Gaelic names belong to the Gaelic language tradition. This collection contains 865 Gaelic names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 387 names traditionally given to boys and 454 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Gaelic is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Gaelic-speaking communities. Common themes include strength, noble, divine, showing what Gaelic cultures have valued across generations.
This name is an Anglicization of the Gaelic “Néill,” which is of disputed derivation. The Gaelic name may derive from the words “nél,” meaning “cloud” or “niadh,” meaning “champion.” The Vikings adopted the Gaelic name and were taken to Iceland as Njáll. From Iceland, it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The surname “Neil” is a reduced form of the surname “McNeil” (from the Gaelic Mac Néill, ‘son of Niall’), or a variant form of the surname of Neill (from the Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or the Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill, meaning “descendant of Niall” and “son of Niall.”
⭐ PopularThis name could derive from two different roots: 1) From the Noongar, an Indigenous Australian people, from the word “Kiley,” meaning “curved, returning stick, boomerang.” 2) From the Irish surname “O’Kiely,” which in turn derives from the Old Gaelic surname “O’Cadhla,” meaning “graceful or beautiful,” descendant(s) of the graceful one.”
This name comes from different origins and is often linked to Family names and places. 1) In England, Hayes arose as a locational surname, associated with one of the several places named “Hayes,” based on the Old English “haes” (brushwood, underwood) and the other based on “horg” (enclosure) or “hege” (hedge). 2) Hayes originated as a Gaelic polygenetic surname “O hAodha,” meaning descendant of “Aodh” (fire), or of “Aed,” an Irish mythological god. 3) In Scotland, Hayes is a Scoto-Norman surname, a direct translation of the Normans’ locational surname “de la Haye,” meaning “of La Haye” (the hedge) being the name of several towns on the Cotentin peninsula of Normandy, France.
This name is an Anglicization of the Gaelic “Néill,” which is of disputed derivation. The Gaelic name may derive from the words “nél,” meaning “cloud” or “niadh,” meaning “champion.” The Vikings adopted the Gaelic name and were taken to Iceland as Njáll. From Iceland, it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The surname “Neil” is a reduced form of the surname “McNeil” (from the Gaelic Mac Néill, ‘son of Niall’), or a variant form of the surname of Neill (from the Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or the Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill, meaning “descendant of Niall” and “son of Niall.”
London is the capital city of the United Kingdom. The etymology of the name is uncertain. There is a long history of mythicizing etymologies, such as the 12-century Historia Regum Britanniae asserting that the city’s name is derived from King Lud’s name, who once controlled the city. However, in recent times a variety of scientific theories have also been proposed. There is no evidence such a figure ever existed. Instead, the Latin name “Londinium” was probably based on a native Brittonic placename reconstructed as “*Londonjon,” which would itself have been of Celtic origin.
London is the capital city of the United Kingdom. The etymology of the name is uncertain. There is a long history of mythicizing etymologies, such as the 12-century Historia Regum Britanniae asserting that the city’s name is derived from King Lud’s name, who once controlled the city. However, in recent times a variety of scientific theories have also been proposed. There is no evidence such a figure ever existed. Instead, the Latin name “Londinium” was probably based on a native Brittonic placename reconstructed as “*Londonjon,” which would itself have been of Celtic origin.
This name means “whelp, cub, young pup, young dog” in Gaelic. Some names in this family are used in Scotland as a form of the name “Columba,” while the name “Colin” is used as a diminutive of Nicolas. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the name tends to be spelled with one “L,” Colin, whereas, in the United States, it is sometimes spelled with two, Collin. It was never a common name in England and Wales, probably peaking around the 1960s, and has not been in the top 100 boys’ names for decades. Saint Columba (Irish: Colm Cille, ‘church dove’) was an Irish abbot and missionary credited with spreading Christianity in present-day Scotland. He founded the famous abbey on Iona, which became a dominant religious and political institution in the region for centuries. He was highly regarded by both the Gaels of Dál Riata and the Picts and is remembered today as a Christian saint and one of Ireland’s twelve apostles.
This name could derive from two different roots: 1) From the Noongar, an Indigenous Australian people, from the word “Kiley,” meaning “curved, returning stick, boomerang.” 2) From the Irish surname “O’Kiely,” which in turn derives from the Old Gaelic surname “O’Cadhla,” meaning “graceful or beautiful,” descendant(s) of the graceful one.”
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
This name derives from the Scottish Gaelic personal name “Domhnall and Dòmhnall,” meaning “ruler of the world, king of the world.” The name is ultimately derived from the Old Celtic word elements “dubno” (world), a Celtic name of the God of the Dobuni, plus “val” (rule). The final -d on Donald is partly derived from a misinterpretation of the Gaelic pronunciation by English-speakers and somewhat associated with the spelling of similar-sounding Germanic language names.
