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Gaelic Names for Girls

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
Gaelic names for girls derive from the native Celtic language of Ireland, which is one of the country's official languages. Though it can be hard to figure out how to pronounce Gaelic girls names from their spelling, many are lovely. Gaelic girls names may be especially suitable for a baby girl of Irish heritage, but anyone can appreciate the beauty of the Gaelic names for girls in our list.

Below, our full list of girl names with Gaelic origins. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
  1. Fiona

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "white, fair"

    • Description:

      Fiona entered the American consciousness with the opening of the 1954 Broadway musical Brigadoon, but didn't come onto the U.S. popularity list until 1990.
  2. Nola

    • Origin:

      Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "white shoulder"

    • Description:

      Nola, a name with a sleek, enigmatic quality, was used for the much-pursued heroine of Spike Lee's 1986 breakout film, She's Gotta Have It, and again by Woody Allen in Match Point. It's a short form of the traditional Irish name Fionnuala. Nola reentered the US Top 1000 in 2008, for the first time in 50 years.
  3. Caoimhe

    • Origin:

      Irish, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"

    • Description:

      Caoimhe, pronounced (more properly) kwee-va or kee-va, is a pretty and distinctive Gaelic name but one that could well lead to no end of confusion outside the Irish community. Even in its native habitat, it is sometimes spelled Keeva.
  4. Eileen

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Evelyn

    • Meaning:

      "desired; or water, island"

    • Description:

      The Scottish Eileen was a midcentury darling that was on a long downward slide for decades. And then, in 2012, it took an unexpected pivot and has been inching upward in the US. The unrelated but similar-sounding Isla may have revived the taste for Eileen. Isla along with Lee and Lena might be nicknames for Eileen. Eileen is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Eibhlin or Aibhilin, which is technically a form of to Evelyn/Aveline, but is also sometimes considered part of the Helen family of names. Aileen is the Irish version, less popular now than Eileen.
  5. Mirren

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      Mirren is a lively and attractive Scottish name, popular in its native country but best known outside Scotland as the surname of the English actor Dame Helen Mirren. It is thought to be a Scottish derivative of the name Marion, from Mary.
  6. Ferelith

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "true sovereignty"

    • Description:

      Ferelith is an unusual yet deeply-rooted Scottish girl's name, also found in ancient Ireland and drawn from the Gaelic Forbhlaith or Forbflaith. While it went through a period of dormancy after the Middle Ages, there are some modern women named Ferelith, including actress Ferelith Young and Princess of Denmark Anne Ferelith Fenella Bowes-Lyon.
  7. Mirin

    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football.
  8. Catriona

    • Origin:

      Scottish form of Katherine, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      This Katherine variation, used through Ireland and Scotland, is pronounced like Katrina. The name became popular after the Crusaders brought home stories about the colorful fourth century martyr, Catherine of Alexandria. Its later popularity increased following the success of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1893 Catriona, the sequel to Kidnapped.
  9. Caitriona

    • Origin:

      Gaelic variation of Catherine

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Both Caitriona and Catriona are commonly heard in Scotland and Ireland. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, and is the source of nicknames Cait, Caitin, Caitlin and Triona. Actress Caitrona Balfe has gained recognition for her role on Outlander. Pronunciation is like Katrina.
  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. Floraigh

    • Description:

      Floraigh is an uncommon feminine name with Celtic, particularly Irish, influences. It appears to be a creative variant of Flora, which derives from Latin meaning 'flower' or 'blossom,' combined with the Irish '-aigh' suffix that adds authentic Gaelic character. The name evokes images of natural beauty and springtime abundance. Quite rare in usage, Floraigh appeals to parents seeking names with botanical connections and Irish heritage. The spelling creates a distinctive appearance while maintaining a pronunciation similar to 'Flora' with a slight emphasis on the final syllable (FLOR-ay). This name combines floral delicacy with Celtic strength, offering a unique option that stands out while still connecting to traditional naming patterns.
  12. Maebh

    • Description:

      Maebh is an ancient feminine Irish name pronounced similar to 'Maeve.' It derives from the legendary queen Medb of Connacht in Irish mythology, whose name means 'she who intoxicates' or 'the cause of great joy.' This traditional spelling preserves the authentic Gaelic heritage of the name, whereas Maeve is the more anglicized version. Maebh carries strong connotations of strength, independence, and feminine power, as Queen Medb was known for her strong will and warrior spirit. While rare outside Ireland, the name has maintained a steady presence in Irish naming traditions. Its brevity and rich cultural significance appeal to parents seeking an authentic Celtic name with historical depth and powerful feminine associations.
  13. Eilonóra

    • Description:

      Eilonóra is an elaborate variant of Eleanor, a name of Greek origin meaning 'bright, shining one' or 'light.' This ornate form incorporates accent marks and additional vowels, giving it an exotic, possibly Hungarian or Celtic-inspired flair. The traditional Eleanor has royal and historical associations throughout European history, while this variant creates a more distinctive, uncommon alternative. Eilonóra maintains the elegant, regal quality of its root name while adding a unique pronunciation and visual appeal. The name's flowing syllables create a melodic sound that feels both ancient and timeless. Though extremely rare in use, it offers an option for parents seeking an elaborate version of a classic name with historical depth and positive meaning associations.

