Irish (Gaelic) names belong to the Irish (Gaelic) language tradition. This collection contains 1,021 Irish (Gaelic) names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 545 names traditionally given to boys and 387 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Irish (Gaelic) is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Irish (Gaelic)-speaking communities. Common themes include noble, divine, beautiful, showing what Irish (Gaelic) cultures have valued across generations.
This name represents the anglicized form of the Old Irish surname and byname “Ó Cuidighthigh > Cuidightheach,” meaning “descendant of Cuidightheach, helpful, helper.” Though apparently distinct, the name may be influenced by Mac Óda from the Germanic “Odo and Otho” introduced by the Normans to Ireland.
⭐ PopularThis name derives from the Anglicized form of Old Gaelic surname “Ó Sluaghadháin,” meaning “descendant of Sluaghadhán, little raider, from “sluaghadh,” meaning “leader of a military expedition, a man of arms, warrior.” Sloane’s term refers to a stereotype in the UK of the young, upper class or upper-middle-class women or men who share distinctive and common lifestyle traits.
Aidan or Aiden is the primary anglicization of the Irish given name Aodhán and the Scottish Gaelic given name Aodhàn. The name derives from “áed,” an Irish word of Indo-European origin, equivalent to “fire” in English. Aodh and its many variants are used today in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages as a given name for both sexes (though feminine forms are less varied and less common). In even more variants as a family name. Aodh was the name of a Celtic god, twin of Fionnuala and son of Lir. The four Children of Lir are legendary in Celtic mythology and were commemorated on Celtic wedding rings. Lir’s second wife, Aoife, turned Aodh into a swan. Aodh was also the name of a Celtic sun god. The Celtic sun god Aodh is an aspect of the Celtic god The Dagda.
This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Ruadháin,” from “ruadh,” From the Old Irish “rúad,” which in turn derives from Proto-Celtic “*roudos,” meaning “red.” It is a Gaelic epithet or byname, meaning “red,” often used as a nickname for people with red hair. It was the nickname of the Scottish outlaw Raibeart Ruadh MacGregor (1671–1734), known as Rob Roy in English. Saint Ruadhán (Rowan, Rodan), was an Irish Christian abbot who founded the monastery of Lorrha (Lothra, County Tipperary, Ireland), near Terryglass.
It is a given name derived from the Irish surname “Ó Raghallaigh or the Anglicised form O’Reilly.” The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) The name is composed of two elements: from the Gaelic “ràgh” (Irish: Rás; Proto-Germanic: *rēsō), meaning “race” plus the Irish and Scottish Gaelic “Caillech”, meaning “veiled one”, an adjectival form of “caille”, meaning “veil”. In Gaelic mythology, Cailleach is a divine hag, a creator deity and weather deity, and possibly an ancestor deity. 2) From an Old English surname and place name, from the root “roggo lēah,” meaning “rye clearing” (rye, type of grain). The Ó Raghallaigh family were part of the Connachta, with the eponymous Raghallach said to have died at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The family became the kings of East Breifne, modern-day County Cavan, and County Longford.
This name derives from the Old Irish “Meḋḃ / Meaḋḃ,” Middle Irish “Meadhbh,” and modern Irish “Meadhbh,” meaning “Intoxicating, she who intoxicates.” Meḋḃ was an ancient honey wine typically consumed during a marriage ceremony. Medb is the queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. Her husband in the core stories of the cycle is Ailill mac Máta, although she had several husbands before him who were also kings of Connacht.
This name derives from an Irish Gaelic surname, which was an Anglicized form of “Mac Fhionnlaigh” (son of Fionnlagh) from “Fhionnlaigh,” meaning “white warrior, fair warrior, kindly.”
This name derives from the Irish Gaelic “Conchúr,” which in turn derives from the Old Irish name “Conchobhar,” meaning “wolfkin, lover of wolves, lover of hounds.” 1) Conchobar mac Nessa (son of Ness) was the king of Ulster in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. 2) Conchobar mac Donnchada was High-King of Ireland with the opposition (rí Érenn co fressabra) between 819 and 833. Conchobar was the son of Donnchad Midi, high-king of Ireland (733–797); his mother was Fuirseach, a noblewoman of the Dál nAraidi.
This name derives from an English-language surname with numerous etymological origins. In many cases, the surname derives from several like-named place names in England, such as those in Devon, Kent, Lancashire (Mearley), Sussex (Marley farm), and West Yorkshire. The place names in Devon, Kent, and west Yorkshire are, in part, derived from the Old English element “lēah,” meaning “woodland clearing.” However, in some cases, Ireland’s surname may be an Anglicized form of the Irish “Ó Mearthaile” or “Ó Mearlaigh.” A famous bearer of the surname was the Jamaican musician Bob Marley (1945–1981).
This name derives from the Anglicized form of Old Gaelic surname “Ó Sluaghadháin,” meaning “descendant of Sluaghadhán, little raider, from “sluaghadh,” meaning “leader of a military expedition, a man of arms, warrior.” Sloane’s term refers to a stereotype in the UK of the young, upper class or upper-middle-class women or men who share distinctive and common lifestyle traits.
This name derives from the Middle Irish “albbu,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Celtic “Alb-i̯en,” shared with the Latin root “albus > albinus,” which means “white, bright.” Saint Ailbe was a sixth-century Irish bishop. The vita, or “life,” of Ailbe is included in the “Vitae Sanctorum Hiberniae (VSH),” a collection of medieval Irish saints’ lives in Latin compiled in the fourteenth century.
