Celtic Female Names of Ireland

Celtic Female Names of Ireland


Abaigeal — (AB-i-gel) "father's joy". Abigail, Abaigh, Abbie, Abby, Abbey. Abigail is also an anglicized form of Irish Gobnait, reasons unclear.
Addie — Irish pet form of Adelaide.
Aedammair — from the word aedh "fire". Aodhamair.
Affrica — (Gael) "pleasant, agreeable". Name of a 12th Century queen of the Isle of Man, not from the continent. Africa, Afric, Afrika.
Agata — "good"; variant of Greek name Agatha.
Aghna — (EH-nuh or EE-nuh) "gentle, pure". Irish for Agnes. Aigneis, Ina.
มghaistํn — (IrGael) cognate of Augustine, feminine form of Latin name Augustinus. Aibhistํn.
Aideen — wife of Oscar, grandson of Finn mac Cumhail. Variant of Etain.
Aifric — (A-frik) (Celt) "pleasant"; Afric, Africa, Aphria.
Aign้is — (AG-nesh) "gentle, pure". Aghna, Agnes.
Ailbhe — (AL-vyuh) "noble, bright". From Celtic albho, "white". Ailbe (AL-fe), Alvy, Elva [boy's name also]). Anglicized Alby, Albert for males.
Aileen — "light"; Irish version of Eileen and/or Ellen. Ailey, Eibhlin.
Ailidh — (AY-lee) "noble, kind". Alley.
Ailionora — (AY-lee-NOH-ra) Irish form of Eleanor.
Ailํs — (AY-lish) "noble, kind". Irish form of Alice, derived from Norman French name Aliz. Alicia, Elsha, Ailis, Ailse, Alice.
Ailํse — form of Alicia, which is a form of Alice.
Alls๚n — form of Alison, dim. of Alice. Allison, Allyson, Alyson.
Aimilํona — (a-mil-EE-nuh) "industrious". Amelia.
มine — (AN-yuh or AW-ne) from Old Irish aine "brilliance, wit, splendor, glory"; "joy", "brightness", "fasting", "praise", or "radiance". In legend, Aine was the daughter of Fer I (Man of the Yew) and the traditional name of the queen of fairies of south Munster, an important and varied role in Celtic mythology; was believed to dwell at the place now called Knockany (Cnoc Aine, "Aine's Hill"). Also used as an Irish form of Aina, Anne, Ann.
Aingeal — (AN-gel) "messenger". Irish Gaelic word for angel; an IrGael form of Angela, the fem. form of Latin male name Angelus. Angela.
Ainsley — "one's own meadow"; occasionally used as a female name; probably originally a local name, either Annesley in Nottinghamshire, from Old English An "one, only" + leah "wood or clearing"; or Ansley in Warwickshire, from OE ansetl "hermitage" + leah. Ainslee.
Airmid — (AIR-mit) daughter of physician Dian Cecht and one of the Tuatha De Danann, and an expert in the use of herbs for medicinal purposes.
Aisling — (ASH-ling or AH-shleeng) (IrGael) from Old Irish aislinge meaning "dream, vision, inspiration". Once a man's name, but currently popular as a woman's name. Adopted as a given name as part of the Irish revival in the 20th C. Aislinn, Ashling.
Aithne — (ATH-nyuh) "fire". Aine, Ena, Ethne.
Alana — (AH-lah-nah) "attractive, fair, peaceful". Influenced by the Anglo-Irish term of endearment alannah, Gaelic a leanbh "O child". Alaina, Alannah, Alanna.
Alastrํona — (al-is-TREE-nah) "defender of mankind"; feminine form of Alistair. Alastrina, Alastrine, Alexandra, Alexandrina.
Alby — anglicized from of Ailbhe.
Alma — (Celt) "all good"; from Latin almus "loving, good".
Alva — Irish anglicized form of Gaelic name Almha. Uncertain origin; earlier form Almu.
Alvy — variant of Elva.
Alyson — form of Alice, "noble"; Allison, Allyson, Alison.
Ana — (AW-ne) Old Irish goddess name. Ana, or Anu, also known as Dana or Danu, was the mother goddess of the mythic early settlers of Ireland, the Tuatha De Danaan.
Andraste — "victory". British war goddess worshipped by Queen Boadicea (Gaelic Boudicca).
มnna — (differs from native Aine) "grace". Anne.
Annstแs — (AN-stahs) "resurrection". Anastasia.
Anu — (AW-noo or AN-oo) Mother of the goddess of the Tuatha De Danann, Anu or Ana (AW-nee), who was the goddess of fertility, cattle, good health, prosperity, and plenty. Anann.
Aodhnait — (EH-nat) ancient Irish name of unknown meaning. Enat, Ena, Eny.
Aoibheann — ((W)EE-vuhn) ancient Irish name; traditional, meaning "foar form" or "beautiful sheen". Aoibhin, Aoibhinn, anglicized Eavan.
Aoife — (EE-fe or (W)EE-fyuh) "life, beautiful, or radiant". Of uncertain origin; probably a derivative of aoibh "beauty". In a tale of apprenticeship of the Ulster hero Cu Chulainn, Aife was the fiercest woman warrior in the world. After the hero defeated her, she bore his only son, Connla. Aife, sometimes anglicized Eva.
Areinh — (A-reen)(Gael) "pledge".
Arlana — (Celt) "pledge". Arlene.
Artis — "noble" or "lofty hill".
Asthore — from a stoir "loved one".
Attracta — Irish Latinized version attractus "attracted, drawn" of Gaelic name Athracht. St. Athracht or Attracta was a contemporary of St. Patrick who lived as a recluse in Sligo.

