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| Áedammair | Derivative of Áed.Fire. It was the name of the first woman to be given the veil by St. Patrick. Her feast day is February 18th.( There is no English version). |
| Áednat | Female form of Áed There is a saint Áednat whose feast day is November 10th.(English version is Enat). |
| Aibhílín | From the Greek meaning Sunlight. Versions of names such as Avelina or Emeline which were introduced into Ireland by the Franks of Anglo-Normans. Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, a poet and harper wrote a well known seventeenth-century song Eibhlín a rún with which he expressed his love for Eibhlín Kavanagh. she even eloped with him on her wedding day to someone else! ( English versions are Eileen, Aileen, Evelina, Emeline, Evelyn, and Helen ). |
| Aidin | Thought to come from ét meaning jealousy.(English versions are Aidin or Etain). |
| Aife | Variation Aoife.(English version is Eve). |
| Ailbe | Male or female name from the old root, albho, white. The best known female with this name was Ailbe Grúadbrecc Ailbhe of the variegated -meaning red and white cheeks. She won the affection of Finn mac Cumall.(There is no English female version). |
| Ailbhe | Male or female name from the old root, albho, white. The best known female with this name was Ailbe Grúadbrecc Ailbhe of the variegated -meaning red and white cheeks. She won the affection of Finn mac Cumall.(There is no English female version). |
| Aileen | Irish form of the names Avelina, Evelina and Emeline introduced by the Franks of Anglo-Normans. (English versions include Eileen, Aileen, Evelyn, Evelina and Emeline). |
| Ailis | From the Norman-French Aliz imported by the Franks into Ireland. (English version is Alice). |
| Áine | Beauty, Delight, Pleasure, Splendour. Was once used as a name for males in parts of the country.it is identified with the goddess of love and fertility. (English versions are Anne Annie, Hannah and Aine, but Enya is also a version). |
| Ailish | (English version is Elizabeth). |
| Aisling | A dream or manifestation of the divine. (English version is Esther). |
| Alis | From the Norman-French Aliz imported by the Franks into Ireland. (English version is Alice). |
| Áluinn | Beautiful . |
| Ana | Wealth, abundance. She was the goddess of abundance. St. Ana's day is January 18th, and there are two mountains in county Kerry Dá Chích Annan (The breasts of Anu). (English version is Ana or Dana). |
| Aodhamair | Derivative of Áed.Fire. It was the name of the first woman to be given the veil by St. Patrick. Her feast day is February 18th.( There is no English version). |
| Aodhnait | Female form of Áed There is a saint Áednat whose feast day is November 10th.(English version is Enat). |
| Aoibheann | Fair form, Beautiful sheen. this was the name of a few princesses and also the mother of St Enda of Aran, St.Fainche and Dáiríne his sisters. (English version is Eavan or Yvonne). |
| Aoibhín | Fair form, Beautiful sheen. this was the name of a few princesses and also the mother of St Enda of Aran, St.Fainche and Dáiríne his sisters. (English version is Eavan). |
| Aoife | Beautiful, radiant, Goddess.Lots of the heroines of early Irish legends were named Aoife. (English version is Eve or Eva). |
| Aoileann | (English version is Eileen). |
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| Báirbre | From the Greek ßapßapos meaning Savage, Uncouth. Made popular because of St. Barbara in medieval times although she probably never really exisited. (English version is Barbara). |
| Bairre | Male or female name. It was the name of several Saints both male and female It means Fair-haired or fair-headed. Irish variations include Bairre, Barre and Barra. (English version would be Barrin or the more common pet-version Barry). |
| Bairrfhionn | Male or female name. It was the name of several Saints both male and female It means Fair-haired or fair-headed. Irish variations include Bairre, Barre and Barra. (English version would be Barrin or the more common pet-version Barry). |
| Barra | Male or female name. It was the name of several Saints both male and female It means Fair-haired or fair-headed. Irish variations include Bairre, Barre and Barra. (English version would be Barrin or the more common pet-version Barry). |
| Barre | Male or female name. It was the name of several Saints both male and female It means Fair-haired or fair-headed. Irish variations include Bairre, Barre and Barra. (English version would be Barrin or the more common pet-version Barry). |
| Barrfind | Male or female name. It was the name of several Saints both male and female It means Fair-haired or fair-headed. Irish variations include Bairre, Barre and Barra. (English version would be Barrin or the more common pet-version Barry). |
| Barrin | Male or female name. It was the name of several Saints both male and female It means Fair-haired or fair-headed. Irish variations include Bairre, Barre and Barra. (English version would be Barrin or the more common pet-version Barry). |
| Barry | Male or female name. From Barrfind . It means Fair-haired or fair-headed. Irish variations include Bairre, Barre and Barra. (English version would be Barrin or the more common pet-version Barry). |
| Bearrach | Berrach Brec (freckled Berrach) became Fionn Mac Cumall's third wife.(there is no English version of the name). |
| Bébhionn | Variations Bevan, Bébhionn . Fair or white lady.This was a very popular early Irish name. (English version is Bevin). |
| Bébinn | Variations Bevan, Bébhionn . Fair or white lady.This was a very popular early Irish name. (English version is Bevin). |
| Becfola | Dowerless. |
