Irish names are not spelled strangely. They are spelled in Irish, which uses the same twenty-odd letters as English for a different set of sounds — so it pairs them up. Learn seven pairs and most of the language opens.
| Name | Say it | Also spelled | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abaigeal · girl | “AB-i-gal” | Abigail | from Hebrew, 'father of joy' or 'joyfulness' |
| Abaigh · girl | “AB-ee” | Abbey, Abbie | a pet form of Abaigeal (Abigail) |
| Achall · girl | “AKH-al” | — | the name of a hill by Tara, for the woman said to have died on it |
| Ádhamh · boy | “AWV” | Ádam, Adam | from Hebrew Adam, 'one made', a creature |
| Adhamhnán · boy | “EE-nan” | Adomnán, Adamnan, Eunan | 'little Adam' |
| Ágaistín · boy | “AW-gish-teen” | Águistín, Ághuistín, Augustine | from Latin Augustinus, a diminutive of Augustus, 'venerable' |
| Agata · girl | “AG-a-ta” | Agatha | from Greek agathē, 'good' |
| Aifric · girl | “AF-rick” | Affrica, Africa | possibly 'pleasant' or 'agreeable' |
| Aignéis · girl | “ag-NAYSH” | Agnes | from Greek hagnē, 'pure' or 'sacred' |
| Ailbhe · either | “AL-va” | Alva, Alby, Elva | possibly from albho, 'white', or from ail, 'rock' — 'noble, bright' |
| Ailill · boy | “AL-ill” | Ailil, Oilioll | possibly 'elf' or 'sprite' |
| Ailín · boy | “AL-een” | Allen | probably a diminutive of a name beginning Ail-, 'noble' |
| Ailís · girl | “AY-leesh” | Alice, Ailis | the Irish form of Alice |
| Aindrias · boy | “AN-dree-as (Munster an-DREE-as)” | Aindréas, Aindriú, Andrew | from Greek anēr, andros, 'man' |
| Áine · girl | “AW-nya” /ˈaːnʲə/ | Anya, Anne, Hannah | 'brightness, splendour, radiance' |
| Aingeal · girl | “ANG-al” | Angela | from Latin angelus, 'angel' |
| Aisling · girl | “ASH-ling” | Ashling, Aislinn, Ashlyn | 'a dream, a vision' |
| Alastar · boy | “AL-as-tar” /ˈal̪ˠəsˠt̪ˠəɾˠ/ | Allister, Alexander | an Irish form of Alexander, from Greek, 'defender of men' |
| Ambrós · boy | “AM-bross” | Ambrose | from Greek ambrosios, 'immortal, divine' |
| Amhlaoibh · boy | “OW-leev (Munster OW-lee)” /ˈəulˠiːvʲ/ | Auliffe, Olave, Humphrey | from Norse Óláfr, 'ancestral relic' |
| Anraí · boy | “AN-ree” | Annraoi, Anraoi, Henry, Harry | from Old French Henri, Germanic in origin |
| Antóin · boy | “AN-tone” /ˈan̪ˠt̪ˠoːnʲ/ | Antaine, Antoin, Antoine, Antán, Anthony | from Latin Antonius, an ancient Roman name |
| Aodh · boy | “AY (also EE)” | Hugh, Aodhán, Hughie | 'fire' — possibly also the name of a god |
| Aodhagán · boy | “AY-a-gawn” | Egan, Aogán | 'little little Aodh' — a double diminutive of Aodh, 'fire' |
| Aodhán · boy | “AY-dawn” | Aidan, Aiden, Edan | 'little fire' — a diminutive of Aodh |
| Aodhnait · girl | “AY-nit” | Enat, Ena, Eny | the feminine form of Aodh, the old word for fire |
| Aoibhe · girl | “EE-va” | Eva, Aoife (related) | from aoibh, 'beauty, radiance' |
| Aoibheann · girl | “EE-van” | Aoibhinn, Eavan, Aveen | from aoibhinn, 'beautiful, radiant, of pleasing form' |
| Aoife · girl | “EE-fa” /ˈiːfʲə/ | Eva, Eefa | from aoibh, 'beauty' or 'radiance' — 'the beautiful one' |
| Aonghas · boy | “AY-nus” | Aonghus, Angus, Aeneas, Neese | from oinos, 'one', and gustus, 'choice' — the one choice |
| Aonghus · boy | “AY-ngus (also EN-gus)” | Angus, Aengus, Aeneas | 'one choice' or 'one strength' — aon + gus |
| Ardghal · boy | “ARD-gal” /ˈɑːɾˠd̪ˠəl̪ˠ/ | Ardal, Arnold | árd, 'high', and gal, 'valour' |
| Arlia · either | “ar-LEE-a” | Arlía | not known — Macalister could only write ‘a name not found elsewhere’ |
| Art · boy | “ART” | Artt, Arthur | 'bear' — and by extension 'champion, hero' |
| Artúr · boy | “AR-toor” | Arthur | uncertain; Wiktionary suggests a Brittonic word for 'bear' |
| Athracht · girl | “AH-rakht” | Attracta | the name of a Sligo saint |
| Bairbre · girl | “BAR-bra” | Barbara, Barbary | from Greek barbaros, 'stranger' — one who does not speak your language |
