Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Celtic baby names reflect the rich history and culture of the ancient Celts. The Celts were ancient people who lived in different parts of Europe from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, between 700 BC and 400 BC. Though the Celts never lived in a unified state, they had a common language. Even today, the language is spoken in Ireland and parts of Britain (1). You will find names of every meaning in the Celtic tongue, from mythology and legends to history and place names. Celtic names display the charm of the Isles they are derived from – Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and even Italy. Additionally, it can be deduced that the Celts followed polytheism, as many of these Celtic names are found in Irish and Welsh mythologies. These languages, along with Scottish Gaelic and Breton, have the most substantial ties to the original Celtic language (2). A formal Celtic name consists of a given name, a middle name, and a surname, which is patronymic in etymology (3). Such surnames begin with Mac or Mc, meaning ‘son of,’ or O, meaning ‘grandson of.’ While many families have started to prefer Gaelic versions of Celtic names to better honor their roots, some parents prefer anglicized versions for easy pronunciation. For instance, the Celtic name Eoin is pronounced eo-in. So, its anglicized version would be Owen. An interesting fact about Celtic names is that they are dithematic. In other words, they are derived from two elements, usually by joining a prefix or suffix. As such, they are similar to Germanic names, also considered dithematic. Take a look at the delightful Celtic baby names in the list below. Note – Traditional Celtic names can be a bit tricky to pronounce due to Celtic vowels. So, you must know and understand the proper pronunciation of your shortlisted names.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Braedyn |  |  Unisex | The heir or descendant of Bradan |
| Brain | |  Boy | The important part of the body located in the skull |
| Brandan | | Boy | Sharp-bladed weapon |
| Brann | | Boy | Black bird resembling a crow |
| Branok | | Boy | Cornish name from Celtic brano; Meaning raven or crow |
| Bre | | girl | Power and strength; Ability to subside others |
| Brea | | girl | Virtuous and strong as a hill |
| Breana | | girl | Virtuous and honorable |
| Breanna | | girl | Noble; Exalted; Resolute |
| Breanne | |  Girl | Hill; Power; Strength from God |
| Bredon | | Boy | Sword |
| Brei | | girl | Strength and power; Strong person |
| Breigh | | girl | Father of many; Strong and powerful |
| Brenden | | Boy | Prince; King; Outstanding |
| Brendis | | Boy | Prince; Variant of Brendan |
| Brendt | | Boy | Hilltop |
| Brennen | | Boy | Brave |
| Brennon | | Boy | Prince; A variant of name Brendan |
| Brentley | | Boy | A hilltop; A mountain top |
| Brenton | | Boy | A hilltop or the top of a mountain |
| Brenyn | | girl | Teardrop |
| Breton | | Boy | Of or relating to the region of Brittany in France |
| Brhita | | Boy | Strong |
| Briaca | | Girl | Feminine form of Briac; Meaning disputed |
| Brian | | Boy | High; Noble; Hill |
| Briana | | Girl | High; Noble; Hill; Resolute |
| Brianna | | Girl | Noble; Exalted |
| Brieg | | Boy | Bear; Stone; Disciple |
| Brigacos | | Boy | High or mighty individual |
| Brigthwyna | | Girl | Strong girl |
| Bryan | | Boy | Strong; Virtuous; Noble |
| Bryana | | Girl | Noble, strong, virtuous; hill; She ascends |
| Bryok | | Boy | A shortened form of Briafael; Mighty prince |
| Bush | | Unisex | A shrub or a plant with many branches or leaves |
| Caedan | | Unisex | Warrior; Battlefield |
| Cailum | | Boy | Dove; Peaceful |
| Cairbre | | Boy | Celtic boy's name |
| Cambry | | Unisex | Changeable; Exchange |
| Caractacus | | Boy | One who is loved |
| Carantok | | Boy | Derived from karant and means friend |
| Caratacus | | Boy | He is loved and cared for |
| Cars | | Boy | A person who has war like characteristics; a fighter |
| Casek | | Boy | A form of Cadok, battle |
| Casworon | | Boy | Battle hero |
| Catavignus | | Boy | A Celtic male name |
| Catguallaun | | Boy | A leader of the Coeling dynasty |
| Caylus | | Boy | Strong and masculine |
| Celt | | Unisex | A musical and exotic name |
| Celtic | | Unisex | Musical |
| Celvin | | Boy | Bald |
| Chad | | Boy | Battle; Warlike |
| Chadd | | Boy | The saint who protects others |
| Ciarra | | Girl | Dark; not fair; dim; dusk |
| Cinuchan | | Boy | One who is a chief |
| Cinuedu | | Boy | Person who is a leader; A chief |
| Cistumucus | | Boy | One who is chief |
