400 Gaelic Baby Names With Meanings

Oh-so-charming Erse naming collection tied to their deep ethic roots.

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• Sep 11, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Naming your baby is the first major decision that you will make for your child. However, this task can get daunting sometimes, and you could be baffled by the countless choices. But if you're looking for Gaelic baby names, we can help you. Derived from Irish roots, Gaelic stands as one of the prominent languages in modern Ireland, ranking among the top spoken languages in the country. With a pervasive presence across the stunning British Isles, Gaelic baby names exude an enduring and melodic essence, frequently securing their prominent status on naming charts. These names originate in Gaels or Goidels, an ethnolinguistic group dominating the Scottish Highlands, Ireland, and the Isle of Man. A typical Gaelic name consists of a given name and a surname. These names are often nativized, which means made to fit the Gaelic sound system. The surnames are patronymic, meaning they refer to a family's ancestor. Also, the surname varies according to the bearer's gender. Across centuries, the Gaels have witnessed myriad cultural influences from encounters with various societies. These diverse cultural waves fused into a rich blend of traditions due to the influx of multiple traditions and cultures. The successive conquests, and the evolution of customs, influenced the Gaelic naming conventions, which is being passed down to the new generation. English and Scottish people have used many Gaelic baby names, making it challenging to classify them as Irish or Scottish Gaelic names. However, some baby names specific to the Gaelic-speaking region were adapted into English spellings. Like other cultures have nicknames, Gaels, too, choose endearing short names, often based on their physical traits, professions, places, or significant life moments. Discover a rich collection of Gaelic baby names from our list, each with a meaningful story drawn from legends and mythology.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Adaire	Boy	Wealthy spear or oak grove
Adare	Boy	One who belongs to the oak tree ford
Aden	Boy	Little fire
Ailbe	Boy	Celtic: White; A variant of the name Ailbhe
Ailen	Boy	Handsome
Ailfryd	Boy	Elf; Magical counsel
Ailiue	Girl	Diminutive of Ailis
Ainsley	Girl	Solitary clearing; One's own meadow
Alan	Boy	Handsome; Little rock; Noble
Alanna	Girl	Form of Alana; Filled with beauty and serenity

Alastar	Boy	Defending men; A form of Alexander
Alastor	Boy	Avenger or vengeful spirit
Allanagh	Girl	Variant of Alana; Precious; Serene; Fair abd beautiful maiden
Angis	Boy	A strong and masculine man
Aonghas	Boy	One Choice; A variant of name is Angus
Arlan	Boy	Pledge; Oath
Arland	Boy	A Pledge; A variant of name Arien
Aven	Boy	Beautiful; Pleasant
Bainbridge	Boy	One who lives by the bridge near a stream
Bainbrydge	Boy	One who lives nearwhite water

Banagher	Boy	Pointed Hill
Baran	Boy	Noble warrior; Ram; Forceful; Virile; Noble fighter
Bayrd	Boy	One who Sings Ballads
Beagan	Boy	Little one
Beathan	Boy	Life; Existence
Blair	Girl	Field; Plain
Bow	Boy	The small son; Diminutive of the name Bowden
Boyd	Boy	One with yellow hair
Braden	Boy	Broad valley; Brave
Bradene	Boy	Sleek as a salmon; Alternate spelling for Braden

Breandan	Boy	Brave; Fearless
Breena	Girl	Imaginary fairyland
Brenda	Unisex	Blade of a sword; Fiery sword
Brendin	Boy	Prince
Brody	Boy	Broad island; Ditch; Muddy place
Buchanan	Boy	House of the Canon
Caeleigh	Girl	Slender
Caydran	Boy	The spirit of the battle
Caydren	Boy	One with the spirit of battle
Ceanna	Unisex	Beautiful head

Ceili	Unisex	The one who is slender and a descendant of Caollaidhe
Ceilidh	Unisex	A traditional social gathering
Cerie	Girl	A delicate bird's whistle
Chay	Unisex	A fairy tale
Chevaune	Girl	The gracious God
Ciarran	Girl	One who is dark and dusky
Ciorstaidh	Girl	One who is a follower of Jesus Christ
Cleary	Boy	Highly educated; scholar; learned; knowledgeable; cultured
Clell	Boy	Descendant of the wolf family
Clunie	Boy	One who hails from the grasslands or meadows

Codie	Girl	The son of Oda; From the Oda clan
Coleen	Girl	Female; a young woman; a lady
Collan	Boy	A young boy who is attractive, handsome, and good looking
Conlan	Boy	Hero; one who is courageous and is admired by everyone
Conor	Boy	Dog; Wolf
Conroy	Boy	Persistent knowledge in all aspects; A wise person who has knowledge in every field
Corey	Boy	Cauldron; Curly haired
Cori	Boy	A turbulent, boiling pool filled with foam
Corwin	Boy	Leather; Someone from Cordova
Coulter	Boy	Foal; Playful; Energetic; Part of a plough

