50 Irish Names for Girls (and their Pronunciation)
The country of Ireland offers a wealth of female names that are unique and pleasant on the ear, many of them alluding to the mythical past of the island. Whether you’re looking to name your future daughter or curious of the meaning and pronunciation behind a particular moniker, this list of popular Irish names for girls will be a useful guide.
Irish culture draws from a long history. Many of the names below belonged to various heroes in the mythology of Ancient Ireland, some of them cunning queens or radiant princesses. The majority of these female Irish names have roots in Old Irish and signify a quality the parent wanted to bestow on the child.
Many Irish names have multiple spellings. We’ve endeavored to give the most common variation of names, and when other spellings are equally popular, we’ve included those as well. While some variations in pronunciation will always occur, we are confident that these spellings and recordings cover the most commonly used versions that you will see.
Without further ado, here’s our list of 50 Popular Irish Names for Girls…
1. Ailbhe
The first example on this list of popular Irish names for girls is actually gender neutral, being used for both males and females. Most likely coming from the old Irish root albho, the name means “white,” although some also suggest that it can come from the word for “rock.”
2. Áine
Áine was the Celtic goddess of love and fertility, as well as of wealth and sovereignty. She is often associated with midsummer and the sun, making it no surprise that the name means “radiance,” “brilliance,” and even “happiness.”
3. Aisling, Aislinn
An aisling is a genre of Irish language poems that was common in the 17th and 18th century. In the 20th century it became a popular given name, meaning “dream” or “vision.” Often in an aisling the country of Ireland took the form of a beautiful woman.
4. Alannah
Alannah comes from the Irish expression a leanbh, meaning “my child,” although in some contexts it arose from the old high German word for “precious.” An example of a popular contemporary figure in Ireland with the name is Alannah Beirne, a fashion model and television personality.
5. Aobh
Meaning “beautiful” or “radiant,” the name Aobh comes from the Irish word aoibh. Aobh was the wife of King Lir, who had four children. After Aobh died, Lir married Aoife, who turned Aobh’s children into swans.
6. Aoife
It is fitting that Aoife follows Aobh on this list of popular Irish names for girls, as it is also derived from aoibh and means “beauty” or “radiance.” Additionally, it is Aoife who married King Lir after Aobh’s death and turned her stepchildren into swans. Today, Aoife is a more common name for girls than Aobh.
7. Aoibheann, Aoibhín, Aoibhinn
Meaning “fair form” or “beautiful sheen,” it is not surprising that a lot of princesses in ancient Irish history were given the name Aoibheann. The English form of the name is Eavan, although it is rarely used in Ireland. To say you adore something in Irish, you can say “Is aoibhinn liom…”.
8. Bláthnat, Blánaid, Bláthnaid
All forms of this name come from the Irish word bláth, which means “flower.” In early Irish literature Bláthnat was bequeathed to the Munster king Cú Roí but was in love with the mighty Cú Chulainn. Bláthnat helped Cú Chulainn break into the castle of Cú Roí to defeat him, but later Bláthnat was taken over a cliff by someone loyal to her husband.
9. Bláithín
Like Bláthnat and Blánaid, Bláithín is derived from the Irish word for “flower,” bláth. Contemporary examples include the comedian Bláithín de Burca and actor Bláithín Mac Gabhann.
10. Bríd
Meaning “strong” or “exalted one,” Bríd is another form of the names Bridget or Brigid. Although Brigid was originally the Celtic goddess of poetry, some scholars suggest that the Catholic church appropriated the figure into the 5th century St. Brigid, while others contend that she actually existed. Regardless, St. Brigid is one of three national Irish saints, and the only female to boot. St. Brigid’s Day, on February 1st, is considered the first day of spring in Ireland and has recently been made a national holiday.
11. Caoilfhionn
The name Caoilainn is derived from combining the Irish for “slender” (caol) with “fair” (fionn). The name was used by a 6th century saint, but not much is known about her other than her gentle nature and the care she took while completing her duties.
12. Caitlín, Caitríona
Both Caitlín and Caitríona are the Gaelicization of the French name Cateline, which was brought to Ireland by the French-speaking Anglo-Normans. However, the name ultimately traces back to the Greeks in the form of Catherine, attributed to St. Catherine of Alexandria. Catherine was a virgin saint who was said to be martyred at the age of eighteen by emperor Maxentius.
13. Caoimhe
One of the most popular Irish names for girls, Caoimhe comes from the Irish word caomh, meaning “dear or noble,” and is ultimately meant to signify “beautiful.” Caoimhe is also the name of a virgin saint whose feast day is November 2nd.
14. Ceara
Some contend that the name Ceara means “bright red,” others “black,” and some say that it connotes “good with a spear.” Ceara is one of the wives of Nemed, who, according to ancient legend, was leader of one of the early groups trying to settle in Ireland.
15. Ciara
Like many on this list of popular Irish names for girls, Ciara was also the name of a lauded saint. In this case, St. Ciara was a 7th century saint whose prayers saved a town from a “foul-smelling fire.” Ciara is the female version of Ciarán and translates as “dark-haired.”
