25 Traditional Irish Names

When you think about Irish names there are many to choose some, with some of the most popular being Ava, Hannah, James, and Conor.

But there is also a host of traditional Irish names they while they are not popular, they have the great history and meaning of Ireland going back hundreds of years.

Here are 25 Irish names and their traditions:

Siobhan

Siobhan pronunciation, meaning and origin of the Irish girls name. How do you pronounce the Irish girls name Siobhan? What does the Irish name Siobhan mean? Siobhan is another Irish form of Joan meaning “God is gracious.” A popular name in Ireland where the anglicised versions are often used. Siobhan McKenna, an Irish actress who died in 1986, was considered by many as a woman who personified all that was good about being Irish. Irish Girls What is the gender for the Irish name Siobhan? Girl | Female Is Siobhan a girls name? Yes, Siobhan is traditionally given to a … Read more

Saoirse

Meaning, pronunciation and origin of the Irish girls name Saoirse How To Pronounce Saoirse? What does the Irish name Saoirse mean? Irish word saoirse “freedom, liberty”. It has only been used since the 1920s and has strong patriotic overtones. It has become a very popular baby girl name in Ireland in recent years. What is the Gender for the Irish name Saoirse? Girl | Female Is Saoirse a girls name? Yes, Saoirse is traditionally given to a female. How do you spell Saoirse in Irish? It is spelled as “Saoirse”. How do you pronounce Irish name Saoirse? “sear + sha” … Read more

Aedan

Meaning of the Irish name Aedan. Listen and learn how to pronounce Aedan so you can get the correct pronunciation for this Irish boy name. MEANING: A diminutive form of the name Aed meaning “”fire”” and would imply “”born of fire.”” It became a popular name in honour of St. Aidan of Iona (c. 630 AD) who founded a famous monastery on the island of Lindisfarne which he used as a base to evangalize the North of England. In art Aidan is usually represented as a stag, a reference to the legend that he saved a deer that was being … Read more

Arthur

Meaning of the name Arthur. Listen and learn how to pronounce Arthur so you can get the correct pronunciation for this boy name. MEANING: In Ireland a seperate name from Arthur it comes from an ancient word for “”a bear,”” used in the sense of “”outstanding warrior”” or “”champion.”” A pagan High King of Ireland, Art’s rule was so honest that two angels hovered over him in battle. GENDER: Boy | Male IRISH NAME: Arthur Art PRONUNCIATION: ENGLISH: Arthur AUDIO: (Listen to the late author Frank McCourt pronounce Arthur and read along with the meaning)Play Audio for Arthur:Play Audio for … Read more

Aideen

Meaning of the Irish name Aideen. Listen and learn how to pronounce Aideen so you can get the correct pronunciation for this Irish girl name. MEANING: Formed like Aidan from aed ”fire.” Aideen loved her husband Oscar, a grandson of Fionn Mac Cool (read the legend), so much that when he fell in battle she died of a broken heart. GENDER: Girl | Female IRISH NAME: Aideen PRONUNCIATION: ay + deen” ENGLISH: AUDIO: (Listen to the late author Frank McCourt pronounce Aideen and read along with the meaning)Play Audio for Aideen:Play Audio for Aideen Back to Irish Girl Names Around the Web: … Read more

Aine

Meaning, pronunciation and origin of the Irish girls name Aine How do you pronounce Irish name AINE? What does the Irish name Aine mean? Ancient Irish name from the noun aine that means “splendor, radiance, brilliance”. Aine is connected with fruitfulness and prosperity. The queen of the Munster fairies was called Aine as was one of the wives of Fionn Mac Cool (read the legend). Aine appears in folktales as “the best-hearted woman who ever lived – lucky in love and in money.” What is the Gender for the Irish name Aine? Girl | Female Is Aine a girls name? Yes, Aine … Read more

Brandon

Meaning of the name Brandon. Listen and learn how to pronounce Brandon so you can get the correct pronunciation for this boy name. MEANING: There are at least seventeen saints who bear the name but St. Breandan the Navigator is probably the best known. Tradition has it that he was born in County Kerry, set sail in a small boat with a group of monks in the early 6th century, visited an island inhabited by birdmen, rode on the back of a whale and was the first European to set foot on the shores of the Americas, nearly a thousand … Read more

Aoife

Meaning, pronunciation and origin of the Irish girls name Aoife HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE IRISH NAME AOIFE? What does the Irish name Aoife mean? Beautiful, radiant, joyful.” Known as the greatest woman warrior in the world, Aoife was the mother of Cuchulainn’s (read the legend) only son, Connlach. Aoife Dearg (“Red Aoife”) was a daughter of a king of Connacht who had her marriage arranged by St. Patrick himself. In 2003 Aoife was the third most popular Irish girls name for babies in Ireland What is the Gender for the Irish name Aoife? Girl | Female Is Aoife a girls … Read more