| Béfind | Variations Bevan, Bébhionn . Fair or white lady.This was a very popular early Irish name. (English version is Bevin). |
| Béibhinn | Variations Bevan, Bébhionn . Fair or white lady.This was a very popular early Irish name. (English version is Bevin). |
| Bevan | Variations Bébhinn Bébhionn Fair or melodious lady.This was a very popular early Irish name. (English version is Bevin). |
| Berrach | Berrach Brec (freckled Berrach) became Fionn Mac Cumall's third wife.(there is no English version of the name). |
| Bláithín | A form of blath meaning little Flower. There is a Bláthnat who was married to Cù Roí a west munster king. However she fell in love with his enemy Cù Chulainn and helped him defeat her husband and ran off with him. Later his bard, the only survivor jumped off a cliff grabbing her as he fell, plunging both to their deaths.(The English version is Blanid). |
| Blánaid | A form of blath meaning Flower. There is a Bláthnat who was married to Cù Roí a west munster king. However she fell in love with his enemy Cù Chulainn and helped him defeat her husband and ran off with him. Later his bard, the only survivor jumped off a cliff grabbing her as he fell, plunging both to their deaths.(The English version is Blanid). |
| Blanid | A form of blath meaning Flower. There is a Bláthnat who was married to Cù Roí a west munster king. However she fell in love with his enemy Cù Chulainn and helped him defeat her husband and ran off with him. Later his bard, the only survivor jumped off a cliff grabbing her as he fell, plunging both to their deaths.(The English version is Blanid). |
| Blathnaid | Little flower.(English version is Florence). |
| Bláthnat | A form of blath meaning Flower. There is a Bláthnat who was married to Cù Roí a west munster king. However she fell in love with his enemy Cù Chulainn and helped him defeat her husband and ran off with him. Later his bard, the only survivor jumped off a cliff grabbing her as he fell, plunging both to their deaths.(The English version is Blanid). |
| Blinne | A modern local version of Mo-Ninne (Moninna). Her feast day is July 6th. She was said to have been baptised by St. Patrick himself. (The English version is Blinne). |
| Brid | Variations Brighid , Brigid, Bridie. Brigit was the pagan goddess of poetry. Several Christian saints shared the name too.She was known as The Prophetess of christ, the Queen of the South the Mary of the Gael. Her feast day is February 1st and it is said when she died in 524 that she was buried in Downpatrick in County Down along with St. Patrick and St. Colmcille. High Goddess or Strength. (English versions are Bridget , or Brigit which actually comes from the Swedish St. Brigitta). |
| Bríde | Variations Brighid, Brid, Bridie Brigit was the pagan goddess of poetry. Several Christian saints shared the name too.She was known as The Prophetess of christ, the Queen of the South the Mary of the Gael. Her feast day is February 1st and it is said when she died in 524 that she was buried in Downpatrick in County Down along with St. Patrick and St. Colmcille. High Goddess or Strength. (English versions are Bridget , or Brigit which actually comes from the Swedish St. Brigitta). |
| Bridie | Variations Brighid, Brid, Bridie Brigit was the pagan goddess of poetry. Several Christian saints shared the name too.She was known as The Prophetess of christ, the Queen of the South the Mary of the Gael. Her feast day is February 1st and it is said when she died in 524 that she was buried in Downpatrick in County Down along with St. Patrick and St. Colmcille. High Goddess or Strength. (English versions are Bridget , or Brigit which actually comes from the Swedish St. Brigitta). |
| Brighdín | Variations Brighid, Brid, Bridie Brigit was the pagan goddess of poetry. Several Christian saints shared the name too.She was known as The Prophetess of christ, the Queen of the South the Mary of the Gael. Her feast day is February 1st and it is said when she died in 524 that she was buried in Downpatrick in County Down along with St. Patrick and St. Colmcille. High Goddess or Strength. (English versions are Bridget , or Brigit which actually comes from the Swedish St. Brigitta). |
| Brighid | Variations Brigid, Brid, Bridie Brigit was the pagan goddess of poetry. Several Christian saints shared the name too.She was known as The Prophetess of christ, the Queen of the South the Mary of the Gael. Her feast day is February 1st and it is said when she died in 524 that she was buried in Downpatrick in County Down along with St. Patrick and St. Colmcille. High Goddess or Strength. (English versions are Bridget , or Brigit which actually comes from the Swedish St. Brigitta). |
| Brigid | Variations Brighid, Brid, Bridie Brigit was the pagan goddess of poetry. Several Christian saints shared the name too.She was known as The Prophetess of christ, the Queen of the South the Mary of the Gael. Her feast day is February 1st and it is said when she died in 524 that she was buried in Downpatrick in County Down along with St. Patrick and St. Colmcille. High Goddess or Strength. (English versions are Bridget , or Brigit which actually comes from the Swedish St. Brigitta). |
| Brona | There was a Saint Brónach from County Down. Her feast day is April 2nd and her crosier is preserved in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.Variations Brónach, Brónagh. Sorrowful. (The English version is Bronagh). |
| Brónach | There was a Saint Brónach from County Down. Her feast day is April 2nd and her crosier is preserved in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.Variations Brónagh, Brona. Sorrowful. (The English version is Bronagh). |
