You do have an Irish heritage and want to share the love you have for the Emerald Isle with your child? Then explore Irish baby names with meanings. Giving your bundle of joy an Irish name can be a good choice as the country has a rich culture and traditions. Irish names are known for their adorable sounds and powerful meanings. Whether you opt for anglicized or traditional, Irish baby names, they drip with charm and beauty. Lyrical and lilting Irish names conjure images of magnificent castles, beautiful landscapes, and lovely people. These names are unique in their own rights, which explains their popularity in the US. In fact, most of the top American monikers have Irish roots. This country of leprechauns, shamrocks, and green beer follows an old Gaelic tradition when it comes to naming babies. In Ireland, the first-born son has to be named after the father’s father, the second-born has to be named after the mother’s father, the third born after the father, and the fourth born after the father’s oldest brother. In the case of daughters, the firstborn is named after the mother’s mother, the second born after the father’s mother, the third born after the mother, and the fourth born after the mother’s oldest sister. A first name can be changed by an adjective to differentiate its bearer from other people with the same name. Mór (big) and Óg (young) are used to distinguish the father and son. They are similar to English epithets 'senior' and 'junior' but are placed between the personal or first name and the surname. Also, Irish people have significant accent diversity (1). There are four different accents with different pronunciation norms in Ulster, Connacht, and Munster. In this post, we have compiled an extensive list of Irish baby names with meanings. You can use the advanced search option to narrow down your search.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Harkyn | Boy | Dark red; A variant of Harkin | |
Harlo | Unisex | Hare wood | |
Harmon | Boy | Variant spelling of Harman; Soldier | |
Harry | Boy | Ruler of the household | |
Harvie | Unisex | Strong warrior | |
Hasson | Boy | Strong; Fortress | |
Hattan | Boy | Small town; Settlement | |
Hays | Unisex | Son of Hayes; Dweller by the hedged enclosure | |
Hearne | Boy | Horse Lord | |
Hendricks | Boy | Son of Hendrik | |
Hennessy | Boy | Descendant of Angus; Variation of Henessey and Hennesse | |
Hensley | Unisex | Meadow of the deer | |
Hibo | Unisex | Gift of God | |
Hogan | Boy | Youthful one; A variant is Hagan | |
Holiston | Girl | An Irish girl name | |
Huddy | Boy | A pet form of the medieval name Hudde | |
Hurley | Boy | To be like a sea tide | |
Hyland | Unisex | The land on a hilltop | |
Ibernia | Girl | A woman belonging to Ireland | |
Idgie | Unisex | Maiden | |
Ileen | Girl | Bright; Beautiful; Noble | |
Imar | Unisex | Strong; Powerful | |
Immaculata | Girl | One who is perfect and immaculate | |
Inya | Unisex | Unique; Harmonious | |
Ire | Unisex | Fierce; Powerful | |
Irelyn | Girl | Peaceful lake | |
Irelynn | Girl | Peaceful | |
Irey | Unisex | Unique and unconventional | |
Ismelda | Boy | Ancient; Mysterious; Enchanting | |
Isobelle | Girl | God's promise or pledged to God | |
Isom | Boy | Gifted, strong, brave | |
Iva | Girl | Gift of God | |
Ival | Unisex | Gift from God | |
Ives | Unisex | Yew tree | |
Ivie | Unisex | Gift of life; God's grace | |
Jack | Boy | God is gracious | |
Jackman | Boy | Son of Jack | |
Jakayla | Girl | She who is from the monastery | |
Jakwan | Unisex | Handsome; Attractive | |
James | Boy | Supplanter | |
Jannali | Unisex | Place of water | |
Jarlath | Boy | A lord of tribute | |
Javis | Boy | Gift of God | |
Jayel | Unisex | Unique and creative | |
Jentree | Unisex | Gentle; Good breeding | |
Jervin | Boy | Spear friend; Skilled with a spear | |
Jesslin | Unisex | Unique; Feminine; Graceful | |
Jeweliana | Girl | Youthful | |
Jileen | Girl | Genuine, altruistic, splendid, innovative, and motivated | |
Jiles | Unisex | Supplanter; Youthful; Strong | |
