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Irish Gaelic Names that Start With A

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. Aoife

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful, radiant"

    • Description:

      Aoife, pronounced EE-fa, is derived from the Irish word aoibh, meaning "beauty." Aoife was borne by several different heroines of ancient Irish legend. In one tale, she was the fiercest woman warrior in the world and enemy of her twin sister, Scathach.
  2. Ailbhe

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "noble, bright"

    • Description:

      While Irish Gaelic spellings add intrigue to a name, they'll prove endlessly confusing. Ailbhe is pronounced like the less intriguing but infinitely simpler Alva.
  3. 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.
  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. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Aobh

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "beauty, radiance"

    • Description:

      Also spelled Aoibh, this rare Irish Gaelic name is pronounced just like Eve.
  8. Aidrian

    • Description:

      Aidrian is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Adrian, which derives from the Latin name Hadrianus, meaning 'from Hadria' – an ancient town in northern Italy. This alternative spelling incorporates elements that echo the Irish prefix 'Aid-' (as in Aidan), giving it a Celtic flavor while maintaining its classical roots. Though less common than the traditional Adrian, Aidrian offers a distinctive twist that sets it apart while preserving the strong, historical associations of its origin. The name carries connotations of strength and sophistication, drawing on Adrian's historical connections to Emperor Hadrian and several saints. Its unique spelling makes it appealing to parents seeking a familiar-sounding but distinctive name for their son.

  9. Ardál

    • Description:

      Ardál is a masculine name with roots in multiple cultures. In Persian tradition, it relates to concepts of righteousness and justice, while in Hungarian it may be a variant of Árpád, referring to a barley processor or the name of the Magyar leader who founded Hungary. In Irish, it could be connected to 'ard' meaning 'high' or 'noble.' The name carries a strong, dignified sound with its emphasis on the second syllable. Ardál remains quite rare in most Western countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. The accent on the final 'a' adds a melodic inflection when pronounced properly. Parents might choose this name for its cross-cultural significance, its unique sound pattern, or its connection to concepts of nobility and justice. Its rarity makes it stand out while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce.

  10. 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.
  11. Aignéis

    • Description:

      Aignéis is a feminine name that represents the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Agnes. The accent on the 'e' indicates a specific pronunciation (roughly ang-NYESH). This beautiful Celtic variation derives from the Greek name Agnes, meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' Historically, Aignéis would have been common in Irish-speaking regions, particularly before the decline of the Irish language. The name carries connections to Saint Agnes, an early Christian martyr known for her purity and devotion. While relatively rare today even in Ireland, Aignéis offers a distinctive option for parents seeking to honor Irish heritage with an authentic Gaelic name. Its melodic quality and unique spelling provide an uncommon alternative to the more widely used Agnes, while still maintaining its traditional significance and spiritual associations.
  12. Aodhgan

    • Description:

      Aodhgan is a masculine Irish name derived from the Gaelic elements 'Aodh' meaning 'fire' and the diminutive suffix '-gan.' Aodh was the name of several ancient Irish kings and Celtic fire gods, giving Aodhgan connections to both royalty and elemental power. The pronunciation can be challenging for non-Irish speakers, usually approximating 'AY-gan' or 'EE-gan.' This name represents authentic Gaelic heritage and maintains strong cultural connections to Ireland. While uncommon internationally, it has seen some continued usage within Irish families and those celebrating their Celtic ancestry. Aodhgan offers parents a distinctive name with deep historical roots and meaningful associations to Irish mythology and tradition.
  13. Alastar

    • Description:

      Alastar is a masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, a variant of Alistair or Alastair, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Alexander, meaning 'defender of the people.' This spelling gives the name a more distinctly Celtic feel while maintaining its strong, dignified sound. In Gaelic tradition, the name is associated with strength and protection. Alastar remains relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, making it an attractive option for parents seeking a name with cultural depth that isn't overly popular. The name has a commanding presence with its strong consonants and clear pronunciation. Its Celtic roots give it an air of mystery and connection to ancient traditions while still functioning well in contemporary contexts.
  14. Antaine