| Brónagh | There was a Saint Brónach from County Down. Her feast day is April 2nd and her crosier is preserved in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.Variations Brona, Brónach. Sorrowful. (The English version is Bronagh). |
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| Cáelfind | From caol meaning slender and fionn meaning fair. Several saints bore the name Little is known of even the best known of these ecxcept that she was pious and won the affection of her sister nuns by her exactness to duty and her sweet temper and gentle confiding disposition. Her feast day is February 3rd. (English form is Keelin). |
| Cahán | Both a male and female name. From Cath meaning a battle. A female who bore the name was an abbess of Kildare who died in 854. (The English version would be Cahan or Kane as in the surname). |
| Cáit | From the Greek meaning Pure. Also a diminutive form of Caitlín. (English versions are Katherine and Kate). |
| Caitlín | Is derived from the old French form of Cateline for Catherine of Alexandria who actually never existed but was the result of pious fiction. It was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. (The English version is Kathleen). |
| Caitilín | Is derived from the old French form of Cateline for Catherine of Alexandria who actually never existed but was the result of pious fiction. It was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. (The English version is Kathleen). |
| Catraoine | Is derived from the old French form of Caterine for Catherine of Alexandria who actually never existed but was the result of pious fiction. It was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Several churches dating from medieval times in Ireland are dedicated to St. Catherine. It was also used for several ladies of honourable birth. (The English version is Catriona or Catherine or Katherine. Triona is a diminutive form also used in English). |
| Caitrín | (English version is Katherine). |
| Caitríona | Is derived from the old French form of Caterine for Catherine of Alexandria who actually never existed but was the result of pious fiction. It was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Several churches dating from medieval times in Ireland are dedicated to St. Catherine. It was also used for several ladies of honourable birth. (The English version is Catriona or Catherine or Katherine. Triona is a diminutive form also used in English). |
| Caoilainn | From caol meaning slender and fionn meaning fair. Several saints bore the name Little is known of even the best known of these ecxcept that she was "pious and won the affection of her sister nuns by her exactness to duty and her sweet temper and gentle confiding disposition." Her feast day is February 3rd. (English form is Keelin). |
| Caoilfhionn | Fair, slender |
| Caoimhe | Beauty, Grace or Sweet offspring. Female version of Caoimhin.It was the name of a Saint in County Down whose feast day is November 2nd. (English version is Keeva). |
| Caomhóg | Beautiful girl |
| Cara | Red or Bright red. there are three saints with this name. One of these is St. Cera from County Monaghan. Her feast day is September 9th. (English version is Cara or Carra). |
| Carra | Red or Bright red. there are three saints with this name. One of these is St. Cera from County Monaghan. Her feast day is September 9th. (English version is Cara or Carra). |
| Cathán | Both a male and female name. From Cath meaning a battle. A female who bore the name was an abbess of Kildare who died in 854. (The English version would be Cahan or Kane as in the surname). |
| Catriona | Is derived from the old French form of Caterine for Catherine of Alexandria who actually never existed but was the result of pious fiction. It was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Several churches dating from medieval times in Ireland are dedicated to St. Catherine. It was also used for several ladies of honourable birth. (The English version is Catriona or Catherine or Katherine. Triona is a diminutive form also used in English). |
| Ceallach | Both a male and female name. It means Bright-headed. It is recored that in the case of a post-natal baptism either Flann or Cellach should be used as the names are common to both male and female. Otherwise in history it was more used by males with several saints bearing it, and also several Leinster kings. (English versions are Kelly or Kellach). |
| Ceara | Red or Bright red. There are three saints with this name. One of these is St. Cera from County Monaghan. Her feast day is September 9th. (English version is Cara or Carra). |
| Cellach | Both a male and female name. It means Bright-headed. It is recored that in the case of a post-natal baptism either Flann or Cellach should be used as the names are common to both male and female. Otherwise in history it was more used by males with several saints bearing it, and also several Leinster kings. (English versions are Kelly or Kellach). |
| Cera | Red or Bright red. there are three saints with this name. One of these is St. Cera from County Monaghan. Her feast day is September 9th. (English version is Cara or Carra). |
| Ciar | The dark one or the black one. St Ciara of Kilkeary whose feast day is January 5th and October 16th is probably the best recorded bearer of this name.(English versions are Kiera or Keary). |
| Ciara | The dark one or the black one. St Ciara of Kilkeary whose feast day is January 5th and October 16th is probably the best recorded bearer of this name.(English versions are Kiera or Keary). |
| Ciarnait | Dark Lady. |