| Banba · girl | “BAN-uh-va” | Banbha | one of the three names of Ireland; the derivation is not settled |
| Barra · boy | “BA-ra” | Barry, Bairre, Finbarr | short form of Fionnbharra, 'fair-headed' |
| Bearach · boy | “BAR-akh” | Barry, Berach | from bear, 'a spear' — or anything with a point on it |
| Bearchán · boy | “BAR-a-khawn” | Bercan | a diminutive of Bearach |
| Bearnárd · boy | “BAR-nard” | Bernard | from Frankish Bernhard, 'strong bear' or 'brave warrior' |
| Bébhinn · girl | “BAY-vin” | Bevin, Béibhinn, Vivian | 'fair lady' or 'melodious woman' |
| Bláthnaid · girl | “BLAW-nid” | Blanid, Bláithín, Florence | from bláth, 'flower' — 'little flower' or 'flower-like' |
| Blinne · girl | “BLIN-ya” | Blinne, Moninne | a form of Moninne, the name of a Louth saint |
| Bran · boy | “BRAN” | Brann | 'raven' |
| Breandán · boy | “BREN-dawn” | Brendan, Brendán | probably from a Welsh word for 'prince'; not from bran, 'raven' |
| Breasal · boy | “BRASS-al” | Brasil, Basil | from an old Celtic word for strife or war |
| Brian · boy | “BREE-an” /bʲɾʲiən̪ˠ/ | Bryan, Brión, Bernard | possibly 'noble' or 'high'; disputed |
| Bríd · girl | “BREEJ” /bʲɾʲiːdʲ/ | Bridget, Brigid, Breda, Bridie | from Brighid, probably 'exalted one' |
| Brochadh · boy | “BRUKH-a” | Morgan | a West Connacht corruption of Murchadh |
| Brónach · girl | “BROH-nakh” | Bronagh, Brona | from brón, 'sorrow' — 'sorrowful' |
| Buadhach · boy | “BOO-akh” | Buach, Buagh, Victor | from buaidh, 'victory' |
| Cairbre · boy | “KAR-bra” | Carbry | 'charioteer' |
| Cáit · girl | “KAWT” /kɑːtʲ/ | Kate, Caití | a pet form of Caitríona |
| Caitlín · girl | “kat-LEEN (anglicised KAYT-lin)” /katʲˈlʲiːnʲ/ | Kathleen, Cathleen, Caitlin, Katelyn | the Irish form of Catherine |
| Caitríona · girl | “KA-tree-na (Munster ka-TREE-na)” | Caitrín, Catraoine, Catriona, Catherine | from Greek, linked with katharos, 'pure' |
| Calbhach · boy | “KAL-vakh” | Calvagh, Callough, Charles | 'bald' |
| Caoilfhionn · girl | “KEE-lin” | Keelin, Keeley | caol + fionn, 'slender and fair' |
| Caoimhe · girl | “KWEE-va (Munster KEE-va)” /ˈkiːvʲə/ | Keeva, Keva | from caomh, 'gentle, beautiful, precious' |
| Caoimhín · boy | “KWEE-veen” | Kevin, Coemgen | from caomh, 'gentle, kind' — 'of gentle birth' |
| Caolán · boy | “KAY-lawn” | Kealan, Kelan, Kyle | 'slender' — a diminutive of caol |
| Caomhán · boy | “KAY-vawn” | Kevan, Cavan | 'gentle' or 'comely' — a diminutive of caomh |
| Cara · girl | “KA-ra” | Kara | 'friend' in modern Irish |
| Cárthach · boy | “KAR-hakh” | Carthach, Carthage | 'loving' |
| Cathal · boy | “KA-hal” /ˈkahəlˠ/ | Cahal, Cathal, Charles | cath + val, 'strong in battle' |
| Cathaoir · boy | “KA-heer” | Cahir, Charles | possibly 'warrior' or 'battle-lord' |
| Cathbharr · boy | “KAH-var” | Caffar | cath, 'battle', and barr, 'head': hence a helmet |
| Ceallach · boy | “KYAL-akh” | Kellagh, Celsus | 'war' or 'strife' |
| Ceallachán · boy | “KAL-a-khawn” | Callaghan | a diminutive of Ceallach |
| Cearbhall · boy | “KAR-a-val” | Cerball, Carroll | uncertain; Wiktionary suggests Old Irish cerb, 'keen, cunning' |
| Cian · boy | “KEE-an” /ˈciənˠ/ | Kian, Kean, Cain | 'ancient, enduring, long-lasting' |
| Cianán · boy | “KEE-a-nawn” | Kienan, Kenan | 'little Cian' — a diminutive of Cian, 'ancient' |
| Ciannait · girl | “KEE-nit” | Kinnat, Keenat | the feminine form of Cian, 'ancient' |
| Ciara · girl | “KEER-a” | Keira, Kiera | from ciar, 'dark' — 'dark-haired one' |
| Ciarán · boy | “KEER-awn” /ciəˈɾˠɑːn̪ˠ/ | Kieran, Kieron, Keiran, Ciaran | from ciar, 'dark' — 'little dark one' |
| Cillian · boy | “KIL-ee-an” /cɪˈlʲiən̪ˠ/ | Killian, Cillín | possibly from cill, 'church', or ceall, 'little warrior'; disputed |
| Cinnéididh · boy | “kin-AY-dee” | Cinnéidigh, Cennétig, Kennedy | ceann, 'head', and éide, 'armour': 'helmeted head' |
