Everyone loves a traditional Irish name that remains close to your roots and one that is deliciously different. Choosing one is harder than you think though as there is a huge amount of choice, but we have gathered up some of our favourites to help you along the way. We also helped by offering pronunciation tips beside the name for those who struggle with Irish words!
Everyone loves a traditional Irish name that remains close to your roots and one that is deliciously different. Choosing one is harder than you think though as there is a huge amount of choice, but we have gathered up some of our favourites to help you along the way. We also helped by offering pronunciation tips beside the name for those who struggle with Irish words!
BOYS
- Ailbe (Alby) is apparently named after an Irish Saint and it is a boy name you may have heard of before. It is quite cute and unique too.
- Ailill (Aye-lil) - This name derives from an early Irish king and it is a name that wouldn’t be overly popular, but we love it in the Family Friendly HQ office.
- Caibre (Ka-bra) – This name means 'strong man' and it is an ideal name for a son who is a little fighter.
- Caomhan (Kee-van) – Named after St. Kevin this name means little handsome one and if you want something different this is a good name for your new son.
- Daineal (Doh-nal) - The Irish form of Daniel and it is a good twist on it too.
- Dara - An old Irish name that is extremely popular to this day.
- Earnan (Ear-nan) – Like Earnest, in ways, this name means little-experienced one.
- Fiachra (Fee-kra) – This name comes from St. Fiachra and means raven. It is a popular enough name in Ireland.
- Flynn – Usually an Irish surname, this name derives from “red-haired one” but it works perfectly as a first name too.
- Finnian (Fin-ee-an).
- Gael (Gayl) – Derives from a medieval hero.
- Gearoid (Garr-oij) - The Irish form of Garrett.
- Gearard (Ger-hard) - After St. Gerard Majella, the name means spear hard.
- Lucas – meaning light.
- Tadgh (Tah-g) – Not many people know this, but this name is the Irish form of Timothy and it means poet.
GIRLS
- Aine (Aawn-ya) – This beautiful name means joy or praise and it is a sweet name for little Irish girls.
- Ailbhe (Alva) – This derives from Olive – which is an English name. It is different and memorable.
- Alana or Alannah – There are many spellings for this name, but it is one that is beautiful.
- Aoibheann (Eevan).
- Briana (Bree-anna) – It is said to be the feminine form of Brian and it is a gorgeous name and quite different.
- Bridie (Bri-dee).
- Bronagh (Brona) – Meaning "sad or sorrowful" St. Bronagh was a popular figure in her home area of County Down.
- Caitlin (Cautch-lin) It is Irish for Catherine or Kathleen. The main meaning is strong.
- Clar (Clahr) - From St. Clare it means bright and it is also known as Claire or Clare.
- Clodagh (Clo-dah) – Named after a river in Tipperary this is a lovely, soft name for Irish princesses.
- Colette (Col-ette) – This is a name quite well-known in Ireland today and it never goes out of fashion.
- Dana – Apparently this name derives from a pagan God and due to the famous singer “Dana” it is a well-known name in Irish society.
- Maeve or Maebh (May-v).
- Niamh (Neeve) – From Niamh of the Golden Hair this is one of the most popular girls’ names in Ireland. Meaning brightness, it is a wonderful name for blonde daughters.
- Riona (Reeona) - The name derives from Regina and it means queen – perfect for royalty!
Let us know your favourites!
Written by Emma Hayes staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.emmamadjotters.com.