Bแb — (BEHB) pet name. Babe.
Badb — (BIBE) "boiling", "battle raven", or "scald-crow". A war goddess and wife of war god Net; sister of Morrigan, Anu, and Macha. Associated with the Cauldron of Life, enlightenment, inspiration, wisdom. Badhbh.
Baibํn — Irish Gaelic pet form of Bairbre.
Bแirbre — (BAR-bruh) "a stranger". IrGael form of Barbara; pet form Baibํn (BAB-een).
Bairrfhionn — "fair-haired". Barrfind, Bairre, Barre, Barron.
Banba — according to ancient Irish legend, Ireland was first called "the island of Banba of the women". One of the three goddesses of sovereignity who Amerigin met when he invaded Ireland.
Bean Mhi — (BEN-vee) "Lady of Meath". Benvy.
Beare — name of a Spanish princess who married Eoghan Mor. A peninsula on the southwest tip of Ireland is named for her.
B้bhinn — (BEH-vin or BAY-vin) be "woman" + binn "white or fair lady; sweet, melodious". Bevin, Befind.
Becuma — a woman from the Otherworld who married Conn Cetchathach, but lusted after his son Art.
Benvy — "Lady of Meath". Bean Mhi (BEN VEE).
Berrach — "pointed or sharp". Bearrach.
Bernadette — (fem. of Bernard) "courage of a bear".
Bevin — (BAY-vin) from Old Irish be "woman" + binn "sweet, melodious" = "lady with a sweet song". Name of several early Irish queens and saints, including a 12th C. abbess of Derry. Modern Irish Bebhinn.
Bidelia — "high one". Bedelia.
Binne — (BEE-ne) from Old Irish binn "sweet, melodious". Binne was the name of several fairy women in legend.
Blair — a Celtic word meaning "from the plain". Blaire, Blayre.
Blaithin — (BLAW-heen) from Old Irish blath "flower".
Blแthnaid — (BLA-na) from blath "flower", "blossom, flower-bud". Blathnat (BLA-nat), Blaithin (BLAW-heen), Blanaid, Florence.
Blayne — form of Blaine, "thin or lean".
Blinne — dim. of Mo-Ninne (Moninna), an Irish saint.
Boann — (BOO-an) goddess connected with healing and water.
Brazil — "brave, strong in conflict".
Breck — "freckled".
Breena — "dark hair", or "fairy palace".
Brenda — from the Irish word for "raven", and a feminine form of the male name Brendan. Brenna.
Brenna — "raven maid, dark-haired".
Bretta — "from Britain". Bret, Brett, Brit, Brite, Brittany, Brita.
Briana — (BREE-a-na) female form of Brian, probably from brig, "high, noble"; possibly "strong" and a variant of Brighid. Breanne, Brina, Breanna, Breann, Brianna, Briona, Bryna, Bryana, Riana.
Brianna — (BREE-ann-ah) form of Brian; "the strong". Briana.
Brid — (BREED) Old Irish goddess name from Celtic brig "power, renown, mighty". Most famous woman saint of Ireland is Brigid (patron saint of scholars), who was abbess of Kildare, previously the site of the shrine of a pagan goddess of the same name. In myth, there were three sister goddesses of the Tuatha De Danaan named Brigid: goddess of poetry; goddess of healing; and the goddess of smith work. Brighid (BRI-jid), Bride, Brietta, Brigid, Brigit, Bridget, Briggitte, Breeda, Berget, Bridey, Bryg, Gitta, Brํghid (BRIDE). Nicknames — Bridie, Bidelia, Bidina, Breda.
Brina — "protector", or "speckled".
Brit — "speckled, spotted, freckled" or "strength"; form of Brittania. Version of Bretta; Britta, Brites.
Bronagh — Irish form of Dolores. Brona.
Bryg — (BREE) from Celtic root brig "high, mighty". Name borne by 13 early saints. Variant of the name Brighid.

