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Irish Gaelic Names

  1. Orlaith

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "golden princess"

    • Description:

      In early, pre-Norman Ireland, this name was borne by both a sister and a niece of high king Brian Boru. Now, the English form Orla is more commonly used.
  2. Róisín

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic, diminutive of RÓIs

    • Meaning:

      "rose"

    • Description:

      An authentic choice for your little Irish Rose, chosen by singer Sinead O'Connor for her daughter.
  3. Emer

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "swift"

    • Description:

      Popular in Ireland, though not as popular as its spelling variant Eimear, Emer is a mythological name, associated with the legendary wife of the warrior hero Cuchulainn. She was said to possess the six gifts of womanhood: beauty, voice, speech, wisdom, chastity, and needlework.
  4. Sina

    • Origin:

      Samoan, English, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish

    • Meaning:

      "gray or white haired; god is gracious; new victory"

    • Description:

      Short, sweet, and perhaps misleadingly simple, Sina is in fact a multicultural choice with a wide range of origins. In Samoan mythology, Sina is used for a number of figures, and notably appears in the creation story of the coconut tree, Sina and the Eel. In this case, the name means "white or gray haired" and appears in the Disney movie Moana.
  5. Áine

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "brilliance, wit"

    • Description:

      Similar in sound to Anya and Enya, Áine is a mythical Irish choice, associated with the goddess of summer, wealth, beauty, love, and fertility. It is a familiar choice in Ireland and Northern Ireland, where it flits in and out of the Top 100, while in England and Wales, it was a Top 1000 choice back in the 2000s.
  6. Fionnuala

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "white shoulders"

    • Description:

      This lovely Gaelic name, very popular in the Emerald Isle, has inspired a whole host of diminutives (including Nuala and Nola) and variant spellings, from Finola to Finula to the Scottish and English Fenella. In Irish legend Fionnuala was one of the four children of Lir who were transformed into swans for 900 years.
  7. Eyvind

    • Origin:

      Dainish, Norwegian, Swedish

    • Meaning:

      "island conqueror, lucky conqueror"

    • Description:

      Eyvind is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, derived from elements meaning 'island' and 'winner' or 'conqueror.' This ancient Scandinavian name dates back to Viking times and appears in Norse sagas and historical records. Traditionally spelled Øyvind in Norway and Öyvind in Sweden, the anglicized Eyvind has made the name more accessible internationally. Throughout Scandinavian history, it has been associated with strength, independence, and maritime heritage. While relatively uncommon outside Nordic countries, it has maintained consistent popularity in Norway especially. The name evokes images of fjords, islands, and the seafaring tradition of Norse culture, offering a distinctive option with historical depth.
  8. Aingeal

    • Description:

      Aingeal is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. Pronounced roughly as 'AHN-gal' or 'AYN-gal,' it is the Irish form of Angel, literally meaning 'messenger' or 'divine messenger.' The name carries strong spiritual connotations in Celtic tradition while maintaining its connection to heavenly beings. Despite its angelic meaning, Aingeal has a strong, distinctive sound in Irish culture that makes it suitable as a boy's name. It remains relatively rare outside of Ireland and Irish diaspora communities. For parents with Irish heritage seeking a name with deep cultural roots and spiritual significance, Aingeal offers a meaningful choice with a distinctive Gaelic character.

  9. Dearbhail

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "true desire"

    • Description:

      This Irish Gaelic name would be more accessible in other cultures in its modern Dervla form.
  10. Síomón

    • Description:

      Síomón is the Irish Gaelic form of the name Simon, carrying the same historical roots but with distinctive Irish spelling and pronunciation. The name derives ultimately from the Hebrew name 'Shimon,' meaning 'to hear' or 'he has heard.' The accent over the 'i' (fada) in Irish indicates a long vowel sound. While traditional in Ireland, Síomón is relatively uncommon even there, with the anglicized Simon being more widely used. The name has rich biblical connections, as Simon was one of Jesus's apostles in the New Testament. Síomón represents a way for families to honor Irish heritage while using a name with global recognition. The pronunciation differs slightly from Simon, with emphasis on the first syllable and a longer 'ee' sound.
  11. Brick

    • Origin:

      Word name, various origins

    • Description:

      This is an Anglicized form of various names; the Irish Gaelic O Bruic; German, Bruck or Breck, meaning "swamp" or "wood"; Yiddish, Brik, "bridge"; and Slovenian, Bric, "dweller from a hilly place." Gosh, and we thought it was just a macho word name invented by Tennessee Williams for the hero of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
  12. Páraic

    • Description:

      Páraic is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Patrick, a name derived from the Latin Patricius meaning "nobleman." This authentic Irish spelling reflects the pronunciation "PAW-rik" or "PAH-rig" and maintains strong cultural ties to Ireland. The name carries significant importance in Irish heritage due to Saint Patrick, the 5th-century missionary who became Ireland's patron saint. Though common in Ireland, particularly in Irish-speaking regions, Páraic is relatively rare internationally. The distinctive spelling with its accent mark (fada) over the first 'a' preserves the name's Gaelic pronunciation and cultural authenticity, making it a meaningful choice for families with Irish roots seeking a connection to their heritage.

  13. Aodhán

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little fire"

    • Description:

      Authentic Irish Gaelic spelling of Aidan, sometimes pronounced with a very soft d/th sound in the middle.
  14. Síne

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "god is gracious"

    • Description:

      A Gaelic form of Jane which shares its simple, sleek look – but is much rarer. The Anglicized form Sheena peaked at #80 in the US in 1984, inspired by singer Sheena Easton.
  15. Bevin

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "fair lady, white lady"

    • Description:

      The traditional Irish girl's name Bevin – an Anglicization of Bébhinn – is rarely heard outside the Emerald Isle, but could make an fresh and fashionable namesake for an Aunt Beverly.
  16. Ailbhe

    • Description:

      Ailbhe is a traditional Irish masculine name with ancient Celtic roots, though it can occasionally be used for females in modern times. Pronounced 'AL-va' or 'AL-bee,' it derives from the Old Irish word for 'white' or 'bright.' In Irish mythology, Ailbhe was the name of several notable figures, including a warrior in the Fenian cycle. The name fell out of common use for centuries but has experienced a modest revival in Ireland as part of a movement to reclaim traditional Gaelic names. Outside Ireland, Ailbhe remains quite rare and may present pronunciation challenges, but offers a distinctive choice with authentic Celtic heritage.
  17. Pádraig

    • Origin:

      Gaelic variation of Patrick

    • Description:

      Once considered too sacred to give to children in Ireland, it is now among the most common names there, along with variants including Pauric and Padraic. Basketball great Patrick Ewing used it for his son.
  18. Ambrós

    • Description:

      Ambrós is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the same roots as Ambrose, meaning 'immortal' or 'divine.' This particular spelling variation reflects Catalan, Galician, or Portuguese influences, adding a distinctive Mediterranean flair to the classic name. The accent on the final syllable emphasizes its romantic language origins. While not common in English-speaking countries, Ambrós maintains cultural significance in parts of Southern Europe and Latin America. The name carries historical weight through its connection to Saint Ambrose, a 4th-century theologian and one of the original Doctors of the Church. Ambrós combines ancient dignity with a modern, international appeal.
  19. Muiris

    • Description:

      Muiris is a traditional Irish masculine name, the Gaelic form of Maurice. Pronounced approximately 'MWIR-ish' or 'MUR-ish,' this name has deep historical roots in Ireland dating back centuries. The name ultimately derives from Latin 'Mauritius,' meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' Muiris has maintained steady usage in Ireland, particularly in Irish-speaking regions, though it remains relatively uncommon compared to anglicized versions. The name represents a connection to Irish heritage and language, appealing to families with strong Celtic ties. While challenging for non-Irish speakers to pronounce at first glance, the name carries the authentic cultural resonance that many parents seeking traditional Irish names desire. Muiris embodies Irish linguistic tradition while connecting to the wider European naming heritage.
  20. Greagóir

    • Description:

      Greagóir is the Irish Gaelic form of Gregory, a name of Greek origin meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." The name derives from the Greek "gregorein" (to watch). The distinctive Irish spelling incorporates the fada (accent) over the 'o,' indicating a longer vowel sound in pronunciation. Traditionally used in Irish-speaking regions, Greagóir connects its bearers to Ireland's rich cultural heritage while maintaining ties to the widely recognized Gregory. The name carries historical significance through notable bearers like Pope Gregory the Great. While less common than the anglicized Gregory, Greagóir appeals to families with Irish roots seeking an authentic name that honors their heritage. Its traditional character and unique spelling offer distinction while preserving ancient linguistic traditions.