Gaelic Baby Names

Gaelic baby names have a rich history and cultural significance that can add a unique and meaningful touch to your child’s identity. Derived from the Gaelic language spoken in Ireland and Scotland, these names often connect deeply to nature, mythology, and ancient traditions. 

Choosing a Gaelic name for your baby can be a thoughtful way to honor your heritage, embrace a sense of nostalgia, or find a name that stands out from the crowd.

Gaelic popular names like Aine, Cillian, and Niamh, as well as lesser-known gems like Fiadh and Oisin, offer a wide range of options to suit any taste.

See Also:

• Celtic Names

20 Best Gaelic Baby Names

30 Gaelic Baby Names for Girls

Aoife

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Beauty, radiance
• Famous Namesakes: Aoife Ní Fhearraigh is a renowned Irish singer known for her contributions to traditional Irish music and for her role in the soundtrack of the video game “Metal Gear Solid.”
• Popularity: Aoife is a very popular name in Ireland, consistently ranking in the top 50 baby names in recent years. Its use outside of Ireland is less common, but it is recognized among communities with Irish heritage.

Niamh

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Bright or radiant
• Famous Namesakes: Niamh Cusack is an Irish actress with a significant career in British television and theatre, known for her roles in productions like “Heartbeat” and Royal Shakespeare Company plays.
• Popularity: Niamh is a traditional name in Ireland and maintains a strong presence among the top 100 names for girls. It has seen sporadic popularity in the UK and is becoming more familiar in other English-speaking countries.

Siobhan

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: God is gracious
• Famous Namesakes: Siobhan Finneran is a British actress best known for her role in the TV series “Downton Abbey” as O’Brien and her work in “Happy Valley.”
• Popularity: Siobhan is widely used in Ireland and has a consistent following in the UK. In the United States and other parts of the world, it is less common but still known within Irish communities.

Saoirse

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Freedom
• Famous Namesakes: Saoirse Ronan, an Irish-American actress, has gained international acclaim for her roles in films like “Lady Bird,” “Brooklyn,” and “Little Women.” Her performances have earned her several Academy Award nominations.
• Popularity: Saoirse has become increasingly popular not only in Ireland, where it has been a top name for years, but also internationally, particularly in the United States and the UK, due in part to the fame of Saoirse Ronan.

Róisín

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Little rose
• Famous Namesakes: Róisín Murphy is an Irish singer-songwriter and record producer, known for her eclectic fashion and music style, initially as part of the electronic music duo Moloko.
• Popularity: Róisín remains a popular choice in Ireland and has seen some recognition in the UK. It is less commonly used in other countries, making it a distinctly Irish name.

Ciara

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Dark-haired
• Famous Namesakes: Ciara, the American singer, songwriter, and dancer, known for hits like “1, 2 Step” and “Like a Boy,” although her name’s pronunciation differs from the Gaelic version.
• Popularity: Ciara is a popular name in Ireland and has seen varying levels of popularity in the US, influenced both by Irish American families and the celebrity singer Ciara.

Aisling

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Vision, dream
• Famous Namesakes: Aisling Bea is an Irish comedian, actress, and writer known for her stand-up comedy and television roles in shows like “This Way Up” and “Living With Yourself.”
• Popularity: Aisling is a popular name in Ireland, reflecting a strong cultural connection to Irish mythology and poetry, where the aisling is a poetic genre. It’s less common outside of Ireland but is known among the Irish diaspora.

Maeve

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: She who intoxicates
• Famous Namesakes: Maeve Binchy was a celebrated Irish novelist known for her rich character-driven stories, such as “Circle of Friends” and “Tara Road.” Maeve Higgins is also a well-known Irish comedian and writer, notable for her work in both Ireland and the US.
• Popularity: Maeve has seen increasing popularity in the United States and remains a beloved name in Ireland. It has been featured in popular culture and literature, enhancing its appeal.

Grainne

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Grain or corn
• Famous Namesakes: Grainne Seoige is a prominent Irish television presenter and journalist, known for her work on RTE and other Irish broadcasting platforms.
• Popularity: While still used in Ireland, Grainne is not as commonly adopted elsewhere, making it distinctly traditional and culturally specific to Ireland.

Sorcha

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Bright, radiant
• Famous Namesakes: Sorcha Cusack, an Irish actress, is well-known for her extensive work in British theatre and television, including roles in series like “Father Brown.”
• Popularity: Sorcha maintains popularity in Ireland but is relatively uncommon in other English-speaking countries, often appreciated for its authentic Gaelic roots.

Eimear

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Swift
• Famous Namesakes: Eimear McBride, an innovative Irish novelist, known for her experimental novel “A Girl is a Half-formed Thing.”
• Popularity: Eimear has a modest following in Ireland and is appreciated for its traditional connection to Irish legend, where Eimear was renowned for her beauty and skills, the wife of the hero Cú Chulainn.