Cowell	Boy	Descendants of Pictish people; A place in the Highland region of Scotland
Craig	Boy	Rock; Rocky
Cray	Boy	Productive; Creative; Rough and bumpy rocks
Crighton	Boy	Derived from Creighton meaning lives at a rocky place; Near a border
Cronan	Boy	Slightly dark one; Dark brown
Cross	Boy	Cross or the Crucifix
Culkin	Boy	Uilcin's son
Cullen	Boy	Handsome; Young hound; Son of the holy one
Cullin	Boy	Good-looking man
Cully	Boy	The one who dwells in the wood

Cunningham	Boy	Village with Milk; leader
Curra	Boy	Spear; Hero
Curran	Boy	A dagger
Currie	Boy	A dagger; Hero
Currin	Boy	Variant of Curran
Curry	Boy	A sharp dagger
Dace	Boy	One from the South; noble
Dacey	Boy	The one from a noble background
Dacia	Girl	The one from the south
Daeg	Boy	Daylight; first thing of the morning

Daegan	Boy	Hairy and black
Dagen	Boy	The one who is dark-haired
Dalas	Boy	Meadow; house
Dall	Boy	The wise one
Dallie	Unisex	Delicate
Daly	Boy	Together forever
Daran	Boy	Great personality master
Darce	Boy	The dark one
Daren	Boy	Oak tree; Great
Daric	Boy	Oak hearted

Darick	Boy	Strong person
Darra	Girl	Wisdom; Oak tree
Darran	Boy	A great and superior individual
Darrbie	Boy	The one who is free from hatred and envy
Darrick	Boy	Strong one
Darrin	Boy	Great; Oak tree; Gift
Darroch	Boy	Strong hearted
Darryn	Boy	Variant of Darren
Darthula	Girl	Beautiful eyes
Daryn	Boy	Great person

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Gaelic baby names are rich in symbolic meaning, typically inspired by nature, mythology, and history. They offer a world of possibilities, paving the way for a future filled with affection, joy, and cherished moments. Whether you are looking for a name reflecting grace, strength, or both, these wide ranges of options shine like undiscovered gems with profound meanings and historical roots. We hope you uncover the perfect Gaelic name for your precious little one.

Infographic: Outstanding Gaelic Names For Your Baby

Numerous figures, myths, and tales from Gaelic cultures offer abundant inspiration for baby names. Gaelic names are unique, lending them a remarkable charm; this can be a desirable attribute many parents may expect from a baby name. Explore our infographic featuring a collection of captivating Gaelic baby names.

outstanding gaelic names for your baby (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Gaelic name means precious?

Gaelic names associated with the meaning 'precious' include Keavy, referring to someone precious or beloved, and Caoimhe or Caomh, meaning dear, beloved, or gentle.

2. What is the significance of using Gaelic names for babies?

Gaelic names often act as windows to their diverse blend of Scottish and Irish culture and traditions. Thus, these names can help preserve and honor the heritage while offering individuality due to their distinctive sound or pronunciation. Moreover, Gaelic names have rich symbolism due to their association with mythology, cultural references, and history.

3. What are some famous people with Gaelic names?

Some famous people with Gaelic names include Saoirse Ronan, the acclaimed Irish actress who graces the screen with her Golden Globe Award-winning performances. Additionally, Niamh Cusack, a beloved Irish actress, enthralls audiences with her captivating performances, and Eoin Colfer, one of the bestselling Irish authors, paints vibrant worlds with his vivid imagination.

4. What is the meaning of the name Aiden in Gaelic?

The Gaelic name Aiden carries the meaning of little fire or fiery one. It originates from the Irish name Aodhán, a diminutive form of Aodh that represents the concept of fire or burning.

5. What are some Gaelic baby names with historical significance?

Gaelic baby names carry a rich historical significance rooted in ancient Celtic culture. Some notable examples include Aodh, derived from the Celtic god of fire, representing divine energy and power (1). And Fionnuala, rooted in Irish mythology, signifies a white shoulder. It was the name of one of the four children of King Lir, who were all turned into swans by their stepmother (2).

6. What are some gender-neutral or unisex Gaelic baby names?

Some Gaelic baby names that are gender-neutral or unisex include Finley, which means fair warrior, Quinn, which refers to a wise counsel; and Rowan, derived from the rowan tree known for its associations with protection and healing.

7. What are some Gaelic baby names that are suitable for twins?

The Gaelic name pair Eilidh and Ailis, which mean bright and noble, respectively, may offer a suitable choice for twins. Another option could be Finn and Aoibhinn, which means blessed and delightful. Lastly, there are Eamon and Seamus, meaning guardian and supplanter, respectively.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Jennifer Lee McKinney
https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LTKF-RDC/jennifer-lee-mckinney-1968-1968
The Children of Lir: Ireland’s Sweethearts
https://libapps.libraries.uc.edu/liblog/2017/03/the-children-of-lir-irelands-sweethearts/

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.