Irish Gaelic Names for Girls

Niamh, derived from the Old Irish Niam, is an ancient Irish name that was originally a term for a goddess. In Irish myth, one who bore it was Niamh of the Golden Hair, daughter of the sea god, who falls in love with Finn's son Oisin and takes him to the Land of Promise, where they stayed for three hundred years. Niamh can be Anglicized as Neve, Nieve, or Neave.

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.

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.

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.

Pronounced lee-sha, Laoise is the feminine form of the Irish mythological names Lugh and Lugus, which means light. Lugus was the Celtic god of commerce and craftsmanship, the equivalent of the Roman Mercury, thought to inspire the later Irish hero Lugh. Laoise is among the Top 100 Irish names for girls, but Americans will definitely have pronunciation issues.

No, the pronunciation--ro-SHEEN--isn't immediately obvious to the non-Gaelic viewer, but the sound of this shiny Irish version of Rose is pretty enough to make it worth considering. Very popular in its native Ireland, it's one of many Irish girl names finding a wider audience. Earlier generations Anglicized at as Rosaleen, but we stay stick to the original.

Also spelled Aoibh, this rare Irish Gaelic name is pronounced just like Eve. Given to 3 babies in Ireland in a recent year, it shares the same root as the more popular Aoife, giving it a radiant meaning.

One of the best known of the Irish girls' names, thanks to singer Sinead O'Connor. Though it's still in the Irish Top 100, it's no longer quite as fashionable in Ireland as Aoife or Aisling. But by now everyone in the Western World knows it's pronounced shin-aid and so would have no trouble fitting in on an American playground.

Ailbhe is a unisex Irish name that has appeared throughout Irish history, borne by a 6th-century (male) saint, and by a female warrior of Fianna, a legendary group of women warriors, led by Fionn MacCumhaill. Today, the name is predominantly used for girls, likely because it sounds similar to Alma, Ava, and Alba.

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.

Short, sweet, and perhaps misleadingly simple, Sina is in fact a multicultural choice with a wide range of origins. In Samoan mythology, Sina is used for a number of figures, and notably appears in the creation story of the coconut tree, Sina and the Eel. In this case, the name means "white or gray haired" and appears in the Disney movie Moana.

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.

In early, pre-Norman Ireland, this name was borne by both a sister and a niece of high king Brian Boru. Now, the English form Orla is more commonly used.

Lovely Irish name which has inspired many Anglicized variations, but using the original form preserves the integrity of one of the most beautiful Gaelic girls' names.

Popular in Ireland, though not as popular as its spelling variant Eimear, Emer is a mythological name, associated with the legendary wife of the warrior hero Cuchulainn. She was said to possess the six gifts of womanhood: beauty, voice, speech, wisdom, chastity, and needlework.

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.

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.

Treasa is a feminine name with Irish Gaelic origins, serving as the Irish variant of Teresa or Theresa. The original Greek name Therasia means 'harvester' or 'from Thera' (an island), though the name gained popularity through St. Teresa of Ávila. In Ireland, Treasa (pronounced TRAH-sa) maintains strong cultural connections while offering a distinctive alternative to more common Teresa forms. The name has moderate recognition in Ireland but remains relatively uncommon elsewhere, making it a unique choice in most English-speaking countries. Treasa carries a lyrical quality characteristic of Irish names, with a blend of strength and gentleness. For families with Irish heritage, it provides a way to honor ancestral roots while giving a child a name that stands out subtly from more mainstream options.

Popular in Ireland but less familiar elsewhere, Eimear is a mythological choice, which some may see as a fresh alternative to Emma.