Clodagh

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Irish river name
• Famous Namesakes: Clodagh Rodgers, a singer from Northern Ireland known for her pop hits in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Popularity: Clodagh is a uniquely Irish name, popular within the country and rare outside of it, often chosen for its melodious sound and natural connection.

Fionnuala

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Fair shoulders
• Famous Namesakes: Fionnuala Sweeney, an Irish journalist and former anchor for CNN International.
• Popularity: Fionnuala is a classic Irish name steeped in mythology, specifically the Children of Lir story. It is more commonly found in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

Orla

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Golden princess
• Famous Namesakes: Orla Kiely, an Irish designer known for her distinctive graphic prints and designs in fashion and home goods.
• Popularity: Orla is a popular name in Ireland and has seen some usage in the UK, appreciated for its historical roots and melodious sound.

Sadhbh

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Sweet or goodness
• Famous Namesakes: Sadhbh is more commonly known in the context of Irish mythology and less so for contemporary figures.
• Popularity: It remains a traditional choice in Ireland, cherished for its deep cultural and mythological significance, though less common internationally.

Bríd

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Exalted one
• Famous Namesakes: Bríd is derived from Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland’s patron saints, known for her generosity and kindness.
• Popularity: The name Bríd, along with its variations like Brigid and Bridget, is well-liked in Ireland and has a notable presence among Irish communities worldwide.

Máire

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Irish form of Mary, meaning “beloved” or “bitter.”
• Famous Namesakes: Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, a former Irish politician known for her role in the European Commission.
• Popularity: Máire is a common name in Ireland, often chosen for its traditional and religious significance.

Caitlín

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Pure
• Famous Namesakes: Caitlín R. Kiernan, an Irish-American author of dark fantasy and science fiction.
• Popularity: Caitlín remains popular in Ireland and has various spellings and adaptations such as Caitlin and Katelyn, widely used in English-speaking countries.

Áine

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Radiance, brilliance, joy
• Famous Namesakes: Áine Lawlor, an Irish journalist and broadcaster with RTÉ.
• Popularity: Áine is appreciated in Ireland for its connection to the Irish goddess of summer and wealth, embodying beauty and light.

Síle

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Irish form of Cecilia, meaning “blind”
• Famous Namesakes: Síle de Valera, a former Irish politician and granddaughter of Éamon de Valera.
• Popularity: Síle, often anglicized as Sheila, has seen widespread use in Ireland, though its popularity has waned slightly in recent years.

Deirdre

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Sorrowful or raging
• Famous Namesakes: Deirdre O’Kane, an Irish stand-up comedian and actress.
• Popularity: Deirdre has a strong literary and mythological presence, known from the tragic heroine of Irish legend. It remains a poetic and somewhat popular choice in Ireland.

Eilís

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Irish form of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God”
• Famous Namesakes: Eilís Dillon, an Irish author of over 50 books, mostly for young people.
• Popularity: Eilís is appreciated in Ireland for its historical depth and connection to Irish heritage, used more commonly within Ireland than abroad.

Máiréad

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Pearl
• Famous Namesakes: Máiréad Nesbitt, an Irish classical and Celtic music performer, best known as the former fiddler for the group Celtic Woman.
• Popularity: Máiréad is well-loved in Ireland and appreciated for its elegance and classic appeal. It is less common outside of Ireland but recognized within Irish communities.

Bláithín

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Little flower
• Famous Namesakes: While there are no widely known contemporary figures with this name, Bláithín carries a lyrical and delicate connotation in Irish culture.
• Popularity: This name is cherished for its poetic beauty in Ireland, though it remains quite unique and rare internationally.

Síofra

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Elf or sprite
• Famous Namesakes: Síofra Cléirigh Büttner, an Irish middle-distance runner who has represented Ireland in international competitions.
• Popularity: Síofra is a distinctively Irish name, seldom found outside of Ireland, with a whimsical and enchanting character.

Laoise

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Light, radiant
• Famous Namesakes: Laoise Kelly, an Irish harpist who has been a prominent figure in traditional Irish music.
• Popularity: While not as common as some other Irish names, Laoise holds a special place in Irish naming traditions for its lyrical sound and cultural depth.

Eabha

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Life
• Famous Namesakes: Eabha McMahon, also known as Ava, a singer who was part of the ensemble Celtic Woman.
• Popularity: Eabha, the Irish form of Eve, has been gaining traction in Ireland, appealing to parents looking for a traditional name with a deep, resonant meaning.

Muireann

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Of the sea or long-haired
• Famous Namesakes: Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, an Irish folk singer and flutist, known for her role in the traditional music band Danú.
• Popularity: Muireann is a name with strong roots in Irish folklore and music, appreciated for its historical resonance and uniqueness in Ireland.

