Names for Irish American Babies

Names for your Irish American Baby

In Ireland, the name Aoife is fairly common, but in the USA, people would probably look at the name blankly and ask you how to pronounce it 8 times. So, if you are an Irish American, or a citizen of another country who has Irish ancestry, you might want a name with Irish flavor, but are not concerned with authenticity. These names are not necessarily used in Ireland, but are easy to pronounce, and have Irish roots. Since many of these names are new creations, we have not specified a gender for each. Many are unisex. For example, Cassidy is used for both girls and boys in the USA.

name pronunciation meaning other forms notes

Aengus ANG us 'one choice' or 'true vigor'-a Celtic god name Aonghas -

Aideen AY deen angl. of Éadaoin Etain sometimes thought of as fem. of Aidan

Aileen AY leen; EYE leen hazelnut (from French Aveline) Eileen, Eibhilín sometimes used as a form of Helen

Ailish AY leesh form of Alice Ailis -

Alana uh LAIN a, uh LON uh, uh LAN uh fem. of Alan (see also) Alanna, Alaina, Alayna see also Alannah

Alannah uh LON a my child Alana, (see also) the phonetic sp. of 'a leanbh', an Irish term of endearment

Allina uh LEEN a, uh LEEN modern fems. of Alan (see also) Alina, Allene see also Alana

Annora uh NOR a honor (from Latin) Onóra, Nora (see also) from the Latin Honora

Anya AWN ya radiance, splendour Áine, Ania Celtic goddess name

Ashling ASH ling dream; vision Aisling, Aislinn see also Ashlyn

Ashlyn ASH lyn dream; vision Aisling, Aislinn USA form of Aisling, based on Ashley & Lynn

Becan BEK in little Beccán -

Bedelia beh DEEL ya high; noble? Bedilia form of Brigid, Bridget

Benvy BEN vee woman from Meath Bean Mhí -

Braden BRAY din salmon Ó Bradáin, Braydan (There are many spellings in the USA) This Irish surname is on the rise as a first name in the USA.

Brady BRAY dee spirited Bradaigh In the USA, this is sometimes used as a nickname for Braden.

Bran BRAN raven - -

Brandon BRAn din prince- name of a mountain in Ireland Breanainn this name can also be an English surname

Bree BREE high; noble Brígh, Brie an old saint's name, also used as a nn for Briana etc.

Brendan BREN din prince Breanainn Brendan is one of Ireland’s patron saints

Brian BRY in high; noble Bryan; Brion -

Briana bree ON a, Bree AN a mod. fem. of Brian Brianna, Brianne this name is extremely popular in the USA

Brianna/Brianne bree ON a; bree AN a etc. modern fem. Form of Brian Briana; Bryana -

Bridget, Brigid BRIJ it high; noble? Bríd, Bríghde Bridget is actually the Swedish spelling, but it is often mistaken for the Irish. One of the patron saints of Ireland

Casey, Kasey KAY see vigilant in war Ó Cathasaigh This Irish surname is hugely pooular in the USA for both girls and boys. There are many different spellings (Kaycee, Kasi etc.)

Cashel, Cashlin, Caislin CASH ul, CASh lin, CASH leen - castle or 'little castle' Caiseal, Caislín from an Irish place name
Cass CAS curly haired Cas -

Cassan CAS an curly haired Cassán -

Catrina cat REE na form of Catherine Caitríona -

Cavan CAV in hollow or grassy hill- a county in Ireland Cabhan The name of a county in Ireland.

Cliona KLEE uh na This is a nice Gaelic name that is easy to pronounce. Clíodhna Clio is a cute nickname used by Maeve Binchy in one of her books

Clodagh KLO da name of a river in Co. Waterford Cloideach -

Cody KO dee son of Otto Mac Óda Extremely popular in the USA, this Irish surname is sometimes used as a nickname for Dakota (a Native American tribe).

Cole KOL fellow hostage Comhghall This can also be an independent name for Nicholas.

Colla COL la great chief Coll -

Colleen kol LEEN Irish word for ‘girl’ Coleen; Cailín Colleen is not used in Ireland. It was coined in the 1920s in the USA for a movie actress.

Conall CON il strong as a wolf Conal, Connell -

Conlan CON lin strong as a wolf Ó Conailláin -

Conna KUN na; CON na wolf cub Cana -

Connery CON ner ee warrior lord? Ó Conaire probably most associated with the Scottish actor Sean Connery

Conor CON er lover of hounds Connor, Conchobhar In Ireland, Conor is the spelling of the first name. Connor is a surname spelling. However, in the USA, Connor is moe poplar as a 1st name.

Conry CON ree wolf king Conrí -

Corey KOR ee Son of Godfrey Corry; Corr -

Dallan DAL in blind Dallán an Irish saint's name

Dana DAN na Celtic goddess name Danu; Ana Pronounced like Danna, (not DAY na), this is a modern form of an ancient Celtic goddessname.