| Cleena | Version of Clíodhna. It was the name of one of the three beautiful daughters of Libra a poet in Tir Tarrngaire (The Land of Promise). All three fell in love and plotted to elope with their lovers but sadly Clíodhna was drowned by a great wave. The wave known as Tonn Chlíodhna's (Clíodhna's wave). (English version s are Cleena or Cliona). |
| Clíodhna | It was the name of one of the three beautiful daughters of Libra a poet in Tir Tarrngaire (The Land of Promise). All three fell in love and plotted to elope with their lovers but sadly Clíodhna was drowned by a great wave. The wave known as Tonn Chlíodhna's (Clíodhna's wave). (English version s are Cleena or Cliona). |
| Clíona | Version of Clíodhna. It was the name of one of the three beautiful daughters of Libra a poet in Tir Tarrngaire (The Land of Promise). All three fell in love and plotted to elope with their lovers but sadly Clíodhna was drowned by a great wave. The wave known as Tonn Chlíodhna's (Clíodhna's wave). (English version s are Cleena or Cliona). |
| Clodagh | This is the name of a tributary of the Suir river in County Waterford, Clóideach. (English versions are Cloda or Clodagh). |
| Cruith-gheal | Means Feminine name. |
| Chinn-Óir | Variation Cinn Óir.Of the golden hair. |
| Cinn Óir | Variation Chinn-Óir. Of the golden hair. |
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| Dáiríne | From daire meaning fertile or fruitful. (English version would be Darina). |
| Dáirinn | This name may mean Daughter of Finn, eg Der Finn.(English versions are Derinn, Dorren or Doreen). |
| Damhnait | Means Fawn. St Damhnat of County Monaghan, who founded a monastery for women in the sixth century. Her saints day is June 13th and her crosier is now in the National Museum in Dublin. |
| Damhnat | Means Fawn. St Damhnat of County Monaghan, who founded a monastery for women in the sixth century. Her saints day is June 13th and her crosier is now in the National Museum in Dublin. |
| Damhnatt | Variations Devnet, Dymphna .Little poet |
| Dana | Wealth, abundance. She was the goddess of abundance. St. Ana's day is January 18th, and there are two mountains in county Kerry Dá Chích Annan (The breasts of Anu). (English version is Ana or Dana). |
| Danu | Wealth, abundance. She was the goddess of abundance. St. Ana's day is January 18th, and there are two mountains in county Kerry Dá Chích Annan (The breasts of Anu). (English version is Ana or Dana). |
| Darina | From daire meaning fertile or fruitful. (English version would be Darina). |
| Davnat | Means Fawn. St Damhnat of County Monaghan, who founded a monastery for women in the sixth century. Her saints day is June 13th and her crosier is now in the National Museum in Dublin. |
| Dearbháil | Means Daughter of Fal (Fál is an
old name for Ireland). St Deirbhile of Fallmore, County Mayo founded a convent in the sixth century. There was also a Derbháil , daughter of Áedh O'Donnell, who in 1343 died while on a visit to County Roscommon. She was buried in the monastery of Boyle. (English forms are Derval or Dervila). |
| Deirbhile | Means Daughter of the poet. St Deirbhile of Fallmore, County Mayo founded a convent in the sixth century. There was also a Derbháil , daughter of Áedh O'Donnell, who in 1343 died while on a visit to County Roscommon. She was buried in the monastery of Boyle. (English forms are Derval or Dervila). |
| Deirdre | Means She who chatters. The most famous bearer of the name is the Deirdre of legend .She fell in love with Naoise, the son of Usliu. Conchobhar wanted to marry her but instead she eloped with Naoise. Eventually because of Conchobhar's jealousy Naoise was slain along with his brothers. Deirdre lived with Conchobhar a year, during which she never smiled. At the end of this time she jumped from a chariot and killed herself. Her story has been made popular by poets and playwrights. J.M Synge never finished his Deirdre of the Sorrows. (English version is Deirdre). |
| Derbáil | Means Daughter of the poet. St Deirbhile of Fallmore, County Mayo founded a convent in the sixth century. There was also a Derbháil , daughter of Áedh O'Donnell, who in 1343 died while on a visit to County Roscommon. She was buried in the monastery of Boyle. (English forms are Derval or Dervila). |
| Derdriu | Means She who chatters. The most famous bearer of the name is the Deirdre of legend .She fell in love with Naoise, the son of Usliu. Conchobhar wanted to marry her but instead she eloped with Naoise. Eventually because of Conchobhar's jealousy Naoise was slain along with his brothers. Deirdre lived with Conchobhar a year, during which she never smiled. At the end of this time she jumped from a chariot and killed herself. Her story has been made popular by poets and playwrights. J.M Synge never finished his Deirdre of the Sorrows. (English version is Deirdre). |
| Derinn | This name may mean Daughter of Finn, eg Der Finn.(English versions are Derinn, Dorren or Doreen). |
| Derval | Means Daughter of Fal (Fál is an
old name for Ireland). St Deirbhile of Fallmore, County Mayo founded a convent in the sixth century. There was also a Derbháil , daughter of Áedh O'Donnell, who in 1343 died while on a visit to County Roscommon. She was buried in the monastery of Boyle. (English forms are Derval or Dervila). |
| Dervila | Means Daughter of Fal (Fál is an
old name for Ireland). St Deirbhile of Fallmore, County Mayo founded a convent in the sixth century. There was also a Derbháil , daughter of Áedh O'Donnell, who in 1343 died while on a visit to County Roscommon. She was buried in the monastery of Boyle. (English forms are Derval or Dervila). |
| Devnet | Variations Damhnatt, Dymphna.Little poet |
| Doirind | This name may mean Daughter of Finn, eg Der Finn.(English versions are Derinn, Dorren or Doreen). |