Joeleen | Girl | Modern and feminine name for a girl | |
Johnae | Unisex | God is gracious | |
Joycee | Unisex | Joyful; Lively; Optimistic | |
Joyleen | Boy | Joyful and disciplined | |
Junuh | Unisex | To walk with God | |
Kacen | Boy | Descendant from the vigilant one | |
Kaedin | Girl | Pure sound | |
Kaedyn | Boy | A fighter; A companion fighter | |
Kaegan | Girl | Fiery or flaming | |
Kaella | Unisex | Pure; Beautiful; Unique | |
Kagan | Boy | Thinker, fiery | |
Kagen | Boy | Fiery | |
Kahlan | Girl | Strong leader | |
Kahlen | Unisex | From John's Farm | |
Kahnyr | Boy | Wisdom, Counsel, or Strength | |
Kaiden | Boy | Loving companion; From the wetlands; Warrior | |
Kaidon | Unisex | Strong; Leader; Courageous | |
Kaidyn | Boy | Friend; Companion | |
Kaige | Unisex | Great strength; Vigorous; Energetic | |
Kaileen | Girl | Pure, lovely, graceful | |
Kailie | Girl | Slender | |
Kailo | Unisex | Whole; Uninjured; Of good omen | |
Kainen | Unisex | Ocean explorer or sea wanderer | |
Kait | Girl | Pure | |
Kaitlen | Girl | A pure woman | |
Kaitlin | Girl | A pure woman | |
Kaitline | Girl | Fair, pure | |
Kaitlinn | Girl | Fair | |
Kaitlyn | Girl | Pure; Each of the two; Hundred; Far off; Clear; Innocent | |
Kaitlynn | Girl | The fair and pure one | |
Kaitlynne | Girl | Fair and Pure | |
Kaitrin | Girl | Unsullied, Pure one | |
Kaity | Girl | Unsullied woman | |
Kaleigha | Unisex | Beautiful; Lovely | |
Kalford | Boy | A strong crossing of river, river crossing | |
Kallen | Girl | Mighty in battle; Warrior | |
Kambrie | Unisex | Strong; Adventurous; Independent. | |
Kamdin | Unisex | Helper; One who serves | |
Karaline | Girl | Free woman; Beautiful woman | |
Karrick | Unisex | Strong and brave | |
Kasey | Boy | Vigilant; Observant | |
Kasie | Girl | Alert | |
Kassady | Girl | The one with a curly hair | |
Katriona | Unisex | Pure, strong, independent | |
Kavanagh | Unisex | Descendant of Caomhán | |
Kavanaugh | Boy | Descendant of Cathbharr | |
Kaven | Boy | Handsome; Appealing; Attractive; Charming | |
Kavon | Boy | Handsome man; Good-looking | |
Kaycen | Unisex | Alert; Intuitive; Fearless | |
Kaydince | Unisex | Rhythm; Flow | |
Irish names are famous for their distinct sounds and timeless appeal. Hopefully, this list of Irish baby names with meanings will inspire you to find a great name for your boy or girl. When you choose one, ensure to study its pronunciation. This is because although they seem like English words, their pronunciation differs significantly. Speak the names aloud after knowing their meanings and find out if they will match your young one's personality. Browse through the list and take your pick.
Infographic: Exquisite Irish Baby Names
The popularity of Irish names is compounding with each passing year. If you’ve been blessed with a baby and wish to honor your Irish roots, this is the right time to explore names from this ancient culture. These names are strong, unique, and packed with deep meanings. Check out the infographic we have compiled below and pick your favorite one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Irish name means love?
Áine is the goddess of love and fertility, according to Irish legend. This feminine name means radiance or brilliance. Caomhán is a masculine name, meaning ‘beloved in Irish.’ It is the name of an early Irish saint.
2. Which name means gold in Irish?
Órfhlaith, Orla, Orlagh, and Órlait are some of the Irish names commonly associated with gold.
3. Which Irish name means darling?
Muirne, Caoimhe, Caomh, and Caomhán are some Irish names that reflect the meaning of ‘beloved’ or ‘darling.’
4. Which Irish name means angel?
Aingeal is the Irish cognate of Angela, derived from the Greek Angelos, meaning ‘the divine heavenly messenger.’
5. What is the Irish name for happiness?
Suibhne is derived from the Old Irish Suibne, meaning ‘joy,’ ‘pleasure,’ and ‘happiness.’ The name was a notable title borne by many famous Irish personalities in their early history.
References
- Irish word of the week
https://irishartscenter.org/event/irish-word-of-the-week-chapter-2