16. Clíodhna, Clíona
The name Clíodhna is particularly associated with County Cork in Ireland. She is considered the goddess of love and beauty, and a patron of Cork. Clíodhna is also the name of the banshee queen who ruled over the fairies (sióga).
17. Clodagh
A popular Irish name for a girl that is seldom used outside of Ireland, the name traces back to 1879 and the birth of Lady Clodagh Anson. Her father, the 5th Marquess of Waterford, named her after the River Clodiagh, which flowed through their estate.
18. Damhnait, Damhnat
Meaning “fawn” or “calf,” St. Damhnat of Tedavnet founded a monastery for women in County Monaghan, Ireland. Her crosier, or staff, was used to test if sworn oaths were truthful or not. If the person was thought to be lying, their mouth would be permanently scarred to show the world their sin.
19. Deirbhile, Dearbháil, Derbáil
St. Deirbhile was born in the 6th century in Fallmore, County Mayo in Ireland and founded a convent there. Tobar Naomh Deirbhile (St. Deirbhile’s Well) is located in Fallmore, where she allegedly poked out her eyes to discourage an unwanted lover, but later washed them in the well to restore her sight.
20. Deirdre
Deirdre was a tragic figure in Irish mythology. Before her birth, it was prophesized that she would be the most beautiful woman in all of Ireland, but that death would follow her. Conchobhar mac Nessa, the King of the Ulstermen, raised her himself to marry when she was of age. However, she fell in love and ran away with Naoise, who Conchobhar eventually had slain. After having been forced to marry Conchobhar she jumped out of a chariot and killed herself.
21. Éadaoin
Thought to mean “jealousy,” another variation of the spelling is Étaín. She is the central figure in the Irish myth Tochmarc Étaíne (The Wooing Of Étaín) and was known as the most beautiful woman in Ireland at that time. The name is sometimes anglicized as Aideen.
22. Eibhlín
The most important example of this name in Irish culture comes from a 17th century song titled “Eibhlín A Rún.” The poet who wrote the song used it to convince a woman named Eibhlín Kavanagh to run away with him on the day she was to be married to another man. It is thought to be the Irish version of the Frankish or Anglo-Norman names Avelina, Evelina and Emeline.
23. Éilis
Brought to Ireland by the Franks as a derivative of the medieval French name Isabel, Éilis grew in popular in the United States due to the 2015 movie Brooklynn, based on a book by the Irish author Colm Tóibín. The name is meant to mean “pledged to God.”
24. Eimer, Émer, Eimear
Cú Chulainn, the mighty Irish warrior, had fallen in love with Émer, but her father Forgall did not approve of the match. Eventually Cú Chulainn leapt over Forgall’s castle walls, slayed twenty-four men, and carried Émer off (as well as two loads of gold and silver). Émer was said to possess the “six gifts of womanhood”: beauty, voice, speech, needlework, wisdom and chastity.
25. Eithne
According to scholars, Eithne was the third most popular female name in early Ireland, being the mother of the god Lugh (the god of sun, as well as arts and crafts). Eithne is thought to come from the Irish word of the same spelling, meaning “grain” or “kernel.”
26. Fainche
St. Fainche of Rossary (in County Fermanagh, Ireland) was romantically pursued by an early king of Cashel, but instead wanted to take up the religious life. Therefore, she cunningly diverted his attention to her sister, thereby escaping marriage and allowing her to establish a monastery at Rossary. The name is thought to translate as “free.”
27. Fionnuala
With finn being the Old Irish word for “white, blessed” and gúala meaning “shoulder,” the name Fionnuala literally translates as “fair shouldered.” Fionnuala was one of the children of Lir who was transformed into a swan for 900 years. Nuala has become a popular modern variation of the name.
28. Flann
Another example on this list of popular Irish names for girls that is used for all genders, flann literary translates as “blood-red” or “crimson” in Old Irish. In addition to being a 9th century king in Ireland and the pen name of the famous 20th century author Flann O’Brien, Flann was the daughter of Donnchad, queen of Ailech, from the 10th century.
29. Gobnait
The name Gobnait is especially popular in certain Gaeltacht areas, owing to Saint Gobnait from the 6th century. She is the saint of apiculture, not in the least because of how her legend is associated with bees. One story involves her defending Ballyvourney, Cork from cattle raiders by turning a swarm of bees into soldiers.
30. Gormlaith
The name Gormlaith comes from combining the Irish words gorm (“blue”) and flaith (“sovereign”). As a result, it tends to translate as “blue princess” or “illustrious princess,” and, not surprisingly, was popular in Ancient Ireland among royalty. One example was the daughter of Flann Sinna, the High King of Ireland from 879 to 916. Gormlaith ended up surviving three regal spouses, all of whom were slain in battle or died in an accident.
31. Gráinne
One of the most popular Irish names for girls these days, the most famous bearer of the moniker is the daughter of Cormac mac Airt and central figure in the ancient story Pursuit of Diarmaid and Gráinne. Gráinne convinces Diarmaid to elope with her and save her from an unwanted marriage to an older man, which ultimately ends up in Diarmaid’s demise.