Beibhinn

Meaning, pronunciation and origin of the Irish girls name Beibhinn How do you pronounce Irish name Beibhinn? What does the Irish name Beibhinn mean? A blend of bean “woman, lady” and finn ”fair, white” originally described Viking women. Brian Boru’s (read the legend) mother was called Beibhinn and he named his daughter for her. In legend, the golden-haired giantess Beibhinn sought sanctuary with Fionn Mac Cool (read the legend) so she would not have to marry the giant “Hugh The Splendid”. What is the Gender for the Irish name Beibhinn? Girl | Female Is Beibhinn a girls name? Yes, Beibhinn is traditionally given to … Read more

Brigid

Meaning, pronunciation and origin of the Irish girls name Brigid How To Pronounce Brigid? What is the meaning and origin of Brigid? The name Brigid from brigh meaning “power, vigour, virtue” epitomizes the Irish genius for layering old and new. The main female deity of the Celts, Brigid made the land fruitful and animals multiply, she blessed poets and blacksmiths. Her namesake St. Brigid of Kildare carried her powers into the Christian era. The stories of Brigid’s compassion and miracles are told now as they have been for more than 1500 years in every part of Ireland. She is equal in esteem … Read more

Colin

Meaning of the name Colin. Listen and learn how to pronounce Colin so you can get the correct pronunciation for this boy name. MEANING: From coll “”chieftan”” and the diminutive -in and would mean “”little chieftan.”” GENDER: Boy | Male IRISH NAME: Colin Coilin PRONUNCIATION: “koh + lin” ENGLISH: Colin Back to Irish Boy Names Around the Web: 23 popular Irish names and what they mean. Discover 15 Lucky Irish Baby Names For Your Little One! The Irish Post – features Baby Names of Ireland! 100 Celtic Baby Names: Meanings & Origins 30 Irish Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing Top Irish Names Siobhan Ava Aoife … Read more

Caoimhe

Meaning, pronunciation and origin of the Irish girls name Caoimhe How To Pronounce Caoimhe? What is the meaning and origin of Caoimhe? From “gentle, beautiful, precious”. The same root as Kevin, the name has become very popular in Ireland with the original Irish spelling. In 2003 it was the twelfth most popular Irish girl name for baby girls. What is the Gender for the Irish name Caoimhe? Girl | Female Is Caoimhe a boy or girl name? Yes, Caoimhe is traditionally given to a female. How do you spell Caoimhe in Irish? It is spelled as “Caoimhe” How do you … Read more

Connor

Meaning of the name Connor. Listen and learn how to pronounce Connor so you can get the correct pronunciation for this boy name. MEANING: Means “”lover of hounds.”” Conchobhar MacNessa was the king of Ulster and, according to legend, was born on the same day as Christ. Conchobhar, an uncle of Cuchulainn (read the legend), loved Deirdre and wished to marry her. But she fled with his nephew Naoise and his brothers. Conchobhar gave chase and althought he promised to forgive them, he killed Naoise and her abductors. In the battle a sling-shot lodged in his brain which doctors could … Read more

Cormac

Meaning of the Irish name Cormac. Listen and learn how to pronounce Cormac so you can get the correct pronunciation for this Irish boy name. MEANING: From old Irish corbmac “”son of the charioteer.”” Cormac Mac Airt was probably the most famous of the ancient kings of Ireland. As the ruler of Tara, the seat of the high kings of Ireland, for forty years (probably 227-266 AD), he was famous for his wise, true and generous judgments. Cormac owned the wonderful gold cup given to him by the sea-god Manannan Mac Lir. If three lies were spoken over it, it would break … Read more

Colleen

Meaning of the Irish name Colleen. Listen and learn how to pronounce Colleen so you can get the correct pronunciation for this Irish girl name. MEANING: From the Irish cailin meaning “girl” and used by the Irish in the USA and Australia as a way of connecting to their Irish roots. GENDER: Girl | Female IRISH NAME: Colleen Coleen PRONUNCIATION: ENGLISH: AUDIO: (Listen to the late author Frank McCourt pronounce Colleen and read along with the meaning)Play Audio for Colleen:Play Audio for Colleen Back to Irish Girl Names Around the Web: 23 popular Irish names and what they mean. Discover 15 Lucky … Read more

Daireann

Meaning of the Irish name Daireann. Listen and learn how to pronounce Daireann so you can get the correct pronunciation for this Irish girl name. MEANING: Meaning “fruitful, bountiful.” In legend, Daireann, a beautiful young woman, fell in love with Fionn Mac Cool (read the legend), a man with many wives. She asked to be his only wife for a year – and then to have the half of his time after that. GENDER: Girl | Female IRISH NAME: Daireann PRONUNCIATION: dar + rawn” ENGLISH: Darina AUDIO: (Listen to the late author Frank McCourt pronounce Daireann and read along with … Read more