| Donnfhlaidh | Means Brown Princess. Not such a popular name but there is a daughter of a High King of this name who died in 798. (English version is Dunla). |
| Doreen | This name may mean Daughter of Finn, eg Der Finn.(English versions are Derinn, Dorren or Doreen). |
| Dorothy | This name may mean Daughter of Finn, eg Der Finn.(English versions are Derinn, Dorren or Doreen). |
| Dorrenn | This name may mean Daughter of Finn, eg Der Finn.(English versions are Derinn, Dorren or Doreen). |
| Duinseach | Brown-haired girl. |
| Dunflaith | Means Brown Princess. Not such a popular name but there is a daughter of a High King of this name, Donnfhlaidh, who died in 798. (English version is Dunla). |
| Dunla | Means Brown Princess. Not such a popular name but there is a daughter of a High King of this name who died in 798. (English version is Dunla). |
| Dymphna | Variations Devnet, Duinseach.Little poet |
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| Éadaoin | A version of Étaín. From ét which means jealousy. Thought by some to be a sun goddess. There were several saints called Étaín. The best known bearer of the name was Étaín Echraidhe a daughterof Ailill a king of Ulstermen, who was said to be the fairest woman in Ireland. Mider who had a wife called Fumnach wanted to posess Étaín too. He got Áengus Mac Occ to promise to obtain her for him in return for clearing twelve plains, diverting twelve rivers and her weight in gold and silver. His wife was as you would expect not too pleased with this arrangement. When Mider arrived home with the fairest woman, she turned her first into a pool of water, which turned into a worm and finally into a red fly. This fly was still beautiful and enchanting and went everywhere with Mider everywhere. Fuamnach then caused her to be blown all around Ireland for 14 years until she finally fell into a glass of wine and was consumed. The fly was reborn and in time became the woman of Echu Airem, king of Reiu. After many more adventures she was finally restored again to Mider. (English version is Aidin or Etain). |
| Eádoin | (English version is Edwina.) |
| Ébleen | From an old Irish word óiph meaning radiance or beauty. Some also think it may have been the name of a sun goddess. One Éibhliu was the daughter of Guaire who married Mairid a king of Munster. However she fancied one of his sons , Eochaid, and presuaded him to elope with her. They had various adventures and ended up in Ulster, causing a spring well to overflow creating Lough Neagh and drowning Eochaid and most of the party. Slieve Eibhlinne in county Tipperary is said to be named after her. (English version is Evle or Evlin). |
| Ébliu | From an old Irish word óiph meaning radiance or beauty. Some also think it may have been the name of a sun goddess. One Éibhliu was the daughter of Guaire who married Mairid a king of Munster. However she fancied one of his sons , Eochaid, and presuaded him to elope with her. They had various adventures and ended up in Ulster, causing a spring well to overflow creating Lough Neagh and drowning Eochaid and most of the party. Slieve Eibhlinne in county Tipperary is said to be named after her. (English version is Evle or Evlin). |
| Echna | Comes from ech meaning steed. One Echna was a daughter of Muiredach mac Fínnachta king of Leinster. (There is no English version). |
| Éibhleann | From an old Irish word óiph meaning radiance or beauty. Some also think it may have been the name of a sun goddess. One Éibhliu was the daughter of Guaire who married Mairid a king of Munster. However she fancied one of his sons , Eochaid, and presuaded him to elope with her. They had various adventures and ended up in Ulster, causing a spring well to overflow creating Lough Neagh and drowning Eochaid and most of the party. Slieve Eibhlinne in county Tipperary is said to be named after her. (English version is Evle or Evlin). |
| Eibhlín | From the Greek meaning Sunlight. Versions of names such as Avelina or Emeline which were introduced into Ireland by the Franks of Anglo-Normans. Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, a poet and harper wrote a well known seventeenth-century song Eibhlín a rún with which he expressed his love for Eibhlín Kavanagh. she even eloped with him on her wedding day to someone else! ( English versions are Eileen, Aileen, Evelina, Emeline, Evelyn, and Helen ). |
| Éibhliu | From an old Irish word óiph meaning radiance or beauty. Some also think it may have been the name of a sun goddess. One Éibhliu was the daughter of Guaire who married Mairid a king of Munster. However she fancied one of his sons , Eochaid, and presuaded him to elope with her. They had various adventures and ended up in Ulster, causing a spring well to overflow creating Lough Neagh and drowning Eochaid and most of the party. Slieve Eibhlinne in county Tipperary is said to be named after her. (English version is Evle or Evlin). |
| Éilis | From the Hebrew meaning word of God. It came from a derivative of the medieval French Isabel, brought to Ireland by the Franks. Turlough Ó Carolan, the famous blind harper, made one Eilis, the granddaughter of one of his patrons famous in one of his songs. He described her as 'outshining the rose in beauty'.(English version is Elizabeth or Eilis is sometimes used.). |
| Eimer | Émer was a daughter of Forgall Manach and was said to have
the six gifts of womanhood- beauty, voice, sweet speech, needlework,
wisdom and chastity. Cú Chulainn fell in love with her on
sight and desired to marry her. However her father was
against the match and she herself refused to wed before her elder sister.
