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. Siobahn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Siobhan, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Variant (mis)spelling of Siobhan.
  3. 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.
  4. Orlagh
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "golden princess"
    • Description:

      A variation of Orla and a fast rising choice in England and Wales in 2022.
  5. 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.
  6. Nollaig
    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Noel
    • Meaning:

      "December, Christmas"
    • Description:

      Nollaig is a unisex Irish name, created in the 20th century as a translation of the French name Noel. Meaning "Christmas", or more generally "December", it is also used in Irish as the name of the month, just as April and June may be used in English.
  7. 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.

  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Bébhinn
    • Description:

      Bébhinn (sometimes written as Béibhinn) is an ancient Irish feminine name with deep Celtic roots. Pronounced roughly as 'BAY-vin' or 'BAY-veen,' it combines the Gaelic elements 'bé' meaning 'woman' and 'finn' meaning 'fair' or 'white,' thus translating to 'fair lady' or 'beautiful woman.' The name appears in medieval Irish mythology and literature, notably as the name of several Irish princesses and noblewomen. Though traditional in origin, Bébhinn remains relatively rare even in Ireland, making it a distinctive choice that connects to Irish heritage without being commonplace. The name experienced a modest revival during the late 20th century Celtic cultural renaissance, though its pronunciation can be challenging for those unfamiliar with Irish naming conventions. For many families, it represents a connection to authentic Irish cultural roots.

  11. Aoibheann
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "beautiful sheen"
    • Description:

      Pronounced like the word "even," this was a common name among the ancient royal families of Ireland, and has now become popular again.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  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. Eyvan
    • Description:

      Eyvan is a masculine name with Persian origins, representing a traditional architectural feature in Iranian buildings - a vaulted space that opens on one side to a courtyard. The word derives from the Middle Persian 'eyvān' meaning 'hall' or 'palace'. As a given name, Eyvan carries connotations of shelter, grandeur, and cultural heritage. It remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has seen some limited use in Persian communities and among families seeking names with Middle Eastern roots. The name offers an appealing combination of exotic sound and meaningful cultural significance. Some may view it as a variant of Ivan or Evan, though its origins and meaning are entirely distinct. Eyvan provides its bearers with a unique identity connected to Persian architectural tradition.

  17. Áine
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "brilliance, wit"
    • Description:

      Similar in sound to Anya and Enya, Áine is a mythical Irish choice, associated with the goddess of summer, wealth, beauty, love, and fertility. It is a familiar choice in Ireland and Northern Ireland, where it flits in and out of the Top 100, while in England and Wales, it was a Top 1000 choice back in the 2000s.
  18. Orfhlaith
    • Description:

      Orfhlaith is a traditional feminine Irish name with ancient Gaelic origins, pronounced approximately as 'OR-la' or 'OR-lah.' It derives from the Gaelic elements 'or' meaning 'gold' and 'flaith' meaning 'princess' or 'sovereignty,' thus translating to 'golden princess' or 'golden lady.' This name dates back to medieval Ireland and was borne by several noble women in Irish history. While the original spelling Orfhlaith remains rare outside Ireland, its modernized form Orla has gained more international recognition. The name connects deeply to Irish heritage and Celtic traditions. Despite its challenging spelling for non-Irish speakers, it carries a sense of historical dignity and cultural richness that appeals to those with Irish ancestry or appreciation for Celtic heritage.
  19. Sile
    • Description:

      Sile, pronounced 'SHEE-la,' is a traditional Irish feminine name derived from the Gaelic name Síle, which is the Irish form of Cecilia or Sheila. The name ultimately comes from Latin 'Caecilia,' meaning 'blind' or referring to the Roman Caecilia family. In Irish culture, Sile has been used for centuries, though its spelling often confuses those unfamiliar with Irish naming conventions. Outside Ireland, the anglicized form Sheila became popular in Australia, where it evolved into a colloquial term for a woman. Though less common today than in previous generations, Sile remains a simple yet distinctive name that connects to Irish heritage.
  20. 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.