We found a list of unusual Irish girl names inspired by myth and legend. Here are our favorites! Find out the meanings behind the names.
If you are searching for a special name for your baby girl, we have an ultimate list of Irish names that are perfect for your unique little girl.
The Irish culture is dominant, with stories that date back many years. Moreover, Celtic mythology and folklore play a major part in the Irish names we hear today.
We found a list of unusual Irish girl names inspired by myth and legend. Here are our favorites! Find out the meanings behind the names.
Contents
Pronunciation
Top 20 Irish Names for Girls
Popular Names
Unique Names
Traditional Names
Celtic Girl Names
Common Celtic Names
Gaelic Girl Names
Gorgeous Gaelic Names
How to Pronounce Irish Girl Names?
The Irish language is beautiful, with several pretty Irish names, but it can be a struggle to pronounce them correctly.
Most of these names are written in one way but pronounced in a completely different way. This can become very confusing when you pick a name for your baby girl.
Nevertheless, once you learn the different sounds that combinations of letters make, the process gets easier. Check out how these vowel combinations are pronounced:
ao is pronounced ay
aoi is pronounced ee
eo is pronounced oh
ea is pronounced awe
io is pronounced ih
ia is pronounced ee
Top 20 Irish Names for Girls
The Irish language is full of names that have a deeper meaning. If you are one of those parents who give importance to the meaning of names, you will enjoy the list we’ve put together.
Here are the Top 20!
Aoife
This name means “beautiful” or “joyful.” In Irish mythology, Aoife is one of the greatest woman warriors in the world.
Caoimhe
Pronounced kwee-va or kee-wa, the name means “gentle,” “beautiful,” or “precious.”
Ciara
The feminine version of Ciaran, it means “dark.” It is pronounced kee-ra.
Saoirse
This name means “liberty” or “freedom.”
Niamh
Pronounced neev or nee-iv, Niamh means “lustre,” “radiance,” or “brightness.”
Cara
In Irish, the word means “a friend.”
Roisin
This Irish name means “little rose”, and it was used in patriotic poetry in Ireland.
Aisling
The name means “vision” or “dream” and is pronounced ash-ling.
Clodagh
Pronounced cloh-da, this name is associated with a female deity.
Eabha
The Irish form of Eve, Eabha means “life” but is also known as “the mother of all the living.”
Aine
The name is associated with prosperity and fruitfulness. It comes from the noun aine, which means “brilliance” or “splendor.”
Aoibhinn
Pronounced ee-van or ay-veen, the name means “pleasant.” Or “radiant beauty.”
Sadhbh
This name can either mean “wise” or “sweet”, and it is pronounced sive.
Aoibhe
Derived from the Gaelic word aoibh, this word means “beauty.”
Fiadh
Pronounced fee-a, Fiadh is an old name meaning “wild” as in a wild animal.
Laoise
This name means “radiant girl” and is pronounced lee-sha.
Orla
Known as the “golden princess” or “golden sovereign” in Irish, it is also spelled as Orlaith.
Eimear
Eimear was the name of an Irish warrior, Cuchulainn’s wife, and she was known to possess six gifts: sweet words, a gentle voice, wisdom, beauty, chastity, and needlework. The name means “swift.”
Popular Irish Girl Names
Irish names have gained immense popularity over the years.
Parents love Irish names because they are unique and have rich meanings. Furthermore, it is a great way of staying rooted in traditions.
Here is our list of popular Irish girl names that you are sure to love!
Fiona
This name comes from Gaelic and is the female version of the Irish name, Fionn. It translates to “being bright and fair.”
Alana
With Irish, Hawaiian, Hebrew, and German origins, the name means “beauty,” “serenity,” or “little rock.”
Arlene
It means “pledge” or “devotion.” Arlene is the name of a female cat who appears in the Garfield comics.
Brenda
The name translates to “torch” or “glowing sword.” This popular name is also shared by actress Brenda Blethyn and singer Brenda Lee.