Dara/Darragh DAR a ’oak tree’ or ‘fruitful one’ Dáire; Dary -

Darina dah REE na fruitful Dáirine -

Davin; Devin DA vin, DEH vin stag, ox, deer Daimhín, Damhán -

Declan DEK lin Perhaps full of goodness? Deaglán -

Deirdre DEER dreh; DAIR dreh she who chatters Deidre; Deirdriu Deirdre is a prominent figure in Irish legend. Her story has been made famous by the Irish authors WB Yeats and JM Synge.

Dermot DER mit envy-free Diarmaid Made more popular in the USA by actor Dermot Mulroney.

Dervla DERV uh la daughter of a poet Deirbhile Made more popular by the Irish writer Dervla Murphy. She was named after Eamon DeValera (Irish PM)

Desmond DEZ mund man from South Munster Deasún -

Dolan DOE lin - Ó Dúbhláin, Ó Dobhailen -

Donal DOE nul, DUH nul world-mighty Dónal; Domhnaill -

Donavan DON I vin, DUN I vin dark brown (hair) Ó Donnabháin -

Donegal DUN nee gal fort of the stranger Dún na nGall this is the name of a county in NW Ireland.

Donegan DUN I gin brown Ó Donnagáin -

Dougal DOO gul dark stranger (ie Viking) Dubhghall -

Doyle DOY ul, DOIL dark stranger (ie Viking) Ó Dubhghaill Doyle is the surname form of Dougal.

Dwayne, Duane DWAIN dark daired person Dubhán This name is also found in the USA as DeWayne. Duane is sometimes pronounced DWAHN.

Eamon AY mun wealthy guardian Eamonn, Éamann The Irish form of Edmund.

Eavan ee VAN brightness; radience Aoibheann -

Egan EE gin little fire Aodhagán -

Eileen eye LEEN hazlenut Éibhlín the Irish form of Evelyn

Eilis(h) AY lesh Oath of God Eilis, sometimes confused with Ailis(h) An Irish form of Elizabeth

Einin AY neen little bird Einín -

Eire EH ra Ireland Éire The Irish name for Ireland is occasionally found in the USA. I think it's a nice alternative to the overused Erin.

Eireen eye REEN little Ireland? Éirín probably a respelling of the Greek Irene, this name could also be a compound of Éire (Ireland) and the -een ending.

Eirne EHR nya Celtic goddess name Éirne this is the name of a river in Ireland. It would also make a nice alternative to the overused Erin.

Elsha EL sha dream, vision Aisling, Aislinn an anglicization of the name Aislinn

Emer EE mur, AY mur, EV er ? Emir, Éimhear this is an ancient legendary name.

Emmett EM mit belonging to Emma - This English surname is often used in Ireland to commemorate the Irish patriot Robert Emmett.

Enya EN ya kernal? Gorse? Eithne The Irish singer Enya's first name is really Eithne, the Irish form of the name.

Erin EH rin Ireland Éire The poetic name from Ireland is not used in the Republic, but it is found in Northern Ireland and in other English speaking nations.

Eveny EV uh nee ? Aibhne -

Ever, Eaver EE vur, AY vur Irishman Éimhear -

Evin EV in prompt/radiant Éimhín/Aoibheann Evin is used as an anglicization of both Irish names listed.

Evlin/Evaleen EV lin/EV uh leen beauty, radience Éibhlean Coming from an old Irish name (Éibhlean), sometimes these forms are used to anglicize Éibhilín (Eileen).

Fallon FAL lin leader Ó Fallamháin This Irish surname was made popular by the American tv show Dynasty.

Fania FAN ya ring Fainne A circle was worn to designate Irish speakers during the Gaelic revival . This name was popular then, as a political/cultural statement.

Farrell FAIR ul, FAHR ul valorous Fearghal -

Fenore fe NORE white ghost; spirit Fionnúir -

Fergal FER gul valorous Fearghal -

Fergus FER gus manly Fearghus -

Fina FEE na vine Fíona This is not related to the common name Fiona

Finbar FIN bar white, fair-headed Fionnbharr -

Fineen fin EEN wine-birth Fínín -

Finian FIN yin white, fair Finnén -

Finn FIN white, fair Fionn -

Finola fin OH la white-shouldered Fionnghuala -

Fintan FIN tin white, fair Fionntán -

Fiona fee OH na white Fionnait Fiona was coined by the Scottish author James MacPherson in the 1700s. It is a feminine form of Fionn ("white") based on the Latinate feminine ending -a (as in Johann/Johanna). The 'true' Irish feminine form of Fionn is Fionnait.