Rod is a diminutive of Roderick, Roderic, and Rodney. It is of Germanic and Gaelic origin and comes from the following roots: (HRODERICH) (RUADH RÍ) and (*HRŌÞIZ� AWI / OUWE).
This name derives from the Celtic “Conall,” meaning “high and mighty.” The word “conal” in English means “shaped like a cone or funnel; conic.” Conall Cernach is a hero of the Ulaidh in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He is said to have always slept with the head of a Connachtman under his knee. His epithet is usually translated as “victorious” or “triumphant,” although it is an obscure word, and some texts struggle to explain it. Alternative meanings include “angular, having corners,” “swollen,” or “possessing a dish or receptacle.”
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic “*bhel-,” meaning “light.” In Celtic mythology, Bel was a deity worshipped in Gaul, Cisalpine Gaul, and Celtic areas of Austria, Britain, and Spain. He is mainly associated with Cornwall, West Cornwall being anciently called Belerion, the place of Bel. He was the Celtic sun god and had shrines from Aquileia on the Adriatic to Kirkby Lonsdale in England. The name is interpreted as “shining one, the bright one.”
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
Mal is a short form of Malcolm and Mallory and is derived from a frenetic list of sources: Breton, Welsh, Latin, Gaelic, PIE (Proto Indo-European) and Old French. This name is linked to the following roots: (MÁEL) (CŎLUMBA) COLUIM/CUILÉN and (*MEL- / MĂLUS AUGŬRĬUM > MAL HEUR > MALHEUR).
In Irish mythology, the “Badb” meaning “crow.” She was a war goddess who took the form of a crow and was sometimes known as Badb Catha (battle crow).
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. In Irish mythology, Fódla daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann was one of the tutelary goddesses of Ireland. Her husband was Mac Cecht. With her sisters, Banba and Ériu, she was part of a famous triumvirate of goddesses. The LÉ Fola (CM12), a ship in the Irish Naval Service (now decommissioned), was named after her.
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic “*Φīwerjon-,” meaning “fat.” This suggests a descent from the Proto-Indo-European reconstruction “*piHwerjon-,” likely related to the adjectival stem “*piHwer-“(Sanskrit’ pīvan, pīvarī’) could be related to Hindu goddess Parvati. In Irish mythology, Ériu is the daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, was the eponymous matron goddess of Ireland. Ériu, which was the name of a Gaelic goddess. Ériu is generally believed to have been the matron goddess of Ireland, a goddess of sovereignty, or simply a goddess of the land. However, since the name “Ériu” is the older Irish form of the word Ireland, her modern name is often modified to “Éire” or “Erin” to suit a contemporary form.
This name has two different origins: 1) From the Native American (Muskogean, Choctaw), meaning “leaping waters,” from a river and a waterfall in Georgia, and may actually mean “town” in the Muskogean-Creek language. 2) From the Irish Gaelic “Tuilelaith” composed of “tuil > tuile (flood, deluge) plus “flaith” (powerful family, high nobility, princess), translated with the folk meaning “princess of abundance.” The name and all its variants are not attributable to a precise etymology and could have a double origin.
This name derives from the Celtic “rait,” meaning “Highland, mountain land.” Raetia was a Roman Empire province, named after the Rhaetian (Raeti or Rhaeti) people. It was bounded on the west by the Helvetii country, on the east by Noricum, on the north by Vindelicia, on the west by Cisalpine Gaul, and the south Venetia et Histria. It thus comprised the districts occupied in modern times by eastern and central Switzerland, southern Bavaria and the Upper Swabia, Vorarlberg, the more significant part of Tirol, and part of Lombardy.
This name derives from the Welsh (golau) / Breton (gouloù), which in turn derives from the Celtic “*wo-lou,” linked to the Pre Latin (*lou-c-s) > (lūx). In turn, the name means “light, good light.” Elwen (also known as Elvan, Elven) was the name of an early saint or saints venerated in Cornwall and Brittany. The hagiographical material asserts that he came to Cornwall from Ireland in the company of Breage and six others, but this is attested late.
This name derives from the Welsh (golau) / Breton (gouloù), which in turn derives from the Celtic “*wo-lou,” linked to the Pre Latin (*lou-c-s) > (lūx). In turn, the name means “light, good light.” Elwen (also known as Elvan, Elven) was the name of an early saint or saints venerated in Cornwall and Brittany. The hagiographical material asserts that he came to Cornwall from Ireland in the company of Breage and six others, but this is attested late.
This name has two different origins: 1) From the Native American (Muskogean, Choctaw), meaning “leaping waters,” from a river and a waterfall in Georgia, and may actually mean “town” in the Muskogean-Creek language. 2) From the Irish Gaelic “Tuilelaith” composed of “tuil > tuile (flood, deluge) plus “flaith” (powerful family, high nobility, princess), translated with the folk meaning “princess of abundance.” The name and all its variants are not attributable to a precise etymology and could have a double origin.