  14. Meadhbh

    • Description:

      Meadhbh is a feminine Irish name pronounced approximately as "Mayv" or "Maeve." It's the original Gaelic spelling of the more commonly seen Maeve. The name derives from the legendary warrior queen Meadhbh of Connacht in Irish mythology, who was known for her strength, independence, and determination. The name means "she who intoxicates" or "she who brings joy," suggesting someone captivating or exhilarating. While the traditional spelling Meadhbh is primarily used in Ireland, particularly in Irish-speaking regions, the anglicized Maeve has gained international popularity. The name carries associations of feminine power, leadership, and ancient Celtic heritage. Parents choosing this traditional spelling often have strong connections to Irish culture and language, valuing authenticity over ease of pronunciation for non-Irish speakers.

  15. Kirstie

    • Origin:

      Anglicization of Ciorstag, the Gaelic nickname for Christine, or short form of Kirsten

    • Description:

      Actress Kirstie Alley popularized this short form that's been off the popularity register for a decade.
  16. Teamhair

    • Description:

      Teamhair is a feminine Irish name with deep historical and cultural significance. Pronounced approximately as 'CHOW-er' or 'T'YOWER,' this name derives from Teamhair na Rí, the Irish name for the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. This sacred site held immense importance in Irish mythology and history, representing sovereignty and power. The name Teamhair connects its bearer to Ireland's rich cultural heritage and evokes the mystical qualities associated with this legendary place. Though rare even in Ireland, Teamhair appeals to parents seeking an authentic Irish name with profound historical significance. Its unusual spelling and pronunciation may present challenges outside of Ireland, but its unique cultural resonance offers a meaningful connection to Irish heritage.
  17. Ealanor

    • Description:

      Ealanor appears to be a rare variant spelling of Eleanor, a name with ancient Greek origins via the Provençal name Aliénor. The traditional Eleanor derives from the Greek word 'helios' meaning 'sun' or possibly from 'heleos' meaning 'compassion'. This uncommon spelling variation maintains the elegant sound of the original while offering a distinctive written form. Eleanor has been borne by numerous queens and noble women throughout history, including Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful women in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. While Ealanor is extremely rare, it carries the same sophisticated and classic essence of its more common counterpart.
  18. Réamonnie

    • Description:

      Réamonnie is a distinctive feminine name with French and Irish influences. It appears to be a creative, modern construction possibly derived from the Irish name Réamonn (Raymond) with a feminine French-style ending. The addition of the accent mark and the elegant '-onnie' suffix gives the name a sophisticated, musical quality. While extremely rare in usage, Réamonnie would fit among contemporary naming trends that favor unique, melodious names with cultural blending. The name has no significant historical usage patterns, making it an exceptionally distinctive choice for parents seeking something truly unique. Its rhythmic quality and exotic appearance offer considerable appeal despite—or perhaps because of—its scarcity in naming records.

  19. Abboid

    • Description:

      Abboid is an unusual feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly a modern invention or a very rare variant of names like Abigail or Abbey with the addition of a creative suffix. The '-oid' ending is uncommon in traditional naming patterns and may suggest a contemporary formation. This distinctiveness makes Abboid an extremely rare choice, likely appealing to parents seeking a truly unique name without widespread usage. The name has a modern, slightly scientific sound that distinguishes it from more traditional options. Without established historical or cultural roots, Abboid offers a blank slate for personal meaning and identity formation. Its uniqueness virtually guarantees that a child named Abboid would rarely encounter others sharing their name, though this distinctiveness might also require frequent explanation or spelling clarification.
  20. Medbh

    • Description:

      Medbh is an ancient Irish feminine name, an alternative spelling of the more commonly seen Maeve. Derived from the Old Irish name Medb, meaning 'intoxicating' or 'she who intoxicates,' it carries significant cultural importance in Irish mythology. Queen Medb of Connacht was a powerful figure in the Ulster Cycle, known for her strength, independence, and warrior spirit. The spelling Medbh, though less common than Maeve internationally, remains authentic to Irish linguistic traditions, with the 'bh' producing a 'v' sound. This spelling has seen modest revival amid growing interest in authentic Celtic names. For parents seeking a name with deep historical roots and feminine strength, Medbh offers distinctive Irish heritage while honoring one of mythology's most formidable queens.