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Celtic Origins

coastalbookworm
By coastalbookworm
Updated Mon May 22 2023
  1. Finn

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "fair or white"

    • Description:

      Finn is a name with enormous energy and charm, that of the greatest hero of Irish mythology, Finn MacCool (aka Fionn mac Cuumhaill), an intrepid warrior with mystical supernatural powers, noted as well for his wisdom and generosity.
  2. Isla

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name or Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "island"

    • Description:

      Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.
  3. Seamus

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of James

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      Parents who have tired of Sean are now contemplating Seamus, the Irish form of James, which has a lot more substance and verve.
  4. Iona

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name

    • Description:

      This name of a small island off the coast of Scotland is trending upwards along with other I names.
  5. Ainsley

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "solitary meadow"

    • Description:

      This name will tick a lot of boxes for many parents: unisex; trendy sound; pretty instinctive to pronounce; and some great namesakes including British chef Ainsley Harriott and American footballer Ainsley Battles.
  6. Ailbhe

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "noble, bright"

    • Description:

      While Irish Gaelic spellings add intrigue to a name, they'll prove endlessly confusing. Ailbhe is pronounced like the less intriguing but infinitely simpler Alva.
  7. Mairead

    • Origin:

      Irish, shortened fom of Mairghread, variation of Margaret

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      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 Irish-language nicknames.
  8. Mairi

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Mary

    • Meaning:

      "bitter"

    • Description:

      Why does Mairi (rhymes with Harry) seem so much cooler than Mary? This Irish form of Mary was not used before the seventeenth century, as it was considered too sacred. The vocative case of the name, Mhairi (pronounced VAH-ree), is also used as a given name in Scotland.
  9. Euan

    • Origin:

      Gaelic, Anglicized form of Eoghann

    • Meaning:

      "born of the yew tree"

    • Description:

      The attractive Euan and Ewan are just coming onto the U.S. radar, via actor Ewan MacGregor and Harry Potter's Euan Abercrombie.
  10. Argyle

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "an Irishman, from the land of the Gaels"

    • Description:

      Nice Scottish sound, but too tied to sweaters and socks.
  11. Islay

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name

    • Description:

      Islay is the name of a Hebridian island famous for its whisky. Don't be fooled by the "y" at the end - this name is pronounced exactly like the more well-known Isla.
  12. Aideen

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "jealousy"

    • Description:

      A name possibly derived from Etain, an ancient Irish sun and horse goddess whose name is still used. Adina is a related choice.
  13. Quinney

    • Origin:

      Manx

    • Meaning:

      "son of Crafty"

    • Description:

      Sounds like an endearment of Quinn.
  14. Aimil

    • Description:

      Aimil is an uncommon masculine name with Celtic origins, particularly associated with Irish and Scottish Gaelic traditions. It may be a variant of Amhlaidh or Amhalghaidh (anglicized as Aulay or Amhlaoibh), which possibly means 'descendant of the noble one' or 'inheritor.' Alternatively, it could relate to the feminine name Eimile or Aimilia (Emily). The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient roots. Aimil remains quite rare even in Celtic regions, making it a distinctive choice. Its soft pronunciation and flowing quality lend it a gentle yet masculine character. Parents might choose this name to honor Celtic heritage while selecting something uncommon and melodic.

  15. Quilliam

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of William"

    • Description:

      A really unusual choice that could be used to honor Grandpa Will.
  16. Mairghread