| Clíodhna · girl | “KLEE-na” | Cliona, Cleena | uncertain; borne by a figure of the Otherworld |
| Clodagh · girl | “KLOH-da” | — | from the River Clodiagh in Waterford |
| Coileán · boy | “kul-AWN” | Cuileán, Coilín, Colin | 'whelp', a young dog |
| Coinneach · boy | “KUN-yakh” | Cainneach, Canice, Kenny | 'fair one' |
| Coireall · boy | “KIR-al” | Kerill, Cyril | an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Colla · boy | “KUL-a” | Colla Uais | an ancient name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Colm · boy | “KUL-um” /ˈkɔl̪ˠəmˠ/ | Colum, Columba, Callum, Colmcille, Columcille | from Latin columba, 'dove' |
| Colmán · boy | “KUL-mawn” /kɔl̪ˠəˈmˠɑːn̪ˠ/ | Colman, Coleman | 'little dove' — a diminutive of Colm |
| Comán · boy | “KUM-awn” | Coman | a diminutive of cam, 'bent' |
| Comhghall · boy | “KO-al” | Cole, Comgall | 'co-pledge' or 'fellow-hostage' |
| Conaire · boy | “KON-a-ra” | Conary | an ancient name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Conall · boy | “KON-al” | Connall, Conal | 'strong as a wolf' or 'strong wolf' |
| Conán · boy | “KON-awn” /ˈkɔnˠanˠ/ | Conan | an old name of uncertain meaning, often linked to cú, 'hound' |
| Conchobhar · boy | “KON-a-khoor (commonly KRUH-hoor)” | Conor, Connor, Conchúr, Cornelius | possibly 'lover of hounds' or 'wolf-lover' |
| Conn · boy | “KON” | Con, Connie | possibly 'chief' or 'hound' |
| Connla · boy | “KON-la” | Conlaoch | the name of Cú Chulainn's son in the Ulster Cycle |
| Connlaodh · boy | “KON-lay” | Connlaoth, Conleth, Conley | connla, 'prudent, chaste', and aodh, 'fire' |
| Cormac · boy | “KOR-mak” | Cormack, Charles | possibly 'son of the charioteer' or 'raven's son'; disputed |
| Criomhthann · boy | “KRIV-han” | Crevan | 'fox' |
| Criostóir · boy | “KRIS-tore” | Christopher, Christy | the Irish form of Christopher, 'Christ-bearer' |
| Cristín · girl | “kris-TEEN” | Cristíona, Christina | from Latin Christina, 'a Christian' |
| Cróchán · boy | “KROH-khawn” | Crohan | the name of a Kerry saint; Woulfe gives no meaning |
| Cronan · boy | “KROH-nawn” | Crónán, Cronin | from crón, 'dark yellow, swarthy' — 'little dark one' |
| Cuán · boy | “KOO-awn” | Cuan, Cuanna | from cú, 'hound' — 'little hound'; also 'harbour' in modern Irish |
| Cuimín · boy | “KWIM-een” | Cumin, Comyn, Cumméne | a diminutive of cam, 'bent' |
| Dáithí · boy | “DAW-hee” | Dahy, David, Davy | 'swiftness, nimbleness'; also used for David |
| Damhnaic · boy | “DOW-nik” | Dominic, Dominick | an Irish form of Dominic |
| Damhnait · girl | “DAV-nit” | Dympna, Devnet, Downet | from damh, 'stag' or 'ox' — 'little fawn' or 'little doe' |
| Darragh · either | “DA-ra” | Dara, Dáire, Daragh | from dair, 'oak' — 'oak tree' or 'fruitful, fertile' |
| Dearbhla · girl | “DER-vla” | Dervla, Dearbháil, Derval | 'daughter of a poet' or 'true desire' |
| Deasmhumhnach · boy | “DYASS-voo-nakh” | Desmond | 'a native of Desmond', South Munster |
| Declan · boy | “DEK-lan” | Deaglán, Declán | uncertain; possibly 'full of goodness' |
| Deirdre · girl | “DEER-dra” /ˈdʲɛɾˠdʲɾʲə/ | Deirdri, Derdriu | uncertain; possibly 'she who chatters' or linked to a word for sorrow |
| Diarmaid · boy | “DEER-mid” | Dermot, Diarmuid, Jeremiah, Darby | possibly 'without envy' or 'free man' |
| Doireann · girl | “DIR-in” | Dorren, Doirean, Dorothy | possibly 'sullen' or 'daughter of Finn'; disputed |
| Domhnall · boy | “DOH-nal” | Donal, Donald, Daniel | 'world-ruler' — domhan + val |
| Donn · boy | “DOWN” | Don | 'brown', or 'chief, noble' |
| Donnán · boy | “DUN-awn” | Donnan, Donan | a diminutive of donn, 'brown' |
| Donnchadh · boy | “DUN-a-khoo” | Donagh, Donough, Donncha, Denis, Duncan | donn + cath, 'brown-haired warrior' or 'strong warrior' |
| Dubhaltach · boy | “DOOL-takh” /ˈd̪ˠuːl̪ˠt̪ˠəx/ | Dúltach, Dualtagh, Duald, Dudley | 'black-jointed' |
| Dubhán · boy | “DOO-awn” | Duán, Dowan | a diminutive of dubh, 'black': 'little dark one' |