Cú Chulainn went to Scotland to train in
the arts of war. In his absence Émer's father
tried to wed her to someone else, who refused knowing
of Cú Chulainn 's reputation. When Cú Chulainn
returned Forgall
refused him entry to his fortress, however he
jumped over the walls and carried her off, but not before
her father jumped to his death off the walls. (There is no English version but Emer is often used in the english language). |
| Éimhín | This name is both male and female. It probably comes from éim meaning prompt or ready.The best known bearer of the name is St. Éimhín, one of six brothers who all went into religious life. He founded a monastery known now as Monasterevan, Co. Kildare. He died in 689 and was buried there. His feast day is December 22nd. (English versions are Evin or Evan). |
| Eirnín | This is both a male and a female name. It comes from iarn meaning iron. There were sixteen saints of this name of whom little is known. One virgin saint has a feast day on February 28th while St Eirnín Cass (The curly-haired) was associated with Leighlin in County Carlow. (English version is Ernin). |
| Eithne | Eithne was a very popular name given to girls in early Ireland. It comes either from eithne meaning kernel of a nut, or possibly from aitten meaning gorse. The name of the mother of the God Lugh, the sun god and god of all arts and crafts was Eithne. there have been many famous ladies called by this name. The wife of Congalach mac Máelmithidh who was high-king killed by the vikings in 955. there were also the mothers of several saints including Colmcille and Áedán. Eithne and Fidelma two daughters of King Laoghaire were instructed baptised, ordained and sanctifiied, in one day, by St. Patrick in 433. their Feast day is January 11th. (English versions are Ethna and Edna ). |
| Eitche | (English version is Etta). |
| Eithlin | From an old Irish word óiph meaning radiance or beauty. Some also think it may have been the name of a sun goddess. One Éibhliu was the daughter of Guaire who married Mairid a king of Munster. However she fancied one of his sons , Eochaid, and presuaded him to elope with her. They had various adventures and ended up in Ulster, causing a spring well to overflow creating Lough Neagh and drowning Eochaid and most of the party. Slieve Eibhlinne in county Tipperary is said to be named after her. (English version is Evle or Evlin). |
| Émer | Émer was a daughter of Forgall Manach and was said to have
the six gifts of womanhood- beauty, voice, sweet speech, needlework,
wisdom and chastity. Cú Chulainn fell in love with her on
sight and desired to marry her. However her father was
against the match and she herself refused to wed before her elder sister.
Cú Chulainn went to Scotland to train in
the arts of war. In his absence Émer's father
tried to wed her to someone else, who refused knowing
of Cú Chulainn 's reputation. When Cú Chulainn
returned Forgall
refused him entry to his fortress, however he
jumped over the walls and carried her off, but not before
her father jumped to his death off the walls. (There is no English version but Emer is often used in the english language). |
| Émíne | This name is both male and female. It probably comes from éim meaning prompt or ready.The best known bearer of the name is St. Éimhín, one of six brothers who all went into religious life. He founded a monastery known now as Monasterevan, Co. Kildare. He died in 689 and was buried there. His feast day is December 22nd. (English versions are Evin or Evan). |
| Ernin | This is both a male and a female name. It comes from iarn meaning iron. There were sixteen saints of this name of whom little is known. One virgin saint has a feast day on February 28th while St Eirnín Cass (The curly-haired) was associated with Leighlin in County Carlow. (English version is Ernin). |
| Erníne | This is both a male and a female name. It comes from iarn meaning iron. There were sixteen saints of this name of whom little is known. One virgin saint has a feast day on February 28th while St Eirnín Cass (The curly-haired) was associated with Leighlin in County Carlow. (English version is Ernin). |
| Étaín | A version of Éadaoin From ét which means jealousy. Thought by some to be a sun goddess. There were several saints called Étaín. The best known bearer of the name was Étaín Echraidhe a daughterof Ailill a king of Ulstermen, who was said to be the fairest woman in Ireland. Mider who had a wife called Fumnach wanted to posess Étaín too. He got Áengus Mac Occ to promise to obtain her for him in return for clearing twelve plains, diverting twelve rivers and her weight in gold and silver. His wife was as you would expect not too pleased with this arrangement. When Mider arrived home with the fairest woman, she turned her first into a pool of water, which turned into a worm and finally into a red fly. This fly was still beautiful and enchanting and went everywhere with Mider everywhere. Fuamnach then caused her to be blown all around Ireland for 14 years until she finally fell into a glass of wine and was consumed. The fly was reborn and in time became the woman of Echu Airem, king of Reiu. After many more adventures she was finally restored again to Mider. (English version is Aidin or Etain). |
| Evin | This name is both male and female. It probably comes from éim meaning prompt or ready.The best known bearer of the name is St. Éimhín, one of six brothers who all went into religious life. He founded a monastery known now as Monasterevan, Co. Kildare. He died in 689 and was buried there. His feast day is December 22nd. (English versions are Evin or Evan). |
| Evle | From an old Irish word óiph meaning radiance or beauty. Some also think it may have been the name of a sun goddess. One Éibhliu was the daughter of Guaire who married Mairid a king of Munster. However she fancied one of his sons , Eochaid, and presuaded him to elope with her. They had various adventures and ended up in Ulster, causing a spring well to overflow creating Lough Neagh and drowning Eochaid and most of the party. Slieve Eibhlinne in county Tipperary is said to be named after her. (English version is Evle or Evlin). |