    • Description:

      Antaine is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, functioning as the Irish equivalent of Anthony or Antoine. Derived from the Roman family name Antonius, which has uncertain etymology but may mean 'priceless' or 'highly praiseworthy.' In Ireland, Antaine has been used for centuries, though it remains less common than its Anglicized counterpart Anthony. The name carries cultural significance within Irish heritage while maintaining connections to the wider European naming traditions. Pronounced roughly as 'AN-tawn-yuh' in traditional Irish, the name sometimes faces pronunciation challenges outside of Ireland. Antaine offers parents an authentic Irish option that honors Gaelic language traditions while providing a distinctive alternative to more common Anthony variations.
  15. Aodg

    • Description:

      Aodg is an extremely rare masculine name with possible Celtic or Gaelic roots. It may be a variant spelling or abbreviated form of names like Aodhagán or Aodhan, which derive from the ancient Irish element 'aodh' meaning 'fire.' The unusual spelling with the final 'g' makes this name particularly distinctive and uncommon in modern usage. There are very few recorded instances of Aodg as a given name in historical records or contemporary naming data. Its rarity makes it challenging to establish definitive patterns of usage or cultural associations, though it carries the intrinsic mystery and heritage connection of traditional Celtic names.
  16. Agaistin

    • Description:

      Agaistin appears to be a rare variant or alternative spelling of the name Augustine or Agustin. The traditional name Augustine derives from Latin 'augustus,' meaning 'great,' 'venerable,' or 'majestic.' This uncommon spelling variation might have emerged through regional pronunciation differences or as a deliberate modification to create a distinctive name. While extremely rare in documented usage, it follows the pattern of name variations that developed across different linguistic regions and cultural traditions. The uncommon spelling gives this classic name a unique quality while maintaining connections to the rich historical tradition of Augustine, which has been used since Roman times and was popularized by several important religious figures, including Saint Augustine of Hippo, an influential Christian theologian and philosopher.
  17. Abracham

    • Description:

      Abracham is a rare variant spelling of the more common name Abraham, which has Hebrew origins meaning "father of many nations." This uncommon spelling may have emerged through transliteration differences or dialectal variations. While Abraham has been popular across multiple cultures and religions as it appears in important religious texts including the Bible and Quran, the Abracham spelling remains relatively obscure. Those with this spelling variation might find themselves frequently correcting others or explaining the unique form. Despite its rarity, it carries the same rich historical and spiritual associations as the traditional Abraham.
  18. Aingeal

    • Description:

      Aingeal is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. Pronounced roughly as 'AHN-gal' or 'AYN-gal,' it is the Irish form of Angel, literally meaning 'messenger' or 'divine messenger.' The name carries strong spiritual connotations in Celtic tradition while maintaining its connection to heavenly beings. Despite its angelic meaning, Aingeal has a strong, distinctive sound in Irish culture that makes it suitable as a boy's name. It remains relatively rare outside of Ireland and Irish diaspora communities. For parents with Irish heritage seeking a name with deep cultural roots and spiritual significance, Aingeal offers a meaningful choice with a distinctive Gaelic character.

  19. Ailfrid

    • Description:

      Ailfrid is a masculine name with ancient Germanic roots, representing a rare variant of the more common Alfred. Combining elements meaning 'elf' or 'supernatural being' and 'peace' or 'counsel,' Ailfrid carries the noble meaning of 'wise counselor' or 'elf-peace.' This uncommon spelling preserves more of the name's Old English character while adding a distinctive Irish or Scottish flavor with its 'Ail-' prefix. Extremely rare in modern usage, Ailfrid offers a unique alternative for parents drawn to historical names with strong meanings. The name conjures images of wisdom and ancient nobility, connecting its bearer to a rich European naming tradition while standing apart from more conventional choices.