| Dubhghall · boy | “DOO-gal” | Dugald, Dougal, Doyle | dubh, 'black', and gall, 'a foreigner' |
| Dubhghlas · boy | “DOO-glas” /ˈd̪ˠuːɣlˠəsˠ/ | Douglas | the Irish form of Douglas; Woulfe gives no meaning |
| Éabha · girl | “AY-va” | Eva, Ava | the Irish form of Eve |
| Eachann · boy | “AKH-an” | Hector, Eachdhonn | from the older Eachdhonn — 'horse-lord' |
| Éadaoin · girl | “AY-deen” | Aideen, Edwina | an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Éamonn · boy | “AY-mun” | Eamon, Edmund, Edmond | the Irish form of Edmund, 'protector of wealth' |
| Éanán · boy | “AY-nawn” | Enan | an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Earcán · boy | “AR-kawn” | Ercan, Erkan | a diminutive of earc, 'red' or 'speckled' |
| Earnait · girl | “AR-nit” | Ernet | from earna, 'knowing' |
| Earnán · boy | “AR-nawn” | Ernan, Ernest | from earna, 'knowing' or 'experienced' |
| Éibhear · boy | “AY-ver” | Ever, Heber, Ivor, Éimhear | of unknown origin |
| Eibhlín · girl | “eye-LEEN” | Eileen, Evelyn, Aileen, Eveleen | from Norman-French Aveline |
| Éigneachán · boy | “EYE-na-khawn” | Eigneachán, Éigneach | a diminutive of Éigneach |
| Eiléanóir · girl | “EL-a-nore” | Eleanor, Eleanora, Eilíonóra | a Provençal form of Helena |
| Eilís · girl | “EL-eesh” | Eilíse, Elizabeth, Elsie, Bessie | from Hebrew Elisheba — 'God is an oath' |
| Éimear · girl | “EE-mer” | Emer, Eimhear, Eavear | uncertain; possibly 'swift' |
| Éimhín · boy | “AY-veen” | Evin | from eimh, 'swift' or 'active' |
| Eimíle · girl | “EM-ee-la” | Emily | from Latin Aemilia, the feminine of a Roman family name |
| Eireamhón · boy | “ERR-a-vone” | Érimón, Heremon, Erevan | an ancient name; Woulfe gives no meaning |
| Eistir · girl | “ESH-tir” | Esther | from Hebrew Ester, a name of Persian origin |
| Eithne · girl | “ETH-na (also EN-ya)” /ˈɛnʲə/ | Enya, Ethna, Edna, Aithne | probably from eithne, 'kernel' or 'grain' |
| Enda · boy | “EN-da” | Éanna, Endeus | possibly 'bird-like' |
| Eochaidh · boy | “OH-khee” | Oghie, Eochaid, Eochy | an old name built on each, 'horse' |
| Eoghan · boy | “OH-in” /oːn̪ˠ/ | Owen, Eugene, Ewan | 'born of the yew' — from eo, yew |
| Eoin · boy | “OH-in” /oːnʲ/ | Owen, John, Eóin | the Irish form of John, direct from Latin Johannes |
| Ériu · girl | “AIR-oo” | Éire, Erin | the name Ireland itself comes from, with Old Norse or Old English 'land' added to it |
| Ernán · boy | “AIR-nawn” | Ernan, Ernin | from iarn, 'iron' — 'little iron one' |
| Fachtna · boy | “FAKH-na” | Fachnan, Faughnan | possibly 'hostile' or 'malicious' in origin |
| Fáilbhe · boy | “FAWL-va” | Falvy | an ancient name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Faoiltiarna · girl | “FWEEL-teer-na” | Whiltierna, Faoiltighearna | faol, 'wolf', and tiarna, 'lady' — the wolf-lady |
| Faolán · boy | “FWAY-lawn” | Felan, Phelan, Whelan | from faol, 'wolf' — 'little wolf' |
| Fearadhach · boy | “FAR-akh” | Faragh, Farry | 'manly' |
| Feardorcha · boy | “far-DOR-a-kha” | Fardoragh, Frederick, Ferdinand | fear, 'a man', and dorcha, 'dark' — the dark-complexioned man |
| Fearganainm · boy | “FAR-gan-an-im” | Fergananym | fear, 'a man', gan, 'without', and ainm, 'a name': 'nameless' |
| Fearghal · boy | “FAR-gal” | Fergal, Farrell, Fergus (distinct) | fear + gal, 'man of valour' |
| Fearghas · boy | “FAR-gus” | Fergus, Ferghus, Fearghus | fear + gus, 'man of vigour' or 'manly strength' |
| Fedelm · girl | “FE-delm” | Fidelma, Feidhelm | borne by a prophet and a poet of the Ulster Cycle |
| Feichín · boy | “FEH-heen” | Fehin, Festus | from fiach, 'a raven' |
| Feidhlimidh · boy | “FAY-lim-ee” | Feidhlim, Féilim, Phelim, Felimy | explained as 'the ever good' |
| Ferdia · boy | “fer-DEE-a” | Fear Diadh, Ferdiad | 'man of God' or 'man of smoke'; disputed |
| Fiacha · boy | “FEE-a-kha” | Fiach, Feagh | Woulfe gives no meaning |
