireland is currently ranked #1851 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 6,263 babies since 1993.

Ireland

A Celtic name gently fading from the charts.

Girl's name| Also boysCelticDeclining Also a pet name

#1851▲ 117in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A large island in northwestern Europe.

Ireland is a girl's and boy's baby name of Celtic origin, from the country name — derived from the Old Irish Ériu, a goddess of sovereignty, meaning possibly 'abundant land' or 'western island.' As a given name, Ireland carries the misty-green romance of the Emerald Isle.

Over 6,263 U.S. births are recorded. Actress Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger's daughter Ireland Baldwin brought the name into public view in the 1990s. It's a geographic name with genuine Celtic mythology behind it — more than just a place, it's a story.

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Popularity Over Time

Ireland was #1021 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1851, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Ireland
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	695	#1589	▼
2010s	2,405	#1069	—
2000s	2,559	#986	▲
1990s	604	#5131	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(32 years, 1993–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Ireland
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	108	#1851	+8 (8.0%)
2023	100	#1968	-51 (-33.8%)
2022	151	#1464	-3 (-1.9%)
2021	154	#1412	-28 (-15.4%)
2020	182	#1251	-19 (-9.5%)
2019	201	#1178	-2 (-1.0%)
2018	203	#1182	+7 (3.6%)
2017	196	#1226	-30 (-13.3%)
2016	226	#1122	-46 (-16.9%)
2015	272	#992	+1 (0.4%)
2014	271	#984	+16 (6.3%)
2013	255	#984	+47 (22.6%)
2012	208	#1183	-42 (-16.8%)
2011	250	#1008	-73 (-22.6%)
2010	323	#833	-22 (-6.4%)
2009	345	#820	+6 (1.8%)
2008	339	#836	+20 (6.3%)
2007	319	#875	+70 (28.1%)
2006	249	#1029	+5 (2.0%)
2005	244	#1002	+13 (5.6%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Ireland as a Boy's Name

While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Ireland has also been given to 209 boys in the U.S. since 1914.

Unranked

Current rank

209

Total births

1918

Peak year

Compare Ireland as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Ireland be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Ireland is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #1851. As a boy's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Ireland has two lives

Ireland, the baby name

#1851girls

6,263 babies

Currently viewing

Ireland, the pet name

#28181pet name

1 pets

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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1993–2024) · Methodology