British + Irish names
- Gemma
Origin:
Italian, Catalonian, SpanishMeaning:
"precious stone"Description:
Gemma is a jewel of a name, an Italian classic that was very popular in 1980s England, but has only recently been started to be used here; it entered the list in 2008.
- Gillian
Origin:
Feminine variation of JulianMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
Gillian is a name that was in common usage in Great Britain until the 1970s, when it dropped out of the Top 100 and is yet to return. Until recently, it had not crossed the Atlantic in significant numbers, except in the short form Jill.
- Griffin
Origin:
Welsh, variation of GriffithMeaning:
"strong lord"Description:
Griffin is one of the newer and most appealing of the two-syllable Celtic surnames. In English, griffin is the name of a mythological creature, half eagle, half lion. It re-entered the list in 1983 after an absence of 75+ years.
- Haco
Origin:
Celtic and CornishMeaning:
"flame, fire"Description:
Haco was a mythical Cornish leader who lost his beautiful princess bride by unwittingly promising her to a musician whose songs he admired: a romantic legend to back up a very unusual choice.
- Honora
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"woman of honor"Description:
Honora and Honoria are two ways of softening the severity of Honor, while retaining its righteous meaning. They were predominant until the Reformation, when the Puritans adopted the abstract virtue names, and were introduced to Britain by the Normans.
- Imogen
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Imogen has long been fashionable in England and is gaining favor in the US among stylish parents. Pronounced the British way — the initial i is short as in Kim, as is the final E as in Ken — Imogen is as pretty and classy as it is distinctive.
- Iseabail
Description:
Iseabail is the Scottish Gaelic form of Isabel, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Elizabeth (Elisheva), meaning "God is my oath" or "God's promise." This melodic name has been used in Scotland since medieval times, particularly in the Highlands and Western Isles where Gaelic culture remained strong. While less common than its anglicized counterpart Isabel, Iseabail offers a distinctive cultural connection to Scottish heritage. Pronunciation can vary slightly by region, but it typically sounds like "EES-uh-bel" or "EE-sha-byl." Though relatively rare globally, the name has seen occasional use among families seeking to honor Scottish roots or those looking for a unique variation of the more familiar Isabel.
- Ishbel
Description:
Ishbel is a traditional Scottish feminine name derived from the Gaelic form of Isabel or Isabella. With roots in Hebrew, its ultimate meaning connects to 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' Particularly associated with the Scottish Highlands, Ishbel has maintained a cultural presence in Scotland while remaining relatively uncommon elsewhere. The name gained some recognition through Ishbel MacDonald, daughter of Britain's first Labour Prime Minister. While never ranking among top names in broader English-speaking countries, Ishbel has experienced modest usage among families with Scottish heritage or those seeking distinctive Celtic names. Its pronunciation (ISH-bel) differs slightly from Isabel, giving it a unique sound quality while maintaining historical authenticity. The name projects strength and cultural heritage with its concise, distinctive form.
- Isolde
Origin:
Welsh, GermanMeaning:
"ice ruler"Description:
Now that Tristan has been rediscovered, maybe it's time for his fabled lover in the Arthurian romances and Wagnerian opera, a beautiful Irish princess, to be brought back into the light as well.
- Ivor
Origin:
Scottish variation of Welsh IforMeaning:
"yew"Description:
Ivor, a favorite choice for upscale characters in Brit Lit novels by authors like P.G. Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh, is an interesting and unusual name just waiting to be discovered by parents in this country.
- Jemima
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"dove"Description:
Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, most recently ranking at #231 there in 2017. But despite its lovely sound and peaceful meaning, this attractive name hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1893, no doubt due to the problematic association with racial stereotyping, exemplified by the Aunt Jemima brand of pancakes.
- Keir
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, black"Description:
Keir is a single-syllable name that packs a lot of punch, might suggest -- thanks to its similarity to the word care -- a caring person. Sir Keir Rodney Starmer is a British politician and head of the Labour Party since 2020. Keir Dullea is an American actor who starred in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
- Kellen
Origin:
German; IrishMeaning:
"swamp; slender"Description:
Kellen is German in origin and Irish in spirit. Kellen has fallen a bit in popularity for boys since its peak in 2012, but it has possibilities for girls too. In fact, Kellen's similarity to such feminine names as Helen, Ellen, and Kelly makes it feel more unisex or even female, though Twilight actor Kellan Lutz has done much to popularize this name for boys.
- Kian
Origin:
Irish; PersianMeaning:
"ancient; king"Description:
A friendly Irish and Persian name chosen by Geena Davis for one of her twin boys, whose father is Iranian.
- Killan
Description:
Killan is a masculine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins, serving as a variant spelling of the more common Killian or Cillian. The name derives from the Gaelic 'cill' meaning 'church' or 'monastery,' combined with the diminutive suffix '-an,' suggesting 'little church' or possibly 'devotee of the church.' Historically associated with several Irish saints, including St. Cillian, a 7th-century Irish missionary. The variant spelling Killan emerged as names transferred across language boundaries. While less common than Killian/Cillian, Killan has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries in recent decades. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound while maintaining Celtic heritage, appealing to parents seeking names with cultural depth. Its simplified spelling makes pronunciation more intuitive for English speakers while preserving its Irish essence.
- Lileas
Origin:
Scottish variation of LilyDescription:
Adds some thorns to the smooth texture of Lily.
- Lilias
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lily"Description:
An unusual flower name deriving from the Latin word for lily (lilium), this variant has always been popular in Scotland.
- Maeve
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"she who intoxicates"Description:
Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. It joined the Top 100 for the first time in 2023 and now ranks at Number 75.
- Marjorie
Origin:
Scottish variation of Margery, diminutive of MargaretMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Scottish Marjorie and her English twin Margery were early twentieth century favorites that date back to medieval times, when it was popular among the royals. They were at their height in the 1920s, when they were seen as more lively versions of the old standard. Marjorie was always the preferred spelling, in the Top 25 from 1920 to 1927.
- Morgan
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"sea-born, sea-song or sea-circle"Description:
Morgan, once split evenly between the sexes, is a strong and attractive Welsh favorite, still a common boys’ name in Wales. Morgan is now more often a girls' name in the U.S. – about 2000 girls were given the name in one recent year, vs. 362 boys – though it's one of the most traditional unisex choices. Morgan was actually a Top 200 pick for boys in Victorian Britain!