This name derives from an Irish Gaelic surname, which was an Anglicized form of “Mac Fhionnlaigh” (son of Fionnlagh) from “Fhionnlaigh,” meaning “white warrior, fair warrior, kindly.”
This name derives from an English-language surname with numerous etymological origins. In many cases, the surname derives from several like-named place names in England, such as those in Devon, Kent, Lancashire (Mearley), Sussex (Marley farm), and West Yorkshire. The place names in Devon, Kent, and west Yorkshire are, in part, derived from the Old English element “lēah,” meaning “woodland clearing.” However, in some cases, Ireland’s surname may be an Anglicized form of the Irish “Ó Mearthaile” or “Ó Mearlaigh.” A famous bearer of the surname was the Jamaican musician Bob Marley (1945–1981).
This name is of Proto-Celtic origin, composed of three elements: “mac,” from the Old Irish “macc,” from the Proto-Celtic “*makkʷos / *makʷos” (son of) plus “cion” (affectionate one, respect and affection) plus “áed / aodh” (fire). The personal name probably means “beloved of Aodh. Áed, or Aod, is the Daoine Sidhe prince and a god of the underworld in Irish mythology.
This name derives from the English “cadence” meaning, “rhythm, flow,” from the Middle French “cadence,” from the Italian “cadenza,” which in turn derives from the Latin “cadentia > cădĕre > cădo,” meaning “fall, get off, drop.” It has risen in popularity in the United States, where it ranked at no. 214 in popularity for baby girls in 2006, having jumped 745 places up the chart since 2002 when it was ranked at No. 959. It peaked in 2007 when it reached no. 199. This name is also linked to the Irish and Scottish Gaelic surname “Mac Cadáin” (son of Cadán), in turn from the Old Irish “cath” from the Proto-Celtic “*katus,” meaning “battle.” Caden is a given name popular in the United States and Canada in recent years.
Kennedy is a unisex given name in the English language. The name is an Anglicized form of a masculine given name in the Irish language. This name derives from the Irish name “Cinnéidigh”, composed of two elements: “ceann” (head) plus “éidigh / éide” (ugly / armor; hence the name can be thought to mean “helmet-headed”). Throughout the English-speaking world, the given name Kennedy has sometimes been used in honor of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, who was assassinated in 1963. His brother, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968.
Kennedy is a unisex given name in the English language. The name is an Anglicized form of a masculine given name in the Irish language. This name derives from the Irish name “Cinnéidigh”, composed of two elements: “ceann” (head) plus “éidigh / éide” (ugly / armor; hence the name can be thought to mean “helmet-headed”). Throughout the English-speaking world, the given name Kennedy has sometimes been used in honor of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, who was assassinated in 1963. His brother, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968.
This name is of Proto-Celtic origin, composed of three elements: “mac,” from the Old Irish “macc,” from the Proto-Celtic “*makkʷos / *makʷos” (son of) plus “cion” (affectionate one, respect and affection) plus “áed / aodh” (fire). The personal name probably means “beloved of Aodh. Áed, or Aod, is the Daoine Sidhe prince and a god of the underworld in Irish mythology.
Braelyn is a Combination (composed, blended name) of “Brae,” from an Irish surname “Ó Bradáin,” meaning “descendant of Bradán.” Bradán derives from an old Irish word “bratán,” meaning (salmon, a young fish, “figurative” pulse, life, spirit) plus a popular suffix “lyn.”
This name is of Proto-Celtic origin, composed of three elements: “mac,” from the Old Irish “macc,” from the Proto-Celtic “*makkʷos / *makʷos” (son of) plus “cion” (affectionate one, respect and affection) plus “áed / aodh” (fire). The personal name probably means “beloved of Aodh. Áed, or Aod, is the Daoine Sidhe prince and a god of the underworld in Irish mythology.
Braelin is a Combination (composed, blended name) of “Brae,” from an Irish surname “Ó Bradáin,” meaning “descendant of Bradán.” Bradán derives from an old Irish word “bratán,” meaning (salmon, a young fish, “figurative” pulse, life, spirit) plus a popular suffix “lyn.”
This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riain” from the Old Irish “rí” (king), thus the name means “little king.” This name has been popular in all English-speaking countries from the 1970s to the 1990s as both a male and female given name. The name Ryan is now one of the thirty most popular names in the United States. For Ireland, information is available for 2005 and 2006, which shows a popularity rank of 10th and 14th, respectively, for the use of “Ryan” as a male given name for new-born children. The name appeared for the first time in 1974 and has remained since then, fluctuating from year to year, but never exceeding the rank of 300.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the name “Shyla,” an anglicized form of the Irish name “Síle” plus the popular suffix “leen/lyn/lene.” This name derives from the Proto-Italic and Proto-Indo-European Adjective “*káykos/*kaikos,” via Latin “caecus > Caecilius,” meaning “blind, without eyes.” 2) From the Hebrew name “Shay” plus the popular suffix “leen/lyn/lene.” The name “shay,” meaning “gift, present, a gift offered as an homage.” 3) From the Irish name “Shay” plus the popular suffix “leen/lyn/lene.” It is an Irish Gaelic name, an anglicized form of “Séaghdha,” meaning “stately, majestic, courteous; also learned, scientific, ingenious or hawk-like,” although Séaghdha is exclusively male. Séaghdha derives from the surname “Ó Séaghdha,” the name of a family of Corca Dhuibhne in West Kerry, who, until about the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, were lords of Ui Rathach, now the barony of Iveragh.