32. Laoise
Laoise is thought to be derived from the name Luigsech, which pertains to the god Lug. Another theory is that it is related to the Irish county Laois. The name is thought to mean “radiant girl.” Another variation is the name Laoighseach.
33. Máire
A borrowed form of Mary, in 1923 Reverand Patrick Woulfe theorized that there are over 70 possible meanings for the name. In the years after the virgin Mary, it was thought a name too sacred to use. In the Medieval period, however, it started appearing in texts.
34. Máiréad
Máiréad is thought to be the Irish equivalent of Margaret, which was ultimately taken by the French name Marguerite. Máiréad translates as “pearl.”
35. Méabh
Being the queen of Connacht, Méabh is a prominent figure in the Irish sagas. Perhaps paramount of the stories in which she appears is Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid at Cooley), where she wages war against the men of Ulster with her husband in order to attain the bull Donn Cuailnge. Another one of the most popular Irish names for girls, Méabh signifies “she who intoxicates,” as she was known as a great lover.
36. Muireann
Meaning “sea white” or “sea fair,” Muireann is the name of a mermaid that was caught in Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland in the 6th century. She was eventually turned into a woman by a saint. In the ancient Irish myths she was also married to a king of Connacht, who accidently fell in love with their daughter and thereby brought his own demise.
37. Nessa
Although the origins of the name Nessa are not entirely agreed up, one common theory is that it is Greek in Origin, derived from either Agnes or Vanessa. In Irish mythology, Nessa was the mother of Conchobhar Mac Nessa, to whom she had already given birth when the king of Ulster, her half-uncle, wanted to marry her. She agreed to marry her half-uncle on the condition that he allow Conchobhar to rule for one year. Conchochar ruled so successfully that he was allowed to remain the king.
38. Niamh
Although now one of the most popular Irish names for girls, Niamh didn’t officially appear as a name registered into the Irish census until 1911. Meaning “radiant” or “bright,” Niamh was the daughter of the sea god in Celtic mythology, as well as a queen in Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth.
39. Órla, Órlaith
Another entry high-ranking on the list of popular Irish names for girls, Órla/ Órlaith is derived from ór, meaning “gold,” and fhlaith, signifying “prince” or “king.” In context, the name combines as “golden princess.” Órlaith was one of the most common female names in Medieval Ireland before dying off. In the 20th century, however, it rose to prominence again.
40. Ríoghnach, Ríonach
Meaning “queenly,” the name is derived from rígan, the Old Irish word for “queen.” Ríoghnach was the wife of Niall of the Nine Hostages and is known for being a primogenitor of a prodigious ancestral line in Ireland.
41. Róisín
Translating as “little rose,” the popularity of the name was assisted by the popular song “Róisín Dubh,” written in the late 16th or early 17th century. While appearing to be a love song, it includes allegorical references to nationalism. Róisín Dubh is also the name of a well-known bar and music venue in Galway, Ireland.
42. Sadbh
Derived from proto-Celtic, Sadbh means “sweet and lovely lady.” The name Sadbh appears throughout Irish mythology, including as the wife of Fionn mac Cumhail, as well as the daughter of Medb, Queen of Connacht.
43. Saoirse
The Irish word for “freedom,” it is not surprising that the name Saoirse became popular in the 1920s, when Ireland was fighting for, and then establishing, its republic. In contemporary times, the name is perhaps most famously bore by the Irish actor Saoirse Ronan.
44. Síle
As a Gaelicization of the Latin Cecilia, the name became popular because of the figure St. Cecilia, a virgin martyr in the second or third century. The English version of the name is Sheila.
45. Síne
Síne is believed to be derived from the French name Jehane or Jeanne. Some suggest that it is a variant of the name Sinéad that was particularly used in County Derry in Northern Ireland. The English form is probably Sheena, although some assert that it is also Jane.
46. Sinéad
Like Síne, Sinéad is the Gaelicization of the name Jehane or Jeanne, brought to Ireland by the Franks or Anglo-Normans. Undoubtedly, one of the most famous people named Sinéad in modern times is Sinéad O’Connor, the Irish singer.
47. Siobhán
The name Siobhán first appears in the Irish annals in the 14th century. In the 20th century, it was made popular by the actor Siobhán McKenna, who enjoyed a productive stage and film career, and was declared Actress of the Year in 1958.
48. Sorcha
A name popular in both Ireland and Scotland, Sorcha originates from the Old Irish word sorchae, meaning “brightness.” Common in the Middle Ages, the name has risen to popularity once more in contemporary times.
49. Treasa
Believed to be from the Irish word for “strength,” treise, one contemporary name bearer is Treasa Goodwin Smyth. Goodwin Smyth hosts the radio program Ireland Calls in the United States, where she interviews Irish personalities. Strangely enough, the name has no connection to the alternative spelling Teresa.
50. Úna
Coming from the Old Irish word for lamb, úan, the popularity of the name Úna has held through much of Irish history. Notably, the poem “Úna Bhán,” by 17th century poet Tomás Láidir Mac Coisdealbha, recalls his love for his “fair Úna,” who died of wasting disease.
Bígí páirteach!
Join the online Irish community at LetsLearnIrish.com.
Follow on social media @LetsLearnIrish.