Dona is a short form of Donata, Donatella, Loredana, and Donalda. The name is of Latin, French Literature, Celtic and Gaelic origin and comes from the following roots: (DŌNĀTUS) (LOREDAN) and (DOMHNALL).
It is an Irish feminine given name. The name is probably derived from the Irish “aoibh,” meaning “pleasure” or “radiant,” although the name has also been associated with the Gaulish goddess “Esuvia.” The name is sometimes Anglicized as “Eva,” though they are different names.
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic “*bhel-,” meaning “light.” In Celtic mythology, Bel was a deity worshipped in Gaul, Cisalpine Gaul, and Celtic areas of Austria, Britain, and Spain. He is mainly associated with Cornwall, West Cornwall being anciently called Belerion, the place of Bel. He was the Celtic sun god and had shrines from Aquileia on the Adriatic to Kirkby Lonsdale in England. The name is interpreted as “shining one, the bright one.”
This name derives from the Irish and Scottish root “cóem / caomh,” from the Gaelic script (Cʌoṁ), meaning “handsome, beautiful, gentle, kind, honest, gentle birth.” Caoimhe, in 2012, it was ranked 14th among female births in Ireland.
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic “*Φīwerjon-,” meaning “fat.” This suggests a descent from the Proto-Indo-European reconstruction “*piHwerjon-,” likely related to the adjectival stem “*piHwer-“(Sanskrit’ pīvan, pīvarī’) could be related to Hindu goddess Parvati. In Irish mythology, Ériu is the daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, was the eponymous matron goddess of Ireland. Ériu, which was the name of a Gaelic goddess. Ériu is generally believed to have been the matron goddess of Ireland, a goddess of sovereignty, or simply a goddess of the land. However, since the name “Ériu” is the older Irish form of the word Ireland, her modern name is often modified to “Éire” or “Erin” to suit a contemporary form.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
This name could derive from two different roots: 1) From the Noongar, an Indigenous Australian people, from the word “Kiley,” meaning “curved, returning stick, boomerang.” 2) From the Irish surname “O’Kiely,” which in turn derives from the Old Gaelic surname “O’Cadhla,” meaning “graceful or beautiful,” descendant(s) of the graceful one.”
It is a Gaelic name, probably from the word “eimh,” meaning “ready, swift, fast, quick.” Emer, daughter of Forgall Monach, is the wife of the hero Cú Chulainn in the ulster cycle of Irish mythology. Emer is the subject of William Butler Yeats’ play, “the only jealousy of Emer.” Emer was said to possess womanhood’s six gifts: beauty, a gentle voice, sweet words, wisdom, skill at needlework, and chastity.
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
This name derives from the Celtic “ceadda,” influenced by the obscure Proto-Celtic and Welsh word “*katus / cad,” meaning “warrior, battle “leader.” Chad of Mercia (Old English: Ceadda) was a prominent 7th-century Anglo-Saxon churchman who became abbot of several monasteries, Bishop of the Northumbrians, and subsequently Bishop of the Mercians.
This name means “whelp, cub, young pup, young dog” in Gaelic. Some names in this family are used in Scotland as a form of the name “Columba,” while the name “Colin” is used as a diminutive of Nicolas. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the name tends to be spelled with one “L,” Colin, whereas, in the United States, it is sometimes spelled with two, Collin. It was never a common name in England and Wales, probably peaking around the 1960s, and has not been in the top 100 boys’ names for decades. Saint Columba (Irish: Colm Cille, ‘church dove’) was an Irish abbot and missionary credited with spreading Christianity in present-day Scotland. He founded the famous abbey on Iona, which became a dominant religious and political institution in the region for centuries. He was highly regarded by both the Gaels of Dál Riata and the Picts and is remembered today as a Christian saint and one of Ireland’s twelve apostles.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
This name derives from the Celtic “rait,” meaning “Highland, mountain land.” Raetia was a Roman Empire province, named after the Rhaetian (Raeti or Rhaeti) people. It was bounded on the west by the Helvetii country, on the east by Noricum, on the north by Vindelicia, on the west by Cisalpine Gaul, and the south Venetia et Histria. It thus comprised the districts occupied in modern times by eastern and central Switzerland, southern Bavaria and the Upper Swabia, Vorarlberg, the more significant part of Tirol, and part of Lombardy.
This name is an Anglicization of the Gaelic “Néill,” which is of disputed derivation. The Gaelic name may derive from the words “nél,” meaning “cloud” or “niadh,” meaning “champion.” The Vikings adopted the Gaelic name and were taken to Iceland as Njáll. From Iceland, it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The surname “Neil” is a reduced form of the surname “McNeil” (from the Gaelic Mac Néill, ‘son of Niall’), or a variant form of the surname of Neill (from the Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or the Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill, meaning “descendant of Niall” and “son of Niall.”