This name derives from the English “cadence” meaning, “rhythm, flow,” from the Middle French “cadence,” from the Italian “cadenza,” which in turn derives from the Latin “cadentia > cădĕre > cădo,” meaning “fall, get off, drop.” It has risen in popularity in the United States, where it ranked at no. 214 in popularity for baby girls in 2006, having jumped 745 places up the chart since 2002 when it was ranked at No. 959. It peaked in 2007 when it reached no. 199. This name is also linked to the Irish and Scottish Gaelic surname “Mac Cadáin” (son of Cadán), in turn from the Old Irish “cath” from the Proto-Celtic “*katus,” meaning “battle.” Caden is a given name popular in the United States and Canada in recent years.
Mckinley derives from a surname, the Gaelic form of which is “Mac Fhionnlaigh” meaning "son of Fionnlagh". A famous bearer was the assassinated American president William McKinley (1843–1901).
Kennedy is a unisex given name in the English language. The name is an Anglicized form of a masculine given name in the Irish language. This name derives from the Irish name “Cinnéidigh”, composed of two elements: “ceann” (head) plus “éidigh / éide” (ugly / armor; hence the name can be thought to mean “helmet-headed”). Throughout the English-speaking world, the given name Kennedy has sometimes been used in honor of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, who was assassinated in 1963. His brother, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968.
It is an Irish Gaelic name, an anglicized form of “Séaghdha,” meaning “stately, majestic, courteous; also learned, scientific, ingenious or hawk-like,” although Séaghdha is exclusively male. Séaghdha derives from the surname “Ó Séaghdha,“ the name of a family of Corca Dhuibhne in West Kerry who, until about the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, were lords of Ui Rathach, now the barony of Iveragh.
Ty is a short form of Tyler, Tyson, Tyrone, and Tyron. It is of French, Irish and Greek origin and comes from the following roots: (TILER) (TYSON) (TÍR EOGHAIN) and (EUGÉNIOS).
Aidan or Aiden is the primary anglicization of the Irish given name Aodhán and the Scottish Gaelic given name Aodhàn. The name derives from “áed,” an Irish word of Indo-European origin, equivalent to “fire” in English. Aodh and its many variants are used today in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages as a given name for both sexes (though feminine forms are less varied and less common). In even more variants as a family name. Aodh was the name of a Celtic god, twin of Fionnuala and son of Lir. The four Children of Lir are legendary in Celtic mythology and were commemorated on Celtic wedding rings. Lir’s second wife, Aoife, turned Aodh into a swan. Aodh was also the name of a Celtic sun god. The Celtic sun god Aodh is an aspect of the Celtic god The Dagda.
This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Ruadháin,” from “ruadh,” From the Old Irish “rúad,” which in turn derives from Proto-Celtic “*roudos,” meaning “red.” It is a Gaelic epithet or byname, meaning “red,” often used as a nickname for people with red hair. It was the nickname of the Scottish outlaw Raibeart Ruadh MacGregor (1671–1734), known as Rob Roy in English. Saint Ruadhán (Rowan, Rodan), was an Irish Christian abbot who founded the monastery of Lorrha (Lothra, County Tipperary, Ireland), near Terryglass.
This name derives from the Irish root “cóem,” Gaelic script (Cʌoṁ)”, meaning “handsome, beautiful, gentle, kind, honest, gentle birth”. It was the first name that became popular outside Ireland in the mid-twentieth century. Kevin of Glendalough is an Irish Saint known as the founder and first abbot of Glendalough in County Wicklow, Ireland. His feast day in the Roman Catholic and eastern orthodox churches is on June 3. Many anglicized variations of Caomhánach exist; some of the most common are Kavanagh, Cavanagh, Kavanaugh, and Cavanaugh. The surname was first assumed by Domhnall Caomhánach (the eldest son of the 12th century King of Leinster, Diarmait Mac Murchada) in Ireland.
Baz is a short form of Basil, Sebastian, Balthazar, and Barry. It is of Greek, Latin, Akkadian, Celtic and Irish (Gaelic) origin and comes from the following roots: (BASÍLEIOS) (SEBASTIANUS) (BĒL-ŠARRA-UṢUR) (FIONN BARR) and (BIORACH).
This name derives from the Old Irish “úan” (Welsh: oen), meaning “lamb.” This name is a Celtic feminine given name.
This name is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname “Ó Diomasaigh,” meaning “descendant of Díomasaigh”; the latter stems from the Irish adjective “díomasach,” meaning “proud.” The family name is originated in the kingdom of “Uí Failghe.” The O’ Dempsey family derives their name from Diummasach, an 11th-century Uí Failge prince of the Máel Ugra clan, aka Cenél Maoilughra.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
It is a male given name derived from the Irish surname “Ó Deasmhumhnaigh,” ultimately derived from the Irish place-name “Desmond,” an anglicization of Gaelic “Deas-Mhumhna,” meaning “a man from south Munster.”
This name derives from the Old Irish “Niaṁ,” meaning “bright, radiant.” In Irish mythology, Niamh was a goddess, the daughter of the god of the sea, and one of the queens of Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth. She was the lover of the poet-hero Oisín.