Caer — (kyair) "yew berry castle"; from the goddess Caer Ibormeith, a powerful shapeshifter and daughter of Ethal Anubail; loved by Aengus MacOg.
Cahan — from cath "battle" or "a warrior". An abbess of Kildare. Cathan.
Caillech — (CALL-yach or KEE-lek) goddess known as the Veiled One; teacher of the arts of war and viewed as a Destroyer aspect of the Goddess.
Caireach — (KEE-rek) from Old Irish name Cairech. St. Cairech Dergain is the patron saint of the women of the Kelly and Madden families.
Caireann — (KAW-ran) Cairenn Chasdubh (Cairenn of the Dark Curly Hair) was mother of Niall of the Nine Hostages, legendary ancestor of the O'Neill family and of the high kings of Ireland. Cairenn (kaw-REEN).
Cait — (KAYT) "pure". Variant of Caitriona, form of C/Katherine. Cailin (kay-LEEN or KAY-leen), Caiti (KAY-tee).
Caitriona — (kaw-TREE-a-na) Irish form of Catherine, brought by Anglo-Normans. Catariona, Cait (KAYT), Caitin (kay-TEEN), Kaitlin, Caitlin (kayt-LEEN), Caitilin, Caitrํn (KAT-teen), Triona (TREE-a-na).
Caoilfhionn — (KEE-lin) "slender, fair". Keelin.
Caoilinn — (KAY-leen) from Old Irish name Caelfind: cael "slender" + finn "bright, fair". St. Caelfind of Kerry's feast day is Feb. 3. Cailin.
Caoimhe — (KEE-vy) "gentleness, beauty, grace, precious, beloved". Keavy.
Cara — "friend". Carrie, Carry.
Carmel — "vineyard".
Casidhe — from a word meaning "clever" or "brave". Casie, Casey.
Ceara — (KEE-ahr-ah) from Old Irish name Cera, meaning may be "bright red". Cera was the name of a wife of Nemed, of legendary early invaders of Ireland.
Cece — form of Cecilia, "blind".
Cecily — form of Cecilia, "blind".
Celach — (KEL-ahk?) "bright-headed"; more commonly given to males.
Cessair — (KAH-seer) Of legend, name of the granddaughter of Noah, who was said to have led the first settlers to Ireland-a band of 50 women and 3 men whom Noah allegedly refused on the ark. All of Cessair's people perished in the great flood with the exception of Finian.
Ciannait — (KEE-nat, or KIN-nat) ancient Irish name. Kinnat, Keenat.
Ciar — (KEER) saint(s') name; ciar "dark" or "black". St. Ciar of Killkeary has 2 feast days — Jan. 5 and Oct. 16. Ciara (KEE-a-ra), Ceire (KEHR), Kiera, Keara.
Cinnie — "beauty".
Clare — "bright, clear". Claire, Clair.
Cliona — (KLEE-a-na) from Old Irish name Clidna. In legend, Clidna was the name of one of the three beautiful daughters of the poet Manannan mac Lir. A fairy of the same name was the guardian spirit of the MacCarthys. Modern Irish Cliodhna.
Clodagh — (KLOH-dah) from the name of rivers in Counties Tipperary and Waterford.
Cochrann — (KAW-kran) from Old Irish coch "red", possibly meaning "a red-haired woman". In legends of Finn mac Cumaill, Cochrann was the mother of the irresistable Diarmaid.
Colleen — derived from the Celtic word for "girl". Coleen.
Conchobarre — feminine version of masculine Conchobar. Conchobarra (KON-kho-var-ah).
Cordelia — "jewel of the sea".
Cori — derived from the word meaning "from the hollow". Cory, Corey.
Creidne — a woman warrior of the Fianna.
Cristํn — (KRIS-teen) "Christian". Christine/a, Cristiona (kris-TEE-nuh).
Cuimhne — (COOV-nee?) an Otherworld woman who helped Morgan get his wife back from Brandubh, who kidnapped her.
Cunneen — possibly means "rabbit"; from Southwest Ireland.