This name derives from the Celtic “ceadda,” influenced by the obscure Proto-Celtic and Welsh word “*katus / cad,” meaning “warrior, battle “leader.” Chad of Mercia (Old English: Ceadda) was a prominent 7th-century Anglo-Saxon churchman who became abbot of several monasteries, Bishop of the Northumbrians, and subsequently Bishop of the Mercians.
This name derives from the Old Irish “Túathal,” composed of two elements: “Túath” (land, countryside, tribe, people) plus “flaith” (prince, princess, sovereign). In turn, the name means “ruler of the people.” Túathal Techtmar, son of Fíachu Finnolach, was a High King of Ireland, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition. He is said to be the Uí Néill and Connachta dynasties' ancestor through his grandson Conn of the Hundred Battles. The name may also have originally referred to an eponymous deity.
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
This name has long puzzled etymology. 1) Today it is generally accepted that the origin is Old English, from the pre-Christian era, and a derivative of the tribal or clan name “Binningas,” a people known to have populated the midlands of England before the Roman conquest of 55 AD. Binningen is an Ortsgemeinde, a municipality belonging to a Verbandsgemeinde, a kind of collective city in the Cochem-Zell district in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. 2) From the Old Norse “bingr,” meaning “heap.” 3) From the Anglo-Celtic “binge,” meaning “rift.”
This name is an Anglicization of the Gaelic “Néill,” which is of disputed derivation. The Gaelic name may derive from the words “nél,” meaning “cloud” or “niadh,” meaning “champion.” The Vikings adopted the Gaelic name and were taken to Iceland as Njáll. From Iceland, it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The surname “Neil” is a reduced form of the surname “McNeil” (from the Gaelic Mac Néill, ‘son of Niall’), or a variant form of the surname of Neill (from the Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or the Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill, meaning “descendant of Niall” and “son of Niall.”
This name means the son of Neil. It is a masculine given name of Gaelic origin. The name is an Anglicization of the Gaelic “Néill,” which is of disputed derivation. The Gaelic name may be derived from the words “nél,” meaning “cloud” or “niadh,” meaning “champion.” The Gaelic name was adopted by the Vikings and taken to Iceland as Njáll. From Iceland, it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The surname “Neil” is a reduced form of the surname “McNeil” (from the Gaelic Mac Néill, ‘son of Niall’), or variant form the surname of Neill (from the Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or the Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill, meaning “descendant of Niall” and “son of Niall.”
This name derives from the Scottish Gaelic personal name “Domhnall and Dòmhnall,” meaning “ruler of the world, king of the world.” The name is ultimately derived from the Old Celtic word elements “dubno” (world), a Celtic name of the God of the Dobuni, plus “val” (rule). The final -d on Donald is partly derived from a misinterpretation of the Gaelic pronunciation by English-speakers and somewhat associated with the spelling of similar-sounding Germanic language names.
This name could derive from two different roots: 1) From the Noongar, an Indigenous Australian people, from the word “Kiley,” meaning “curved, returning stick, boomerang.” 2) From the Irish surname “O’Kiely,” which in turn derives from the Old Gaelic surname “O’Cadhla,” meaning “graceful or beautiful,” descendant(s) of the graceful one.”
This name is an Anglicization of the Gaelic “Néill,” which is of disputed derivation. The Gaelic name may derive from the words “nél,” meaning “cloud” or “niadh,” meaning “champion.” The Vikings adopted the Gaelic name and were taken to Iceland as Njáll. From Iceland, it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The surname “Neil” is a reduced form of the surname “McNeil” (from the Gaelic Mac Néill, ‘son of Niall’), or a variant form of the surname of Neill (from the Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or the Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill, meaning “descendant of Niall” and “son of Niall.”
Lacey and its variants were first a baronial surname with Norman-French origins from a place name. The town of Lassy is a commune in the Calvados department in the Basse-Normandie region in northwestern France, named after a Gaulish personal name “Lascius.” Lascius appears to have Latin roots and maybe a derivative of “lascivus” which means ‘playful, cheerful, rampant, arrogant, insolent. The name was fairly restricted to English nobility and was also a powerful family name in medieval Ireland. The name first appeared in the Domesday Book, recorded as “de Laci” in 1086. Gautier de Lacy was a Norman nobleman who came to England after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. He received lands in Herefordshire and Shropshire and served King William I of England by leading military forces during 1075.
This name is an Anglicization of the Gaelic “Néill,” which is of disputed derivation. The Gaelic name may derive from the words “nél,” meaning “cloud” or “niadh,” meaning “champion.” The Vikings adopted the Gaelic name and were taken to Iceland as Njáll. From Iceland, it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The surname “Neil” is a reduced form of the surname “McNeil” (from the Gaelic Mac Néill, ‘son of Niall’), or a variant form of the surname of Neill (from the Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or the Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill, meaning “descendant of Niall” and “son of Niall.”