Flann FLAN blood-red Flann -

Flannan FLAN nin blood-red Flannán -

Flannery FLAN ner ee red eyebrows Ó Flannabhra Made popular in the USA by writer Flannery O'Connor

Flynn FLIN blood-red Ó Floinn -

Galway GAHL way Gallimh's place Gallimh a city in Ireland, made popular by poet Galway Kinnell.

Garvin GAR vin rough Garbhán -

Grania GRAW nya grain?/inspires terror? Gráinne -

Ina EE na holy Aghna Anglicization of the Irish form of Agnes

Irial EER ee ul ? - -

Ita EE ta thirst Íde an Irish saint's name

Jarlath JAR lath western kingdom? Iarfhlaith -

Juverna joo VER na, yoo VERna Ireland - A Latin name for Ireland

Katelyn KATE lin ? Traditionally associated with 'pure' Caitlín American pronunciation of an irish form of Catherine.

Kathleen kath LEEN ? Traditionally associated with 'pure' Caitlín the anglicization of an Irish form of Catherine

Kaylin KAY lin slender and fair-haired Caoilfhionn? Probably a modern coinage based on the names Kay and Lynn, but could also be an American alteration of Caoilfhionn.

Kean KEEN, KEE un ancient, enduring Cian -

Keavy/Keeva KEE vee/KEE va beloved; beautiful; graceful Caoimhe -

Keegan KEE gin little fire Mac Aodhagáin -

Keelin KEE lin slender and fair-haired Caoilfhionn -

Keely KEE lee ? - Probably a modern form of Kiely, Keelin

Kellan KEL lin slender lad Caolán -

Kelly KEL lee bright-headed? Ceallach -

Kennedy KEN nid ee ugly-headed Ó Cinnéde This presidential Irish surname is becoming very poplular in the USA.

Kermit KER mit envy-free? Mac Diarmaid -

Kerry KEH ree dark; black Ciarraí A county in Ireland

Kevin KEV in beautiful birth Caoimhín -

Kiely KYE lee, KYE ul ee slender Ó Cadhla -

Kieran KEER in dark; black Ciarán -

Killian KIL lee an strife? Church? Cillén -

Kira, Kiera KEE ra, KEE uh ra dark, black Ciar, Ciara -

Kyla KYE la slender and fair-haired? Cadhla probably a modern feminine form of the Scottish name Kyle. It could also be a modernization of the Irish mans name Cadhla.

Kyne KINE wild goose Cadhan -

Lassarina las ar EE na flame-wine Lasarfhíona -

Leesha LEE sha ? Laoise Irish place name

Liadan LEE uh din grey-eyed lady Líadan -

Liam LEE um helmet of resolution Uilliam A short form of the Irish from of William.

Lila, Leela LEE la oath of God Líle An Irish nickname for Elizabeth

Lochlainn/Lachlan LACH lin, LOCK lin viking Lochlainn Lachlan is the usual Scottish spelling.

Loman LO min bare Lomán -

Lonan LO nin blackbird Lonán -

Lorcan LOR kin cruel, fierce Lorccán -

Maelisa mail EE sa follower of Jesus Mael Íosa -

Maeve MAVE she who intoxicaes Meadhbh -

Mairead mar ADE pearl Mairéad Irish form of Margaret

Malachy MAL uh kee follower of St. Sechnall Maoileachlainn -

Mannix MAN nix little monk Mainchín -

Mara MAHR a fullness; complete Máire Anglicization of the Irish form of Mary

Maura MAW ra fullness; complete Máire Anglicization of the Irish form of Mary

Maureen maw REEN little Mary Máirín -

Milo/Myles MY lo/MY uls various Maeleachlainn, Maolra, Maolrunaí Milo is an Irish form of Myles, a name often used to anglicize the 3 Irish nameslisted.

Moira MOY ra fullness; complete Máire Anglicization of the Irish form of Mary

Molly MAHL ee fullness; complete Mallaidh A short form of Máire

Mona MOE na noble, good Muadhnait -

Moreen mor EEN great; tall Móirín sometimes interchanged with Maureen

Moya MOY a fullness; complete Máire Anglicization of the Irish form of Mary

Muriel MYUR ee ul sea-bright Muirgheal -

Murphy MUR fee hound of the sea Ó Murchú This name has been made popular in the USA by the eponymous character on tv's Murphy Brown

Murren/Moren MUR in sea-fair Muireann -

Murry MUR ee seaman; lord Muirioch -

Myrna/Morna MUR na high-spirited; festive Muirne -

Neesha NEE sha ? Naoise -

Neeve NEEV brightness; radiance Niamh -

Neil NEEL cloud? Hostage? Niall -

Neila NEE la cloud? Hostage? Modern feminine form of Niall

Nessa NES a ? Neasa -

Nessan NES sin ? Neasán -

Nevan Nev in saint Naomhán -

Nolan NO lin shout Ó Nualláin -

Nora NO ra honor Onóra Irish short form of the Latin name Honora

Noreen no REEN honor Nóirín Pet form of Nora

Nuala NOO uh la white shouldered Fionnghuala Short form of Fionnuala, used on its own

Oliver OLL I ver olive tree - This is not actually an Irish name, but widely used in Ireland in honor of Oliver Plunkett, Ireland's last saint.

