Updated October 2024
Across 3 pages
of 3
Irish
"bear"
Berneen is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of names like Bernadette or Bernice, with possible Irish influence in its ending. This rare name combines the strong Germanic element…
Irish Gaelic
"fair lady, white lady"
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.
Diminutive of Bridget
"strength, power"
Uncommon choice too reminiscent of "bidet". Try Bridie instead.
"strength or exalted one"
Technically a pet form of Brigid and very commonly heard in Ireland, but pronunciation problems complicate Bride as a name choice in America.
Bríd is a feminine Irish name that represents the original Gaelic form of Bridget. This ancient name honors Brigid, one of Ireland's most beloved patron saints, as well as the pre-Christian Celtic…
Breda is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. Primarily of Irish origin, it's a shortened form of Bridget, derived from the Celtic goddess Brigid, meaning "exalted one" or "strength." In…
Irish variation of Brighid
Brigidine is a unique take on Bridget used by singer Sinead O'Connor. But assuming you're not an Irish rock star, you'd probably do better to stop at Brigid.
"sorrow"
Brona is an Anglicized form of Bronach or Bronagh, the name of a sixth century mystic and follower of Saint Patrick. The name is attracting some modern notice in the US via the character Brona Croft…
Blathnaid is a feminine Irish name with ancient Celtic roots. Pronounced roughly as 'BLAW-nid' or 'BLAH-nid,' it derives from the Irish word 'bláth,' meaning 'flower' or 'blossom.' The name carries…
Irish diminutive of Finbar
Barr fits alongside other short and snappy surname-names like Fyfe, Blair and Dawe. They're off the beaten track but instantly familiar.
English, Gaelic
"minstrel, poet"
A literary word name, now synonymous with Shakespeare, Bard also refers more generally to a poet, particularly one who recited epics and traditional poems out loud. Similar in sound to Bernard,…
"white"
Unusual and attractive entry to the growing Irish name canon.
"small, fair one"
If you like the Irish surname feel, there are loads of more congenial options.
"strife"
Breasal is one native Irish name virtually never used in the US. It's better known via its surname form, Breslin, as in classic New York columnist Jimmy.
"tiny one"
An attractive ancient Irish saint's name that conjures up a beacon of light, this Irish name for boys is well-used in Ireland but rarely heard in the US.
"little man"
This more user-friendly Anglicized form of Beacan, could profit from its kinship with the popular Beckett--with which it could share the nickname Beck. Becan is an Irish saint's name, attached to the…
"little spear"
This was a common name in early Ireland, borne by numerous saints, but pronunciation problems would make it prohibitive here.
"bee"
An Anglicized derivative of the Gaelic name Beatha, meaning "life," best known as the surname of Irish playwright Brendan Behan.
"mild"
This name of an ancient Irish saint -- a favorite disciple of Saint Patrick -- could be an option for parents in search of a more distinctive alternative to Brendan or Aidan.
"little poet"
An Irish surname name with a combination of boldness and élan. Some might connect it to the founder of the group T. Rex -- Marc Bolan.