In Irish mythology, Anann (Anu, Ana, Anand) was a goddess. ‘Anann’ is identified as the personal name of the Morrígan in many MSS of Lebor Gabála Érenn.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. In Irish mythology, Fódla daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann was one of the tutelary goddesses of Ireland. Her husband was Mac Cecht. With her sisters, Banba and Ériu, she was part of a famous triumvirate of goddesses. The LÉ Fola (CM12), a ship in the Irish Naval Service (now decommissioned), was named after her.
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
The origin of this name is still quite uncertain today. The theories include: 1) The name may derive from Proto-Celtic “*nemi-,” meaning “dose of poison,” from the Proto-Indo-European root “*nem-“ (deal out) (Old Irish: “nem,” meaning “poison”). 2) From the Proto-Celtic “*nāmant-“ (enemy) (Irish: “námhaid,” from the Old Irish “náma” (enemy). In Irish mythology, Nemain is the fairy spirit of the frenzied havoc of war, and possibly an aspect of the Morrígan.
It is a feminine given name taken from the Roman name for the “Severn,” a river in Mid-Wales which flows into England. The name comes from the Welsh “Habren / Hafren,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Brythonic “*Haβ̃ren > *Saβ̃ren,” meaning “plowed land.” Hafren (water nymph) was a legendary Celtic princess who was drowned in the River Severn. The legend appears in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s pseudohistorical chronicle Historia Regum Britanniae. According to Geoffrey, Hafren is the eponym of the Severn, which bears one of Britain’s most ancient river names (recorded as early as the 2nd century in the Latinized form Sabrina).
Annwn was the Otherworld in Welsh mythology. Ruled by Arawn, or much later by Gwyn ap Nudd, it was essentially a world of delights and eternal youth where the disease is absent, and food is ever-abundant. It became identified with the Christian afterlife in paradise (or heaven). In Welsh mythology and folklore, Cŵn Annwn was the spectral hounds of Annwn, the otherworld of Welsh myth. They were associated with a form of the Wild Hunt, presided over by either Arawn, king of Annwn in the First Branch of the Mabinogi and alluded to in the Fourth, or by Gwyn ap Nudd as the underworld king and king of the fair(y) folk is named in later medieval lore.
The origin of this name is still quite uncertain today. The theories include: 1) The name may derive from Proto-Celtic “*nemi-,” meaning “dose of poison,” from the Proto-Indo-European root “*nem-“ (deal out) (Old Irish: “nem,” meaning “poison”). 2) From the Proto-Celtic “*nāmant-“ (enemy) (Irish: “námhaid,” from the Old Irish “náma” (enemy). In Irish mythology, Nemain is the fairy spirit of the frenzied havoc of war, and possibly an aspect of the Morrígan.
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. In Irish mythology, Fódla daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann was one of the tutelary goddesses of Ireland. Her husband was Mac Cecht. With her sisters, Banba and Ériu, she was part of a famous triumvirate of goddesses. The LÉ Fola (CM12), a ship in the Irish Naval Service (now decommissioned), was named after her.
In Irish mythology, Banba is the daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and she is the patron goddess of Ireland. She was originally a goddess of war and fertility. The Irish Navy named the minesweeper LÉ Banba in her honor.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) probably of Celtic origin from the Senones, an ancient Celtic Gallic culture. Sens have been one of the Senones' oppida, one of the oldest Celtic tribes living in Gaul. Samo founded the first recorded political union of Slavic tribes, known as Samo's Empire, stretching from Silesia to present-day Slovenia, ruling from 623 until he died in 658. According to Fredegarius, the only contemporary source, Samo was a Frankish merchant who unified several Slavic tribes against robber raids and violence by nearby settled Avars, showing such bravery and command skills in battle that he was elected as the "Slavic king" (Latin: Rex Sclavorum). The feast day is traditionally celebrated on July 28, and August 20.
This name is composed of the elements “muir” (sea) plus “cath” (battle),” hence “sea-warrior, mariner.” I was the name of several legendary and historical kings of Ireland, widespread in Scotland and Ireland in the Middle Ages.t The personal name was introduced into Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest of 1066 by Norwegians from Ireland and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Murdac, Murdoc” and “Meurdoch.” Muireadhach I (also written as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) is the second known Mormaer of Menteith. Muiredach’s High Cross is a high cross from the 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland.
This name derives from the Gaelic surname “O’Cathalain> O’callan” meaning “son of who is brave in battle, Powerful in battle.” Cathalán mac Indrechtaig († 871), was a Dál Fiatach king of Ulaid, which is now Ulster, in Ireland. He belonged to a branch of the Dal Fiatach called the Leth Cathail, in the Lecale barony of modern County Down. He ruled from 857–871 as leth-rí (half-king or co-ruler) of Ulaid.