Onora uh NO ra honor Onóra Irish short form of the Latin name Honora

Oran OR in grey-brown Odhran -

Orinthia or IN thee a ? - name invented by the Irish playwright GB Shaw for his play, The Apple Cart.

Orla OR la shining, golden Orlaith -

Oscar OSS kir deer-lover Osgar -

Ossian OSS ee in, AWSH in deer Oisín -

Owen OWE in various Eoghan, Eoin Actually a Welsh name, but used to anglicize the names Eoghan ("Yew-born") and Eoin, and Irish form of John.

Patricia pa TRISH a nobleman Pádraigín Feminine form of Patrick

Patrick PAT rick nobleman Pádraig Actually coming form Latin, Patrick is Ireland's #1 patron saint.

Phelim FEH lim, FEE lim ? Felim ?

Pierce/Pearse PEERS rock Piaras Irish form of Peter

Quinlan KWIN lin beautiful shape Caoinleán -

Quinn QWIN sense, intelligence Ó Cuinn -

Regan/Reagan REE gin/RAY gin king? Impulsive; furious? Ó Ríagáin -

Riley/Reilly RYE lee/RYE uh lee valiant? Ó Raghallaigh -

Riona REE uh na queenly Ríonach -

Ronan ROE nin little seal Rónán -

Rory RO ree red king Ruadhrí -

Rosaleen ROZE uh leen little rose Róisín Originally from a Norse word for 'horse' this anglicization of Róisín has stayed popular because of its connection to the flower of the same name.

Rosheen ROE sheen little rose Róisín same as Rosaleen, only a more phonetic form.

Ross RAWS headland Ros -

Rowan/Rohan ROE in red haired Ruadhán, Ruan -

Ryan RYE in little king Ríain -

Saoirse SEER sha freedom Saoirse -

Saorla SAYR la noble queen Saorla -

Saraid SAHR id excellent; best Saraid -

Seamus SHEH mus, SHAY mus supplanter Séamus, Séamas -

Sean SHAWN God is gracious Seán -

Shane SHAIN God is gracious Seán -

Shannon SHAN nin Form of a Celtic goddess name Siannan The name of a River in Ireland. Also Ireland's international airport.

Shayla SHAY la grey-eyed, blind Síle -

Shea/Shay SHAY hawk-like Ó Séaghdha -

Sheefra SHEE fra sprite; changeling; precocious child Síofra -

Sheena SHEE na God is gracious Síne -

Sheeva, Seeva SHEE va peace Síomha -

Sheila SHEE la grey-eyed, blind Síle -

Sheridan SHEH ri dun ? Sirideán -

Siobhan shih VAWN God is gracious Siobhán This name has numerous forms in the USA: ShaVaughn, Chavonne etc. The most acceptable anglicization is Shivaun.

Slany SLAY nee health Sláine -

Sorcha SUR a kha radiant; light Sorcha -

Sorley SORE lee summer-wanderer Somhairle -

Tallulah/Talulla ta LOO la lady of abundance Tuillelath -

Tara TAH ra, TARE a high, eminent Teamhair -

Teague TYG poet; philosopher Tadhg -

Tiernan TEER nin lord, chief Tighearnán -

Tierney TEER nee lord, chief Tighearnach -

Tressa/Treasa TREH sa, TRA sa strength Treasa -

Triona TREE uh na short form of Caitríona Tríona -

Turlough TUR lukh, TUR lo instigator; abettor Toirdhealbhach -

Tyrone tur OWN Eoghan's land Tír Eoghan The name of a county in Ireland

Una OO na lamb? Úna This name is also found as Oona and Oonagh

Vanessa va NES a ? - Vanessa was created by the Irish writer Jonathan Swift out of the name Esther Vanhomrigh.