Dairine — (daw-REE-ne) from Old Irish daire "fruitful" or "fertile". The name of a legendary princess of Tara.
Dallas — "wise". Dallys, Dalishya, Dalyce.
Damhnait — (DEV-nat) "poet" or "fawn". Devnet, Downet, Dymphna.
Dana — "from Denmark"; also a version of the goddess Danu.
Darby — from the word meaning "free".
Darcy — "dark"; from French d'Arcy, meaning "from Arcy".
Daron — from the word meaning "great". Feminine version of Darren. Daryn, Daronica, Darnelle.
Davan — form of David, "beloved".
Dealla — (DAWL-la) Name of a legendary early invader of Ireland, a companion of the woman leader Cessair.
Dearbhแil — (DER-vahl) from Old Irish name Derbail, may mean "daughter of Fal (Ireland)" or "daughter of a poet"; der "daughter" + Fal, an ancient name for Ireland; may also mean "true desire". Modern Irish Dearbhแil, also written Dervla (DAYR-vla), Dervil (Der-uh-vil), Dearbhorgaill (DYAR-uhv-or-gill or JAR-vor-gill).
Dechtire — (deck-TIER-a) ancient Irish legend has her as the great-granddaughter of Angus mac Og, and half-sister of King Conchobar, and mother of Cu Chulainn.
Deirdre — (DYEER-dre or JEE-ur-druh) ancient Irish name, mythological heroine, meaning "young girl" or "woman", but usual meaning is "sorrow". Old Irish name popularized in the 20th C. In an early Irish tale, The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu, Deirdre was the daughter of Feidlimid, who was King Concobar's storyteller. Derdriu (very old spelling), Dierdre, Dedre, Deidra, Derdriu, Derdre.
Delaney — "descendant of the challanger".
Delbchaem — daughter of Morgan, king of Coinchend. A prophecy said that when she married her mother would die, therefore she was guarded by monsters. But Art got past all obstacles and took her for his wife.
Derry — from the Irish word meaning "redhead".
Devin — "poet"; male or female name. Devany, Devon, Devyn.
Devnet — (Downet) from Old Irish damnat "little doe"; "poet". Damnat, queen of Munster, was the legendary ancestor of the O'Cahills, O'Flynns and O'Moriartys. Modern Irish Damhnait (DOW-net or DEV-nat).
Doireann — (DAHR-an or DOHR-en) from Old Irish Doirend, poss. meaning "daughter of Finn"; may also mean "sullen"; or dim. of "gift of God". In legend, Doirend was the daughter of the fairy king Midir, another was the granddaughter of the pagan god Dagda. Anglicized Dorren, Doreen ("moody"), Dorothy; Doirend, Doirind, Dairinn.
Doneele — feminine version of male name Don, from the Irish god of the Underworld.
Donnfhlaidh — "brown princess". Rarely found in history. Dunlaith, Dunflaith.
Druantia — (Druh-AN-tee-a or druh-an-TEE-a) a Gaelic-Celtic Goddess known as Queen of thd Druids and Mother of the tree calendar, an ancient method the Celts used to divide their year.
Duana — "song". Dubhain.
Dubh — from dub "dark". A druidess who drowned the rival for her husband's affections. Her husband shot her with his sling, and she fell into a pool that was then called Dubhlinn, or Dublin.
Dubheasa — (doo-VAH-sa) from Old Irish dub "dark" + ess "waterfall", probably meaning "dark lady of the waterfall".
Dubh Lacha — wife of Mongan, who was born the same night as she. She was kidnapped by Brandubh and rescued with the help of Cuimhne.
Dympna — or Dymphna; suitable one, virgin saint. An Irish saint. Her place of martyred death is marked by a monument in Gheel, Belgium, where she had fled for her life and virtue, as her own father (an Irish king, as the story goes) was determined to wed her, his own daughter, following the death of his wife and queen (Dymphna's natural mother). She is traditionally the patroness of those with mental illness and nervous afflictions, but has lately been adopted (in light of her personal history) by victims of incest and other sexual abuses. There exists a worldwide St. Dymphna Devotion prayer community to which one may subscribe through the Franciscan Fathers.

Eabha — (AY-va) from Old Irish name Eva. In legend, Eva was one of the wives of Nemed, and early invader of Ireland.
Eachna — (AK-na) from Old Irish ech "horse". Early legend has a Connacht princess named Eachna who was one of the loveliest and cleverest women in the world. Echna.
Eadan — (AH-dan) from Old Irish name Etan, borne in one tale by the beloved of the hero Cu Chulainn.
ษadaoin — (eh-DEEN) fem. of Edwin "happy friend". Edwina.
Earlene — "pledge".
Eavan — (E-van) from Old Irish aibinn "fair form". Name of several legendary Irish princesses. Modern Irish Aoibheann.
Ebliu — another name of the sun goddess; or the Irish word oiph "beauty, sheen, radiance". Eibhliu, Eblenn, Eibhleann.
Edana — "ardent, flame, fiery, zealous" or "little fire". Ethna, Eda, Eithna.
Eibhilํn — (ay-LEEN or eh-y-LEEN) "light"; from French Aveline, brought by the Anglo-Normans, and very popular among the Middle Ages' nobility. Eibhlihin, Eily, Ebliu, Aibhilin, Eveleen, Eileen, Aileen, Ellen.
Eileแn๓ir — (EL-eh-nohr) from a Greek name meaning "light". Eilinora, Eleanor, Lean (LEHN).
Eileen — "bringer of light"; version of Helen. Eilene, Eleanore, Ellen, Elen, Elan, Ilene, Helen, Eily, Ellie.
Eilํs — (AY-lish or I-lish) "consecrated to God". Eilise, Eilish, Elizabeth.
Eimํle — (EM-i-lee) "industrious". Emily.
Eithne — (AY-he-ne or ETH-nuh) "kernel" or "seed". Early Irish name. Mythical Eithne was the mother of the god Lugh. Also the name of many legendary queens, including the wives of Conn of the Hundred Battles and Cormac mac Airt. Also the name of eight saints. Anglicized Ethna (ET-na), Etney, Enya.
Elatha — (AHL-a-hah) Old name meaning "art or craft"; a female or male name.
Elva — (AL-va) legend says she was the sister-in-law of the god Lugh.
Emer — (EE-mer or ah-VAIR) In legend, Emer was the wife of hero Cu Chulainn. She refused to marry him until he answered a series of riddles, for she would only marry the man who was her equal in noble birth, beauty and wisdom. She is said to have the six gifts of womanhood: beauty, chastity, needlework, sweet speech, voice, and wisdom. Her story is retold in William Butler Yeats' play The Only Jealousy of Emer. Eimer.
Ena — from the Celtic word for "fire". Enat.
Erin — "peace". The name for Ireland which comes from an ancient goddess whose name was Eriu. Eriu was one of the three queens of the Tuatha De Danann and daughter of the Dagda. Eireann, Erina, Eryn, Eriu (ERR-I-oo).
Erlina — Gaelic name meaning "girl from Ireland".
Ernine — from iarn "iron".
Etain — (eh-TAIN) "shining"; a daughter of the great Tuatha De Danann physician Dian Cecht, who became the wife of the god Ogma. Etan.
Etaoin — (AY-deen) from Old Irish et "jealousy". Legendary heroine surpassed all other women in beauty and gentleness. Heroine in the tale The Wooing of Etain, telling of the competition for her love between the fairy king Midir and the mortal king Eochaid Airem. Eithne.
Evelyn — "life". Eve, Evette, Evonne.