This name means “whelp, cub, young pup, young dog” in Gaelic. Some names in this family are used in Scotland as a form of the name “Columba,” while the name “Colin” is used as a diminutive of Nicolas. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the name tends to be spelled with one “L,” Colin, whereas, in the United States, it is sometimes spelled with two, Collin. It was never a common name in England and Wales, probably peaking around the 1960s, and has not been in the top 100 boys’ names for decades. Saint Columba (Irish: Colm Cille, ‘church dove’) was an Irish abbot and missionary credited with spreading Christianity in present-day Scotland. He founded the famous abbey on Iona, which became a dominant religious and political institution in the region for centuries. He was highly regarded by both the Gaels of Dál Riata and the Picts and is remembered today as a Christian saint and one of Ireland’s twelve apostles.
It is a Gaelic name, probably from the word “eimh,” meaning “ready, swift, fast, quick.” Emer, daughter of Forgall Monach, is the wife of the hero Cú Chulainn in the ulster cycle of Irish mythology. Emer is the subject of William Butler Yeats’ play, “the only jealousy of Emer.” Emer was said to possess womanhood’s six gifts: beauty, a gentle voice, sweet words, wisdom, skill at needlework, and chastity.
This name has two different origins: 1) From the Native American (Muskogean, Choctaw), meaning “leaping waters,” from a river and a waterfall in Georgia, and may actually mean “town” in the Muskogean-Creek language. 2) From the Irish Gaelic “Tuilelaith” composed of “tuil > tuile (flood, deluge) plus “flaith” (powerful family, high nobility, princess), translated with the folk meaning “princess of abundance.” The name and all its variants are not attributable to a precise etymology and could have a double origin.
This name is a diminutive of Brigitte, Bibiana, and Beata. The name is of Celtic, Gaelic and Latin origin and comes from the following roots: (BRIGHID) (VIVIANUS) and (BEĀTUS).
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic form of the name “*Toranos”, meaning “thunder”. In the present day, the Welsh “taranu” and “taran” means “to thunder, thunder” (Breton: taraniñ / taran). In Celtic mythology, Taranis was the god of thunder worshipped principally in Gaul, Gallaecia, Britain, and Ireland, and the Rhineland and Danube regions, amongst others. Taranis, along with Esus and Toutatis as part of a sacred triad, was mentioned by the Roman poet Lucan in his epic poem Pharsalia as a Celtic deity to whom human sacrificial offerings were made. According to the Pictish king-lists, Taran, son of Ainftech, was a King of the Picts (692–96). In some instances, the surname may be a variant of the French name “Taurin,” which derived from the Latin “taurus,” bull, and would have been a nickname given to a large, aggressive man. The creation of surnames from nicknames was common in the Middle Ages, and many modern-day surnames are from medieval nicknames referring to personal characteristics.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) probably of Celtic origin from the Senones, an ancient Celtic Gallic culture. Sens have been one of the Senones' oppida, one of the oldest Celtic tribes living in Gaul. Samo founded the first recorded political union of Slavic tribes, known as Samo's Empire, stretching from Silesia to present-day Slovenia, ruling from 623 until he died in 658. According to Fredegarius, the only contemporary source, Samo was a Frankish merchant who unified several Slavic tribes against robber raids and violence by nearby settled Avars, showing such bravery and command skills in battle that he was elected as the "Slavic king" (Latin: Rex Sclavorum). The feast day is traditionally celebrated on July 28, and August 20.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From an English surname which derives from the Norman French “d’Airelle” (a French word for huckleberry), originally denoting one who came from Airelle, Calvados, France. 2) An anglicization of the Irish first name “Darragh” or “Dáire,” meaning “oak tree.” According to the United States Social Security card applications in 1965, the name Darren ranked 52th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys. Darryl ranked 69th and Darrell 91th.
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
This name is an Anglicization of the Gaelic “Néill,” which is of disputed derivation. The Gaelic name may derive from the words “nél,” meaning “cloud” or “niadh,” meaning “champion.” The Vikings adopted the Gaelic name and were taken to Iceland as Njáll. From Iceland, it went via Norway, Denmark, and Normandy to England. The surname “Neil” is a reduced form of the surname “McNeil” (from the Gaelic Mac Néill, ‘son of Niall’), or a variant form of the surname of Neill (from the Irish Gaelic Ó Néill or the Scottish Gaelic Mac Néill, meaning “descendant of Niall” and “son of Niall.”
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
This name derives from the 12th-century Gaelic surname “Dubhlaoich,” meaning “The male descendant of the Dark Hero.” The surname is familiar world-wide through Mr. Dooley, a fictional humourous Chicago character created by Finlay Dunn in the early part of this century.
This name derives from the pre-Norman kingdoms of Ireland from the surname “O’Rourke”. It is composed of two elements: from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “*roudos > rúad > ruadh,” meaning “red-haired, red-colored hair of foxes” plus the Old Norse and ancient Germanic “ríkr / *rīkijaz,” meaning “kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich.” Everything suggests that it was a Gaelicized form of the name “Roderick” from the Germanic root “(*HRŌÞIZ *RĪKIJAZ > HROÞAREIKS / HRODERICH)”.