| Evlin | From an old Irish word óiph meaning radiance or beauty. Some also think it may have been the name of a sun goddess. One Éibhliu was the daughter of Guaire who married Mairid a king of Munster. However she fancied one of his sons , Eochaid, and presuaded him to elope with her. They had various adventures and ended up in Ulster, causing a spring well to overflow creating Lough Neagh and drowning Eochaid and most of the party. Slieve Eibhlinne in county Tipperary is said to be named after her. (English version is Evle or Evlin). |
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| Fainche | The best known bearer of this name was St. Fainche of Rossory, in County Fermanagh. Her sister was St. Éanna of Aran. She had a suitor who was an early King of Cashel. However she wanted to persue the religious life so managed to interest him in her sister Dáiríne. She then went onto set up her monastery at Rossory. On their fathers death , her brother Éanna was intending to take over his father's role. He came to visit her at the monastery, but she managed to presuade him also to adopt the religious life. He went to study in Scotland .She visited him and told him when he returned to go to Aran. This he later did. After her visit to see him in Scotland she didnt survive long. Her feast day is January 1st. (There is no English form so Fainche is used in English as well as Irish). |
| Fedelm | This was a well used name in ancient Ireland. One bearer of the name was Fedelm Noíchrothach, the nine times beautiful, who was a female warrior. She was a daughter of an Ulster king and married to Cairpre Nia Fer with whom she had a son called Erc. She eloped with Conall Cearnach, cousin and foster brother of Cú Chulainn whose death he avenged. (English version is Fidelma which is also the Latin version). |
| Fedelmid | Means ever good. This is used both as a male
and female name. At least three early kings of Munster had the
name. A northern prince with the name was Sir Phelim O'Neill who in 1641
led an uprising in Ulster. They killed lots of the "planters" or settlers
in Ireland. He went on to be executed in 1653 for it. There are several saints with the name too, including Fedhlimidh of Kilmore, County Cavan whose mother was married four times and had six sons and one daughter taking up the religious life and becoming saints too. His feast day is 9th August. (The English version is Phelim or Felim for males and Fidelma for females). |
| Feidhelm | This is used both as a male and female name. This was a well used
name in ancient Ireland. At least three early kings of Munster had the
name. A northern prince with the name was Sir Phelim O'Neill who in 1641
led an uprising in Ulster. They killed lots of the "planters" or settlers
in Ireland. He went on to be executed in 1653 for it. There are several saints with the name too, including Fedhlimidh of Kilmore, County Cavan whose mother was married four times and had six sons and one daughter taking up the religious life and becoming saints too. His feast day is 9th August. One bearer of the name was Fedelm Noíchrothach, the nine times beautiful, who was a female warrior. She was a daughter of an Ulster king and married to Cairpre Nia Fer with whom she had a son called Erc. She eloped with Conall Cearnach, cousin and foster brother of Cú Chulainn whose death he avenged. (English version is Fidelma which is also the Latin version). |
| Feidhlimidh | Means ever good. This is used both as a male
and female name. At least three early kings of Munster had the
name. A northern prince with the name was Sir Phelim O'Neill who in 1641
led an uprising in Ulster. They killed lots of the "planters" or settlers
in Ireland. He went on to be executed in 1653 for it. There are several saints with the name too, including Fedhlimidh of Kilmore, County Cavan whose mother was married four times and had six sons and one daughter taking up the religious life and becoming saints too. His feast day is 9th August. (The English version is Phelim or Felim for males and Fidelma for females). |
| Féthnaid | The origin of this name is not known. She was a daughter of Tuatha dé
Danaan. She was a yellow haired lady who played the harp. Her
death was one of the three losses of Tuatha. (English version is Fenit). |
| Féthnat | The origin of this name is not known. She was a daughter of Tuatha dé
Danaan. She was a yellow haired lady who played the harp. Her
death was one of the three losses of Tuatha. (English version is Fenit). |
| Finn | Bright an attribute of the sun god. Both a male and female
name. The best known bearer of the name was Finn mac Cumall. He was born Demna son of Cumal. He was sent to study under Finegas who wanted to catch the Salmon of Knowledge which lived in a pool on the River Boyne. Eventually he did catch the fish and gave it to Demna to cook. As he was preparing the fish he burnt himself and in sucking his wound he gained the Knowledge contined in it. As a consequence he was nicknamed Finn. He was made leader of the Fianna, a sort of Royal bodyguard, because he saved the palace at Tara from a demon. As leader of the Fianna he had many adventures. In old age he was given Gráinne as a wife. She not being too keen on marriage to an old man, eloped with Diarmaid.Finn chased after them giving us the story of the Pursuit of Diarmaid and Gráinne. (English version is Finn .) |
| Finnabhair | White sprite or white ghost. One famous bearer of the name was one of three wives of Celtchair mac Uithechar an Ulster warrior and friend of Conchobhar. Another was the daughter of Medb and Ailill. (English version is Fennore). |
| Finnseach | From finn meaning fair, the name means fair
lady or blond lady. There were two saints of
this name, but little is known of either of them. St. Finnsech of
Urney in County Tyrone was one whose feast day is 13th October.
The pther was St Finnsech of Trim in County Meath whose feast
day is 17th February. (English version is Finsha). |
| Finnsech | From finn meaning fair, the name means fair
lady or blond lady. There were two saints of
this name, but little is known of either of them. St. Finnsech of
Urney in County Tyrone was one whose feast day is 13th October.
