399 Gaelic Baby Names With Meanings
Oh-so-charming Erse naming collection tied to their deep ethic roots.
Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 yearsTrisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.
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Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 yearsShikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.
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Specialty: Kids Fun and Developmental ActivitiesExperience: 6 yearsNisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.
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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.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | Little hollow | |
| | Girl | Island | |
| | Boy | One who shouts or howls | |
| | Girl | Helmeted head | |
| | Boy | Handsome by birth; Gentle | |
| | Boy | Handsome; Little rock; Noble | |
| | Boy | God; Divinity | |
| | Boy | Dedicated to Mars | |
| | Boy | Place of elms | |
| | Boy | Handsome; Comely | |
| | Boy | Fair hero | |
| | Girl | Field; Plain | |
| | Boy | Son of Cathán; Warrior | |
| | Girl | Bright; Shining; A lady with dusk hair | |
| | Girl | Solitary clearing; One's own meadow | |
| | Boy | Beloved; Regal woman | |
| | Girl | Fair; Pure; Keeper of the keys | |
| | Boy | Brown-haired chieftain | |
| | Boy | Royal ruler | |
| | Boy | Dog; Wolf | |
| | Girl | Fair; Handsome one | |
| | Boy | Son of Aodh; Son of Fire | |
| | Girl | Helmet on the head | |
| | Boy | Cauldron; Curly haired | |
| | Girl | Form of Alana; Filled with beauty and serenity | |
| | Boy | One who rules the world | |
| | Girl | The one who has fair complexion | |
| | Boy | Little fire | |
| | Girl | She is Clever; She who has curly hair | |
| | Boy | Handsome; Young hound; Son of the holy one | |
| | Boy | The twin | |
| | Boy | Broad valley; Brave | |
| | Girl | Light; To twine around; Beautiful woman | |
| | Girl | Boomerang | |
| | Girl | Rare beauty; Slender | |
| | Boy | One with a crooked nose | |
| | Boy | Ancient; The descendant of the brave one | |
| | Girl | Star | |
| |  Unisex | Unique; Strong; Confident | |
| | Boy | He who has a crooked nose | |
| | Boy | Rock; Rocky | |
| | Boy | Chief; Prince | |
| | Boy | A black-haired person | |
| | Girl | Grace of God | |
| | Boy | Zealous; Adoring; Zealous; Fervent | |
| | Boy | One with yellow hair | |
| | Boy | Slender man | |
| | Boy | Royal leader of the clan | |
| | Boy | Hero, Dark-haired | |
| | Boy | Fair | |
| | Boy | Warrior; Raider | |
| | Boy | From the valley | |
| | Boy | Fresh water or beautiful | |
| | Boy | A spear | |
| | Boy | Beautiful; Pleasant | |
| | Girl | From the alder grove | |
| | Girl | God is gracious; Gift of God | |
| | Boy | Cross or the Crucifix | |
| | Boy | Slender; Narrow | |
| | Girl | Frail | |
| | Boy | Slender; Little | |
| | Girl | Fiery love; Born from fire | |
| | Boy | Fair | |
| | Girl | Delicate; Slender | |
| | Girl | Lamb; Universal | |
| | Boy | Brave and fearless chief | |
| | Girl | She who is intelligent | |
| | Boy | Blonde; White-haired | |
| | Boy | Great; Oak tree; Gift | |
| | Unisex | Helmeted chief | |
| | Boy | Avenger or vengeful spirit | |
| | Boy | Dweller in a hollow | |
| | Boy | Pledge; Oath | |
| | Boy | Peace; A poetic way of referring to Ireland | |
| | Boy | Wisdom; Counsel | |
| | Boy | Oak tree; Great | |
| | Boy | Leather; Someone from Cordova | |
| | Boy | Affectionate; Calm | |
| | Boy | Tan | |
| | Boy | The chief; The head; Leader | |
| | Boy | Foal; Playful; Energetic; Part of a plough | |
| | Boy | The victorious people | |
| | Boy | A handsome poet | |
| | Girl | Armored head; helmet | |
| | Boy | One who practices law and justice; A man of law | |
| | Girl | Famous or renowned rose | |
| | Boy | Slender; Fair man | |
| | Girl | The son of Oda; From the Oda clan | |
| | Boy | A dark-black haired guy | |
| | Boy | The brave chief; The brave ruler | |
| | Girl | Gentle; Beautiful | |
| | Boy | Strong one | |
| | Boy | Warrior; Raider | |
| | Girl | A feminized form of erin; meaning peace and a poetic way of referring to Ireland | |
| | Girl | Woman of wisdom | |
| | Boy | One from the South; noble | |
| | Boy | Rich and Prosperous | |
| | Boy | Hero; one who is courageous and is admired by everyone | |
| | Boy | A person who is fair and mythology | |
| | Boy | Hairy and black | |
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.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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
- 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.
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