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 | |
---|---|---|---|
Ashling | Girl | Dream; Vision | |
Aslin | Unisex | Lion-hearted and noble | |
Aslyn | Unisex | Dream | |
Aslynn | Unisex | Dream | |
Assumpta | Girl | Latinate form of Asuncion | |
Asthore | Girl | A loved child | |
Attracta | Girl | A virtuous woman; Name of a Saint; Athracht and Athrachta are the variant forms | |
Augustine | Boy | To increase; Venerable; Great | |
Auley | Unisex | Descendant of the champion | |
Aunica | Girl | Unique; Charming; Gentle soul | |
Ava | Girl | Guarantee | |
Avalanna | Girl | Beautiful; Desired one | |
Avalbane | Girl | A beautiful white orchard; filled with flowers | |
Avalena | Girl | Beautiful island | |
Avalene | Girl | Energetic; Independent; Determined | |
Avalin | Unisex | Graceful; Strong | |
Avanna | Girl | Gracious; Gift of God | |
Aveleen | Girl | She is a Goddess of war and wisdom | |
Avlin | Unisex | Unique and uncommon | |
Awnan | Boy | A little Adam; fun loving person | |
Axcel | Unisex | Variant of Axel; Father of peace | |
Aylish | Girl | Noble; Graceful; Delicate | |
Baelin | Unisex | Strong; Brave; Loyal | |
Baltimore | Unisex | Town of a big house | |
Banagher | Boy | Pointed Hill | |
Bandon | Boy | Disposal; Control; Licence | |
Bannon | Unisex | White | |
Banny | Boy | Petite and good-looking | |
Barry | Boy | Fair-headed; Spear; Sharp | |
Bary | Boy | Fair headed; Spear; Mound; Dune; Brave | |
Baudkin | Boy | Tribes of Galway | |
Baylor | Boy | Goods deliverer; Bailiff | |
Beloved | Unisex | Adored; Treasured; Cherished | |
Bender | Unisex | Flexible; Adaptable | |
Berihert | Boy | He who comes from the south; The son of the south | |
Berklee | Unisex | Birch tree meadow | |
Beryan | Girl | Name of an Irish princess renowned for her healing abilities | |
Bevin | Girl | Fair Lady; Beautiful and emotional | |
Bexton | Unisex | Achiever; Peacemaker | |
Biddie | Girl | A little exalted one | |
Birgith | Girl | Noble; Estonian variant of Brigid | |
Birgitte | Girl | Comes from old Norse "bjart" meaning bright one or radiant. This is a variant of the Swedish Birgitta and the English Bridget. | |
Bodevan | Unisex | Unique; Strong; Intelligent | |
Bohan | Boy | Thumb; Big toe | |
Bohannon | Unisex | Son of Owen; Victorious | |
Bohen | Unisex | Demand or petition | |
Bolan | Boy | He who is a little poet | |
Bolden | Boy | Brave and fearless | |
Bourke | Boy | Fortified hill; Fortified settlement | |
Bourn | Boy | A small river | |
Bourne | Boy | A small seasonal river | |
Boyden | Boy | messenger | |
Bracken | Boy | Descendant of Breacán | |
Braddon | Boy | Broad hillside; Practical nature | |
Bradford | Boy | A person who hails from a broad ford | |
Bradfurd | Boy | Alternate spelling for "Bradford"; From the broad ford | |
Bradi | Unisex | Used as a surname; Descendants of the family Bradach use this name | |
Bradie | Unisex | Proud; Spirited | |
Bradig | Boy | Person from a broad valley; Used as a surname | |
Bradon | Boy | From a broad grassland; Hailing from a broad meadow | |
Brady | Boy | Spirited | |
Braedan | Boy | A hillside that is broad and spacious | |
Braeden | Boy | Broad hill | |
Braedon | Boy | Broad; Spacious; Wide; Large and big | |
Braiden | Unisex | Strong, brave, noble | |
Braidyn | Unisex | Modern; Unique; Masculine | |
Braila | Girl | Irish surname; Denotes a slender woman | |
Brandon | Boy | Prince; Chieftain; Gorse hill | |
Brangian | Boy | Refers to a tiny gobble | |
Branigan | Unisex | Little raven | |
Branna | girl | Hair like a raven's | |
Brannan | Unisex | Strong, brave, radiant | |
Brannigan | Unisex | Strong and vigorous leader | |
Brannon | Boy | Bird resembling a crow | |
Braydan | Boy | Broad hill | |
Brayden | Boy | Broad valley; Wise; Brave | |
Braydon | Boy | A wide hillside | |
Breasia | Girl | Combination of Bre and Asia | |
Breca | girl | Freckled skin | |
Breccan | Boy | Strength, valor, warrior | |
Breck | Boy | Person having a spotted skin or a freckled skin | |
Breckan | Boy | Spotty face | |
Brecken | Boy | Freckled; Speckled | |
Breckin | Boy | Freckled face; Spotted face | |
Breda | girl | Bride | |
Bree | Select Gender | Hill; Power | |
Breeana | Girl | Strong; Graceful; Intelligent | |
Breen | Boy | Upset or saddened | |
Brendan | Boy | Fiery hill; Prince; King | |
Brendann | Boy | Prince of the kingdom | |
Brendin | Boy | Prince | |
Brendon | Boy | The king's heir; Prince | |
Brendyn | Boy | Prince of a kingdom | |
Brene | Unisex | Strong, courageous, raven-haired | |
Brenly | Unisex | Burnt meadow | |
Brenn | Boy | Prince; Kingdom successor | |
Brenna | girl | Raven-haired; Sword | |
Brennan | Boy | Rain; Moisture; Drop | |
Brently | Boy | From the steep hill | |
Brenya | Unisex | Unknown or undefined | |
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