It is a male given name derived from the Irish surname “Ó Deasmhumhnaigh,” ultimately derived from the Irish place-name “Desmond,” an anglicization of Gaelic “Deas-Mhumhna,” meaning “a man from south Munster.”
Morrissey is mostly a surname but is rarely used as a first name as well. This name comes from the Irish surname “Ó Muirgheasa,” which means “son of Muirgheas, Sea-choice.”
This name derives from the Irish surname “Ó Riain” from the Old Irish “rí” (king), thus the name means “little king.” This name has been popular in all English-speaking countries from the 1970s to the 1990s as both a male and female given name. The name Ryan is now one of the thirty most popular names in the United States. For Ireland, information is available for 2005 and 2006, which shows a popularity rank of 10th and 14th, respectively, for the use of “Ryan” as a male given name for new-born children. The name appeared for the first time in 1974 and has remained since then, fluctuating from year to year, but never exceeding the rank of 300.
This name derives from the Scottish Gaelic “dromainn”, meaning “ridge, or high ground”, from the Old Irish “druimm,” meaning” back, ridge”. This great and noble name is of Scottish territorial origin from any of the various places, including Drymen near Stirling. Clan Drummond is a Highland Scottish clan. The name is rendered “Druimeanach” in modern Scottish Gaelic. The first chief of Clan Drummond to appear in written records was Malcolm Beg, Chamberlain of Lennox, who married a daughter of the Earl of Lennox, named Ada, before 1260.
It is the anglicized form of both Coinneach and Cináed. This name was borne by the Scottish king Kenneth (Cináed) Mac Alpin. 1) Coinneach means “fair or handsome,” more creative translations could be “child of the fair or handsome one, child of the wise ruler, child of the bright one, born of fire, fire-born, finely made, favored one, comely, or good looking.” 2) Cináed means son of Cionaodh (born of fire). Cion is an old Irish word for respect and affection, plus “Aodh,” a Gaelic personal name, initially the Celtic god of fire. The personal name probably means “beloved of Aodh.”
Aidan or Aiden is the primary anglicization of the Irish given name Aodhán and the Scottish Gaelic given name Aodhàn. The name derives from “áed,” an Irish word of Indo-European origin, equivalent to “fire” in English. Aodh and its many variants are used today in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages as a given name for both sexes (though feminine forms are less varied and less common). In even more variants as a family name. Aodh was the name of a Celtic god, twin of Fionnuala and son of Lir. The four Children of Lir are legendary in Celtic mythology and were commemorated on Celtic wedding rings. Lir’s second wife, Aoife, turned Aodh into a swan. Aodh was also the name of a Celtic sun god. The Celtic sun god Aodh is an aspect of the Celtic god The Dagda.
Ash is a short form of Ashley, Ashleen, Ashlin, Ashling, Ashlyn, Ashlyne, Ashlynne, and several names beginning with the element “Ash.” This name is of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) and Irish origin and comes from the following roots: (ÆSC LĒAH) and (AISLING).
This name derives from the Gaelic word “doire,” meaning “oak, oak grove.” Darragh is frequently used in Ireland as either a male and female given name, and it also occurs as a surname. In Celtic mythology, Darragh also meant “Dagda,” was the Celtic god of the underworld, nicknamed the strength perseverance. This name is also linked to the Old Irish name “Dáire,” meaning “fruitful, fertile.”
This name derives from the Old Irish “Meḋḃ / Meaḋḃ,” Middle Irish “Meadhbh,” and modern Irish “Meadhbh,” meaning “Intoxicating, she who intoxicates.” Meḋḃ was an ancient honey wine typically consumed during a marriage ceremony. Medb is the queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. Her husband in the core stories of the cycle is Ailill mac Máta, although she had several husbands before him who were also kings of Connacht.
It is an Irish Gaelic name, an anglicized form of “Séaghdha,” meaning “stately, majestic, courteous; also learned, scientific, ingenious or hawk-like,” although Séaghdha is exclusively male. Séaghdha derives from the surname “Ó Séaghdha,“ the name of a family of Corca Dhuibhne in West Kerry who, until about the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, were lords of Ui Rathach, now the barony of Iveragh.
This name derives from Irish “Cían,” meaning “long, enduring, far, lasting, distant.” In Irish mythology, Cían, also known as Scal Balb, son of Dian Cecht of the Tuatha Dé Danann, is best known as Lug’s father. In most versions, Lug’s mother is the Fomorian princess Ethniu, but in some versions, Cian is also known as Ethlend; hence Lug is known as Lug mac Ethlend.
Tara is an Irish Gaelic place name, associated with the Hill of Tara, (Irish: Teamhrach, or Teamhair na Rí), the seat of ancient Irish kings. The name means “elevated place, high place.” The Hill of Tara, located near the River Boyne, is an archaeological complex that runs between Navan and Dunshaughlin in County Meath, Ireland. It contains many ancient monuments and, according to tradition, was the seat of the High King of Ireland.
Aidan or Aiden is the primary anglicization of the Irish given name Aodhán and the Scottish Gaelic given name Aodhàn. The name derives from “áed,” an Irish word of Indo-European origin, equivalent to “fire” in English. Aodh and its many variants are used today in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages as a given name for both sexes (though feminine forms are less varied and less common). In even more variants as a family name. Aodh was the name of a Celtic god, twin of Fionnuala and son of Lir. The four Children of Lir are legendary in Celtic mythology and were commemorated on Celtic wedding rings. Lir’s second wife, Aoife, turned Aodh into a swan. Aodh was also the name of a Celtic sun god. The Celtic sun god Aodh is an aspect of the Celtic god The Dagda.