name	pronunciation	meaning	other forms	notes
Aengus	ANG us	'one choice' or 'true vigor'-a Celtic god name	Aonghas	-
Aideen	AY deen	angl. of Éadaoin	Etain	sometimes thought of as fem. of Aidan
Aileen	AY leen; EYE leen	hazelnut (from French Aveline)	Eileen, Eibhilín	sometimes used as a form of Helen
Ailish	AY leesh	form of Alice	Ailis	-
Alana	uh LAIN a, uh LON uh, uh LAN uh	fem. of Alan (see also)	Alanna, Alaina, Alayna	see also Alannah
Alannah	uh LON a	my child	Alana, (see also)	the phonetic sp. of 'a leanbh', an Irish term of endearment
Allina	uh LEEN a, uh LEEN	modern fems. of Alan (see also)	Alina, Allene	see also Alana
Annora	uh NOR a	honor (from Latin)	Onóra, Nora (see also)	from the Latin Honora
Anya	AWN ya	radiance, splendour	Áine, Ania	Celtic goddess name
Ashling	ASH ling	dream; vision	Aisling, Aislinn	see also Ashlyn
Ashlyn	ASH lyn	dream; vision	Aisling, Aislinn	USA form of Aisling, based on Ashley & Lynn
Becan	BEK in	little	Beccán	-
Bedelia	beh DEEL ya	high; noble?	Bedilia	form of Brigid, Bridget
Benvy	BEN vee	woman from Meath	Bean Mhí	-
Braden	BRAY din	salmon	Ó Bradáin, Braydan (There are many spellings in the USA)	This Irish surname is on the rise as a first name in the USA.
Brady	BRAY dee	spirited	Bradaigh	In the USA, this is sometimes used as a nickname for Braden.
Bran	BRAN	raven	-	-
Brandon	BRAn din	prince- name of a mountain in Ireland	Breanainn	this name can also be an English surname
Bree	BREE	high; noble	Brígh, Brie	an old saint's name, also used as a nn for Briana etc.
Brendan	BREN din	prince	Breanainn	Brendan is one of Ireland’s patron saints
Brian	BRY in	high; noble	Bryan; Brion	-
Briana	bree ON a, Bree AN a	mod. fem. of Brian	Brianna, Brianne	this name is extremely popular in the USA
Brianna/Brianne	bree ON a; bree AN a etc.	modern fem. Form of Brian	Briana; Bryana	-
Bridget, Brigid	BRIJ it	high; noble?	Bríd, Bríghde	Bridget is actually the Swedish spelling, but it is often mistaken for the Irish. One of the patron saints of Ireland
Casey, Kasey	KAY see	vigilant in war	Ó Cathasaigh	This Irish surname is hugely pooular in the USA for both girls and boys. There are many different spellings (Kaycee, Kasi etc.)
Cashel, Cashlin, Caislin	CASH ul, CASh lin, CASH leen	- castle or 'little castle'	Caiseal, Caislín	from an Irish place name
Cass	CAS	curly haired	Cas	-
Cassan	CAS an	curly haired	Cassán	-
Catrina	cat REE na	form of Catherine	Caitríona	-
Cavan	CAV in	hollow or grassy hill- a county in Ireland	Cabhan	The name of a county in Ireland.
Cliona	KLEE uh na	This is a nice Gaelic name that is easy to pronounce.	Clíodhna	Clio is a cute nickname used by Maeve Binchy in one of her books
Clodagh	KLO da	name of a river in Co. Waterford	Cloideach	-
Cody	KO dee	son of Otto	Mac Óda	Extremely popular in the USA, this Irish surname is sometimes used as a nickname for Dakota (a Native American tribe).
Cole	KOL	fellow hostage	Comhghall	This can also be an independent name for Nicholas.
Colla	COL la	great chief	Coll	-
Colleen	kol LEEN	Irish word for ‘girl’	Coleen; Cailín	Colleen is not used in Ireland. It was coined in the 1920s in the USA for a movie actress.
Conall	CON il	strong as a wolf	Conal, Connell	-
Conlan	CON lin	strong as a wolf	Ó Conailláin	-
Conna	KUN na; CON na	wolf cub	Cana	-
Connery	CON ner ee	warrior lord?	Ó Conaire	probably most associated with the Scottish actor Sean Connery
Conor	CON er	lover of hounds	Connor, Conchobhar	In Ireland, Conor is the spelling of the first name. Connor is a surname spelling. However, in the USA, Connor is moe poplar as a 1st name.
Conry	CON ree	wolf king	Conrí	-
Corey	KOR ee	Son of Godfrey	Corry; Corr	-
Dallan	DAL in	blind	Dallán	an Irish saint's name
Dana	DAN na	Celtic goddess name	Danu; Ana	Pronounced like Danna, (not DAY na), this is a modern form of an ancient Celtic goddessname.