Brianna
With Irish, Celtic, and English origins, this name means “from the high hill” or “noble and strong.”
Bridget
A popular character from the comedy novel-turned-movie Bridget Jones’s Diary, this name means “powerful,” “virtuous”, or “of high status.”
Caitlin
The meaning of this name is “pure”, and it has various spelling variations, including Caitlyn, Kaitlin, Catelyn, etc.
Casey
This name means “vigilant,” “watchful,” and “brave.” Famous namesakes include actress Casey Wilson and Casey Burke.
Cassidy
Perfect name for a girl with curly hair, this name literally means “having curly hair” or “clever.”
Deirdre
With Irish and Gaelic origins, the meaning of this name is “sorrowful” or “fear.”
Delaney
This popular name means “child” or “dark defiance.” Some alternate spellings include Delanie, Dalaney, and Delane.
Eileen
This name has Irish, Gaelic, French, German, and Latin origins, and it literally means “light.”
Finley
This unisex name means “fair,” “hero,” or “holy.” Interestingly, Finley is also the name of Elvis Presley’s granddaughter.
Keira
With Irish, Gaelic, and Greek origins, this name means “little dark one.”
Molly
It means “bitter,” “of the sea,” or “wished for.” Famous namesakes include comedian and actress Molly Shannon and Molly Ringwald.
Unique Irish Girl Names
While all Irish names are unique, some are more uncommon than the rest.
All parents want to select a name that stands out and makes their child outshine the others. Have a look at these unique girl names for your little bundle of joy!
Afric
Pronounced ah-frick, this name means “pleasant.”
Aileen
It means “shining light” and is pronounced ay-leen.
Cadhla
This name means “beautiful” and is pronounced k-eye-la or k-ay-la.
Dearbhla
Meaning “true desire,” this name is pronounced dur-vlah.
Erin
Derived from the word eireann, Erin means “Ireland.”
Liadh
This unique name is pronounced lee-ah, and it means “grey.”
Mallaidh
Pronounced molly, the name means “star of the sea.”
Meadbh
This name means “pearl” or “happiness” and is pronounced mayve.
Riona
Riona is pronounced ree-ohna, and the name means “queen.”
Shona
Pronounced show-na, this name means “God is gracious.”
Sorcha
The name means “brightness” and is pronounced sur-kah.
Banbha
It is the name of an Irish goddess and is pronounced ban-va.
Boann
This mythological name was shared by the Goddess of the River Boyne.
Clothru
Pronounced cluh-roo, this Irish name is related to the Princess of Connacht.
Eireann
It is the ancient Celtic name for the country Ireland.
Eithne
The name of an ancient pagan goddess, it means “grain.”
Maoliosa
The meaning of Maoliosa is “follower of God”, and it is pronounced may-leesa.
Neasa
Pronounced nya-sah, this name means “gentle” and “nice.” It’s also the name of a legendary Queen Mother of Ulster.
Saorla
The unique Irish name means “free-born princess.”
Traditional Irish Baby Girl Names
We love traditional Irish names because they remind us of our original Irish roots. These names were popular years ago, but the meaning and beauty behind them are timeless.
You can choose a name that’s sweet and more vintage instead of modern Irish names. Here is our list of traditional Irish names for girls that are unique and meaningful.
Aideen
Pronounced ay-deen, this name is a variation of Etain. This name means “little fire” in the old Irish language.
Ailbe
Ailbe is pronounced al-vah, and it means “white.”
Ailis
This name is the Irish version of Elizabeth and Alice and is pronounced ay-lish.
Alannah
This name is derived from leanbh which is the Irish word for child – it is often translated to “darling child.”
Betha
Pronounced bay-thah, it comes from the Irish word for “life.”
Bronagh
This traditional name is derived from bronach, which means “sorrowful” or “sad” in Irish.
Catriona
The name is another Irish variant of Katherine and is pronounced cat-rio-nah.
Damhnait
The name means “befitted” and is pronounced dav-net. According to legend, St Damhnait was the daughter of a pagan king who fled to Europe after converting to Christianity.