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic and Irish (Gaelic) “Finnguala,” composed of two elements: “*windos > find > fionn” (white, fair) and “guala” (shoulder), meaning “Fair-shoulder, blonde.” In Irish mythology, Finnguala was the daughter of Lir of the Túatha Dé Danann. The Túatha Dé Danann, also known by the earlier name Tuath Dé (the tribe of the gods) are a race of supernaturally-gifted people in Irish mythology. They are thought to represent the principal deities of pre-Christian Gaelic Ireland.
This name derives from the English patronymic surname “Corey.” Ultimately the given name derives from the Old Norse personal name “Kori,” from the Old Irish “cuire,” meaning “a throng or multitude, a troop or company.” The name may be linked to another Norse name, in this case, “Kári,” from the Old Norse “Kárr,” meaning “curly (hair), obstinate, pugnacious, reluctant.” The name was particularly widespread thanks to the popularity of “Corey Baker,” a character in the television series “Julia.”
This name derives from the Middle Irish “albbu,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Celtic “Alb-i̯en,” shared with the Latin root “albus > albinus,” which means “white, bright.” Saint Ailbe was a sixth-century Irish bishop. The vita, or “life,” of Ailbe is included in the “Vitae Sanctorum Hiberniae (VSH),” a collection of medieval Irish saints’ lives in Latin compiled in the fourteenth century.
This name derives from the Middle Irish “albbu,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Celtic “Alb-i̯en,” shared with the Latin root “albus > albinus,” which means “white, bright.” Saint Ailbe was a sixth-century Irish bishop. The vita, or “life,” of Ailbe is included in the “Vitae Sanctorum Hiberniae (VSH),” a collection of medieval Irish saints’ lives in Latin compiled in the fourteenth century.
This name derives from the Middle Irish “albbu,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Celtic “Alb-i̯en,” shared with the Latin root “albus > albinus,” which means “white, bright.” Saint Ailbe was a sixth-century Irish bishop. The vita, or “life,” of Ailbe is included in the “Vitae Sanctorum Hiberniae (VSH),” a collection of medieval Irish saints’ lives in Latin compiled in the fourteenth century.
This name derives from the Middle Irish Gaelic genitive form “Cathasaig,” meaning “vigilant, watchful,” from the surname “Ó Cathasaig.” In turn, the name means “descendant of Cathasach. The English version “Casey” was the 326th most popular name for boys born in the United States in 2007 and the 458th most popular name for girls. It ranked among the top 200 names for both sexes in the 1990s.
Aidan or Aiden is the primary anglicization of the Irish given name Aodhán and the Scottish Gaelic given name Aodhàn. The name derives from “áed,” an Irish word of Indo-European origin, equivalent to “fire” in English. Aodh and its many variants are used today in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages as a given name for both sexes (though feminine forms are less varied and less common). In even more variants as a family name. Aodh was the name of a Celtic god, twin of Fionnuala and son of Lir. The four Children of Lir are legendary in Celtic mythology and were commemorated on Celtic wedding rings. Lir’s second wife, Aoife, turned Aodh into a swan. Aodh was also the name of a Celtic sun god. The Celtic sun god Aodh is an aspect of the Celtic god The Dagda.
This name may be an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic “O’ Cathain”, meaning “descendant of Cathan,” a personal name from the diminutive “Cath,” meaning “battle.” 2) It may be a nickname for a brave or proud person deriving from the Middle English “kene,” Old English pre 7th Century “cene.” 3) The name could derive from the Middle English given name “Kene”, a short form of any of the various old English pre 7th Century personal names with the first element “cene / cyne,” meaning “royal”, linked to “Cyning,” meaning “chieftain, king”.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name derives from the Old Irish “Meḋḃ / Meaḋḃ,” Middle Irish “Meadhbh,” and modern Irish “Meadhbh,” meaning “Intoxicating, she who intoxicates.” Meḋḃ was an ancient honey wine typically consumed during a marriage ceremony. Medb is the queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. Her husband in the core stories of the cycle is Ailill mac Máta, although she had several husbands before him who were also kings of Connacht.
Bree is a short form of Breana, Breann, Breanna, Breanne, Sabryna, Sabrina, and Gabrielle. The name is of Irish, Breton, Occitan, Welsh, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*BRIGONOS > BRIAN) (HAFREN / HABREN) and (GAVRIE’L).
Tara is an Irish Gaelic place name, associated with the Hill of Tara, (Irish: Teamhrach, or Teamhair na Rí), the seat of ancient Irish kings. The name means “elevated place, high place.” The Hill of Tara, located near the River Boyne, is an archaeological complex that runs between Navan and Dunshaughlin in County Meath, Ireland. It contains many ancient monuments and, according to tradition, was the seat of the High King of Ireland.
The name is originated from the Gaelic surname MacCoinneach, quite literally meaning “son of Coinneach.” However, since Coinneach means “fair, kind, gentle or handsome,” more creative translations could be “child of the fair or handsome one, child of the wise ruler, child of the bright one, born of fire, fire-born, finely made, favored one, comely, or good looking.” The Mackenzie clan has flourished in Scotland dating back to the 13th-Century, at which time Coinneach MacCoinneach (Kenneth son of Kenneth) supposedly held the title of the 3rd Baron of Kintail. Some historians claim that the clan descended from members of the House of Geraldine in Ireland, who had resettled in Scotland in 1261. The name Coinneach or Kenneth later became Mackenzie, with a pronunciation initially resembling “McKenny.”