Dara/Darragh	DAR a	’oak tree’ or ‘fruitful one’	Dáire; Dary	-
Darina	dah REE na	fruitful	Dáirine	-
Davin; Devin	DA vin, DEH vin	stag, ox, deer	Daimhín, Damhán	-
Declan	DEK lin	Perhaps full of goodness?	Deaglán	-
Deirdre	DEER dreh; DAIR dreh	she who chatters	Deidre; Deirdriu	Deirdre is a prominent figure in Irish legend. Her story has been made famous by the Irish authors WB Yeats and JM Synge.
Dermot	DER mit	envy-free	Diarmaid	Made more popular in the USA by actor Dermot Mulroney.
Dervla	DERV uh la	daughter of a poet	Deirbhile	Made more popular by the Irish writer Dervla Murphy. She was named after Eamon DeValera (Irish PM)
Desmond	DEZ mund	man from South Munster	Deasún	-
Dolan	DOE lin	-	Ó Dúbhláin, Ó Dobhailen	-
Donal	DOE nul, DUH nul	world-mighty	Dónal; Domhnaill	-
Donavan	DON I vin, DUN I vin	dark brown (hair)	Ó Donnabháin	-
Donegal	DUN nee gal	fort of the stranger	Dún na nGall	this is the name of a county in NW Ireland.
Donegan	DUN I gin	brown	Ó Donnagáin	-
Dougal	DOO gul	dark stranger (ie Viking)	Dubhghall	-
Doyle	DOY ul, DOIL	dark stranger (ie Viking)	Ó Dubhghaill	Doyle is the surname form of Dougal.
Dwayne, Duane	DWAIN	dark daired person	Dubhán	This name is also found in the USA as DeWayne. Duane is sometimes pronounced DWAHN.
Eamon	AY mun	wealthy guardian	Eamonn, Éamann	The Irish form of Edmund.
Eavan	ee VAN	brightness; radience	Aoibheann	-
Egan	EE gin	little fire	Aodhagán	-
Eileen	eye LEEN	hazlenut	Éibhlín	the Irish form of Evelyn
Eilis(h)	AY lesh	Oath of God	Eilis, sometimes confused with Ailis(h)	An Irish form of Elizabeth
Einin	AY neen	little bird	Einín	-
Eire	EH ra	Ireland	Éire	The Irish name for Ireland is occasionally found in the USA. I think it's a nice alternative to the overused Erin.
Eireen	eye REEN	little Ireland?	Éirín	probably a respelling of the Greek Irene, this name could also be a compound of Éire (Ireland) and the -een ending.
Eirne	EHR nya	Celtic goddess name	Éirne	this is the name of a river in Ireland. It would also make a nice alternative to the overused Erin.
Elsha	EL sha	dream, vision	Aisling, Aislinn	an anglicization of the name Aislinn
Emer	EE mur, AY mur, EV er	?	Emir, Éimhear	this is an ancient legendary name.
Emmett	EM mit	belonging to Emma	-	This English surname is often used in Ireland to commemorate the Irish patriot Robert Emmett.
Enya	EN ya	kernal? Gorse?	Eithne	The Irish singer Enya's first name is really Eithne, the Irish form of the name.
Erin	EH rin	Ireland	Éire	The poetic name from Ireland is not used in the Republic, but it is found in Northern Ireland and in other English speaking nations.
Eveny	EV uh nee	?	Aibhne	-
Ever, Eaver	EE vur, AY vur	Irishman	Éimhear	-
Evin	EV in	prompt/radiant	Éimhín/Aoibheann	Evin is used as an anglicization of both Irish names listed.
Evlin/Evaleen	EV lin/EV uh leen	beauty, radience	Éibhlean	Coming from an old Irish name (Éibhlean), sometimes these forms are used to anglicize Éibhilín (Eileen).
Fallon	FAL lin	leader	Ó Fallamháin	This Irish surname was made popular by the American tv show Dynasty.
Fania	FAN ya	ring	Fainne	A circle was worn to designate Irish speakers during the Gaelic revival . This name was popular then, as a political/cultural statement.
Farrell	FAIR ul, FAHR ul	valorous	Fearghal	-
Fenore	fe NORE	white ghost; spirit	Fionnúir	-
Fergal	FER gul	valorous	Fearghal	-
Fergus	FER gus	manly	Fearghus	-
Fina	FEE na	vine	Fíona	This is not related to the common name Fiona
Finbar	FIN bar	white, fair-headed	Fionnbharr	-
Fineen	fin EEN	wine-birth	Fínín	-
Finian	FIN yin	white, fair	Finnén	-
Finn	FIN	white, fair	Fionn	-
Finola	fin OH la	white-shouldered	Fionnghuala	-
Fintan	FIN tin	white, fair	Fionntán	-
