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 | |
---|---|---|---|
Casse | Girl | An alert woman | |
Cassidy | Girl | Curly hair; Curly head | |
Catelyn | Girl | Noble; Pure-hearted | |
Cathal | Boy | Battle rule | |
Cathalina | Girl | A woman who is considered a mighty warrior | |
Catreena | Girl | A pure woman | |
Catriona | Girl | One that is pure | |
Catryn | Girl | The innocent one | |
Cavan | Boy | A good-looking lad | |
Cavanaugh | Unisex | Descendant of Caomhán | |
Caven | Unisex | Handsome | |
Cavin | Boy | A very handsome Boy | |
Cayce | Boy | A vigorous and observant man | |
Cayla | Girl | A very slender female | |
Caylee | Girl | A thin, slim one | |
Cayleen | Girl | Pure and graceful | |
Cayleigh | Unisex | Pure; Graceful; Resolute | |
Caylie | Girl | A thin and slender woman | |
Caylin | Girl | A girl; A maiden | |
Caylon | Boy | He who is powerful in the battlefield | |
Caylum | Unisex | Brave warrior; Dove of peace | |
Caysee | Boy | A courageous young man | |
Cayson | Boy | A brave and vigilant boy | |
Caytlan | Girl | The pure or the unpolluted | |
Ceallach | Boy | To be in a war, strife | |
Ceallachan | Boy | One who is in a war | |
Cean | Unisex | Ancient; Enduring | |
Ceara | Girl | One who is good with a spear | |
Cearney | Boy | A victorious champion | |
Cedric | Boy | Love; To love | |
Cedrica | Girl | A feminine of Cedric; Woman with a bounty | |
Cedrick | Boy | Kind; Loved | |
Cedrina | Girl | A bounty one | |
Cedrych | Boy | A loving and kind person | |
Ceegan | Unisex | The one born out of fire | |
Cein | Boy | Ancient one and old fashioned | |
Ceire | Girl | The little one; a Saint | |
Ceirin | Boy | The little black one | |
Ceol | Boy | A swelling; The one of the ship | |
Ceon | Unisex | Bright light | |
Ceona | Unisex | Goddess; Divine spirit | |
Cerin | Unisex | Unique; Mysterious | |
Cessair | Girl | The one filled with sorrow | |
Chailyn | Girl | The pure one who is filled with life and laughter | |
Chanin | Girl | The wise one | |
Channing | Boy | Member of the Church | |
Charidan | Girl | Name of grandson of Siridean; peaceful being | |
Chasidy | Girl | Pure; Virtuous | |
Chevonne | Girl | Gracious God | |
Chloe | Girl | Fresh blooming; Ripe green shoot | |
Chrissa | Girl | Abbreviation of Christine or someone who is annointed | |
Christi | Girl | Follower of Jesus Christ | |
Ciabhan | Boy | A mortal in the Irish legend who fell in love with a beautiful goddess, Cliodhna, who was swept away into the sea by a great wave | |
Cian | Boy | Ancient; Enduring one | |
Ciana | Girl | Lively, gracious, affectionate | |
Cianan | Boy | Derived from the name of a 5th century Irish saint | |
Cianne | Unisex | Gracious; Blessed | |
Ciar | Boy | Black | |
Ciara | Girl | Dark haired; Dark complexioned | |
Ciaran | Boy | Dark haired; Dark complexioned | |
Cillian | Boy | Church; Monastery; Little warrior | |
Cj | Unisex | Abbreviation of first and middle names; J usually stands for Junior | |
Clancey | Boy | A warrior who is healthy red coloured; a soldier's son | |
Clancy | Boy | A soldier's son; A warrior; One who fights at the battlefield | |
Cline | Unisex | Merciful; Gentle | |
Cliodhna | Girl | An Irish goddess who had a beautiful shape; Who fell in love with a mortal | |
Cliona | Girl | One who is shapely; A shapely Irish goddess who fell in love with a human | |
Clodagh | Girl | A person living near the Clodiagh river | |
Clooney | Boy | Hailing from the meadows; A land filled with grass | |
Cobain | Unisex | Fair person | |
Cobe | Unisex | Supreme; Strong; Victorious | |
Codey | Boy | A helpful person; one who helps others in need | |
Coe | Boy | A hill consisting of a valley | |
Cogan | Boy | Descendant of a craftsman; Skilled worker | |
Cohan | Unisex | Priest; Variant of Cohen | |
Coleman | Boy | A small and stocky bird that resembles a pigeon | |
Coll | Unisex | High; Lofty | |
Collen | Unisex | Victorious; Brave; Determined | |
Collice | Girl | Girl; Female; Lady; A relatively young woman | |
Colm | Boy | Dove; Disciple of Saint Columbia | |
Colman | Boy | A small, little, tiny dove | |
Colum | Boy | Dove; Peace; Harmony | |
Conagher | Boy | Strong; Determined; Warrior | |
Conall | Boy | A mighty, great and hound-like warrior who is respected by all | |
Conan | Boy | Little wolf or hound | |
Conant | Boy | Elevated and wise; high, mighty and filled with wisdom | |
Conary | Unisex | A wise person; a man who is filled with knowledge | |
Concepta | Girl | Refers to the Immaculate Conception of Virgin Mary | |
Conlee | Unisex | Strength; Determination | |
Conleth | Boy | Chieftain; Leader | |
Conley | Boy | Constant fire | |
Conlin | Unisex | A strong and determined leader | |
Conlon | Boy | Son of Conn | |
Conn | Boy | A high, mighty, and wise person; Who is a brave advisor | |
Connacht | Boy | Brave; one who can tackle stressful and harmful situations | |
Connar | Boy | One who has a strong will power and is wise | |
Connelly | Unisex | Descendant of Conall | |
Conner | Boy | Wolf; Hunter; Inspector | |
Connery | Boy | A child of the gunting-dog's keeper | |
Connley | Boy | Hero; the idol of men, who is courageous and bold | |
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