Boy's name
Barra
“BA-ra”
short form of Fionnbharra, 'fair-headed'
The story behind the name
St Finbarr founded the monastery on the marsh that became Cork city (Corcaigh, 'the marsh') and Gougane Barra, the lake source of the Lee where he had his hermitage, still draws pilgrims. He is Cork's patron saint.
Where the name belongs
Surnames built on this name
Meanings follow Ó Corráin & Maguire's Irish Names and Woulfe; pronunciations give the commonest Irish-English form. Know this name better — a dialect pronunciation, a family tradition? Tell us. · All Irish names A–Z