Aidan or Aiden is the primary anglicization of the Irish given name Aodhán and the Scottish Gaelic given name Aodhàn. The name derives from “áed,” an Irish word of Indo-European origin, equivalent to “fire” in English. Aodh and its many variants are used today in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages as a given name for both sexes (though feminine forms are less varied and less common). In even more variants as a family name. Aodh was the name of a Celtic god, twin of Fionnuala and son of Lir. The four Children of Lir are legendary in Celtic mythology and were commemorated on Celtic wedding rings. Lir’s second wife, Aoife, turned Aodh into a swan. Aodh was also the name of a Celtic sun god. The Celtic sun god Aodh is an aspect of the Celtic god The Dagda.
This name represents the anglicized form of the Old Irish surname and byname “Ó Cuidighthigh > Cuidightheach,” meaning “descendant of Cuidightheach, helpful, helper.” Though apparently distinct, the name may be influenced by Mac Óda from the Germanic “Odo and Otho” introduced by the Normans to Ireland.
Bria is a short form of Cambria, Brianna, and Gabriella. It is of Welsh, Irish, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (COMBROG) (BRIAN) and (GAVRIE’L).
This name derives from the Middle Irish “albbu,” which in turn derives from the Proto-Celtic “Alb-i̯en,” shared with the Latin root “albus > albinus,” which means “white, bright.” Saint Ailbe was a sixth-century Irish bishop. The vita, or “life,” of Ailbe is included in the “Vitae Sanctorum Hiberniae (VSH),” a collection of medieval Irish saints’ lives in Latin compiled in the fourteenth century.
This name represents the anglicized form of the Old Irish surname and byname “Ó Cuidighthigh > Cuidightheach,” meaning “descendant of Cuidightheach, helpful, helper.” Though apparently distinct, the name may be influenced by Mac Óda from the Germanic “Odo and Otho” introduced by the Normans to Ireland.
This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27.
This name derives from the Gaelic “Ciarán,” meaning “little dark one” or “blacky,” from the Irish element “ciar,” meaning “black, dark.” The name is popularized by the Irish saints dating back from the 5th-century. Ciarán was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and is considered the first saint to have been born in Ireland. However, the legend that he preceded Saint Patrick is questionable. Ciarán was bishop of Saigir (Seir-Kieran) and remained the patron saint of its successor, Ossory’s diocese.
It is an Irish Gaelic name, an anglicized form of “Séaghdha,” meaning “stately, majestic, courteous; also learned, scientific, ingenious or hawk-like,” although Séaghdha is exclusively male. Séaghdha derives from the surname “Ó Séaghdha,“ the name of a family of Corca Dhuibhne in West Kerry who, until about the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, were lords of Ui Rathach, now the barony of Iveragh.
This name derives from the Middle Irish Gaelic “Éan dála,” meaning “similar to a bird, resembling a bird.” Énnae Cennsalach (5th-century) was a King of Leinster and founder of the Uí Cheinnselaig sept of the Laigin. He was the grandson of Bressal Bélach († 436), a previous king.
This name may be an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic “O’ Cathain”, meaning “descendant of Cathan,” a personal name from the diminutive “Cath,” meaning “battle.” 2) It may be a nickname for a brave or proud person deriving from the Middle English “kene,” Old English pre 7th Century “cene.” 3) The name could derive from the Middle English given name “Kene”, a short form of any of the various old English pre 7th Century personal names with the first element “cene / cyne,” meaning “royal”, linked to “Cyning,” meaning “chieftain, king”.
It is an Irish Gaelic name, an anglicized form of “Séaghdha,” meaning “stately, majestic, courteous; also learned, scientific, ingenious or hawk-like,” although Séaghdha is exclusively male. Séaghdha derives from the surname “Ó Séaghdha,“ the name of a family of Corca Dhuibhne in West Kerry who, until about the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, were lords of Ui Rathach, now the barony of Iveragh.
This name derives from the Irish Gaelic “Conchúr,” which in turn derives from the Old Irish name “Conchobhar,” meaning “wolfkin, lover of wolves, lover of hounds.” 1) Conchobar mac Nessa (son of Ness) was the king of Ulster in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. 2) Conchobar mac Donnchada was High-King of Ireland with the opposition (rí Érenn co fressabra) between 819 and 833. Conchobar was the son of Donnchad Midi, high-king of Ireland (733–797); his mother was Fuirseach, a noblewoman of the Dál nAraidi.
This name derives from the Irish “odhrá > odhrán,” meaning “dark-haired, a brown one, a little pale green one, pale green, sallow.” Seventeen saints have used the name Odhran. St. Odhran of Iona was an Irish abbot and one of the 12 devotees. After serving as abbot of Meath, he journeyed to Scotland with St. Columba to promote the faith and died at Iona. Odhran was the first Irish monk to die at Iona. He may have founded Latteragh Abbey in Tipperary and is considered the principal patron saint of Waterford, Ireland. His name day is celebrated on October 27.
