By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 35 pages
of 35
English variation of Caolán or Caoilfhionn, Irish
"slender and fair"
Typically used as a masculine name, Keelan may be considered an Anglicization of the Irish Caolán meaning "little slender one" or simply "slender" with a diminutive suffix. However, when used as a…
Irish
"ancient"
A lively boys' name that works well for girls.
"handsome"
Using Kevyn (or even Kevin) for a girl breathes new life into this tired boys' name.
"of the plain"
Irish goddess and saint name that's strong, to say the least.
"little dog"
An unusual, energetic surname choice that would make a good Madison alternative. Madigan was a typical police detective series of the 1970s, starring Richard Widmark.
Finnish, Irish variation of Mary
"sweet; drop of the sea, bitter"
Both Maire and Mare have begun making inroads with parents seeking novel yet authentic ways of honoring an ancestral Mary. The Finnish variation derives from the word mairea , meaning "sweet."
Variation of Maria and Mary
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
A variation of Maria and Mary, used as a diminutive in Estonia, Croatia, Macedonia, The Netherlands, and Slovenia, and occasionally as a respelling of the Irish Máire. In the first instance, it may…
Irish variation of Margaret, Greek
"pearl"
Common in its native habitat, and worth consideration by parents in search of an authentic Irish name, though a pronunciation challenge.
Variation of Muriel, Irish
"of the bright sea"
This pleasant modernization of a dated original is still rare but has real modern possibilities. Alternate versions include Merial and Meryl. Meriel was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US…
Merial is a feminine name with complex historical roots. It may derive from the medieval name Muriel (meaning 'bright sea' from Celtic elements 'muir' meaning sea and 'el' meaning bright) with an…
Invented name or variation of Monica, Latin
"advisor"
The simplified spelling of Monica gives the name a modern, streamlined feel while maintaining the recognizable pronunciation. Monca's rarity makes it distinctive, appealing to parents seeking an…
Irish and Scottish variation of Myrna
"festive; affection, endearment"
Poetic name that's terminally mournful, though its meaning is anything but. Myrna plays a powerful role in Irish legend.
An anglicized spelling of Muirne, the name of the mother of Finn mac Cool in Irish legend, Myrna has a unique sound and two possible meanings, both of which are positive. Actress Myrna Loy was a…
French variation of Muriel, Irish
Murielle emerged as a distinctively French elaboration, adding the feminine '-elle' suffix to create a more melodious version of the classic name. Though less common in English-speaking countries,…
Muiriol is a feminine name of Celtic origin, specifically from Scotland and Ireland. It's a variant of Muireall or Muriel, derived from the Gaelic elements 'muir' meaning 'sea' and 'eall' meaning…
Muirgheal is a feminine Irish Gaelic name with ancient Celtic roots. It combines the elements 'muir' meaning 'sea' and 'geal' meaning 'bright' or 'white,' creating the beautiful meaning 'bright sea'…
"cloud"
One of the boys' names that sounds fresher today for a girl. Second-best-spelling for boys, Neal, may work even better for girls.
Neile is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Neil (Gaelic for 'champion' or 'cloud'), adapted with a feminine spelling. Alternatively, it could derive from Nelia or…
Feminine form of Niall, Irish, Scottish
Rare and rhythmical with a familiar look about it, Nialla is a feminine form of masculine Niall. It may appeal to those wanting to honor a Neil, a Neal, or a Niall itself, or to those looking for…
While Niall -- pronounced as Neil or like the river Nile -- is conventionally a boys' name, it might theoretically work for girls.