| Cleland | | Boy | A land that is made up of clay; clayland |
| Clvtorigi | | Boy | A monument of Clutorrix |
| Clyde | | Boy | Warm; Friendly; River Clyde |
| Collyns | | Unisex | Victory; Defender |
| Commius | | Boy | A historical king of the Belgian nation |
| Con | | Boy | Heroic and wise; One who has lots of wisdom |
| Conal | | Boy | Mighty; Ferocious; High in rank and looked upon by people |
| Conn | | Boy | A high, mighty, and wise person; Who is a brave advisor |
| Connal | | Boy | High; Mighty; Respectful; Ferocious; Respected by all |
| Connell | | Boy | Mighty, high and is admired by all; One who is strong at battle |
| Conri | | Boy | Strong-willed; determined; independent |
| Conroy | | Boy | Persistent knowledge in all aspects; A wise person who has knowledge in every field |
| Conway | | Boy | The hound or gaint of the mountains or plains |
| Conwenna | | Girl | One who is white, fair, and blessed. |
| Cordelia | | Girl | Jewel of sea; Heart of a lion |
| Coven | | Unisex | Gathering or assembly of witches |
| Cowen | | Boy | Twins; Hillside indent |
| Crad | | Girl | Diminutive of Caradoc which means extremely adored, loved |
| Cuinn | | Boy | A leader |
| Culann | | Boy | Mythical name |
| Cullen | | Boy | Handsome; Young hound; Son of the holy one |
| Cunacenni | | Boy | A doer |
| Cunobelinus | | Boy | A Hound |
| Cunopectus | | Boy | A diplomatic, pleasant person |
| Cunotamus | | Boy | Name of the son of Cunotamus |
| Cutha | | Girl | Comical person |
| Cynwrig | | Boy | A born hero |
| Dalaney | | Unisex | Challenger's descendant; Offspring |
| Dallas | | Boy | From valley meadows; Valley house |
| Dana | | Girl | God is my judge; Pearl; Brave |
| Danu | | Unisex | Liberal; Courageous |
| Davan | | Unisex | A fascinating name |
| Deedee | | Boy | Heavenly; Divine |
| Deirdre | | Girl | One who has a broken heart |
| Delainey | | Unisex | Descendant of the challenger |
| Delia | | Girl | Jewel of the sea |
| Deran | | Unisex | Strong; Determined; Leader |
| Desmond | | Boy | One from South Munster |
| Dillion | | Boy | A faithful one; brightness of lord |
| Dinogad | | Boy | A highly inspirational person; versatile |
| Diuma | | Boy | Name of a bishop; Who won the truth |
| Diva | | Girl | A divine person; Beloved and beautiful |
| Donald | | Boy | One who rules the world |
| Donall | | Boy | Stranger; Strong and efficient |
Although the Celts were an ancient race, their influence on names has remained timeless. Celtic baby names encompass a variety of meanings and aspects, including gods, festivals, traits, natural elements, mythology, and other features. If you plan to give your baby a Celtic name, you must confirm its proper pronunciation. By providing your baby a Celtic name, you are giving them a robust and meaningful name and cementing their ties with an ancient yet evolving culture.
Infographic: Lovely Celtic Baby Names For Your Cuddly Cutie
Celtic baby names originate in various languages and cultures, including Irish, Scottish, and Welsh. They may also have the essence of Old French, Old English, Latin, and Germanic languages. From this rich mixture come out beautiful names that will captivate your senses and bestow attention upon the bearer. Your search for Celtic baby names ends here. Take a look at our infographic to get some charming names with meanings.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some modern variations of traditional Celtic names?
Several modern adaptations of traditional Celtic names exist, such as Aidan (Aodhán), denoting ‘fire’ or ‘fiery one,’ Liam (William), signifying a ‘determined protector,’ and Aoife (Aífe), an Irish name meaning ‘beautiful,’ ‘radiant,’ or ‘joyful.’ These modified versions successfully retain the Celtic essence while embracing current naming conventions.
2. What are some common Celtic names, and what do they mean?
Some frequently encountered Celtic names are Fiona, which signifies 'blessed' or 'white,' Eoin, denoting 'God is gracious,' and Niamh, an Irish name meaning 'radiant' or 'bright.'
3. How do the pronunciation and meaning of Celtic names change when translated into other languages?
The pronunciation and meaning of Celtic names might vary when they are translated. Phonetics adjust pronunciation to the rules of the target language. Due to linguistic intricacies and cultural settings in other languages, original meanings may be lost or altered.
References
- Ancient Celts:
https://www.worldhistory.org/celt/ - Peter Forster and Alfred Toth;
Toward a phylogenetic chronology of ancient Gaulish - Irish Culture: Naming.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/irish-culture/irish-culture-naming