Fiona	fee OH na	white	Fionnait	Fiona was coined by the Scottish author James MacPherson in the 1700s. It is a feminine form of Fionn ("white") based on the Latinate feminine ending -a (as in Johann/Johanna). The 'true' Irish feminine form of Fionn is Fionnait.
Flann	FLAN	blood-red	Flann	-
Flannan	FLAN nin	blood-red	Flannán	-
Flannery	FLAN ner ee	red eyebrows	Ó Flannabhra	Made popular in the USA by writer Flannery O'Connor
Flynn	FLIN	blood-red	Ó Floinn	-
Galway	GAHL way	Gallimh's place	Gallimh	a city in Ireland, made popular by poet Galway Kinnell.
Garvin	GAR vin	rough	Garbhán	-
Grania	GRAW nya	grain?/inspires terror?	Gráinne	-
Ina	EE na	holy	Aghna	Anglicization of the Irish form of Agnes
Irial	EER ee ul	?	-	-
Ita	EE ta	thirst	Íde	an Irish saint's name
Jarlath	JAR lath	western kingdom?	Iarfhlaith	-
Juverna	joo VER na, yoo VERna	Ireland	-	A Latin name for Ireland
Katelyn	KATE lin	? Traditionally associated with 'pure'	Caitlín	American pronunciation of an irish form of Catherine.
Kathleen	kath LEEN	? Traditionally associated with 'pure'	Caitlín	the anglicization of an Irish form of Catherine
Kaylin	KAY lin	slender and fair-haired	Caoilfhionn?	Probably a modern coinage based on the names Kay and Lynn, but could also be an American alteration of Caoilfhionn.
Kean	KEEN, KEE un	ancient, enduring	Cian	-
Keavy/Keeva	KEE vee/KEE va	beloved; beautiful; graceful	Caoimhe	-
Keegan	KEE gin	little fire	Mac Aodhagáin	-
Keelin	KEE lin	slender and fair-haired	Caoilfhionn	-
Keely	KEE lee	?	-	Probably a modern form of Kiely, Keelin
Kellan	KEL lin	slender lad	Caolán	-
Kelly	KEL lee	bright-headed?	Ceallach	-
Kennedy	KEN nid ee	ugly-headed	Ó Cinnéde	This presidential Irish surname is becoming very poplular in the USA.
Kermit	KER mit	envy-free?	Mac Diarmaid	-
Kerry	KEH ree	dark; black	Ciarraí	A county in Ireland
Kevin	KEV in	beautiful birth	Caoimhín	-
Kiely	KYE lee, KYE ul ee	slender	Ó Cadhla	-
Kieran	KEER in	dark; black	Ciarán	-
Killian	KIL lee an	strife? Church?	Cillén	-
Kira, Kiera	KEE ra, KEE uh ra	dark, black	Ciar, Ciara	-
Kyla	KYE la	slender and fair-haired?	Cadhla	probably a modern feminine form of the Scottish name Kyle. It could also be a modernization of the Irish mans name Cadhla.
Kyne	KINE	wild goose	Cadhan	-
Lassarina	las ar EE na	flame-wine	Lasarfhíona	-
Leesha	LEE sha	?	Laoise	Irish place name
Liadan	LEE uh din	grey-eyed lady	Líadan	-
Liam	LEE um	helmet of resolution	Uilliam	A short form of the Irish from of William.
Lila, Leela	LEE la	oath of God	Líle	An Irish nickname for Elizabeth
Lochlainn/Lachlan	LACH lin, LOCK lin	viking	Lochlainn	Lachlan is the usual Scottish spelling.
Loman	LO min	bare	Lomán	-
Lonan	LO nin	blackbird	Lonán	-
Lorcan	LOR kin	cruel, fierce	Lorccán	-
Maelisa	mail EE sa	follower of Jesus	Mael Íosa	-
Maeve	MAVE	she who intoxicaes	Meadhbh	-
Mairead	mar ADE	pearl	Mairéad	Irish form of Margaret
Malachy	MAL uh kee	follower of St. Sechnall	Maoileachlainn	-
Mannix	MAN nix	little monk	Mainchín	-
Mara	MAHR a	fullness; complete	Máire	Anglicization of the Irish form of Mary
Maura	MAW ra	fullness; complete	Máire	Anglicization of the Irish form of Mary
Maureen	maw REEN	little Mary	Máirín	-
Milo/Myles	MY lo/MY uls	various	Maeleachlainn, Maolra, Maolrunaí	Milo is an Irish form of Myles, a name often used to anglicize the 3 Irish nameslisted.
Moira	MOY ra	fullness; complete	Máire	Anglicization of the Irish form of Mary
Molly	MAHL ee	fullness; complete	Mallaidh	A short form of Máire
Mona	MOE na	noble, good	Muadhnait	-
Moreen	mor EEN	great; tall	Móirín	sometimes interchanged with Maureen
Moya	MOY a	fullness; complete	Máire	Anglicization of the Irish form of Mary
Muriel	MYUR ee ul	sea-bright	Muirgheal	-
Murphy	MUR fee	hound of the sea	Ó Murchú	This name has been made popular in the USA by the eponymous character on tv's Murphy Brown
