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Irish Gaelic Names

  1. Oisín

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "little deer"

    • Description:

      The name of the son of the legendary Finn McCool is often Anglicized to Ossian, but the original has recently been revived in Ireland and is currently among the most popular boys' names there.
  2. 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.
  3. Fingal

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "fair stranger"

    • Description:

      Originally a nickname for Viking invaders, it gained fresh impetus in the 18th century when James Macpherson made Fingal the central character in his Ossianic poems. An offbeat addition to the Fin- family of names.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

  6. Keane

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "ancient"

    • Description:

      Has a sharp investigative quality that's not a bad thing to impart to a child.
  7. Eoghan

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "born of the yew tree"

    • Description:

      Pronounced like Owen, this was the name of several early Irish kings and saints, as well as a celebrated Ulster hero. Often spelled with two 'n's in Scotland, it has been Anglicized as Ewan, Ewen, Euan, Owen, Hugh, or Eugene.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Sibéal

    • Description:

      Sibéal is a feminine Irish name pronounced approximately as 'SHIB-shal' or 'shi-BALE.' This beautiful Gaelic name is the Irish form of Isabel or Elizabeth, ultimately connecting to the Hebrew meaning 'God is my oath.' The accent over the 'e' indicates a specific pronunciation in Irish. Sibéal carries deep cultural connections to Irish heritage and language preservation, making it a meaningful choice for families with Irish roots or appreciation for Celtic culture. While relatively uncommon outside Ireland, the name has maintained consistent usage within Irish-speaking communities and has seen modest growth among those seeking authentic Irish names. Sibéal combines melodic sounds with historical significance, offering a name that feels both ancient and timeless. The name's uniqueness ensures individuality while its cultural authenticity provides a sense of rootedness and connection to Irish literary and linguistic traditions.
  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. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Máible

    • Description:

      Máible appears to be a variant spelling of Mabel, featuring an accent mark that influences pronunciation. The traditional Mabel derives from the Latin 'amabilis' meaning 'lovable' and was popular during the Victorian era. This particular spelling variation with the accent may reflect Irish or Scottish Gaelic influence, suggesting a pronunciation emphasis on the first syllable. While standard Mabel has experienced a revival in recent years as part of the trend toward vintage names, the Máible spelling remains extremely uncommon. This variant offers a distinctive twist on the classic name, potentially appealing to parents seeking something familiar in essence but unique in presentation.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  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. 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.