| Fiachna · boy | “FEE-akh-na” | Fiachna | possibly from fiach, 'raven' |
| Fiachra · boy | “FEE-akh-ra” | Fiachra, Fiacre | possibly from fiach, 'raven', or 'battle-king' |
| Fiadh · girl | “FEE-a” /ˈfʲiə/ | Fia | 'wild, of the wild' — also 'deer', and in older usage 'respect' |
| Fiadhnait · girl | “FEE-nat” | Fianait, Feenat, Feena | a diminutive of fiadh, 'a deer' |
| Finghin · boy | “FIN-een” | Fineen, Finnin, Florence | read as 'fair birth' or 'fair offspring' |
| Fintan · boy | “FIN-tan” | Fionntán, Fiontan | fionn + tan, 'white fire' or 'fair offspring' |
| Fionn · boy | “FYUN (also FIN)” /fʲũːn̪ˠ/ | Finn, Fionnan, Fintan | 'fair, bright, white' |
| Fionnabhair · girl | “FIN-oor” | Findabair, Finnabair | 'white phantom' or 'fair spirit' |
| Fionnbharr · boy | “FIN-bar” | Finbar, Barra, Bairrfhionn | fionn, 'fair', and barr, 'a head' |
| Fionnuala · girl | “fin-OO-la” | Finola, Nuala, Fenella, Fionnuala (full form) | fionn + guala, 'white shoulder' — 'the fair-shouldered one' |
| Fitheal · boy | “FI-hal” | Florence, Florry | a worn-down form of Fithcheallach, the root of the surname Ó Fithcheallaigh |
| Flann · boy | “FLAN” | Flainn, Florence | 'blood-red, ruddy' |
| Flannán · boy | “FLAN-awn” | Flannan | a diminutive of flann, 'ruddy' |
| Flidais · girl | “FLID-ish” | Fliodhas | known by the epithet Foltchaín, 'beautiful hair' |
| Fódla · girl | “FOE-la” | Fódhla, Fola | thought to be from Old Irish fót, 'sod' or 'land' |
| Frainc · boy | “FRANK” | Franc, Frank | a pet form of Proinsias (Francis) |
| Garbhán · boy | “GAR-vawn” | Garvan, Garvin | from garbh, 'rough' — 'little rough one' |
| Gearóid · boy | “gar-OHD” | Gerald, Garrett, Gerard | the Irish form of Gerald |
| Glaisne · boy | “GLASH-na” | Glasny | an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Gobnait · girl | “GUB-nit” | Gobnet, Gobinet, Abbey, Debby | from gob, 'a mouth' |
| Gormlaith · girl | “GORM-la” | Gormley, Gormflaith | gorm + flaith, 'illustrious princess' (gorm here 'splendid' rather than 'blue') |
| Gráinne · girl | “GRAWN-ya” /ˈɡɾˠɑːɲɪ/ | Grania, Granya, Grace | uncertain; long linked to grán, 'grain', and to a grain-goddess figure |
| Gréagóir · boy | “GRAY-gore” | Gregory | from Greek Grēgorios, 'watchman' |
| Hilde · girl | “HIL-da” | Hilda, Hildy | Woulfe gives no meaning; Wikipedia derives the name from Old Norse hildr, 'battle' |
| Iarlaith · boy | “EER-la” | Jarlath, Iarfhlaith | possibly 'tributary lord' |
| Íde · girl | “EE-da” | Ita, Ida | from íte, 'thirst' — traditionally read as 'thirst for holiness' |
| Íosac · boy | “EE-sak” | Isaac | from Hebrew Yitschaq, 'laughter' |
| Irial · boy | “IR-ee-al” | — | an ancient name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Isibéal · girl | “ISH-a-bale” | Sibéal, Isabella, Sybil, Bella | the French form of Elizabeth |
| Labhrás · boy | “LOW-rawss” | Laurence, Larry, Lorcán (distinct) | the Irish form of Laurence |
| Lachtna · boy | “LAKHT-na” | Lucius | an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Laoise · girl | “LEE-sha” | Leesha, Lucy | usually read as 'radiant girl'; sometimes linked to Laois |
| Laoiseach · boy | “LEE-shakh” | Lysagh, Louis, Lewis | 'belonging to Laois' |
| Lasairfhíona · girl | “la-sir-EE-na” | Lasairíona, Lassarina | lasair + fíon, 'flame of wine' |
| Lasairian · boy | “LASS-a-reen” | Laserian, Molaise | from lasair, 'a flame' |
| Léan · girl | “LAYN” | Eleanor, Eleanora | a pet form of Eiléanóir |
| Lí Ban · girl | “LEE-ban” | — | 'paragon of women', from lí, 'beauty', and ban, 'of women' |
| Líadan · girl | “LEE-a-din” | Liadain, Leedan | possibly from liath, 'grey' |
| Liam · boy | “LEE-am” /l̠ʲiəmˠ/ | William, Uilliam, Bill | short form of Uilliam, the Irish for William — 'resolute protector' |
| Lochlann · boy | “LOKH-lan” | Loughlin, Laughlin, Lochlainn | Lochlann — the Irish name for the Norse homeland, read as 'lakeland' or 'fiordland' |