This name comes from the Irish “Éireann” (Ireland), the dative or genitive form of Gaelic “Éire” (Ireland). Poets and nineteenth-century Irish nationalists used Erin in English as a romantic name for Ireland. According to Irish mythology and folklore, the name was initially given to the Milesians’ island after the goddess Ériu. As a given name, Erin is used for both sexes, although, given its origins, it is principally used as a feminine forename. It first became a popular given name in the United States. Erin is also a name for Ireland in Welsh and is one of the 20 most popular girls’ names in Wales. In Irish mythology, Ériu (modern Irish Éire), daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, was the eponymous matron goddess of Ireland.
Saint Olan is an Irish Saint, patron Saint of the Parish of Aghabullogue. Aghabullogue is a village in County Cork, Province of Munster, Ireland. The arrival of Christianity saw many of these wells blessed and used by Christians. Pilgrimages (known as rounds) are still made at the well, especially on the feast day of Saint Olan on September 5th. Olin also is a surname, a derivative of the surnames Holland or Hollander (province of Holland in the Netherlands), used by the Dutch and the Scandinavians.
This name derives from the Irish and Scottish (Gaelic) “Gleann,” meaning “(from the) valley” the name also refers to “Glynn,” a small village and civil parish in the Larne Borough Council area of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Besides, “Glen” is a Scottish habitational surname for someone who lives in a valley. In Sweden, Glenn is a popular first name in the western parts of the country, but especially Gothenburg, originally due to a large and influential population of emigrated Scotsmen, especially in the city’s early centuries.
It is a male given name derived from the Irish surname “Ó Deasmhumhnaigh,” ultimately derived from the Irish place-name “Desmond,” an anglicization of Gaelic “Deas-Mhumhna,” meaning “a man from south Munster.”
This name derives from the Gaelic “Ciarán,” meaning “little dark one” or “blacky,” from the Irish element “ciar,” meaning “black, dark.” The name is popularized by the Irish saints dating back from the 5th-century. Ciarán was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and is considered the first saint to have been born in Ireland. However, the legend that he preceded Saint Patrick is questionable. Ciarán was bishop of Saigir (Seir-Kieran) and remained the patron saint of its successor, Ossory’s diocese.
This name derives from Irish “Cían,” meaning “long, enduring, far, lasting, distant.” In Irish mythology, Cían, also known as Scal Balb, son of Dian Cecht of the Tuatha Dé Danann, is best known as Lug’s father. In most versions, Lug’s mother is the Fomorian princess Ethniu, but in some versions, Cian is also known as Ethlend; hence Lug is known as Lug mac Ethlend.
This name derives from the Irish and Scottish (Gaelic) “Gleann,” meaning “(from the) valley” the name also refers to “Glynn,” a small village and civil parish in the Larne Borough Council area of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Besides, “Glen” is a Scottish habitational surname for someone who lives in a valley. In Sweden, Glenn is a popular first name in the western parts of the country, but especially Gothenburg, originally due to a large and influential population of emigrated Scotsmen, especially in the city’s early centuries.
This name derives from the Gaelic “Ciarán,” meaning “little dark one” or “blacky,” from the Irish element “ciar,” meaning “black, dark.” The name is popularized by the Irish saints dating back from the 5th-century. Ciarán was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and is considered the first saint to have been born in Ireland. However, the legend that he preceded Saint Patrick is questionable. Ciarán was bishop of Saigir (Seir-Kieran) and remained the patron saint of its successor, Ossory’s diocese.
This name derives from the English patronymic surname “Corey.” Ultimately the given name derives from the Old Norse personal name “Kori,” from the Old Irish “cuire,” meaning “a throng or multitude, a troop or company.” The name may be linked to another Norse name, in this case, “Kári,” from the Old Norse “Kárr,” meaning “curly (hair), obstinate, pugnacious, reluctant.” The name was particularly widespread thanks to the popularity of “Corey Baker,” a character in the television series “Julia.”
This name derives from the Old Irish “Meḋḃ / Meaḋḃ,” Middle Irish “Meadhbh,” and modern Irish “Meadhbh,” meaning “Intoxicating, she who intoxicates.” Meḋḃ was an ancient honey wine typically consumed during a marriage ceremony. Medb is the queen of Connacht in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. Her husband in the core stories of the cycle is Ailill mac Máta, although she had several husbands before him who were also kings of Connacht.
This name derives from Irish “Cían,” meaning “long, enduring, far, lasting, distant.” In Irish mythology, Cían, also known as Scal Balb, son of Dian Cecht of the Tuatha Dé Danann, is best known as Lug’s father. In most versions, Lug’s mother is the Fomorian princess Ethniu, but in some versions, Cian is also known as Ethlend; hence Lug is known as Lug mac Ethlend.
This name derives from the English patronymic surname “Corey.” Ultimately the given name derives from the Old Norse personal name “Kori,” from the Old Irish “cuire,” meaning “a throng or multitude, a troop or company.” The name may be linked to another Norse name, in this case, “Kári,” from the Old Norse “Kárr,” meaning “curly (hair), obstinate, pugnacious, reluctant.” The name was particularly widespread thanks to the popularity of “Corey Baker,” a character in the television series “Julia.”
This name derives from the Old Irish adjective “ciar,” namely “Ó Ciardha,” meaning “black, little dark one.” The name is linked to Saint Ciara, a 7th-century Irish saint venerated by the Roman Catholic Church. It is a habitation and topographic name in Normandy, Burgundy, and Franche-Comté in France, occurring more often as Carrey.