Fainche — (FAN-chuh) Irish saint name. Fanny.
Fallon — "grandchild of the ruler" or "in charge". Falen, Fallan.
Fand — a goddess of healing and pleasure in Ireland and Isle of Man, who married the sea god Manannan mac Lir.
Feenat — "deer".
Fianait — (FYAN-it or FEE-nat) Old Irish word for "deer". Two early saints by this name. Fionnait, Feenat.
Fedelm — name of Conchobhar mac Nessa (king of Ulster, Fedelm Noichrothach (Nine-Times Beautiful). Feidhelm (FAY-delm).
Fenella — "white shoulder"; feminine version of the name Finn. Fionnghuala.
Fethnaid — daughter and accomplished harp player of Fidach, a bard of the Tuatha De Danann. Her death was considered to be one of the three great losses of the Tuatha. Fethnat.
Fidelma — (fee-DEL-ma) from Old Irish name Fedelm. Fedelm Noichrothach (Fedelm Nine-Times-Beautiful) was the daughter of King Conchobar mac Nessa of Ulster, and a woman warrior. Also six Irish saints by this name. Modern Irish Feidhelm (FAY-delm).
Finnsech — "fair or blonde lady". Finnseach.
Finola — (FIN-oh-la) "white shoulder".
Fiona — (FYUN-a, FEE-nuh or Fee-oh-nah (modern))(Celt) from the word finn "brilliant, white, fair". Finna, Fionn.
Fionnabhair — (fyuhn-OOR) from Old Irish name Finnabarr: finn "bright, fair" + siabhre "phantom, fairy", Irish equivalent of Welsh Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere). Legendary Finnabarr was a daughter of King Aillil and Queen Maeve of Connacht. Finnabarr, Fion๚ir.
Fionnuala — (fi-NOO-a-la or fin-Noo-la) from Old Irish finn "white, bright, fair" + guala "shoulders". Popular in Middle Ages; later anglicized as Finola (fi-NOH-la); nickname Nuala (NOO-a-la); Fionnguala, Fionnula, Fenella, Finola, Nuala, Finvola (Scotland).
Flann — (FLAHN) from Old Irish flann "blood red". Flann has been the name of poets, scholars, abbots, saints, queens and kings. Flann Feorna was king of Kerry in the 8th C., and an ancestor of the O'Connors. Flannacan, Flanna.
Flannery — from the Irish for "redhead".
Flidais — an Irish goddess of forests, woodlands, and wild creatures.
Fodla — "sovereignty". An ancient goddess with Banba and Eriu.
Fuamnach — a wife of Midir, the fairy king, and very jealous of his other wife Etain. She got rid of Etain by using magic and turning her into a fly.

Geileis — (GAY-leesh) from Old Irish name Gelgeis: gel "shining, bright" + geis "swan". Name of several early Irish princesses. Geillis.
Gemma — (JEM-ma) "precious stone".
Glenna — from a Gaelic word meaning "glen" or "valley". Glynis.
Gobnait — (GOB-nitch) from Old Irish gobha "a smith". Name of early saint and abbess of Munster. One of her miracles was to overcome an army by unleashing her bees on them. Her beehive, a holy relic, was kept for many years by the O'Herlihy family. Anglicized Gobnet.
Gormlaith — (GOORM-la) from Old Irish gorm "splendid" + flaith "queen, sovereignty"; other sources say it means "blue princess", "blue lady" or "illustrious princess". Popular in Middle Ages, name of many queens, including wife of Brian Boru. Sometimes anglicized as Gormghlaith GOR-em-lee, Gormley, Gormly.
Grแinne — (GROH-nyuh) "sun" or "sun goddess" or "grace, love"; ancient name borne by 16th C. queen. Grania.
Grania — (GRAW-nya) from Old Irish grainne "grain, seed". Prob. name of an ancient Irish grain goddess. In a medieval tale, Grแinne was betrothed to Finn mac Cumhaill, but eloped with Diarmaid. Grania Mhaol Ni Mhaolmhaigh (Grace O'Malley) was a chieftainess of the Burkes of County Mayo and renowned for her seafaring skills and fought against Queen Elizabeth I's forces. Granna, Grain, Granya, Grแinne (GRAW-ne) most modern), Grace.
Granuaile — a variation of the name Grania, but also the name of an actual Irish woman who lived from 1530-1603.
Guennola — from the Celtic word meaning "white".
Gwendolyn — "white brow". Pet form: Gwen.
Gweneth — "fair".