| Lomán · boy | “LUM-awn” | Loman | a diminutive of lom, 'bare' |
| Lonán · boy | “LO-nawn” | Lonan | from lon, 'a blackbird' |
| Lorcán · boy | “LOR-kawn” | Lorcan, Larkin, Laurence | from lorc, 'fierce' — 'little fierce one' |
| Lughaidh · boy | “LOO-ee” | Lewy, Louis, Lugaid | derived from the god Lugh |
| Luíseach · girl | “LEE-shakh” | Luighseach, Lucy | the feminine form of Lughaidh |
| Macha · girl | “MAH-kha” | — | a name of disputed origin, borne by several figures who merge into one |
| Maghnus · boy | “MAN-us” | Manus, Magnus | from Latin magnus, 'great', via Norse Magnús |
| Máible · girl | “MAW-bil-eh” | Mabel | from Latin amabilis, 'loveable' — shortened from Amabel |
| Máire · girl | “MOY-ra” /ˈmˠɑːɾʲə/ | Maire, Moira, Maura, Mary | the Irish form of Mary |
| Mairéad · girl | “ma-RAYD” | Margaret, Maggie, Peig, Máiréad | the Irish form of Margaret, Greek for 'pearl' |
| Máirín · girl | “maw-REEN” | Maureen, Maurene, Molly | 'little Máire' — a diminutive of Máire, the Irish Mary |
| Máirtín · boy | “MAWR-cheen (Munster mawr-CHEEN)” | Mártan, Martin | from Latin Martinus, from Mars, the Roman god of war |
| Maitilde · girl | “ma-TIL-da” | Tilde, Matilda, Tilda | from German Mahthild, 'might-heroine' |
| Maitiú · boy | “MAT-yoo” | Matthew | from Hebrew, 'gift of God' |
| Manchán · boy | “MAN-a-khawn” | Mainchín, Munchin | from manach, 'a monk' |
| Maodhóg · boy | “MAY-ogue” | Mogue, Máedóc | a variant of Aodhán, with mo, 'my', in front and the diminutive -óg |
| Maoilir · boy | “MWEEL-ir” | Meyler | from Welsh Meilir |
| Maolcholm · boy | “mwayl-KHUL-um” | Maolcholuim, Malcolm | 'servant of St Columcille' |
| Maolíosa · boy | “mwayl-EE-sa” | Maelíosa, Máel Ísu, Maelisa | 'servant of Jesus' |
| Maolruadháin · boy | “mwayl-ROO-awn” | Maolruáin, Melrone | 'servant of St Ruadhán' |
| Maolsheachlainn · boy | “mwayl-SHAKH-lin” | Malachy, Melaghlin, Milo, Malachi | 'devotee of St Seachnall' |
| Mathúin · boy | “MA-hoon” /mˠaˈhuːnʲ/ | Mahon, Mathghamhain, Matthew | 'a bear' |
| Méabh · girl | “MAYV” | Maeve, Meadhbh, Meave, Meabh, Medb | 'she who intoxicates' — the same root as 'mead' |
| Mealla · girl | “MYAL-a” | Mella | an old name; Woulfe records no meaning for it |
| Micheál · boy | “MEE-hawl” /ˈmʲiçalˠ/ | Michael, Mícheál, Mick | the Irish form of Michael, Hebrew 'who is like God?' |
| Míde · girl | “MEE-de” | Meeda | Íde with mo, 'my', put in front of it as a term of endearment |
| Móirín · girl | “mo-REEN” | Moreen | 'little Mór' — a pet form of Mór |
| Moncha · girl | “MUN-kha” | Monica | of unknown origin |
| Mongfhionn · girl | “MONG-in” | Mongfind | 'fair hair', from mong, 'hair', and fionn, 'fair' |
| Mór · girl | “MORE” | More, Mary, Martha, Agnes | 'great' |
| Muadhnait · girl | “MOO-nit” | Monat, Mona | from muadh, 'noble' |
| Muircheartach · boy | “MWIR-kher-takh” | Murtagh, Murty, Maurice, Mortimer | muir + ceartach, 'skilled in seacraft' — 'navigator' |
| Muireadhach · boy | “MWIR-a-khakh” | Muireach, Muiredach, Murry | from muir, 'sea': 'seaman', and also 'lord' |
| Muireann · girl | “MWIR-in” | Muirinn, Morrin | muir + fionn, 'sea-white' or 'sea-fair' |
| Muirgheal · girl | “MWIR-yal” | Muriel, Murel | muir, 'sea', and geal, 'bright' — 'sea-bright' |
| Muiris · boy | “MWIR-ish” | Maurice, Morris, Muirgheas | the Irish form of Maurice; also from muir, 'sea' |
| Muirne · girl | “MWIR-nyeh” | Muirne Muncháem | her epithet Muncháem means 'of the beautiful neck' |
| Murchadh · boy | “MUR-a-kha” | Murrough, Morgan | muir, 'sea', and cath, 'battle' — 'sea-warrior' |
| Nainsí · girl | “NAN-shee” | Nainseadh, Neans, Nancy, Nance | a popular variant of Ánna (Anne) |
| Naoise · boy | “NEE-sha” | Neesha, Noise | uncertain |
| Naomhán · boy | “NAY-vawn” | Nevan | a diminutive of naomh, 'holy' |
| Neasa · girl | “NASS-a” | Nessa, Neassa | uncertain; borne in legend by the mother of a king |