Murren/Moren	MUR in	sea-fair	Muireann	-
Murry	MUR ee	seaman; lord	Muirioch	-
Myrna/Morna	MUR na	high-spirited; festive	Muirne	-
Neesha	NEE sha	?	Naoise	-
Neeve	NEEV	brightness; radiance	Niamh	-
Neil	NEEL	cloud? Hostage?	Niall	-
Neila	NEE la	cloud? Hostage?		Modern feminine form of Niall
Nessa	NES a	?	Neasa	-
Nessan	NES sin	?	Neasán	-
Nevan	Nev in	saint	Naomhán	-
Nolan	NO lin	shout	Ó Nualláin	-
Nora	NO ra	honor	Onóra	Irish short form of the Latin name Honora
Noreen	no REEN	honor	Nóirín	Pet form of Nora
Nuala	NOO uh la	white shouldered	Fionnghuala	Short form of Fionnuala, used on its own
Oliver	OLL I ver	olive tree	-	This is not actually an Irish name, but widely used in Ireland in honor of Oliver Plunkett, Ireland's last saint.
Onora	uh NO ra	honor	Onóra	Irish short form of the Latin name Honora
Oran	OR in	grey-brown	Odhran	-
Orinthia	or IN thee a	?	-	name invented by the Irish playwright GB Shaw for his play, The Apple Cart.
Orla	OR la	shining, golden	Orlaith	-
Oscar	OSS kir	deer-lover	Osgar	-
Ossian	OSS ee in, AWSH in	deer	Oisín	-
Owen	OWE in	various	Eoghan, Eoin	Actually a Welsh name, but used to anglicize the names Eoghan ("Yew-born") and Eoin, and Irish form of John.
Patricia	pa TRISH a	nobleman	Pádraigín	Feminine form of Patrick
Patrick	PAT rick	nobleman	Pádraig	Actually coming form Latin, Patrick is Ireland's #1 patron saint.
Phelim	FEH lim, FEE lim	?	Felim	?
Pierce/Pearse	PEERS	rock	Piaras	Irish form of Peter
Quinlan	KWIN lin	beautiful shape	Caoinleán	-
Quinn	QWIN	sense, intelligence	Ó Cuinn	-
Regan/Reagan	REE gin/RAY gin	king? Impulsive; furious?	Ó Ríagáin	-
Riley/Reilly	RYE lee/RYE uh lee	valiant?	Ó Raghallaigh	-
Riona	REE uh na	queenly	Ríonach	-
Ronan	ROE nin	little seal	Rónán	-
Rory	RO ree	red king	Ruadhrí	-
Rosaleen	ROZE uh leen	little rose	Róisín	Originally from a Norse word for 'horse' this anglicization of Róisín has stayed popular because of its connection to the flower of the same name.
Rosheen	ROE sheen	little rose	Róisín	same as Rosaleen, only a more phonetic form.
Ross	RAWS	headland	Ros	-
Rowan/Rohan	ROE in	red haired	Ruadhán, Ruan	-
Ryan	RYE in	little king	Ríain	-
Saoirse	SEER sha	freedom	Saoirse	-
Saorla	SAYR la	noble queen	Saorla	-
Saraid	SAHR id	excellent; best	Saraid	-
Seamus	SHEH mus, SHAY mus	supplanter	Séamus, Séamas	-
Sean	SHAWN	God is gracious	Seán	-
Shane	SHAIN	God is gracious	Seán	-
Shannon	SHAN nin	Form of a Celtic goddess name	Siannan	The name of a River in Ireland. Also Ireland's international airport.
Shayla	SHAY la	grey-eyed, blind	Síle	-
Shea/Shay	SHAY	hawk-like	Ó Séaghdha	-
Sheefra	SHEE fra	sprite; changeling; precocious child	Síofra	-
Sheena	SHEE na	God is gracious	Síne	-
Sheeva, Seeva	SHEE va	peace	Síomha	-
Sheila	SHEE la	grey-eyed, blind	Síle	-
Sheridan	SHEH ri dun	?	Sirideán	-
Siobhan	shih VAWN	God is gracious	Siobhán	This name has numerous forms in the USA: ShaVaughn, Chavonne etc. The most acceptable anglicization is Shivaun.
Slany	SLAY nee	health	Sláine	-
Sorcha	SUR a kha	radiant; light	Sorcha	-
Sorley	SORE lee	summer-wanderer	Somhairle	-
Tallulah/Talulla	ta LOO la	lady of abundance	Tuillelath	-
Tara	TAH ra, TARE a	high, eminent	Teamhair	-
Teague	TYG	poet; philosopher	Tadhg	-
Tiernan	TEER nin	lord, chief	Tighearnán	-
Tierney	TEER nee	lord, chief	Tighearnach	-
Tressa/Treasa	TREH sa, TRA sa	strength	Treasa	-
Triona	TREE uh na	short form of Caitríona	Tríona	-
Turlough	TUR lukh, TUR lo	instigator; abettor	Toirdhealbhach	-
Tyrone	tur OWN	Eoghan's land	Tír Eoghan	The name of a county in Ireland
Una	OO na	lamb?	Úna	This name is also found as Oona and Oonagh
Vanessa	va NES a	?	-	Vanessa was created by the Irish writer Jonathan Swift out of the name Esther Vanhomrigh.

thanks to Karen Nicholas for the background art.