Gaelic Names
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About this list
The term Gaelic names refers to names with origins in any one of the Gaelic languages, most commonly Irish, Scottish, and Manx names. The names here are a smattering of choices. To see many more, go to the lists of:
The names
Fiona
Scottish
"white, fair"
Fiona entered the American consciousness with the opening of the 1954 Broadway musical Brigadoon , but didn't come onto the U.S. popularity list until 1990. Fiona is the best known of a group of…
Callen
Gaelic
"rock"
Callen is a unisex Gaelic name growing in popularity here. Its newfound trendiness is possibly related to the Chris O'Donnell character on "NCIS: Los Angeles", known only as G. Callen. Jazz musician…
Eileen
Scottish variation of Evelyn
"desired; or water, island"
The Scottish Eileen was a midcentury darling that was on a long downward slide for decades. And then, in 2012, it took an unexpected pivot and has been inching upward in the US. The unrelated but…
Nola
Gaelic
"white shoulder"
Nola, a name with a sleek, enigmatic quality, was used for the much-pursued heroine of Spike Lee's 1986 breakout film, She's Gotta Have It , and again by Woody Allen in Match Point . It's a short…
Cael
Irish
"slender"
Cael is the name of the angel of the zodiac sign of Cancer and also of a warrior of Irish mythology. Its ascendance to the Top 1000 over the past decade probably has to do with its similarity to Cale…
Kirstie
Anglicization of Ciorstag, the Gaelic nickname for Christine, or short form of Kirsten
Actress Kirstie Alley popularized this short form that's been off the popularity register for a decade.
Eilonóra
Eilonóra is an elaborate variant of Eleanor, a name of Greek origin meaning 'bright, shining one' or 'light.' This ornate form incorporates accent marks and additional vowels, giving it an exotic,…
Maebh
Maebh is an ancient feminine Irish name pronounced similar to 'Maeve.' It derives from the legendary queen Medb of Connacht in Irish mythology, whose name means 'she who intoxicates' or 'the cause of…
Bevin
Irish Gaelic
"fair lady, white lady"
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.
Floraigh
Floraigh is an uncommon feminine name with Celtic, particularly Irish, influences. It appears to be a creative variant of Flora, which derives from Latin meaning 'flower' or 'blossom,' combined with…
Teamhair
Teamhair is a feminine Irish name with deep historical and cultural significance. Pronounced approximately as 'CHOW-er' or 'T'YOWER,' this name derives from Teamhair na Rí, the Irish name for the…
Catriona
Scottish form of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
This Katherine variation, used through Ireland and Scotland, is pronounced like Katrina. The name became popular after the Crusaders brought home stories about the colorful fourth century martyr,…
Medbh
Medbh is an ancient Irish feminine name, an alternative spelling of the more commonly seen Maeve. Derived from the Old Irish name Medb, meaning 'intoxicating' or 'she who intoxicates,' it carries…
Madhbh
Madhbh is an uncommon feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin, an alternative spelling of the more familiar Maeve (Méabh). The traditional name carries rich Celtic heritage, associated with the…
Réamonnie
Réamonnie is a distinctive feminine name with French and Irish influences. It appears to be a creative, modern construction possibly derived from the Irish name Réamonn (Raymond) with a feminine…
Meibh
Variation of Medb or Maeve, Irish
"she who intoxicates"
A variation of Maeve or Medb, Meibh is an alternative spelling of the mythological Irish name, associated with a warrior queen. Actress Meibh Campbell is one notable bearer.
Meadhbh
Meadhbh is a feminine Irish name pronounced approximately as "Mayv" or "Maeve." It's the original Gaelic spelling of the more commonly seen Maeve. The name derives from the legendary warrior queen…
Rút
Rút is the Hungarian and Icelandic form of the biblical name Ruth, which derives from Hebrew and means 'friend' or 'companion.' In the Bible, Ruth is known for her loyalty and devotion, giving the…
Ealanor
Ealanor appears to be a rare variant spelling of Eleanor, a name with ancient Greek origins via the Provençal name Aliénor. The traditional Eleanor derives from the Greek word 'helios' meaning 'sun'…
Caitriona
Gaelic variation of Catherine
"pure"
Both Caitriona and Catriona are commonly heard in Scotland and Ireland. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, and is the source of nicknames Cait, Caitin, Caitlin and Triona. Actress…