| Neasán · boy | “NASS-awn” | Nessan | Woulfe gives no meaning |
| Niall · boy | “NEE-al (Ulster NYAL)” /n̠ʲiəl̪ˠ/ | Neil, Neal, Nial | possibly 'champion' or 'cloud'; disputed |
| Niamh · girl | “NEEV” /ˈn̠ʲiəw/ | Neve, Neave, Neeve | 'brightness, radiance, lustre' |
| Nioclás · boy | “NIK-lawss” /ˈn̠ʲɪklˠaːsˠ/ | Nicholas | from Greek Nikolaos, 'victory of the people' |
| Nóinín · girl | “no-NEEN” | Nóirín, Nonie, Daisy | a pet form of Nóra — and also the Irish word for a daisy |
| Nollaig · either | “NUL-ig” | Noel, Noelle | 'Christmas' |
| Nóra · girl | “NOH-ra” /ˈn̪ˠoːɾˠə/ [ˈn̪ˠõːɾˠə/ | Nora, Onóra, Honora, Norah | from Honora, Latin honor — 'honour' |
| Odharnait · girl | “ORE-nit” | Ornat, Orna, Odharnaith | from odhar, 'pale' or 'olive-coloured' |
| Odhrán · boy | “OH-rawn” | Oran, Odran, Orin | from odhar, 'dun, sallow, pale-brown' — 'little pale one' |
| Oilibhéar · boy | “OL-iv-air” /ˈɔlʲəvʲeːɾˠ/ | Oliver | Woulfe takes it as a French form of Norse Ólafr, 'ancestor's relic' |
| Oisín · boy | “uh-SHEEN (also OSH-een)” /əˈʃiːnʲ/ | Ossian, Osheen | from os, 'deer' — 'little deer, fawn' |
| Oistín · boy | “osh-TEEN” | Austin | a Norse form of Augustine |
| Órlaith · girl | “OR-la” | Orla, Orlagh, Orlaith, Órla | ór + flaith, 'golden princess' or 'golden lady' |
| Oscar · boy | “OSS-kar” /ˈɔsˠkəɾˠ/ | Oscur | os + cara, 'deer-lover' or 'friend of deer' |
| Pádraig · boy | “PAW-drig” /ˈpˠɑːd̪ˠəɾˠɪɟ/ | Patrick, Padraic, Paddy, Pat | from Latin patricius, 'nobleman' |
| Pádraigín · girl | “PAW-drig-een” | Patricia | Pádraig with the diminutive -ín: 'little Pádraig' |
| Peadar · boy | “PAD-ar” | Peter, Piaras | the Irish form of Peter, 'rock' |
| Piaras · boy | “PEER-us” | Pierce, Piers, Peter | the Irish form of Piers / Pierce |
| Pól · boy | “POLE” /pˠoːl̪ˠ/ | Paul | from Latin Paulus, 'small' |
| Proinsias · boy | “PRIN-shas” | Francis, Proinnsias | the Irish form of Francis |
| Rathnait · girl | “RA-nit” | Renny | from rath, 'grace' or 'prosperity' |
| Réamonn · boy | “RAY-mun” | Raymond, Redmond | Germanic, 'mighty protection' or 'counsel protection' |
| Rian · boy | “REE-an” | Ryan, Rían | possibly 'little king' — from rí; disputed |
| Ríona · girl | “REE-na” | Riona, Ríoghnach, Regina | from ríoghan, 'queen' |
| Ríordán · boy | “REER-dawn” | Riordan, Rearden | traditionally read as 'royal poet', from ríogh + bardán |
| Risteárd · boy | “RISH-tyard” /ˈɾˠɪʃtʲaːɾˠd̪ˠ/ | Riocárd, Richard | a French-influenced variant of Riocárd (Richard) |
| Roibeárd · boy | “REB-ard” /ˈɾˠɛbʲɑːɾˠd̪ˠ/ | Roibeard, Robert | Germanic Hrothberht, 'fame-bright' |
| Róis · girl | “ROHSH” /ɾˠoːʃ/ | Róise, Rose | Woulfe derives it from a Germanic word for 'horse', by way of Norman Rohais; the flower-name Rose came separately from Latin rosa |
| Róisín · girl | “ro-SHEEN” /ˈɾˠoːˈʃiːnʲ/ | Rosheen, Rosaleen | 'little rose' |
| Rónán · boy | “ROH-nawn” /ɾˠoːˈn̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/ | Ronan | from rón, 'seal' — 'little seal' |
| Rossa · boy | “RUSS-a” | Ross, Ros | from ros, 'wood' or 'headland' |
| Ruadhán · boy | “ROO-awn (Munster roo-AWN)” | Ruán, Rowan | a diminutive of ruadh, 'red' |
| Ruairí · boy | “ROO-a-ree” /ˈɾˠuəɾʲiː/ | Rory, Ruaidhrí, Roderick | 'red king' — rua + rí |
| Sadhbh · girl | “SIVE (rhymes with 'hive')” /ˈsˠəivˠ/ | Sive, Sabia, Sophie, Sábha, Sava | 'sweetness, goodness' |
| Saoirse · girl | “SEER-sha” /ˈsˠiːɾˠʃə/ | Seersha | 'freedom, liberty' |
| Saorbhreathach · boy | “SAYR-vra-hakh” | Saerbhreathach, Justin | saor and breathach: 'noble judge' |
| Scáthach · girl | “SKAW-hakh” | — | 'the shadowy one', from scáth, 'shadow' |
| Séadna · boy | “SHAY-na” | Sidney | an ancient name; Woulfe gives no meaning |
| Séafra · boy | “SHAY-fra” | Geoffrey, Jeffrey, Seafraid | the Irish form of Geoffrey |
| Séamus · boy | “SHAY-mus” | Seamus, James, Shamus, Séamas | the Irish form of James |