Dubheasa
This is a very old Irish name which is hardly used now. Pronounced duv-eesa, the name means “dark beauty.”
Elan
An Irish version of Helen, the name is pronounced ell-anne.
Etain
It means “little enviable one.” According to Irish legend, Etain was a married woman who fell for a fairy man Midir. The man turned both of them into swans so they could escape her husband.
Finola
Pronounced finn-ola, Fionn means “white”, and the name means “white shoulders.”
Grainne
The name of Goddess of harvest and fruitfulness in Celtic lore.
Iseult / Isolde
Iseult was an Irish princess who married the king of Cornwall. The name is pronounced ee-sol / uh-zowl-duh.
Celtic Girl Names
Do you want a name that reflects the Celtic heritage? These names come from Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland, and areas of northern Spain.
The pronunciation of Celtic names can be challenging and tricky, but once you understand how different sounds are produced, the process gets easier.
Some Celtic names are more common, like Erin, while others are more exotic. Here is our list of Celtic names for girls that you’re sure to like.
Alys
It means “noble” and “dependable.” Alternate spellings include Alis (Welsh), Aileas (Scottish), and Ailis (Irish).
Avalon
With Welsh origins, this name means “apple.” Some Famous namesakes are DJ Avalon Emerson and model Avalon Dawn.
Boudica
An ancient Celtic name meaning “victory.” This is a rare name in the U.S.
Bronwen
This Celtic name means “pure heart” or “fair and blessed.” In Welsh stories, Branwen is the daughter of the sea God, Llyr.
Cerridwen
Pronounced keh-rid-wehn, the name means “poetry” combined with “fair” or “woman.”
Enid
This Celtic unisex name means “soul” or “life.” It was a popular name in the U.S during the 1920s.
Glenys
With Welsh origins, this name means “holy” or “clean.” It is also spelled as Glynis, Glennis, or Glynnis.
Gwyneth
The meaning of this name is “white,” “fair”, or “blessed.” Some famous namesakes include actress Gwyneth Paltrow and singer Gwen Stefani.
Gwendolyn
This name means “white ring”, and it was the most popular name in the U.S during the 1950s.
Iona
Derived from Scottish Gaelic origins, Iona means “island.” This name is more common in England and Wales.
Keely
This Irish name means “slender”, and it is also the name of a town in Northern Ireland.
Lean
The Greek name means “torchbearer” and is pronounced layn.
Maureen
The meaning of this name is “star of the sea.” It is also spelled as Mairenn, Maurine, and Moirean.
Nimue
This Greek name means “remembrance”, and it is pronounced ni-moo, nee-moo-eh or nim-way.
Common Celtic Names for Girls
The Celts were European tribes that lived around the north of the Alps in the Iron Age and occupied the British Isles in the first to second centuries B.C and the Celtic languages have survived several invasions, including the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Germanic tribes.
Have a look at these Celtic names for girls that have survived through the years.
Boudicca
Originating from ancient Celtic, the name means “victory.”
Brighid
The meaning of this name is “the exalted one.” The popular version of this name is Bridget.
Diedre
This Gaelic name means “sorrow” and “longing.” Another meaning for this name is “young girl.”
Kiera
This Celtic name means “black.” It was popular in the U.S in the 2000s, and Ciara ranked around 149 in 2005.
Kylie
With Gaelic origins, this name means “strait.” This name was very popular in 2004 when it reached a high point at 49.
Maeve
Pronounced at mayv, this Gaelic name means “entrancing.” Maeve is a popular name in Ireland, but it is climbing charts in the U.S too.
Morgan
A Gaelic name that means “born of the sea.” Some famous people who share this unisex name include soccer player Morgan Brian and actress Morgan Fairchild.
Shannon
This Irish name means “old” or “ancient.” Shannon was the most popular name in the 1970s and 1980s, which is why you will find many people with this name today.
Macha
It is the name of an Irish goddess according to myth, and the word macha means “plain”, like a flat area of grass.
