400 Gaelic Baby Names With Meanings

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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
Marcus	Boy	Dedicated to Mars
Marsaili	Girl	A dame that is as beautiful as a pearl
Marsali	Girl	A maiden who is like a pearl
Matherson	Boy	Like a bear
Meegan	Girl	A soft and gentle female
Meleas	Girl	A servant of Jesus; One who serves Jesus for a lifetime
Melias	Girl	A lady who serves Jesus as a servant
Melisus	Girl	One who serves Jesus for blessings
Meliz	Girl	The servant of Jesus; Always blessed by Jesus
Miach	Boy	A medic; Honorable; Proud

Mikenzi	Boy	Son of Kenneth
Mikenzie	Unisex	The child of a wise leader
Milligan	Unisex	A Christian ritual of shaving the head
Monahan	Boy	A servant of the monastery
Morna	Girl	A beloved and delightful person
Morven	Boy	Child of the sea; Mariner; Big peak; Big gap; Great; Fair-skinned
Naoise	Boy	A beloved person who is a King; A hunter
Neal	Boy	Zealous; Adoring; Zealous; Fervent
Neala	Girl	Supporter; Titleholder; Winner; Campaigner
Neelie	Girl	Winner; Victor; Overcomer; Beater

Nialla	Girl	Supporter; Winner; Campaigner
Niela	Unisex	Champion; Passionate
Nigel	Boy	Hero, Dark-haired
Nigella	Girl	The name of the flower; One of the floras
Niniane	Girl	Ash; one who always rises up
Nola	Girl	The one who has fair complexion
Nolan	Boy	One who shouts or howls
Nygel	Boy	Came out of the water
Onora	Girl	Deserving of integrity
Oona	Girl	Lamb; Universal

Oran	Boy	Tan
Orin	Boy	Fair
Orlagh	Girl	The feelings of great warmth
Orren	Boy	Short in colors or deficient in colors
Orrin	Boy	Color that is highly diluted with white
Pharrell	Boy	A superior and heroic man
Phelan	Boy	One who is like a wolf
Quin	Boy	Wisdom; Counsel
Quinlee	Girl	Woman of wisdom
Quinley	Girl	She who is intelligent

Quinn	Boy	Intelligent; Wise
Quinna	Girl	A reasonable person
Rafer	Boy	Rich and Prosperous in Irish; A pet form of Rafferty
Rafferty	Boy	Rich and Prosperous
Ranald	Boy	Form of Ronale, one who rules with counsel
Ronell	Boy	To rule people by advise
Ronelle	Girl	A woman whose advices give power
Ronn	Boy	He who will rule with his counsel
Ronny	Unisex	One who owns the legendary lands
Rosina	Girl	Famous or renowned rose

Royan	Boy	One whose hair is red
Ruadh	Unisex	Red; Red hair
Rusk	Boy	Twisted bread; Habitational name from Gaelic riasg Marsh or Bog; A variant of Ruske
Ry	Boy	A little king
Ryesen	Girl	She who is courageous
Samaire	Girl	The drowning Sun
Saorla	Girl	A princess
Sayre	Boy	Occupational name; Carpenter
Scully	Boy	A town crier
Seath	Unisex	Wolfish

Seersha	Girl	One who is free
Seonag	Girl	God is merciful
Seoras	Boy	Farmer
Shailyn	Girl	A girl from the fairy place
Shavon	Unisex	Graced by God
Shavonne	Girl	God is gracious; Gift from God
Shea	Unisex	Admirable; Fine; Good; Learned; Favorable; Hawk-like; Fairy palace
Sheena	Unisex	God is gracious; Wise
Shena	Girl	God is gracious
Sherey	Girl	Foal

Sheridan	Unisex	A seeker
Sheridon	Boy	He who is untamed
Sherrod	Boy	A wild man
Sholto	Boy	Old Gaelic name; Teal duck
Siobhan	Girl	God is gracious; Gift of God
Sloan	Boy	Warrior; Raider
Sloane	Boy	Warrior; Raider
Sullivan	Unisex	One-eyed; Having dark eyes
Tad	Boy	Poet
Tara	Girl	Star

Teaghan	Unisex	Little poet
Teague	Boy	A handsome poet
Tearlach	Boy	A strong man
Tenille	Girl	She who brings light
Tennille	Boy	The light
Tera	Girl	Crag; Hill
Teranika	Girl	Victory of the Earth
Terin	Girl	Variant of Erin; Ireland
Tioboid	Boy	The brave people; Brave race
Tomas	Boy	The twin

Torian	Boy	The chief; The head; Leader
Torphin	Boy	A male descendant of Thor
Torres	Boy	One who lives in or near towers
Torri	Girl	A form of tori
Tosh	Boy	A chief or a leader
Trinian	Boy	A Gaelic variant of Saint Ninian from Scottish
Triona	Girl	A pure and unpolluted virgin
Tristin	Unisex	Tumult
Triston	Unisex	Tumult
Trystan	Unisex	A sorrowful man; A knight of the round table in Arthurian legend

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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)

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

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