Hilde — "battle maid"; name of Irish abbess. Hildy.
Honorah — used in Ireland, Latin in origin; means "honor". More commonly found in the forms Annora, On๓ra and N๓ra.

อde — (EED-uh) "thirst". Ida, Ita.
Ina — Irish version of Agnes.
Isib้al — (ISH-a-behl or i-se-BEL) "consecrated to God". From Norman French name Isabel.
Isleen — (ish-LEEN) "vision". Islene.
Ite, Ide — (EE-te) from Old Irish ite "thirst or devouring". Saint's name said to signify the thirst for divine love. 6th C. St. Ite was abbess of Killeedy in County Limerick. Composed a famous lullaby to baby Jesus. Ita.

Jilleen — from the Latin name Juliane or Julius, meaning "youthful".
Juliane — "youthful". Jill, Jillian, Julianne, Gill, Gillian, Sheila.

Kacey — "brave"; variant of Casie. Kacy, Casey.
Kassidy — "clever". Cassidy.
Kathleen — "pure". Katharine, Kathryn, Kathie, Kate.
Keara — "saint"; variant of Ceara.
Keavy — "gentleness, beauty, grace". Probably from Caoimhe.
Keelie — "beautiful princess" or "beautiful and graceful". Keely, Keeley.
Keelin — "slender, fair". Keelan, Keely, Keelia.
Keena — from the Irish word for "brave".
Keira — "black haired".
Kelly — from the Gaelic word for "warrior woman"; "farm by the spring". At an ancient shrine of the goddess Brigit at Kildare, there were sacred priestesses and warrior women called kelles, and its possible the name and surname came from them. Kellie, Kelli, Kaley.
Kenna — version of male name Kenneth. Kennice.
Kennocha — (ken-OH-kuh) "beauty".
Kerry — from a Gaelic word for "dark, dark-haired". Keriann.
Kevyn — "beautiful, gentle, lovable". Feminine form of Kevin. Keva, Kevina, Kevena.
Kiana — from Quiana; "soft, synthetic material".
Kiara — "small and dark".
Kiley — from the word for "attractive"; "handsome, near the chapel". Fem. form of Kyle. Kyli, Kylee, Kylie, Kyleigh.
Kinnat — "ancient". Keenat.

Labhaoise — (LAU-ee-shuh) "holiness". Louisa, Louise.
Laoise — "radiant girl"; possibly the same as Luigsech, from the god Lugh.
Lasair — (LOH-seer) from Old Irish lassa "flame". Several queens and saints with this name, including St. Lassar of Meath. Luighseach, Luiseach, Luigsech.
Lasairํona — (las-a-REE-nuh) from lasaire "flame" + fion "wine"; Lassarina, Lasairfhiona,.
Lavena — from the Celtic word for "joy".
Leary — (LEER ee, LAIR ee, L'Heery) from Old Irish name Laegaire, may mean "calf-herder". Name of two saints and a king of Tara. Laoighaire, Laoghaire, Laoire.
Liadan — (LYAH-dan) Old Irish name, probably meaning "gray lady". A poetess who was the beloved of poet Cuirithur, even though she was a nun. Another Liadan was the mother of St. Ciaran of Seir. He was conceived after she swallowed a star that had fallen into her mouth while sleeping.
Lil — pet form of Elizabeth. Lile (LIL-ee), Lilly, Lelia.
Luiseach — (LOO-seh or LEE-sak) "bringer of light"; feminine form of Lugh, and name of an early saint. Luighseach, Lucy.