Nora
The origin of this Irish name is unknown, but it is similar to the name Noirin.
Maire
Pronounced maw-rah, this is an Irish version of Mary.
Irene
This popular name means “peace”, and it is pronounced eye-reen.
Gaelic Girl Names
Check out our list of Gaelic names that are perfect for your little girl.
Orliath
Pronounced orl-ah, this Gaelic name means “golden princess.”
Sinead
A girl’s name of Irish Gaelic origins, the name means “God’s gracious gift. The name is pronounced shin-aid.
Aila
The name means “from the strong place.” It is pronounced eye-luh or ay-luh.
Allie
A Gaelic name that means “bright one” or “light.” Allie is a modern version of Eileen and Helen.
Cairistiona
This name is a religious choice among Gaelic names, and it means “follower of the Christ.”
Cameron
Cameron is one of the Gaelic names that were initially used for boys but have now become unisex over time.
Eibhlin
This Gaelic female name means “hazelnut”, and it is derived from the French Norman name Aveline.
Enda
It means “freedom of spirit.” The name was initially masculine but has become a unisex name over time. It is pronounced ay-na.
Fallon
This is a strong choice for Gaelic female names. It means “leader.”
Ide
Pronounced ee-da, this Gaelic name means “thirst.” Ide was the name of a female Irish saint who promoted knowledge.
Innes
Innes is a Gaelic name that means “one choice” or “from the river island.”
Kerrie
Kerrie is a popular unisex name that means “Ciar’s people.” While Kerrie is still considered masculine, Keri is a great option for girls.
Leslie
A Gaelic name that means “holly-garden.” It was a top pick in the U.S during the 60s and 70s.
Malvina
The meaning of this name is “smooth brow.” Unlike other names on this list, this name was invented by the 18th-century poet James Macpherson as a character in his poems.
Mor
An ancient name that means “great.” Several medieval queens have shared the same name.
Nessa
A Gaelic name for girls that means “not-gentle one.” Nessa is an attractive name by itself but can also be used for Vanessa.
Riley
This English and Gaelic name means “rye clearing” or “descendant of Raghallach.”
Gorgeous Gaelic Names for Girls
Everyone wants a beautiful name that’s befitting their precious daughter – here are a few gorgeous Gaelic names that should inspire you.
Caireann
This Gaelic name means “little beloved” or “little friend.”
Eilidh
A popular name that means “light.”
Fidelma
A Gaelic woman’s name that has two potential meanings “constant” or “beauty.”
Iseabail
The Gaelic form of Isabel means “God is my oath.”
Kenna
This unisex name means “born of fire” or “handsome.”
Kyna
It is the female version of a Gaelic boy’s name, Kyne. Kyna is derived from cadhan which means “wild goose.”
Lee
It is an English Gaelic and Chinese name which means “song” or “poem.” The name is also linked to the Old English Lea, meaning “wood.”
Mairead
Pronounced mawr-aid or mur-aid, this Gaelic name means “pearl.”
Meara
A girl’s name meaning “sea.” It is derived from the Irish Mara and is pronounced meer-a.
Murphy
A unisex name meaning “sea warrior.” Murphy is among the most common surnames in Ireland.
Reagan
It is one of many unisex names that are derived from a surname. This name means “the king’s child.”
Shay
A Hebrew and Gaelic name for “stately” or “gift.” The name is a popular unisex one which is also shared by Canadian actress Shay.
Sile
Sile means “heavenly” in the Gaelic language. A perfect name if you are looking for a unique option.
Skye
It is a Gaelic place-name that’s derived from the Isle of Skye, a picturesque island in Scotland.
Teagon
A unisex name meaning “beautiful.”
Conclusion
Ireland has rich Gaelic and Celtic roots with many different stories and legends. Many Irish girl names are also inspired by their mythology, making it a powerful name for your child.
In this article, we have listed over one hundred Irish names along with their meanings in hopes that you can find some inspiration for naming your baby girl.
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