Gaelic Names that Start With E

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.

Though Eoin is a Gaelic form of John, its Anglicized pronunciation links it directly to Owen. Eoin is currently a Top 30 name in Ireland. Other variations: Ewan, Ewen, Evan and Eoghan (pronounced as Owen but also translated as Eugene).

Pronounced like Owen, this was the name of several early Irish kings and saints, as well as a celebrated Ulster hero. Often spelled with two 'n's in Scotland, it has been Anglicized as Ewan, Ewen, Euan, Owen, Hugh, or Eugene.

Eamonn is the Irish form of Edmund, derived from the Old English elements 'ead' meaning wealth or fortune and 'mund' meaning protection. Traditionally used in Ireland, Eamonn gained popularity throughout the 20th century and remains a strong cultural identifier. The name carries connotations of strength and prosperity, while maintaining its distinctive Irish heritage. Notable bearers include Irish broadcaster Eamonn Andrews and political figure Eamonn de Valera. While more common in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, the name has gained modest international recognition while staying true to its Gaelic roots.

Eóghan is a traditional Irish masculine name, the original Gaelic form of Owen. Pronounced roughly as 'YO-an' or 'O-wan,' this name derives from the Old Irish 'Eógan,' meaning 'born of the yew tree' or 'youth.' The yew was sacred in Celtic tradition, symbolizing eternity and rebirth. Eóghan has deep historical roots in Ireland, borne by several kings and saints throughout Celtic history, including Eóghan Mór, a semi-legendary king of Munster. While the anglicized Owen has become more internationally recognized, Eóghan remains popular in Ireland and among families honoring their Irish heritage. The name has experienced a revival in recent decades as part of a broader trend embracing traditional Gaelic names with authentic spellings, despite pronunciation challenges it might present outside Ireland.

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.