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Irish Gaelic Names

  1. Keane

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "ancient"

    • Description:

      Has a sharp investigative quality that's not a bad thing to impart to a child.
  2. Nainsí

    • Description:

      Nainsí is the Irish Gaelic form of Nancy, showcasing the distinctive spelling conventions of the Irish language. The original name Nancy developed as a medieval diminutive of Anne, which comes from the Hebrew Hannah meaning 'grace.' In Irish form, Nainsí maintains the same pronunciation as Nancy while connecting the bearer to Irish linguistic heritage. The name represents the beautiful adaptation of imported names into traditional Irish spelling patterns, a process that helped preserve cultural identity through centuries of external influence. Though not among the most common Irish names today, Nainsí might appeal to families with Irish roots seeking to honor their heritage while using a name that remains recognizable across cultures.
  3. Somhairle

    • Description:

      Somhairle is a rare masculine name with deep Gaelic roots, predominantly found in Scottish and Irish traditions. Pronounced roughly as 'SOR-la' or 'SORE-luh,' it represents the Gaelic form of the Norse name 'Sorley' or 'Somerled,' derived from 'sumarlidi' meaning 'summer traveler' or 'summer warrior.' The name carries historical significance, notably associated with Somhairle MacGillebride, a 12th-century Norse-Gaelic warlord who established the Lordship of the Isles in Scotland. Despite its rich heritage, Somhairle remains exceedingly uncommon outside Gaelic-speaking regions, largely due to its challenging pronunciation for non-Gaelic speakers. The name embodies Celtic cultural pride and connection to ancient traditions. For parents with Scottish or Irish heritage seeking an authentic cultural name with historical depth, Somhairle offers a powerful choice that honors ancestral roots while standing distinctively apart from more common Celtic names.
  4. Caolán

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "slender lad"

    • Description:

      A Top 100 choice in Northern Ireland, Caolán shares many fashionable sounds with names like Cayden and Callan, but remains virtually unknown in the US.
  5. 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.
  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. Aoibh

    • Origin:

      Celtic, Short Form Of aoibheann

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful, radiant"

    • Description:

      One of many Irish names that, despite pronunciation challenge, are beginning to be taken into consideration here as authentic Celtic versions of familiar English names.
  8. 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.
  9. Eimear

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "swift"

    • Description:

      Sometimes spelled Emer and pronounced "EE-mer," the legendary wife of Cuchulainn possessed the six gifts of womanhood: beauty, voice, speech, wisdom, chastity, and needlework. A fresh alternative to Emma, but the two have the potential to be frequently confused.
  10. Áine

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "brilliance, wit"

    • Description:

      Name of a fertility goddess said to confer luck on its bearer, though to avoid confusion you may want to use the phonetic spelling Anya or Enya.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Luiseach

    • Origin:

      Irish, from the deity name Lugh

    • Description:

      Authentically spelled Luíseach (with Luighsech as a variant), this obscure saint's name is thought to derive from the mythological figure Lugh, perhaps a reflex of an older god. Luíseach is sometimes considered the Irish version of Lucy. In fact, they are historically separate names, but if Lugh derives from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "shining" then they are very distant cousins.
  14. 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.
  15. Cianan

    • Origin:

      Irish, diminutive of Cian

    • Description:

      This original spelling may present its challenges outside of Ireland, but it certainly has a more poetic look to it. Those daunted by the pronunciation obstacles may wish to consider Keenan.
  16. 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.
  17. Simond

    • Description:

      Simond is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of Simon. The traditional name Simon comes from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he has heard' or 'listening.' The added 'd' in Simond gives the name a slightly more formal or distinctive appearance. This variation was more common in medieval times, particularly in France and England, but remains quite rare today. Simond has never ranked among popular given names in modern records. The name carries the same dignified, biblical associations as Simon but with a unique twist. For parents seeking an alternative to the more common Simon or wishing to honor a Simon in the family while providing a slightly different name, Simond offers a subtle variation with the same fundamental pronunciation and heritage.

  18. Baírbre

    • Description:

      Baírbre is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Barbara, featuring the distinctive Irish accent mark (fada) over the 'i'. The name derives ultimately from Greek 'barbaros,' which referred to non-Greek speakers, though its meaning evolved over centuries. In Irish culture, Baírbre has historical significance and reflects Ireland's rich naming traditions that preserve Celtic linguistic features. Though pronounced approximately as 'BAR-bruh' (similar to Barbara), the authentic Irish pronunciation may vary slightly in different regions of Ireland. While common in traditional Irish contexts, Baírbre remains quite rare internationally and even within modern Ireland, where the anglicized Barbara is more frequently used. The name carries connections to Irish heritage and linguistic tradition, making it a meaningful choice for families with Irish roots.

  19. Siothrán

    • Description:

      Siothrán is a masculine Irish name with deep Gaelic roots. Pronounced approximately as 'SHEE-raw-n,' this traditional name derives from ancient Celtic language elements. It may be related to the Irish word 'síothcháin' meaning 'peace' or 'reconciliation,' suggesting a beautiful meaning of harmony and tranquility. Like many traditional Irish names, Siothrán remains relatively rare outside Ireland, and even within Ireland it's considered an uncommon choice. The name carries the authentic heritage of Irish culture and language, making it appealing to families with strong Irish connections or those who appreciate Celtic naming traditions. The distinctive pronunciation may present some challenges in non-Irish settings, but this uniqueness also gives the name a special quality that distinguishes its bearer.

  20. Siofrai

    • Description:

      Siofrai is a masculine Irish name that represents a traditional Gaelic heritage. A variant of Siofra (more commonly feminine in modern usage), it derives from the Irish word 'síofra' meaning 'elf,' 'changeling,' or 'sprite' in Irish folklore. The name captures the magical and mystical elements of Celtic mythology, evoking connections to the Otherworld and fairy folk of Irish legends. Siofrai remains relatively rare, primarily used by families with strong connections to Irish cultural traditions who wish to preserve authentic Gaelic naming patterns. The pronunciation (roughly SHEE-fra or SHEE-free) can pose challenges outside Ireland, but this rarity also adds to its distinctive appeal. The name carries an ethereal quality while maintaining masculine strength in its traditional context.