Irish Names that Start With N
- Nora
Origin:
Diminutive of Honora or Eleonora, LatinMeaning:
"honor or meaning unknown"Description:
Nora is a lovely, refined name that conjures up images of Belle Epoch ladies in fur-trimmed coats skating in Central Park. Long seen as a quintessentially Irish name though its roots are not in Ireland, Nora is a quietly stylish favorite that's tiptoed to the top of the popularity ladder.
- Nolan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"champion"Description:
The friendly and sporty feeling Nolan blends some of the best qualities of other popular boy names. With the gentle but energetic sounds of Noah, a hint of the classic Nicholas, and the cool, surname-style vibe of Greyson or Colton, it makes for a familiar and grounded choice.
- 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.
- Neve
Origin:
Anglicized spelling of Irish Niamh or Italian and PortugueseMeaning:
"snow"Description:
Introduced to the American public by actress Neve Campbell; it was her Dutch-born mother's maiden name. Neve is an interesting and fresh new possibility, one which Conan O'Brien chose for his daughter.
- Neil
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"cloud"Description:
Always the top spelling of the name; Neil peaked in the 1950s, but then enjoyed a second coming following the fame of such Neils as astronaut Armstrong and singers Sedaka, Diamond, and Young. Now semiretired.
- Niall
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"cloud"Description:
Niall is pronounced nye-al--something like Neil, but this Irish spelling of the name makes it much more current and cool.
- Nigel
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, black-haired"Description:
A name that Yanks might see as overly British, but combined with the right surname, it does have a measure of Sherlock Holmesian dash via Nigel Bruce, who played the original Dr. Watson to Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes.
- Nuala
Origin:
Irish, short form of FionnualaMeaning:
"white shoulders"Description:
Officially a shortening of the traditional and tricky Gaelic Fionnghuala/Fionnuala, Nuala makes a lovely choice all on its own. Nuala is well-used in Ireland.
- Neal
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"champion or cloud"Description:
Always the less common spelling of Irish classic Neil, Neal has been on a fifty-year slide, and now doesn't even make the Top 1000. It has a streamlined, surnamey appeal in this spelling.
- Nela
Origin:
Variation of Nell or short form of Cornelia or any name ending in -nelaDescription:
Nela is a pretty if slight name that ranks among the Top 1000 for girls in the UK. It is commonly used throughout Europe as a short form for any range of names ending in -nela including Cornelia and Fenella, though it is widely used on its own.
- Noreen
Origin:
English, diminutive of NoraDescription:
Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.
- Nevin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"holy"Description:
Possible Gaelic alternative to Kevin and Devon.
- Niall
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"cloud"Description:
While Niall -- pronounced as Neil or like the river Nile -- is conventionally a boys' name, it might theoretically work for girls.
- Neila
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"locking, closing"Description:
This name of the final service on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is sometimes given symbolically to girls born on that day.
- Neil
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"cloud"Description:
One of the boys' names that sounds fresher today for a girl. Second-best-spelling for boys, Neal, may work even better for girls.
- Nialla
Description:
Nialla is a feminine name with possible Gaelic or Celtic influences, potentially serving as an elaboration of Niall (meaning "champion" or "cloud"). The addition of the feminine ending "-a" transforms the traditionally masculine name into a melodic feminine form. It may also relate to the Irish name Niamh (pronounced "neev"), meaning "bright" or "radiant." Nialla remains uncommon, offering a distinctive quality while still maintaining familiar phonetic elements. The name carries a lyrical, flowing sound characteristic of Celtic-inspired names. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with cultural roots. The name's gentle sound combined with its strong etymological meaning creates an interesting balance of delicacy and strength.
- Noreena
Description:
Noreena is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Noreen, the Irish diminutive form of Nora meaning "honor" or "light." The additional syllable gives Noreena a more flowing, melodic quality than its shorter counterparts. The name carries Celtic undertones while maintaining a distinctive modern sound. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Noreena appeals to parents seeking a name with Irish heritage that remains relatively unique. Its soft sounds and feminine ending create an elegant impression, while its connection to concepts of honor and light imbue it with positive connotations. The spelling variant with double 'e' adds visual distinction.
- Neile
Description:
Neile is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Neil (Gaelic for 'champion' or 'cloud'), adapted with a feminine spelling. Alternatively, it could derive from Nelia or Cornelia. This uncommon name has a gentle, lyrical quality while remaining succinct and memorable. Its rarity makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Neile has been occasionally used throughout the 20th century but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a timeless yet unique quality. The name carries a subtle elegance that works well in contemporary settings while having historical roots.