The pther was St Finnsech of Trim in County Meath whose feast
day is 17th February. (English version is Finsha). |
| Finola | Variations Fionnula, Nuala. Bright shoulder an attribute of the moon. |
| Fiona | White. |
| Fionn | Bright an attribute of the sun god. Both a male and female
name. The best known bearer of the name was Finn mac Cumall. He was born Demna son of Cumal. He was sent to study under Finegas who wanted to catch the Salmon of Knowledge which lived in a pool on the River Boyne. Eventually he did catch the fish and gave it to Demna to cook. As he was preparing the fish he burnt himself and in sucking his wound he gained the Knowledge contined in it. As a consequence he was nicknamed Finn. He was made leader of the Fianna, a sort of Royal bodyguard, because he saved the palace at Tara from a demon. As leader of the Fianna he had many adventures. In old age he was given Gráinne as a wife. She not being too keen on marriage to an old man, eloped with Diarmaid.Finn chased after them giving us the story of the Pursuit of Diarmaid and Gráinne. (English version is Finn .) |
| Fionnabair | White sprite or white ghost. One famous bearer of the name was one of three wives of Celtchair mac Uithechar an Ulster warrior and friend of Conchobhar. Another was the daughter of Medb and Ailill. (English version is Fennore). |
| Fionnchaomh | Fair-headed, beautiful girl. |
| Fionnuala | This was once a very popular name in Ireland and means
fair shouldered.A famous Fionnghuala was daughter
of O'Brien who with her husband O'Donnell gave a monastery
in 1474 the Monastery of Donegal,
so that they could be buried there.
(Best English version is Finnuala or Finola, Finvola is often used in county Derry and Fenella in Scotland. Nuala is also commonly used.) |
| Fionnguala | This was once a very popular name in Ireland and means
fair shouldered.A famous Fionnghuala was daughter
of O'Brien who with her husband O'Donnell gave a monastery
in 1474 the Monastery of Donegal,
so that they could be buried there.
(Best English version is Finnuala or Finola, Finvola is often used in county Derry and Fenella in Scotland. Nuala is also commonly used.) |
| Fionnula | Variations Finola, Nuala .Bright shoulder an attribute of the moon. |
| Fionúir | White sprite or white ghost. One famous bearer of the name was one of three wives of Celtchair mac Uithechar an Ulster warrior and friend of Conchobhar. Another was the daughter of Medb and Ailill. (English version is Fennore). |
| Flann | This name is used for both girls and boys. It means red blood, or bright blood. One famous Flann was Flann Sinna King of Tara. He ruled for 36 years died in 916 and is commemorated on a cross at Clonmacnoise known as The Cross of Flann, it is also known as the Cross of the Scriptures.A female flann, daughter of Donnchad died in 939. Flannacán was also in use. (There is no real English version although Florence is often used). |
| Fodhla | One of the three people of the Goddess Dana, the others being Banba and Éire. Her name was commonly used as was Éire and she also gave her name to Atholl in scotland. (English version is Fola). |
| Fodla | One of the three people of the Goddess Dana, the others being Banba and Éire. Her name was commonly used as was Éire and she also gave her name to Atholl in scotland. (English version is Fola). |
| Folt-léabhar | Long-haired. |
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| Gobnait | Small mouth . (English versions are Abigail and Deborah ). |
| Gormfhlaith | The lady stranger. (English version is Barbara ). |
| Gráinne | Perfect virginal attributes of the moon. (English versions are Graina, Grace and Gertrude). |
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| Íde | (English versions are Ida and Ita). |
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| Laoise | |
| Liadain | Grey lady. 9th Century Irish heroine. |
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| Mairead | From the Greek meaning a pearl. (English versions are Margaret and Marjorie). |
| Máire | From the Hebrew meaning of the sea. Bitterness.(English versions are Mary Maria ,Miriam ,Maura and Moya). |
| Máirín | (English version is Maureen). |
| Maeve | Variation Mav . |
| Mav | Variation of Maeve. |
| Moing-fhionn | Fair-haired. |
| Muire | Reserved for Mary the Mother of Jesus |
| Muireann | (English version is Marion). |
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| Niamh | Radiant. |
| Nóra | From the Latin meaning Honorable . (English versions Norah and Honor). |
| Nuala | |
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| Órfhlaith | The golden lady. (English version is Orla ). |
| Orla | The golden lady. |
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| Proinnséas | From the Latin meaning French. (English versions are Fanny and Frances ). |
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| Sadhbh | Goodness. (English versions are Sive and Sophia). |
| Seána | variant, feminine of Sean. (From the Norman French
for John, which is of course the English version.English girls versions are Joan, Johanna, Jeanne and Hannah). |
| Seila | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Seilagh | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Sheela | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Sheelagh | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Sheila | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Sheilagh | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Shela | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Shelagh | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Shiela | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Shielagh | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Shila | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Shilagh | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Shiobhan | Variation of Siún Shoon. |
| Siela | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Sila | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Silagh | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Sile | From the Latin meaning blind. (English versions are Sheila, Cecile and Julia). |
| Siobhán | Femine of Sean. (From the Norman French for John, which is of course the English version. English girls versions are Joan, Johanna, Jeanne and Hannah). |
| Siún Shoon | Variation of Shiobhan. |
| Sive | Variation of Sadhbh. |
| Sorcha | Bright. (English version is Sarah). |
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| Treasa | (English version is Theresa ). |
| Triona | Is derived from the old French form of Caterine for Catherine of Alexandria who actually never existed but was the result of pious fiction. It was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Several churches dating from medieval times in Ireland are dedicated to St. Catherine. It was also used for several ladies of honourable birth. (The English version is Catriona or Catherine or Katherine. Triona is a diminutive form also used in English). |
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| Una | The white one, attribute of the moon. English versions are Agnes, Winifred, Freda and Inez ). |
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