This name derives from the pre-Norman kingdoms of Ireland from the surname “O’Rourke”. It is composed of two elements: from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “*roudos > rúad > ruadh,” meaning “red-haired, red-colored hair of foxes” plus the Old Norse and ancient Germanic “ríkr / *rīkijaz,” meaning “kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich.” Everything suggests that it was a Gaelicized form of the name “Roderick” from the Germanic root “(*HRŌÞIZ *RĪKIJAZ > HROÞAREIKS / HRODERICH)”.
This name derives from two Gaelic surnames, “Dubháin or Ó Damháin.” The first one represents a nickname from the Old French “devin,” which in turn derives from the Latin word “dīvīnē / dīvīnus,” which means “prophetically, by intuition or divine inspiration, divinely magnificently.” The second one is of Irish origin, meaning “descendant of Damhán,” a byname meaning “fawn.” Dubhán, “a descendant of Dubhán, a little dark one,” was the founder of the church of Killooaun or Cill Dhubháin (the church of Dubhán), Ballymacward, County Galway. All that now exists of the church are ruins, but it was once the center of a medieval vicarage. It has been suggested that it belonged to a period later than that of Killamude. Next to nothing appears to be known of Dubhán; beyond that, he seems to have been an essential cleric among the Soghain in the early Irish Christian era.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
This name derives from the Scottish Gaelic personal name “Domhnall and Dòmhnall,” meaning “ruler of the world, king of the world.” The name is ultimately derived from the Old Celtic word elements “dubno” (world), a Celtic name of the God of the Dobuni, plus “val” (rule). The final -d on Donald is partly derived from a misinterpretation of the Gaelic pronunciation by English-speakers and somewhat associated with the spelling of similar-sounding Germanic language names.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
This name derives from the Welsh (golau) / Breton (gouloù), which in turn derives from the Celtic “*wo-lou,” linked to the Pre Latin (*lou-c-s) > (lūx). In turn, the name means “light, good light.” Elwen (also known as Elvan, Elven) was the name of an early saint or saints venerated in Cornwall and Brittany. The hagiographical material asserts that he came to Cornwall from Ireland in the company of Breage and six others, but this is attested late.
This name derives from the Old Irish “Muireann,” composed of two elements: “mhuiníl / mór-” (beautiful/high) plus “hálainn” (neck), shortened to “mhui- / mór-ainn,” intended as “long-necked, beautiful neck.” Muirne or Muireann (high-spirited, festive) was the mother of Fionn mac Cumhail in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology. She had many suitors, but her father, the druid Tadg mac Nuadat, had foreseen that her marriage would lead to the loss of his home on the hill of Almu, so he refused them all. But one of them, Cumhal, leader of the Fianna, abducted her.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) probably from the Gaelic word “Meadhrán,” which means “dizziness, migraine, confusion or noises in the head.” Saint Mirin or Mirren (~565–620), also known as Mirren of Benchor, was an Irish monk and missionary. The patron saint of the town and Roman Catholic diocese of Paisley, Scotland, Mirin was the founder of a religious community that grew to become Paisley Abbey. The shrine of this saint in the abbey became a center of pilgrimage. St Merryn (Cornish: S. Meryn) is a civil parish and village in north Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south of Padstow's fishing port and 11 miles (18 km) northeast of the coastal resort of Newquay.
It is a male given name, initially used as a surname, derived from the Old English place name “Hroda’s island,” from the Ancient Germanic “*hrōþiz” (praise, fame, glory, renown, honor) plus “*rīkijaz” (kingly, royal, noble, mighty, distinguished, powerful, rich). Roderick is also an Anglicization of several unrelated names. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ruaidhrí and all its variants, meaning “red-haired king, red-colored hair of foxes,” a combination of Irish “ruadh” (red) plus “rí” (king). As a surname and given name, it is an Anglicized form of the Welsh Rhydderch. 1) Ruderic (Spanish: Rodrigo, † 711/712) was the Visigothic King of Hispania for a brief period between 710 and 712. He is famous in legend as “the last king of the Goths.” 2) Roderich Benedix (1811–1873) was a German dramatist and librettist, born in Leipzig, where he was educated there at Thomasschule.
This name derives from the Old Irish “Muireann,” composed of two elements: “mhuiníl / mór-” (beautiful/high) plus “hálainn” (neck), shortened to “mhui- / mór-ainn,” intended as “long-necked, beautiful neck.” Muirne or Muireann (high-spirited, festive) was the mother of Fionn mac Cumhail in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology. She had many suitors, but her father, the druid Tadg mac Nuadat, had foreseen that her marriage would lead to the loss of his home on the hill of Almu, so he refused them all. But one of them, Cumhal, leader of the Fianna, abducted her.
Birta is a short form of Lamberta, Alberta and Roberta and a diminutive form of Birgitta. It is of Germanic and Celtic origin and comes from the following roots: (LANDEBERT) (BERTHA) (HRŌDEBERT) (ADALBERT) and (BRIGHID).
