We know we're famous for our myths and legends that have been passed on from generation to generation but have you considered of looking deep into the legends of Ireland to find the perfect baby name?
We know we're famous for our myths and legends that have been passed on from generation to generation but have you considered looking deep into the legends of Ireland to find the perfect baby name?
Irish names from folklore are unusual and sometimes rare so we've hand-picked some familiar classics and highly unique Gaelic baby names including Irish mythology, ancient Kings and Queens to warriors and of course, legends of Ireland.
Some of these mythological names can be hard to pronounce so keep that in mind when choosing your child's name.
- Oonagh - According to legend, Oonagh was the Queen of the Fairies. It is believed the name means 'a lamb' or may come from the Latin word meaning 'one'.
- Cliodhna - One of Ireland’s most important Goddesses, who came from Tir na Tairngaire - the Land of Promise. Cliona means "shapely" in Irish Gaelic.
- Bébinn - The goddess of childbirth meaning 'fair lady'.
- Doireann - Doireann was the daughter of Bodb Derg, who poisoned the legendary Fionn Mac Cumhaill. It means 'stormy' or 'tempestuous'.
- Ériu - The daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and matron goddess of Ireland. the name comes from the Irish 'Éireann'.
- Niamh - In Irish, Niamh means 'bright' but in the Irish Fenian Cycle Niamh was the daughter of the god of the sea. She fell in love with Oisín and brought him away to live with her in Tír na nÓg the Land of Youth.
- Aoife - In Irish mythology, Aoife was a warrior princess. She went to war against her own sister Scathach but was defeated in combat by Cúchulainn. She later became the lover of Cúchulainn. Aoife means 'beauty'.
- Emer - The wife of the legendary Irish hero, Cuchulainn. Said to possess six ‘gifts of womanhood’ beauty, a gentle voice, wisdom, chastity, sweet speech and needlework. Emer means 'swift'.
- Grainne - The name is associated with the ancient Irish goddess of grain, and believed to mean ‘love’. In mythology, Grainne was due to wed Fionn MacCumhaill, but she fell in love with one of his warriors, Diarmuid, and the two ran off together.
- Fionnuala - Fionnuala was one of the children of Lir, she was cursed by her stepmother and turned into a swan to wander lakes and rivers. The name means 'beautiful face'.
- Céibhfhionn - She was the Irish goddess of inspiration. The name means 'fair locks'.
- Neasa - She was the mother of Conchobhar, the king of Ulster. The name means 'uncertain'.
- Riona - A simplified version of the name Rioghnach, meaning queen-like. Legends claim she was the wife of the renowned king Niall of the Nine Hostages.
- Éibhear - The meaning of the name is unknown. The name belonged to two of the sons of Míl, Éibhear Dunn and Éibhear Finn, the first of the Gaels to conquer Ireland in Irish mythology.
- Sorcha - An Irish form of the name Sarah meaning radiant. Sorcha is often confused with the popular name Saoirse which means freedom.
- Morrigan - The myths say she was the goddess of war and death who often took the form of a crow. It means 'great queen'.
- Étaín - In Irish mythology, she was a sun and horse goddess who was the lover of Midi. The name is believed to mean 'jealousy'.
- Sadhbh - The mother of Oisín by Fionn mac Cumhail. She was enchanted to become a doe for refusing the love of Fer Doirich. The name means 'sweet, goodness'.
- Bláthnat - She was a maiden abducted and forced to marry Cú Roí. Cúchulainn rescued her, killing her husband. She was then murdered by one of Cú Roí's loyal servants. The name means 'little flower'.
- Méabh - The great warrior queen of Connacht. The name means 'intoxicating' usually for a red curly haired girl with green eyes.
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.
