Irish Names Starting with B

Barbara in Irish is Gormlaith, pronounced GORM-lee, meaning “splendid princess.”

A blend of bean “woman, lady” and finn “fair, white” originally described Viking women. Brian Boru’s mother was called Beibhinn and he named his daughter for her.

Bevan in Irish is Beibhinn, pronounced BE-veen, meaning “fair lady.”

Bevin in Irish is Beibhinn, pronounced BE-veen, meaning “fair lady.”

Bláithín means “little flower,” from the Irish bláth, “flower,” with the diminutive ending -ín.

Blath means “flower, blossom.” In legend, Blaithnaid, the reluctant wife of Curai Mac Daire, loved Cuchulainn, her husband’s rival.

Branna is a modern feminine name formed from Bran, an old Irish name meaning “raven.” It is not a traditional Irish name in its own right.

Briana is a feminine form of Brian, the name of Brian Boru, the high king who was killed at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The meaning of Brian is uncertain.

The name Brigid from brigh meaning “power, vigour, virtue” epitomizes the Irish genius for layering old and new.

The name Brigid from brigh meaning “power, vigour, virtue” epitomizes the Irish genius for layering old and new.

Brona in Irish is Bronagh, pronounced BRO-nah, meaning “sorrowful.”

Though rooted in bronach “sad, sorrowful” St. Bronagh must have been a popular figure in her home area of County Down where her bell is venerated because so many girls in that area are named for her now as they have been for over 1000 years.

Bairre in Irish is Finbar, pronounced FIN-bar, meaning “fair-haired.”

Barra in Irish is Finbar, pronounced FIN-bar, meaning “fair-haired.”

Barry in Irish is Finbar, pronounced FIN-bar, meaning “fair-haired.”

The name of one of the twelve apostles, it is the Irish form of the Hebrew name Bartholomew “Son of Talmai.”

Bert in Irish is Bartley, pronounced BART-lee.

Bertie in Irish is Bartley, pronounced BART-lee.

Bradan comes from the Irish word bradán, “salmon.” The salmon has a special place in Irish myth.

Braden in Irish is Bradan, pronounced BRAY-dawn, meaning “salmon.”

Brandan in Irish is Breandan, pronounced BREN-dawn.

Brandon in Irish is Breandan, pronounced BREN-dawn.

There are at least seventeen saints who bear the name but St. Breandan the Navigator is probably the best known.

Brendan in Irish is Breandan, pronounced BREN-dawn.

From brigh “high, noble, strong.”