This name derives from the Middle Irish Gaelic “Éan dála,” meaning “similar to a bird, resembling a bird.” Énnae Cennsalach (5th-century) was a King of Leinster and founder of the Uí Cheinnselaig sept of the Laigin. He was the grandson of Bressal Bélach († 436), a previous king.
This name derives from the Old Irish “úan” (Welsh: oen), meaning “lamb.” This name is a Celtic feminine given name.
This name comes from the Irish “Éireann” (Ireland), the dative or genitive form of Gaelic “Éire” (Ireland). Poets and nineteenth-century Irish nationalists used Erin in English as a romantic name for Ireland. According to Irish mythology and folklore, the name was initially given to the Milesians’ island after the goddess Ériu. As a given name, Erin is used for both sexes, although, given its origins, it is principally used as a feminine forename. It first became a popular given name in the United States. Erin is also a name for Ireland in Welsh and is one of the 20 most popular girls’ names in Wales. In Irish mythology, Ériu (modern Irish Éire), daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, was the eponymous matron goddess of Ireland.
This name derives from the pre-Christian Irish personal name “Órfhlaith,” composed of two elements: From the Gaelic “òr” (gold) plus “flaith” (prince, princess, sovereign). In turn, the name means “golden prince or princess.” 1) Órfhlaith was the name of a sister of the Irish king Brian Boru. 2) Órlaith appears to be the only recorded daughter of King Cennétig mac Lorcáin of Thomond († 951).
Brad is a short form of Bradley and Bradford. It is of Germanic, Old English (Anglo-Saxon), and Irish origin and comes from the following roots: (*BRAITHAZ / BRAD LĒAH > BRADLEY) and (BRĀD FORD).
This name derives from the English patronymic surname “Corey.” Ultimately the given name derives from the Old Norse personal name “Kori,” from the Old Irish “cuire,” meaning “a throng or multitude, a troop or company.” The name may be linked to another Norse name, in this case, “Kári,” from the Old Norse “Kárr,” meaning “curly (hair), obstinate, pugnacious, reluctant.” The name was particularly widespread thanks to the popularity of “Corey Baker,” a character in the television series “Julia.”
Cass is a diminutive form of Kassandra, Kassidy, and Cassius. It is of Greek, Irish (Gaelic) and Etruscan origin and comes from the following roots: (KASSÁNDRA) (CAISIDE) and (CASSĬĀNUS).
Aidan or Aiden is the primary anglicization of the Irish given name Aodhán and the Scottish Gaelic given name Aodhàn. The name derives from “áed,” an Irish word of Indo-European origin, equivalent to “fire” in English. Aodh and its many variants are used today in the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages as a given name for both sexes (though feminine forms are less varied and less common). In even more variants as a family name. Aodh was the name of a Celtic god, twin of Fionnuala and son of Lir. The four Children of Lir are legendary in Celtic mythology and were commemorated on Celtic wedding rings. Lir’s second wife, Aoife, turned Aodh into a swan. Aodh was also the name of a Celtic sun god. The Celtic sun god Aodh is an aspect of the Celtic god The Dagda.
This name has two possible derivations. The theories include: 1) From the Welsh name “Trefor,” from any of the numerous places in Wales, in particular, the one near Llangollen, from the Welsh “tre-f,” meaning “homestead, a big village, the settlement.” 2) An anglicized form of a Gaelic surname “Ó Treabhair,” meaning “descendant of Treabhar,” a byname meaning “industrious, tight, prudent.”
This name represents the anglicized form of the Old Irish surname and byname “Ó Cuidighthigh > Cuidightheach,” meaning “descendant of Cuidightheach, helpful, helper.” Though apparently distinct, the name may be influenced by Mac Óda from the Germanic “Odo and Otho” introduced by the Normans to Ireland.
This name derives from the Gaelic word “doire,” meaning “oak, oak grove.” Darragh is frequently used in Ireland as either a male and female given name, and it also occurs as a surname. In Celtic mythology, Darragh also meant “Dagda,” was the Celtic god of the underworld, nicknamed the strength perseverance. This name is also linked to the Old Irish name “Dáire,” meaning “fruitful, fertile.”
Irish (Gaelic) names developed within the Irish (Gaelic) language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Irish (Gaelic) is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Irish (Gaelic) names carry this history.
Irish (Gaelic) naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Irish (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, Irish (Gaelic) names appear far beyond regions where Irish (Gaelic) is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Irish (Gaelic) names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 1,021 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Irish (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 53% masculine names (545) and 38% feminine names (387). About 9% (89) work as gender-neutral or unisex options.
Irish (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 Irish (Gaelic) name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
With 1,021 names in our database, Irish (Gaelic) is one of our bigger origin categories. These names appear on birth certificates worldwide, from regions where Irish (Gaelic) is spoken to immigrant communities on every continent.
The collection offers balanced options for both genders, with 545 names for boys and 387 for girls.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Irish (Gaelic) names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Irish (Gaelic)-speaking communities.
Popular Irish (Gaelic) names for boys include Cody, Sloan, Aiden, Rowan, Rylie. Our database contains 545 Irish (Gaelic) names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 387 Irish (Gaelic) names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Irish (Gaelic) names carry meanings from the Irish (Gaelic) language tradition. Common themes in Irish (Gaelic) names include noble, divine, beautiful, warrior. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Irish (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 1,021 Irish (Gaelic) names: 545 for boys and 387 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Irish (Gaelic) names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Irish (Gaelic) phonetics. Some Irish (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.