Irish Girls’ Names

Irish girls’ names of Gaelic ancestry and origins tend to be very flattering not only in their pronunciations, but also their meaning and the importance that many of these names hold in Gaelic mythology and many Irish legends. Statistically, the popularity of Gaelic names is increasing, and now many Gaelic names are used as frequently as many English names in Ireland, and every year, more and more registrations are made in these names.

Irish girls’ names have changed dramatically since the civil registration system was introduced in 1864

Where’s Mary?

in 1864 one in three girls in Ireland we names Mary. Yes, this is how the name Mary was popular. In 2000 and later, the name Mary was pushed out from the top.In 2013 33,658 baby girls were born and only 79 out of them were name Mary. Poor old Mary came in at 81st place in the popularity stakes, and is on a downward slope. Still, she’s had been on top for years and will be known as one of the most poplar names.  

Recommended Reading: Top 10 Most Inspiring Boy Girl Names

Here are Irish girls names, which not only mean well, but these names inspire adoration and love

When it comes to choosing a name for your baby, we want to be create and pick a name,that will distinguish our child and make feel them very special. Check the list of Irish baby names, that can possibly inspire you.

10 Most inspiring Irish Girls Names

• Ava

Ava is a girls’ name with German origin, but it has been adopted by the Irish just as vehemently as it has been by many other Europeans cultures. The name is actually a variation of Eve, but other experts believe that it comes from the name Chava which is also a variant of Eve in Hebrew. Ava means bird, and it is a very fitting name for a little girl. The name is elegant and it inspires attention, which is why Ava will be a great name that you can give your baby daughter.

• Ella

Ella was the eleventh most frequently registered name is Ireland  in 2016 and it is growing in popularity. Ella is short for Eleanor and it is also used as a short version of Ellen. The name originates from both Irish and English origins. The name’s meaning is “beautiful fairy woman” in English, and in German, it means “all”. This is an interesting choice of name because much of the history of this name is still mysterious.

• Niamh

Niamh is one of the ten favorite Irish girl names. The name has Gaelic origin and it means “radiance, shine, and luster”. In Gaelic lore, Niamh is the name of the daughter of Manannan, who is the Sea God. In mythology, Niamh is described as a beautiful princess who rides a white horse. It has always been one of the most popular names in Ireland. It has various version in English, but one of the more well-known is Neave.  

• Ciara

Ciara is a beautiful Irish girl name with a very unique and mesmerizing meaning and origin. Ciara means “dark”, but in its use, it insinuates “dark hair and brown eyes”. St. Ciara was a saint in the seventh century who established a monastery at Kilkeqary. The name has both feminine and masculine versions. Ciaran is a popular Irish name given to boys and it shares its origin story with Ciara.  

• Maeve

Maeve is a unique name, and it is particularly significant because it is not very popular outside of Ireland. The name imparts, in part, an Irish identity to your daughter. It is a modern derivation of an old Irish and Gaelic name Madb. The meaning is “the source of great joy”. Both in its sound and its meaning, the name is truly angelic. It is also the name of a great warrior queen of Connacht. This queen is a character in “The Cattle Raid of Cooley” which is perhaps the greatest Irish epic.  

• Siobhan

Siobhan is an Irish name which has spread to other parts of the world as well. It is used in many different countries in Europe and outside it. The word Siobhan comes from Joan, which means “God is gracious”. It is one of the nicest and most saintly of Christian names. It also recognizes Joan of Arc, who was a warrior saint who got burned alive for her actions. The name has various versions. Some are Irish, others have appeared in various other cultures and languages. These include Checonne, Shavon and some other lesser known names.  

• Saoirse

Saoirse is a unique name because of the twist in its pronunciation. It is difficult to get right the first time, but that adds to the mystery of the name as well. It is the twelfth most frequently registered Irish name in 2016, which indicates that it is rising in its popularity. Saoirse means “freedom” which is a very lively and inspiring meaning for a girl’s name. the name descends directly from Irish Gaelic origins, but its use as a name became popular in the 1920s.  

• Aoife

Aoife is a name that holds a lot of gentility in it. The pronunciation is soothing and gentle. It means “beauty” which makes one of the best all-around choices for girls’ names. Aoife is also the name of a warrior princess in Irish mythology, who goes to war against her sister. She is defeated in a battle by Cuchulainn, but the two sisters ultimately reconcile. Eve and Eva are also versions of the same name, derived from the same origin.  

• Caoimhe

Caoimhe is an Irish name which is pronounced as “kee + va”. It, like Aoife, means “beautiful” but other meanings of Caoimhe include “precious” and “gentle”. The name is very feminine. Actually, it was the twelfth most popular name in Ireland in 2003, but since then, the popularity of the name has only risen. It has various English versions as well. Two versions are: Keeva and Keva. Despite its tricky pronunciation, this is a memorable name, and if you think that the name is the first impression of a person, then you choose a bold, yet beautiful name for your daughter. This name fits the bill perfectly.  

• Roisin

The meaning of the beautiful name from the Latin name Rosa  means “little rose.” Records in Ireland show that this name has been in use in Ireland since the sixteenth century. Statistics source: http://www.cso.ie