Declan

Every March, the world goes full-on green in honor of St. Patrick, one of the most celebrated figures in Irish history. But before Patrick, there was St. Declan—and his name is the ideal choice if you want something just as rich in heritage, but a little more subtle.

Declan is an Irish name traditionally given to boys. Its roots trace back to Deaglán—an Old Irish name made up of the elements dag and lán, meaning “full of goodness.” In Irish history, the name is famously shared by St. Declan of Ardmore, a missionary who spread Christianity throughout Ireland’s Munster region. Long before St. Patrick banished the snakes, St. Declan built a thriving monastic site in Ardmore whose legendary ruins still stand today.

(Other namesakes that’ll come to mind are English singer Declan McKenna and midfielder Declan Rice. Declan is also a super prominent name in show biz, with tons of characters you’ll recognize from shows like Breaking Bad and Degrassi: The Next Generation).

Needless to say, Declan is a forever classic on the Emerald Isle. But parents across the US are loving its noble, rugged charm, too. “I initially thought I hated it, but then I asked myself how I’d feel if I saw this name on a resume," says ohbabyboy, a member of The Bump community. “That instantly changed things for me. It's very masculine and almost commands attention. I'd assume that a person named Declan was very self-confident and professional.”

The best part? Honoring your heritage and faith—with a name that’s every bit as handsome as baby will be—is as easy as giving gorgeous Declan a try.

Fun Facts About the Name Declan

• Declan’s history is carved in stone: Inside St. Declan’s Monastery in Ardmore is an Ogham stone with the inscription “Lugudeccas Maqi,” which is thought to reference the saint’s great-grandfather.
• A baby name that moves boulders: Irish legend has it that when St. Declan traveled back from Wales, he accidentally forgot his sacred mass bell on a rock on the shore. He prayed, and the rock miraculously floated across the Irish Sea—bobbing right behind the ship he was on, following him home!
• It’s super flexible: Unlike other Irish boy names (Oisin, Tadhg, Caoimhín), Declan is relatively easy for speakers of other languages to pronounce and spell, making it an easy choice if you live outside of Ireland and want to honor your roots.