Irish Gaelic Names for Girls
Here, our full roster of Irish Gaelic girl names. 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.
- Niamh
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"bright"Description:
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
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"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.
- Caoimhe
Origin:
Irish, ScottishMeaning:
"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.
- Ferelith
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"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.
- Roisin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little rose"Description:
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.
- Sinead
Origin:
Irish form of JanetMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
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.
- Laoise
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"light"Description:
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.
- Ailbhe
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"world, light, white; rock"Description:
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.
- Emer
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"swift"Description:
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.
- Sina
Origin:
Samoan, English, German, Swedish, Norwegian, DanishMeaning:
"gray or white haired; god is gracious; new victory"Description:
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.
- Bevin
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"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.
- Treasa
Description:
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.
- Orlaith
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"golden princess"Description:
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.
- Róisín
Origin:
Irish Gaelic, diminutive of RÓIsMeaning:
"rose"Description:
An authentic choice for your little Irish Rose, chosen by singer Sinead O'Connor for her daughter.
- Nainsí
Description:
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.
- Pádraigín
Description:
Pádraigín is a feminine Irish name that functions as a diminutive form of Pádraig (the Irish form of Patrick). The suffix '-ín' in Irish adds a sense of endearment or smallness. This distinctively Gaelic name honors Ireland's patron saint while adapting it for feminine use. Pronounced approximately as 'paw-dra-geen,' it presents pronunciation challenges outside Irish-speaking communities but carries strong cultural significance for those with Irish heritage. Quite rare even within Ireland, Pádraigín represents a deep connection to Irish language and traditions. The name's meaning connects to the Latin 'patricius' meaning 'noble,' reflecting both religious devotion and cultural pride in its Irish roots.
- Ráichéal
Description:
Ráichéal is the Irish Gaelic form of Rachel, derived from the Hebrew name רָחֵל (Rachel) meaning "ewe" or "female sheep." This feminine name carries the same biblical significance as Rachel, who was the beloved wife of Jacob in the Old Testament. The Irish spelling incorporates accent marks (fadas) that indicate specific pronunciation patterns in the Irish language. While less common internationally than the standard Rachel, Ráichéal maintains popularity in Ireland among families connected to Irish heritage and language. The name combines traditional biblical roots with distinct Irish cultural identity, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with both religious significance and Celtic character.
- Aoibh
Origin:
Celtic, Short Form Of aoibheannMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Áine
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
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