Names That Mean Gaelic

  1. Ewan
    • Origin:

      Scottish form of Gaelic Eoghan
    • Meaning:

      "born of the yew tree"
    • Description:

      This appealing name has a good chance of catching on due to the popularity of Ewan McGregor, and the trend towards Gaelic names in general. Pronunciation is YOO-un.
  2. Bridget
    • Origin:

      Anglicized variation of Gaelic Brighid
    • Meaning:

      "strength or exalted one"
    • Description:

      Bridget is the Anglicized form of Brigid, an Irish-Gaelic name that was derived from the word brígh, which means "strength."
  3. Siobhan
    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "god is gracious"
    • Description:

      Siobhan is the Irish variation of Joan, which is derived from the ancient Anglo-Norman name Jehanne. In this way Siobhan is indirectly related to the name Sinead—the Irish form of Jeannette, which also derived from Jehanne—although Sinead is not a nickname for Siobhan. Siobhan was the name of several early Irish queens and was introduced to the American public by the actress Siobhan McKenna.
  4. Alastair
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "defender of men"
    • Description:

      To Americans, a quintessential British name, introduced to the U.S. public by suave journalist/PBS Masterpiece Theater host Alastair Cook. Sometimes used in the U.S. by parents with Scottish heritage.
  5. Gael
    • Origin:

      Breton
    • Meaning:

      "Gaelic"
    • Description:

      This cross-cultural name, found in Wales, Brittany, and Spain, is a surprise star in the U.S in recent years, largely thanks to actor Gael Garcia Bernal. Also written as Gaël, it's a popular choice across Spain, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, and France, and the US.
  6. Keane
    • Origin:

      Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "ancient"
    • Description:

      Has a sharp investigative quality that's not a bad thing to impart to a child.
  7. Rooney
    • Origin:

      English or Gaelic surname
    • Meaning:

      "descendent of the champion"
    • Description:

      Talented actress Rooney Mara (originally born Patricia Rooney) has single-handedly transformed this Gaelic surname into a wearable and elegant girls' name. Often said to mean "red-haired", the original surname, rendered as O' Ruanaidh, actually means "descendent of the champion". Trivia note: the most famous Rooney, Mickey Rooney, was originally born Joseph Yule.
  8. Bohan
    • Origin:

      Irish, anglicized form of Old Gaelic Buadhachain
    • Meaning:

      "victorious"
    • Description:

      The surname of influential French fashion designer Marc Bohan could make a modern-sounding two-syllable boy's name, though it might be confused with Bowen.
  9. Rooney
    • Origin:

      English or Gaelic surname
    • Meaning:

      "descendent of the champion"
    • Description:

      Rooney is one of many bouncy Irish surnames that could make an agreeable first, once tied to Mickey Rooney (who was actually born Joseph Yule) in his young and spunky Andy Hardy period.
  10. 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.
  11. Dáithí
    • Origin:

      Irish, Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "swiftness, nimbleness"
    • Description:

      An Irish mythology name belonging to a semi-legendary high king of Ireland, often equated with English David though not etymologically related.
  12. Siobhán
    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Lovely Irish name which has inspired many Anglicized variations, but using the original form preserves the integrity of one of the most beautiful Gaelic girls' names.
  13. 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.
  14. Síle
    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "blind"
    • Description:

      The Irish Gaelic form of Cecilia, which is the origin of the Anglicized version Sheila, which subsequently became very popular across the English-speaking world.
  15. Hatton
    • Origin:

      English, French and Gaelic surname
    • Meaning:

      "heather enclosure; battle; servant of Saint Catan"
    • Description:

      The surname Hatton has three primary origins — English, French, and Irish/Scottish Gaelic. The English variation is a combination of compounds meaning "heather" and "settlement," while the French is derived from Germanic given names beginning with Hadu-, meaning "battle."
  16. Seosaimhín
    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic variation of Josephine, French
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      Seosaimhín is the Gaelic form of Josephine, most notably borne by traditional Irish singer Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich.
  17. Osheen
    • Origin:

      Anglicized variation of Gaelic Oisin
    • Description:

      This Anglicized spelling adds a bit of a, well, sheen to the very popular Irish name Oisín.
  18. Bevin
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "son of Evan"
    • Description:

      Variant of Bevan
  19. Sinéad
    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "god is gracious"
    • Description:

      Popular Irish name brought here by singer Sinead O'Connor, could make a striking choice for a child with deep Irish roots.
  20. Onóra
    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "honor"
    • Description:

      Lovely variation of an upstanding classic.

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