Irish Names for Girls (with Meanings and Popularity)

Enya

Irish

"fire"

This phonetic Anglicization of the Irish name Eithne was made familiar by the single-named Irish singer and composer. St. Eithne was the daughter of a king and an early Irish convert to Christianity.

Neila

Hebrew

"locking, closing"

This name of the final service on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is sometimes given symbolically to girls born on that day.

Mairead

Irish, shortened fom of Mairghread, variation of Margaret

"pearl"

Pronounced MAW-rayt or ma-RAYD, Mairead is close enough to Maureen to be accepted here. The name became popular in Ireland due to admiration for the saint of that name. Peig and Peigi are its…

Noreen

English, diminutive of Nora

Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.

Maureen

Irish variation of Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian

"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"

Almost as popular in the 1950s among the Irish in Boston as it was with those back in Bray, Maureen was once among the most prominent Irish names for girls in the US but has fallen from favor along…

Muriel

Irish

"of the bright sea, sea-bright"

Once a poetic Celtic name, that of the angel who governs the month of June, Muriel has for a time, become the mom or grandma of TV sitcoms. A Top 200 name from 1912 to 1933, Muriel might just be due…

Roan

Variation of Rowan, Irish and Scottish, Frisian, English word name

"little redhead; rowan tree; raven; animal with a coat of two interspersed colors"

Historically more popular for boys and generally less familiar than its sound-alike Rowan, Roan is a name with multiple meanings, origins, and pronunciations. Given to less than 10 girls back in…

Riona

Irish

"queenly"

We'd opt for Fiona.

Doreen

Variation of Dora; also Anglicized variation of Irish Doireann

"sullen"

Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now.

Ita

Irish

"thirst"

The name of one of the most famous medieval Irish saints, who was known as "the foster-mother of the saints," and founded a nunnery in the county of Limerick. Might be of interest to someone looking…

Caoimhe

Irish, Scottish

"beautiful"

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…

Corey

Irish

"from the hollow"

Cool a few decades ago, along with Lori and Tori. Currently out of fashion but may make a retro tomboy choice as an offbeat spin on Charlie.

Sheridan

Irish

"searcher"

Upper crust-y surname Sheridan gains some energy when used for a girl.

Alva

English form of Irish Ailbhe, Swedish and Norwegian feminine form of Alf

"white; elf"

While the male Alva or Alvah relates directly to the minor Biblical character, the female version is more likely an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ailbhe, or a feminine form the name Alf (and Alf-…

Kerry

Irish

"dark, dark-haired"

Kerry is the name of one of the most beautiful and lush counties of Ireland was a seventies favorite. Related, updated versions might include Cerys and Keira.

Tully

Irish, Scottish

"flood; quiet; hill"

Tully is an Irish surname just waiting to be adapted as a first. Cute and lively, and reminiscent of Tilly or Tali, it's got a long history and a range of possible meanings, depending on which root…

Blaine

Irish

"yellow"

She's the bff of Blair, Blake, and Brooke who shop at Bergdorf's, Bonwits and Bendel's.

Rosaleen

Irish diminutive of Rose

"rose, a flower"

The name of a sympathetic character in the best-selling novel The Secret Life of Bees , though it feels more stylish these days spelled Rosaline.

Carlin

Irish

"little champion"

Stronger and more contemporary twist on Carla or Carly, Carlin was used just about equally for girls and boys in the US last year.

Finn

Irish

"white, fair"

The most enduringly popular hero of Irish myth was Finn McCool, whose name is one of the coolest ever. When used for the female protagonist of How to Make an American Quilt , Finn established its…