Mabh — (MEEV) "drunk woman" or "wolf queen"; a goddess and fairy queen. Mab.
Macha — (MAH-ka) Old Irish goddess name meaning "battle" or "crow". One of the three war goddesses of the Tuatha De Danaan. Name is associated with the royal site of Ulster, once Emain Macha (Twins of Macha), now Navan Fort, and nearby ecclesiastical site founded by St. Patrick, Armagh (Ard Macha "Hill of Macha"). St. Macha is patron of Killiney. Mania, Mene.
Mแda — (MEH-duh) from Mathilde.
Madail้in — (MAD-e-lehn) Magdalene. Madeline, Maighdlin (MEHD-leen).
Maeve — (MAYV or MEHV) from Old Irish Medb "intoxicating" or "fragile". Medb Lethderg was a name of the goddess of sovereignty at Tara. Said to be the wife of 9 successive kings, including Conn of the Hundred Battles, his son Art, and Art's son Cormac mac Airt. Modern Irish Meadhbh. Medb, Meave, Meaveen.
Maille — form of Molly, from Mary; "the perfect one".
Mแire — (MAW-zhe, MAW-re or MEH-ree) "bitter"; Irish form of Mary. The name was considered too sacred to name a child and was not used before the 17th C. Children were given Mael Muire "devotee of Mary". Moira, Maura, Maurya, Mairin (maw-REEN).
Mแir้ad — (MAW-rayt or MAW-reed) from Greek margaron "pearl". Popular due to admiration of St. Margaret, queen of Scots in 11th C. Peig, Peigi are popular Irish-language nicknames. Margaret, Maighread (MEH-reed).
Mairin — (maw-ZHEEN, maw-REEN) Dim. of Maire, also Maureen.
Mairsil — fem. of Marcel "warlike". Marcella, Mairsile.
Maitilde — "battle maiden". Matilda, Maiti, Matty.
Mallaidh — (MAL-ee) "bitter". Molly, May.
Margo — (MOHR-gaw) Legend fairy and mother of Etain.
Margreg — Irish version of Latin Margareta. Popular in Ireland after Malcolm III of Scotland married Margareta of the Hungarian Court, who later became a saint. Mairghread.
Marsali — "a pearl".
Marta — "bitter".
Maureen — from the Celtic word for "great". Moreen.
Mave — "mirth". Maeve.
Mavelle — from the Celtic word for "songbird". Mavie.
Meadghbh — (MEEV) "agile". Meaveen, Mabbina.
Meagan — a variation of Medb.
Meara — "merry".
Medb — "intoxicating" or "she who makes men drunk". Medb, Maedhbh, Meadhbh.
Mell — (MAHL, MAH-la) from Old Irish mall "lightning". Mell, sister of St. Kevin, was the mother of seven saints. Mella (MAH-la).
Melva — from the Celtic word for "chief"; "mill worker"; form of Melvin.
Melvina — (Celt) "cheiftain".
Meriel — "shining sea". Meriol, Muriel.
Mess Buachalla — translation is "Cowherd's Fosterchild". Name of the daughter of Etain and Cormac.
Mhari — (VAH-ri) Irish/Old Gaelic. Variation of Maire.
Michaela — feminine form of Michael.
Mide — (MEE-duh) variant of Ide. Meeda.
Moina — "mild". Moyna.
Moira — "the great".
Mona — (MOH-na) from Old Irish name Muadnat, derived from muad "noble, good". St. Muadnat of Drumcliffe. Muadnat, Muadhnait (MOO-uh-nit).
Moncha — "adviser". Monica, Monika.
Moninne — a version of the name Blinne. A St. Moninne worked at a Kildare hospital in the time of St. Brighid where she healed the sick and gave generously to the poor. She established a community at the foot of Slieve Gullion in Killevy, County Armagh.
M๓r — (MOHR) from Old Irish mor "great, tall". Popular until the 19th C. Moire, Morin, Moya, Moirin, More, Moreen, Maureen.
Moriath — daughter of a Gaelic king, she was wooed and won by Craiftine.
Morrigan — (MOHR-ee-gan) called the Great Queen, Irish goddess of war, but never took part in a battle; although in the Tain bo Cuilgne, she takes part in the battle. Paraphrased, there is a line, "And over their heads went a grey-haired hag hopping", the hag being the Morrighan collecting her "acorn crop", which were the heads of slain enemies. Later tales have her as the queen of the Fairies. Morrighan, Morgan.
Morgan — "sea dweller".
Morna — from muirne "beloved, affection".
Moya — "great".
Muadhnait — from muad "noble, good". A St. Muadnat founded a monastery in Drumcliffe, County Sligo.
Muireann — (MEER-an or MOHR-in) "of the long hair"; from Old Irish muir "sea", may also mean "sea-white" or "sea-fair"; and an ancient feminine version of Murphy. Wife of Finn mac Cumhaill's son Oisin. A legendary Queen Muireann was ancestress of the kings of Connacht. Four abbesses of Kildare also had this name. Muirrean, Murron, Morrin.
Muirin — (MEER-een) from Old Irish muir "sea" + gein "birth" or "born of the sea". In the 6th C., a 300 year old pagan mermaid with this name was captured in Lough Neagh by fisherman of St. Comgall. Comgall baptized her, enabling her to go to heaven. Muirgen, Muirenn.
Muiriol — (MEER-ol) from Old Irish Muirgel muir "sea" + gel " bright, shining". Muirol was the name of several early queens of Leinster.
Muirne — (MEER-ne) Ancient name meaning "high-spirited". Muirne Munchaem (Lovely-Shouldered Muirne) was the mother of Finn mac Cumhaill. Myrna, Morna.
Murine — sister-in-law to Lugh and mother of Fionn. After Fionn's father's death, Murine was unable to protect him, so she left him in the care of a druidess and a woman warrior.
Muirgheal — (MOHR-e-guhl) "sea-bright" or "sea-fair". Muirgel, Murel, Muriel.
Murphey — "sea warrior". Murphy.
Myrna — derived from the Irish word for "beloved".

