400 Gaelic Baby Names With Meanings

Gaelic Baby Names With Meanings

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.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Dayle heart image baby boy sign Unisex Valley; an assembly
heart image Deagan heart image baby boy sign Boy A dark-black haired guy
heart image Dearan heart image baby boy sign Boy A great solitary being; quiet one
heart image Dedra heart image baby boy sign Girl A steady, aging, and versatile being
heart image Deegan heart image baby boy sign Boy A black-haired person
heart image Deidra heart image baby boy sign Girl Sorrowful one; Broken-hearted
heart image Delaney heart image baby boy sign Boy The progeny of dark challenger
heart image Delanie heart image baby boy sign Girl From the alder grove
heart image Dierdra heart image baby boy sign Boy One who has a raging attitude
heart image Donahue heart image baby boy sign Boy A brave dark warrior; Stable and loving beings
heart image Donald heart image baby boy sign Boy One who rules the world
heart image Donalda heart image baby boy sign Girl Masters who rule many
heart image Donaldo heart image baby boy sign Boy A mighty king who rules many and is efficient
heart image Donia heart image baby boy sign Girl A person who rules everybody
heart image Donovan heart image baby boy sign Boy Brown-haired chieftain
heart image Dorene heart image baby boy sign Girl Stady worker; blonde person
heart image Doue heart image baby boy sign Boy A dark black colored person; Stream
heart image Doug heart image baby boy sign Boy Dark river; Dark water
heart image Doyne heart image baby boy sign Boy A sensitive person who is an idealistic being
heart image Drust heart image baby boy sign Boy Situation of riot; Strong
heart image Duff heart image baby boy sign Boy Dark Skinned person who is capable
heart image Duffy heart image baby boy sign Boy Black one; Son of an elegant being
heart image Dugan heart image baby boy sign Boy One who has a dark skin
heart image Dymphna heart image baby boy sign Girl A little eligible person; Little poet
heart image Dympna heart image baby boy sign Girl A little person who is good-natured
heart image Ealasaid heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is devoted to God and humanity
heart image Eilidh heart image baby boy sign Girl One who emits light
heart image Eire heart image baby boy sign Boy Ireland land; Goddess of Gaelic
heart image Eireann heart image baby boy sign Girl Ireland land; one who belongs from Ireland
heart image Eireen heart image baby boy sign Girl A peace-loving and humble-natured being
heart image Elwynn heart image baby boy sign Boy A wise friend; Magical; Fair; White being
heart image Emer heart image baby boy sign Girl Swift
heart image Emeria heart image baby boy sign Girl Someone who is from the North with great beauty and honour
heart image Emerich heart image baby boy sign Boy Someone with power and who is a leader
heart image Ennis heart image baby boy sign Boy The only choice
heart image Erian heart image baby boy sign Girl Someone from Ireland
heart image Erin heart image baby boy sign Boy Peace; A poetic way of referring to Ireland
heart image Erina heart image baby boy sign Girl A feminized form of erin; meaning peace and a poetic way of referring to Ireland
heart image Erinn heart image baby boy sign Boy Ireland; Peace
heart image Erinna heart image baby boy sign Girl Ireland
heart image Erinne heart image baby boy sign Girl Ireland
heart image Erline heart image baby boy sign Girl A girl from Ireland
heart image Erv heart image baby boy sign Boy High cliff; Fresh water
heart image Ervin heart image baby boy sign Boy Fresh water or beautiful
heart image Erwinn heart image baby boy sign Boy Fresh green water; A beautiful friend
heart image Erwyn heart image baby boy sign Boy A beautiful friend; Green and fresh water
heart image Erwyna heart image baby boy sign Boy A beautiful friend; Green and fresh water
heart image Erwynn heart image baby boy sign Boy A beautiful friend; Green and fresh water
heart image Ethne heart image baby boy sign Girl A Gaelic word for fire
heart image Ethney heart image baby boy sign Girl Fire
heart image Ethnie heart image baby boy sign Girl A feminized word which means fire
heart image Eurddolad heart image baby boy sign Boy Justice
heart image Everd heart image baby boy sign Boy Brave boar; Strong boar
heart image Everhart heart image baby boy sign Boy As brave as a boar
heart image Fergie heart image baby boy sign Boy He who is like a rock; A man who made a choice
heart image Fiachna heart image baby boy sign Girl A raven-like woman
heart image Fian heart image baby boy sign Unisex Raven
heart image Fillan heart image baby boy sign Boy A little Wolf; name of a saint
heart image Fin heart image baby boy sign Boy A person who is fair and mythology
heart image Findlay heart image baby boy sign Boy A little fair-haired soldier
heart image Fineen heart image baby boy sign Girl A light-colored child
heart image Fingal heart image baby boy sign Girl A fair stranger who is powerful
heart image Finley heart image baby boy sign Boy Fair hero
heart image Firas heart image baby boy sign Unisex A lion; Highly insightful and astute
heart image Forbes heart image baby boy sign Boy Field or an arena; A variant of the word Forba
heart image Galagars heart image baby boy sign Boy A helpful person who is glorious
heart image Gall heart image baby boy sign Boy An ancient saint
heart image Galloway heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is a foreigner; Of another land
heart image Galway heart image baby boy sign Boy Strange Gauls; a city of Ireland
heart image Garran heart image baby boy sign Boy Castrated male horse
heart image Gaur heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is thoughtful in all things
heart image Gillies heart image baby boy sign Boy The servant of Jesus
heart image Gillion heart image baby boy sign Boy Servant of St.James
heart image Gilloman heart image baby boy sign Boy Young man; The one full of youth
heart image Gillon heart image baby boy sign Boy Servant of St.John
heart image Gilmor heart image baby boy sign Boy Devoted
heart image Gilson heart image baby boy sign Boy The bright pledge
heart image Giorsal heart image baby boy sign Girl Having grey hair
heart image Glen heart image baby boy sign Boy From the valley
heart image Glencora heart image baby boy sign Girl Lady of the valley; Heart of the valley
heart image Glynnis heart image baby boy sign Girl From the Glen
heart image Graer heart image baby boy sign Boy Gray-haired man; An intelligent person
heart image Gruaidh heart image baby boy sign Boy Red king
heart image Hael heart image baby boy sign Unisex Halo around the moon
heart image Healy heart image baby boy sign Boy Ingenious
heart image Heurle heart image baby boy sign Boy A tide of the sea
heart image Holcombe heart image baby boy sign Boy A Surname in Old British; Sunken valley
heart image Hormat heart image baby boy sign Girl honor
heart image Isla heart image baby boy sign Girl Island
heart image Jakodi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Oda's child
heart image Kael heart image baby boy sign Boy Slender; Narrow
heart image Kailla heart image baby boy sign Girl Narrow
heart image Kalan heart image baby boy sign Girl Slender, fair
heart image Kale heart image baby boy sign Boy Affectionate; Calm
heart image Kalen heart image baby boy sign Boy Slender man
heart image Kaley heart image baby boy sign Girl Delicate; Slender
heart image Kalin heart image baby boy sign Boy Slender; Fair man
heart image Kallan heart image baby boy sign Girl Powerful in the battle; The water that flows
heart image Kamren heart image baby boy sign Boy Crooked nose
heart image Kamrin heart image baby boy sign Girl Crooked nose

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)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

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