Irish Names for Girls

A variation of Maria and Mary, used as a diminutive in Estonia, Croatia, Macedonia, The Netherlands, and Slovenia, and occasionally as a respelling of the Irish Máire. In the first instance, it may be pronounced MA-reh, while in the latter, it may be more like MA-r(y)uh. 
 
It could also be a form of Maren or Mairead, pronounced MEHR (like the word for a female horse).
 
Actress Mare Winningham is a notable bearer, while the name may have been made more familiar thanks to the TV show, Mare of Easttown, starring Kate Winslet. The character's full name is Marianne in the show.

Mare

Common in its native habitat, and worth consideration by parents in search of an authentic Irish name, though a pronunciation challenge. 

Mairéad

This pleasant modernization of a dated original is still rare but has real modern possibilities. Alternate versions include Merial and Meryl.

Meriel was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US last year, making this a choice that feels at once unique yet familiar, with a fashionable ocean-related meaning. If you still need convincing, root name Muriel is an angel name, for the angel who governs the month of June.

Meriel

Merial is a feminine name with complex historical roots. It may derive from the medieval name Muriel (meaning 'bright sea' from Celtic elements 'muir' meaning sea and 'el' meaning bright) with an altered spelling. Alternatively, it could connect to the Latin 'mereo' meaning 'to earn' or 'deserve.' 

The name has maintained a quiet presence throughout history without achieving widespread popularity. Merial possesses a delicate, somewhat antiquated charm that might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth but uncommon usage. Its gentle sound and flowing quality give it a timeless elegance, while its rarity makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Alternate spellings include Meriel and Meriall.

Merial

The simplified spelling of Monica gives the name a modern, streamlined feel while maintaining the recognizable pronunciation. Monca's rarity makes it distinctive, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon variation of a familiar name. The name has a pleasant sound with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. While unconventional in spelling, Monca retains connections to the more traditional Monica, which gained popularity through Saint Monica and remained a steadily used name throughout Western countries.

Monca

Poetic name that's terminally mournful, though its meaning is anything but. Myrna plays a powerful role in Irish legend.

Morna

An anglicized spelling of Muirne, the name of the mother of Finn mac Cool in Irish legend, Myrna has a unique sound and two possible meanings, both of which are positive. Actress Myrna Loy was a notable bearer and her fame caused a spike in popularity of the name, when it reached the US Top 150 in the 1930s. 

Myrna

Murielle emerged as a distinctively French elaboration, adding the feminine '-elle' suffix to create a more melodious version of the classic name. Though less common in English-speaking countries, Murielle has maintained steady popularity in France and French-speaking regions. The name carries an air of sophistication and Old World charm. 

Murielle tends to conjure images of refinement and grace, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with European flair that remains relatively uncommon yet historically established. Mother name Muriel, which peaked in the 1920s, may be due for a comeback, which could revive Muriell as well.

Last year in the US, about 50 baby girls were named Muriel and none named the arguably more attractive Murielle.

Murielle

Muiriol is a feminine name of Celtic origin, specifically from Scotland and Ireland. It's a variant of Muireall or Muriel, derived from the Gaelic elements 'muir' meaning 'sea' and 'eall' meaning 'bright' or 'radiant,' thus conveying the beautiful imagery of 'bright as the sea' or 'shining sea.' This name has ancient roots but remains relatively uncommon in modern usage. Muiriol carries the lyrical quality characteristic of Celtic names while offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Muriel. Those named Muiriol might appreciate their name's connection to the natural world and Celtic heritage.

Muiriol

Muirgheal is a feminine Irish Gaelic name with ancient Celtic roots. It combines the elements 'muir' meaning 'sea' and 'geal' meaning 'bright' or 'white,' creating the beautiful meaning 'bright sea' or 'shining sea.' Pronounced approximately as 'moor-yahl' or 'meer-yal,' the name has a melodic quality despite its challenging spelling for non-Gaelic speakers. Traditionally found in Irish mythology and history, Muirgheal embodies the wild beauty of Ireland's coastlines. Though rare even in Ireland today, it represents a profound connection to Irish heritage and language. The name might appeal to parents seeking an authentic Gaelic name with poetic meaning and a link to Ireland's natural landscape and cultural traditions.

Muirgheal

One of the boys' names that sounds fresher today for a girl.  Second-best-spelling for boys, Neal, may work even better for girls. 

Neil

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.

Neile

Rare and rhythmical with a familiar look about it, Nialla is a feminine form of masculine Niall. It may appeal to those wanting to honor a Neil, a Neal, or a Niall itself, or to those looking for alternatives to Nola, Nyla, or Noella. 
 
Possibly meaning "cloud", other sources suggest it means "champion" or "hero".

Nialla

While Niall -- pronounced as Neil or like the river Nile -- is conventionally a boys' name, it might theoretically work for girls.

Niall

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.

Noreena

This kind of authentic Irish surname makes a memorable first name for either sex, following in the path of all the Mac and Mc names recently popular. 

O'brien

This Irish saint's name sounds like a lopped-off Lorna. 

Orna

Authentic Irish choice, easy to spell, tricky to pronounce. 

Paili

Peig is a traditional Irish feminine name, functioning as a diminutive form of Margaret. The name Margaret itself derives from Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl'. Peig gained notability in Ireland through the famous Irish language author Peig Sayers (1873-1958), whose autobiography became required reading in Irish schools. The name is pronounced somewhat like 'peg' but with a slightly softer sound in traditional Irish pronunciation. Despite its historical significance in Ireland, Peig remains quite uncommon, even within Ireland itself, having declined in usage since the mid-20th century. The name carries associations with traditional Irish heritage, resilience, and the preservation of Gaelic culture. Its short, distinctive sound contrasts with the trend toward longer, more elaborate names, giving it a simple, straightforward charm.

Peig

Infrequently used relic of the Maureen-Colleen-Kathleen era, though it does seem to have a bit more energy than the others. 

Pegeen

 in the US and other English-speaking countries. That may be because the Irish emigrated widely in the 19th and 20th centuries, seeking jobs and opportunities. 

Irish language baby names were forbidden under British rule, but were revived after the Irish fight for independence a century ago. Irish names that had been anglicized in previous generations were used again in their original form: Siobhan instead of Joan, Aine rather than Anne.

today are very different than they were a century ago. Irish surname-names are popular for baby girls in the US, including Riley, Kennedy, and Quinn.  

 other Irish girl names in the US Top 1000 include Nora, Reagan, Rowan, Finley, Cassidy, Sloane, and Teagan. 

 finding more widespread use include Saoirse, Una, and Teagan.


This list gathers our complete assortment of Irish names for girls, classic and modern, ordered according to their popularity on Nameberry.

Irish Names for Girls, with all the girl names of Irish origin on Nameberry, including popular Irish names for baby girls and unique Irish female names. (Page 14)

Irish Names for Girls: The Complete List