Caoimhe

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Gentle, beautiful, precious
• Famous Namesakes: Caoimhe O’Malley, an Irish actress known for her work in theatre and film in Ireland.
• Popularity: Caoimhe is quite popular in Ireland and has seen a rise in usage due to its appealing meaning and phonetic richness.

Fiadh

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Wild
• Famous Namesakes: While there are no widely known celebrities with this name, Fiadh is notable for its connection to nature and Irish heritage.
• Popularity: Fiadh has surged in popularity in recent years in Ireland, becoming one of the top names for girls due to its strong cultural identity and simplicity.

30 Gaelic Baby Names for Boys

Liam

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Strong-willed warrior
• Famous Namesakes: Liam Neeson, an internationally renowned actor from Northern Ireland known for his roles in movies such as “Schindler’s List” and “Taken.”
• Popularity: Liam has been one of the top baby names in the United States and is consistently popular in Ireland and the UK, appealing to a wide range of parents due to its strong yet simple phonetics.

Seán

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: God is gracious
• Famous Namesakes: Seán Connery, the late Scottish actor famous for his portrayal of James Bond, and Seán Kelly, a former professional road bicycle racer from Ireland.
• Popularity: Seán remains a perennial favorite in Ireland and maintains popularity in other English-speaking countries, often anglicized as Sean without the accent.

Cian

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Ancient, distant
• Famous Namesakes: Cian Healy, an Irish rugby player, known for his strength and athleticism in international competitions.
• Popularity: Cian is widely used in Ireland and has seen growing popularity internationally due to its short and distinctive nature.

Eoin

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: God is gracious
• Famous Namesakes: Eoin Colfer, an Irish author best known for his “Artemis Fowl” series of children’s books.
• Popularity: Eoin is a popular name in Ireland, offering a distinctively Gaelic alternative to the more widespread John, from which it is derived.

Oisín

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Little deer
• Famous Namesakes: Oisín Kelly, an Irish sculptor known for his public art in Ireland, and Oisín Murphy, an Irish jockey who has achieved international success in horse racing.
• Popularity: Oisín has seen a resurgence in use in Ireland, favored for its connections to Irish mythology and its lyrical sound.

Finn

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Fair or white
• Famous Namesakes: Finn Balor, a professional wrestler from Ireland known internationally for his performances in WWE.
• Popularity: Finn is a highly popular name in Ireland and has been gaining traction in the US and the UK, appealing for its brevity and mythological heritage.

Tadhg

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Poet or philosopher
• Famous Namesakes: Tadhg Furlong, an Irish rugby player recognized as one of the best props in the rugby world.
• Popularity: Tadhg, while traditional in Ireland, is still relatively rare outside of it, often chosen by parents seeking a uniquely Irish name.

Darragh

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Oak tree
• Famous Namesakes: Darragh MacAnthony, an Irish businessman known for his involvement in English football as the chairman of Peterborough United.
• Popularity: Darragh is commonly used in Ireland and has charm and strength, evoking images of sturdiness and resilience.

Conor

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Lover of hounds
• Famous Namesakes: Conor McGregor, a prominent mixed martial artist from Ireland known for his career in the UFC.
• Popularity: Conor remains a popular name in Ireland and has achieved widespread usage in English-speaking countries, favored for its strong sound and cultural authenticity.

Fionn

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Fair or white
• Famous Namesakes: Fionn Regan, an Irish folk musician with an international following.
• Popularity: Fionn is cherished in Ireland, particularly for its mythological connections to Fionn mac Cumhaill, a legendary hero, and is becoming more recognized internationally.

Cormac

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Son of the charioteer
• Famous Namesakes: Cormac McCarthy, an American novelist of Irish descent known for his distinctive writing style and novels such as “The Road” and “No Country for Old Men.”
• Popularity: Cormac is a name that resonates well within Ireland, embodying a strong cultural heritage. It’s gradually gaining more recognition outside of Ireland due to its literary association.

Ronan

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Little seal
• Famous Namesakes: Ronan Keating, an Irish singer-songwriter, formerly part of the boy band Boyzone, known for his solo music career.
• Popularity: Ronan is quite popular in Ireland and has found a broad audience in the UK and the United States, appealing for its melodious sound and ease of pronunciation.

Cillian

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: War, strife
• Famous Namesakes: Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor renowned for his roles in films like “Inception” and “Peaky Blinders.”
• Popularity: Cillian has seen growing popularity, particularly in Ireland and among fans of the actor Cillian Murphy. It is appreciated for its strong, distinctive Gaelic flavor.