| Seán · boy | “SHAWN” /ʃɑːn̪ˠ/ | Sean, Shane, Shaun, John | the Irish form of John, via Norman-French Jehan |
| Seanán · boy | “SHAN-awn” | Senan, Sinan | from sean, 'old, wise' — 'little wise one' |
| Séarlas · boy | “SHAYR-las” /ˈʃeːɾˠl̪ˠəsˠ/ | Séarlus, Charles | Germanic Karl, 'man' |
| Seoirse · boy | “SHOR-sha” /ˈʃoːɾˠʃə/ | Seórsa, George | from Greek Geōrgios, 'husbandman, rustic' |
| Seosaimhín · girl | “SHOH-sa-veen” | Seósaimhthín, Josephine | a feminine diminutive of Seosamh (Joseph) |
| Seosamh · boy | “SHOH-sav (Mayo and Ulster SHOH-soo)” | Joseph | from Hebrew Yosef, '(God) shall add' |
| Setanta · boy | “SHAY-dan-ta” | Sétanta | possibly linked to the Setantii, a British tribe |
| Siadhal · boy | “SHEE-al” | Siaghal, Shiel | an old name; Woulfe gives no meaning |
| Síle · girl | “SHEE-la” /ˈʃiːlʲə/ | Sheila, Sheela, Celia, Julia, Sile | the Irish form of Cecilia |
| Sinéad · girl | “shi-NAYD” /ʃəˈnʲeːd̪ˠ/ | Shinade, Jane, Janet | the Irish form of Jane / Jeanette |
| Siobhán · girl | “shi-VAWN” /ˈʃʊwaːn̪ˠ/ | Shivaun, Chevonne, Joan, Judith | the Irish form of Joan (Norman-French Jehanne) |
| Síofra · girl | “SHEE-fra” /ˈʃiːfˠɾˠə/ | Siofra | 'elf' or 'changeling' |
| Síomón · boy | “SHEE-mone” | Síomún, Síomonn, Simon | from Hebrew Shim'on, from a root meaning 'to hear' |
| Sionann · girl | “SHUN-an” | Sionna, Shannon | the goddess the River Shannon is named for |
| Sláine · girl | “SLAW-nya” | Slaine, Slany | from slán, 'health, wholeness' |
| Somhairle · boy | “SOR-la” | Sorley, Samuel, Somerled | from Norse sumarliði, 'summer traveller' — a Viking |
| Sorcha · girl | “SOR-kha (Ulster SUR-akha)” /ˈsɔɾˠəxə/ | Sorka, Sarah, Sally | 'brightness, radiance, clarity' |
| Sósaidh · girl | “SOH-see” | Susie | a pet form of Súsanna (Susanna) |
| Stéise · girl | “STAY-sha” | Stacy | a pet form of Annstás (Anastasia) |
| Stiofán · boy | “STIFF-awn” | Steafán, Stiabhán, Stephen, Steven | from Greek stephanos, 'crown' or 'wreath' |
| Suibhne · boy | “SIV-na” | Sivney, Sweeney | 'well-going' |
| Súsanna · girl | “SOO-sa-na” | Susanna, Susan | from Hebrew shoshannah, a lily |
| Tadhg · boy | “TYGE ('tiger' without the -er)” | Teague, Tiege, Timothy, Thaddeus | 'poet' or 'philosopher' |
| Tailtiu · girl | “TAL-tyoo” | Tailte | the name of the goddess who gave Teltown in Meath its name |
| Téadóir · boy | “TAY-dore” | Theodore | from Greek, 'God-gift' |
| Tiarnán · boy | “TEER-nawn” | Tiernan, Tiarnach | from tiarna, 'lord' — 'little lord' |
| Tiobóid · boy | “TIB-ode” | Teabóid, Theobald | Woulfe gives it only as a variant of Teabóid (Theobald) |
| Tlachtga · girl | “TLAKHT-ga” | Tlachta | the name of a druidess, and of the Hill of Ward in Meath |
| Toirdhealbhach · boy | “TUR-a-lakh” | Turlough, Terence, Terry | 'instigator' or 'shaped like Thor'; disputed |
| Tomás · boy | “tuh-MAWS” /t̪ˠəˈmˠɑːsˠ/ | Thomas, Tom | the Irish form of Thomas |
| Treasa · girl | “TRASS-a” | Teresa, Toirdhealbhach (m. cognate) | used as the Irish form of Teresa; sometimes read as 'strength' |
| Tríona · girl | “TREE-na” | Traoine, Trina | a pet form of Caitríona or Catraoine |
| Tuathal · boy | “TOO-hal” | Toal, Tully | 'people-mighty' |
| Tuilelaith · girl | “ta-LOO-la” | Talulla, Tallulah | 'abundance of sovereignty' or 'lady of abundance' |
| Ualtar · boy | “OOL-tar” | Walter, Ualtair | the Irish form of Walter |
| Ultán · boy | “UL-tawn” | Ultan | 'an Ulsterman' — from Ulaid |
| Úna · girl | “OO-na” /ˈuːnˠə/ | Oona, Oonagh, Una, Winifred | possibly from uan, 'lamb', or úan, 'hunger'; disputed |
Respellings are written for an English speaker and give the commonest Irish-English form. 58 of them also carry an IPA transcription, taken from Wiktionary rather than written by ear — where Wiktionary has none, neither do we. Know a dialect pronunciation we have missed, or the way your own family says it? Tell us →
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