This name derives from the Old Irish “Muireann,” composed of two elements: “mhuiníl / mór-” (beautiful/high) plus “hálainn” (neck), shortened to “mhui- / mór-ainn,” intended as “long-necked, beautiful neck.” Muirne or Muireann (high-spirited, festive) was the mother of Fionn mac Cumhail in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology. She had many suitors, but her father, the druid Tadg mac Nuadat, had foreseen that her marriage would lead to the loss of his home on the hill of Almu, so he refused them all. But one of them, Cumhal, leader of the Fianna, abducted her.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
This name derives from the Irish (Gaelic) “naomh,” meaning “saint, saintly, holy,” plus a diminutive suffix. In turn, the name means “little saint, little holy one.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 13.
This name derives from the Irish (Gaelic) “naomh,” meaning “saint, saintly, holy,” plus a diminutive suffix. In turn, the name means “little saint, little holy one.” The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 13.
This name derives from the Old Irish “Túathal,” composed of two elements: “Túath” (land, countryside, tribe, people) plus “flaith” (prince, princess, sovereign). In turn, the name means “ruler of the people.” Túathal Techtmar, son of Fíachu Finnolach, was a High King of Ireland, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition. He is said to be the Uí Néill and Connachta dynasties' ancestor through his grandson Conn of the Hundred Battles. The name may also have originally referred to an eponymous deity.
This name derives from the Celtic “Conall,” meaning “high and mighty.” The word “conal” in English means “shaped like a cone or funnel; conic.” Conall Cernach is a hero of the Ulaidh in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. He is said to have always slept with the head of a Connachtman under his knee. His epithet is usually translated as “victorious” or “triumphant,” although it is an obscure word, and some texts struggle to explain it. Alternative meanings include “angular, having corners,” “swollen,” or “possessing a dish or receptacle.”
This name derives from the Gaelic “Ailpein” from a Pictish word meaning “white.” Cináed mac Ailpín (Kenneth MacAlpin), and known in most modern regnal lists as Kenneth I (810–858), was king of the Picts and, according to national myth, the first king of Scots, earning him the posthumous nickname of An Ferbasach, “The Conqueror.”
Riana is a variant form of Rianna, the feminine form of Rian and the short form of Adriana. It is of Latin, Celtic and Gaelic origin and comes from the following roots: (HĂDRĬĀNUS) and (RHIANNON).
This name derives from the Old Irish Adjective “flann,” meaning “red, bright red, blood-red, crimson.” Flannait seemed to be the daughter of the warrior Cuana mac Ailchine and was miraculously cured by St. Mochutu of Lismore. She later became a nun and founded a church on the Black-water near Fermoy.
This name derives from the Celtic “brig-o > brígh,” meaning “exalted one, fire goddess, power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Its popularity, especially in Ireland, is mostly related to the popularity of Saint Brigid of Kildare, who was so popular in Ireland she was known as “Mary of the Gael.” This saint took on many of the characteristics of the early Celtic goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of agriculture and healing and possibly also of poetry and fire. One of her epithets was “Brigid of the Holy Fire.” Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) (Swedish: Heliga Birgitta or Birgitta Birgersdotter) was a mystic and saint and founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks after the death of her husband of twenty years. She was also the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Catherine of Siena, and Edith Stein.
Gaelic names developed within the Gaelic language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Gaelic is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Gaelic names carry this history.
Gaelic naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Gaelic is spoken. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.
Today, Gaelic names appear far beyond regions where Gaelic is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Gaelic names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 865 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Gaelic naming traditions have developed their own patterns and preferences. Names may honor family members, reflect religious beliefs, describe hoped-for qualities, or commemorate significant events. These patterns explain which names stayed popular.
These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.
This collection breaks down to 45% masculine names (387) and 52% feminine names (454). About 3% (24) work as gender-neutral or unisex options.
Gaelic names follow the phonetic rules of their language of origin. English speakers may need to adjust their pronunciation for sounds that don't exist in English. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help.
When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Gaelic name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
Our collection includes 865 Gaelic names. While some are common choices, others are rare finds that could give a child a distinctive name with authentic cultural roots.
The collection offers balanced options for both genders, with 387 names for boys and 454 for girls.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Gaelic names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Gaelic-speaking communities.
Popular Gaelic names for boys include Nyla, Kylie, Hayes, Nylah, London. Our database contains 387 Gaelic names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 454 Gaelic names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Gaelic names carry meanings from the Gaelic language tradition. Common themes in Gaelic names include strength, noble, divine, beautiful. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Gaelic names follow the phonetic rules of their language. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide. When uncertain, listening to native speakers provides the most accurate reference.
This database contains 865 Gaelic names: 387 for boys and 454 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Gaelic names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Gaelic phonetics. Some Gaelic names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.