Eamon

Meaning, pronunciation and origin of the Irish boys name Eamon How do you pronounce Irish name Eamon? What does Eamon mean? Is the Irish form of Old English ead “rich” + mund “guardian”, and implies “guardian of the riches”. In more recent times the name has been given to honor Eamon De Valera who was President of Ireland for 14 years, the maximum allowed, from 1959 to 1973. What is the Gender for the Irish name Eamon? Boy | Male Is Eamon a boy or girl name? Eamon is traditionally given to a boy. How do you spell Eamon in Irish? It is spelled … Read more

Faolan

Meaning, pronunciation and origin of the Irish boys name Faolan How do you pronounce Irish name Faolan? What does the Irish name Faolan mean? Comes from the word faol “wolf”. The earliest record of the name seems to be for a follower of the warrior Fionn Mac Cool (read the legend) who was so loyal that he would have rescued Fionn from captivity, even from God himself. What is the Gender for the Irish name Faolan? Boy | Male Is Faolan a boy or girl name? Faolan is traditionally given to a boy. How do you spell Faolan in Irish? It is … Read more

Finbar

Meaning of the Irish name Finbar. Listen and learn how to pronounce Finbar so you can get the correct pronunciation for this Irish boy name. MEANING: Meaning “”fair-haired,”” the name has been popular since the sixth century when St. Finbar came to an area of Cork that was being tormented by a serpent. The people begged him to do something to help them. One night he went to where the serpent was sleeping and sprinkled it with holy water. The angry serpent tore and devoured the land until she slithered into the sea at Cork Harbor. The track she left … Read more

Kathleen

Meaning of the name Kathleen. Listen and learn how to pronounce Kathleen so you can get the correct pronunciation for this girl name. MEANING: Devotion to St. Catherine came to Ireland with Christianity. Revered for her courage and purity, Catherine in the Irish form, Cathleen, became such a popular name that W. B. Yeats chose it for the heroine of his 1899 play “The Countess Cathleen” which was inspired by an Irish folktale. In a time of famine the Devil offers food to the starving poor in exchange for their souls. But Cathleen convinces Satan to take her soul instead. … Read more

Keira

Meaning of the name Keira. Listen and learn how to pronounce Keira so you can get the correct pronunciation for this girl name. MEANING: The feminine form of Ciaran, from the Irish ciar meaning “dark” and implies “dark hair and brown eyes.” St. Ciara was a distinguished seventh-century figure who established a monastery at Kilkeary in County Tipperary. It was the fourth most popular baby girl name in Ireland in 2003. GENDER: Girl | Female IRISH NAME: Keira Ciara PRONUNCIATION: kee + ra” ENGLISH: Keira AUDIO: (Listen to the late author Frank McCourt pronounce Keira and read along with the meaning)Play Audio … Read more

Mary

Meaning of the name Mary. Listen and learn how to pronounce Mary so you can get the correct pronunciation for this girl name. MEANING: The name that was used in Ireland for Our Lady was Muire and interestingly, her name was so honored that it was rarely used as a first name until the end of the fifteenth century. Then Maire became acceptable as a given name but the spelling Muire was reserved for the Blessed Mother. GENDER: Girl | Female IRISH NAME: Mary Maire PRONUNCIATION: my + ra” ENGLISH: Mary AUDIO: (Listen to the late author Frank McCourt pronounce … Read more

Malachy

Meaning of the name Malachy. Listen and learn how to pronounce Malachy so you can get the correct pronunciation for this boy name. MEANING: A name with two sources, St. Malachi (1095-1148 AD) was the Bishop of Armagh who adopted the name from the Hebrew prophet “”Malachi”” whose name means “”my angel”” or “”messenger of God.”” It is also linked to the High King Maoilseachlainn “”devotee of St. Sechnall”” one of Saint Patrick’s first companions. GENDER: Boy | Male IRISH NAME: Malachy Malachi PRONUNCIATION: “mala + ki” ENGLISH: Malachy AUDIO: (Listen to the late author Frank McCourt pronounce Malachy and … Read more

Neave

Meaning of the name Neave. Listen and learn how to pronounce Neave so you can get the correct pronunciation for this girl name. MEANING: niamh “radiance, lustre, brightness.” The daughter of the sea god Manannan she was known as “Niamh of the Golden Hair,” a beautiful princess riding on a white horse. She fell in love with Fionn’s son Oisin (read the legend of Niamh and Oisin) and lived with him in Tir-na-nOg (“Land of the Young”) (read the legend) where 300 years passed in what seemed like three weeks. In 2003 it was the eleventh most popular baby girl’s … Read more

Padraig

Meaning, pronunciation and origin of the Irish boys name Padraig How is Padraig pronounced? What does the Irish name Padraig mean? From the Latin patricius “nobly born”. The patron saint of Ireland, it is hard to differentiate between fact and myth. What is probably true is that he was born in Britain around 373 AD and was brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of seven, possibly by Niall of the Nine Hostages (read the legend). Forced to guard sheep on the Slemish Mountains in Country Antrim for six years he had a vision urging him to convert his captors. He … Read more