Padraig

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Noble
• Famous Namesakes: Padraig Harrington, a professional Irish golfer who has won three major championships.
• Popularity: Padraig is a traditional Irish name, best known internationally in its anglicized form, Patrick. It remains a staple in Ireland, especially significant around St. Patrick’s Day.

Ruairi

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Red king
• Famous Namesakes: Ruairi Quinn, a former Irish politician who served as Minister for Education and Skills.
• Popularity: Ruairi is a distinctly Irish name that maintains moderate popularity in Ireland, often chosen for its regal connotation and strong cultural roots.

Diarmuid

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Without envy
• Famous Namesakes: Diarmuid Gavin, an Irish garden designer and television personality known for his innovative designs and appearances on various garden shows.
• Popularity: Diarmuid holds a place of esteem in Ireland, linked to the legendary figure Diarmuid Ua Duibhne from Irish mythology. It is less common outside of Ireland.

Breandan

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Prince
• Famous Namesakes: Breandán Ó hEithir, an Irish writer and broadcaster known for his work in the Irish language.
• Popularity: Breandan, often anglicized as Brendan, is well-loved in Ireland and has seen widespread use in English-speaking countries, known for its historical and saintly associations.

Colm

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Dove
• Famous Namesakes: Colm Tóibín, an Irish novelist and short story writer, known for books like “Brooklyn” and “The Master.”
• Popularity: Colm is a classic Irish name that has maintained a steady presence in Ireland, appreciated for its gentle imagery and literary association.

Niall

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Champion or cloud
• Famous Namesakes: Niall Horan, an Irish singer and songwriter best known as a member of the boy band One Direction.
• Popularity: Niall is a popular name in Ireland and has gained international recognition, particularly among fans of One Direction, enhancing its global appeal.

Seamus

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Supplanter
• Famous Namesakes: Seamus Heaney, a Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet known for his contributions to poetry and translations of classical works.
• Popularity: Seamus is a well-respected name in Ireland, valued for its traditional roots and literary prestige. It’s less commonly used outside of Ireland but recognized among literary circles.

Aodhan

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Little fire
• Famous Namesakes: Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, an Irish politician known for his work in education and social equality.
• Popularity: Aodhan is appreciated in Ireland for its vibrant meaning and is often anglicized as Aidan, which has seen significant popularity in English-speaking countries.

Caolan

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Slender
• Famous Namesakes: Caolán Lavery, a professional footballer from Northern Ireland.
• Popularity: Caolan remains a unique and less common name, favored in Ireland for its distinct sound and traditional Gaelic spelling.

Fergus

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Man of vigor
• Famous Namesakes: Fergus Henderson, a British chef known for founding the St John restaurant in London and promoting the nose-to-tail eating philosophy.
• Popularity: Fergus is a classic name in Scotland and Ireland, respected for its historical depth and connection to ancient kings.

Lorcan

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Little fierce one
• Famous Namesakes: Lorcan Cranitch, an Irish actor known for his work in film and television in both Ireland and the UK.
• Popularity: Lorcan is a strong, traditional Irish name that enjoys moderate popularity in Ireland and is appreciated for its spirited meaning.

Olan

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Ancestor
• Famous Namesakes: Olan is more traditionally used within the context of Irish names and has no widely recognized contemporary figures with this name.
• Popularity: Olan is relatively rare but holds appeal for those seeking a unique and traditional Irish name.

Shane

• Origin: Irish Gaelic (from Seán)
• Meaning: God is gracious
• Famous Namesakes: Shane MacGowan, a singer and songwriter best known for his work with the band The Pogues.
• Popularity: Shane has been a popular name in Ireland and the United States, known for its easy pronunciation and casual style.

Brian

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: High or noble
• Famous Namesakes: Brian O’Driscoll, a former professional rugby union player, considered one of the greatest rugby players of all time.
• Popularity: Brian is a very common name in Ireland and has been widely used across the English-speaking world, known for its simple yet strong demeanor.

Domhnall

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: World ruler
• Famous Namesakes: Domhnall Gleeson, an Irish actor known for his roles in films like “Ex Machina” and the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy.
• Popularity: Domhnall, often anglicized as Donald, is a traditional Irish name that retains a sense of cultural authenticity and historical depth.

Fintan

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: White fire
• Famous Namesakes: Fintan O’Toole, an Irish columnist, literary editor, and drama critic.
• Popularity: Fintan is a less common name but cherished in Ireland for its distinctive Gaelic origin and deep-rooted cultural significance.

Iarla

• Origin: Irish Gaelic
• Meaning: Earl or tribal leader
• Famous Namesakes: Iarla Ó Lionáird, an Irish singer known for his work in traditional Irish music and as part of the group The Gloaming.
• Popularity: Iarla is a unique and rare name in Ireland, often selected by parents interested in preserving a strong connection to Irish heritage and music.