Naomh — from the Irish word for "a saint".
Nainsi — (NAN-see) "grace". Nancy, Nance, Nan.
Narbflaith — "noble princess"; listed in records as the name of a series of princesses and the name of a wife of an abbot of Trim, County Meath.
Neala — "having chieftains"; femimine version of Niall, "champion".
Nessa — (NES-ah) An Old Irish name, Nessa was the name of the mother of Conchobar mac Nessa, great legendary king of Ulster. Her original name was Assa "gentle", until one day she came home and found her 12 foster fathers murdered by an outlaw band. She avenged their deaths and changed her name to Ni-assa "ungentle", or Nessa.
Nevina — feminine form of Nevin, "worshipper of the saint".
Nia — variant of Welsh name Niamh. Nya.
Niamh — (NEE-av) from Old Irish Niam "luster, sheen, brightness, radiance, brilliance". Legendary princess of Tir-na-nog (the Land of Youth), took Finn mac Cumhaill's son Oisin to the otherworld. Niam, Nia.
Nila — feminine version of male names Neil and Niall. Nyla.
Noel — "born at Christmas".
Nola — short version of Fionnula. Nuala.
Nora — (NOH-ra) "honor"; Irish version of Latin name Honora(h). Norah, Nora.
Noreen — (IrGael) Irish spelling of Nora or Eleanor.

Odharnait — (OHR-nat) "pale, olive-colored". Ornait, Orna, Ornat, Odarnat from the word for "otter" or word for "sallow female".
Oilbhe — (OL-iv) Irish spelling of Olive.
Onora — version of Honora(h).
Oona — "one"; version of Una. Oonagh, Ona.
Orghlaith — (OHR-e-lath) from a word meaning "golden lady"; Orlaithe, Orla.
Orla — (OHR-la) "golden woman"; from Old Irish or "gold" + flaith "sovereignty, queen". Name of King Brian Boru's sister and daughter. Popular in the Middle Ages, and again today. Orlaith.
Ornice — "olive-coloured".
Orn๓ra — "honor". Honor, Honora(h).

Padraigin — (PAH-dri-geen) Recent feminine form of Padraig, from Latin word for "noble". Patricia.
Paili — (PAHL-ee) "bitter". Polly, Poll, Pal.
Payton — form of male name Patrick or Padraig.
Pegeen — "a pearl".
Philomena — "powerful friend".
Proinns้as — (PRON-sheh-uhs) "free". Frances, Fanny.

Quincy — "fifth".

Ranait — (RAN-eh) "grace, prosperity". Renny.
Regan — "royal". Reganne, Regeen.
Regina — "queen".
Renny — "grace; prosperity"; "small but mighty".
Richeal — (RICH-ehl) name of a saint. Rachel.
Rigru Roisclethan — the queen of Been Edair, a place in the Otherworld. When Conn Cetchathach was about to kill her son at Tara, she appeared as a wailing woman.
Riley — "valiant". Rileigh, Rylie, Rylee, Rylyn.
Rํoghnach — (REE-nuh) Irish saint. Riona, Regina.
Riomthach — one of the five sisters of St. Colman of County Cork. Riofach.
Riona — (REE-nuh) from the word for "saint"; saint name; form of Regina, "queen".
Rionach — (REE-uh-nak) from Old Irish name Rignach "queenly". Queen Rionach was legendary ancestor of the MacLoughlins, O'Donnells, O'Gallaghers, O'Gormleys, and O'Neills. Rioghnach, Riona.
R๓ise — (ROH-shuh) "rose". Rose, Roisin (ROH-sheen).
Rori — from the word meaning "famous" or "brilliance".
Ros — (ROHS) derivation unknown, poss. from Germanic hros "horse" or English "rose". Roise, Roisin (row-SHEEN).
Rosemary — combination of Rose and Mary.
Rowena — derived from the word meaning "white mane" or "white hair"; possibly "slender and fair".
Ryann — feminine version of Ryan, "little ruler".

Sadhbh — (SAH-eev or SAYV) from Old Irish Sadb, prob. meaning "sweet" or "goodness". Name of several real Irish princesses, including daughters of Conn of the Hundred Battles, Queen Medb of Connacht, and King Brian Boru. Sive, Sadhbba, Sadbh, Sabhbh, Sabha (SE-va).
Saoirse — (SEER-sha) from Irish saor "freedom or libery"; also a male name.
Saorla — (SAYR-la) from Old Irish name Saerlaith: saer "noble" + flaith "queen, sovereignty".
Saraid — "clear, bright".
Sarah — "princess"; or form of Sorcha (Old Irish) "clear, bright".
Scathach — (SKAW-hak) from Old Irish scath "shadow, shade". Scathach was a legendary woman warrior and prophetess who gave final battle training to Ulster hero Cu Chulainn; she was also known as Scota and Scatha.
Sceanbh — wife of the harper Craiftine, her betrayal with Cormac caused the harper to try to kill Cormac.
Sean — (SHAHN) "god's gracious gift". Shawn.
Seana — variant of names Sine and Shauna.
Seanait — (SHAY-nat) from Old Irish name Segnat, derived from seig "a hawk".
Seara — derived from word for "black". Sierra.
S้arlait — (SHEHR-let) Irish spelling of French-Norman Charlotte, "petite, feminine".
Seosaimhthํn — (SHO-sha-veen) "god will add"; Irish version of Josephine. Seosaimhin.
Shanley — "the hero's child". Shanleigh.
Shannon — (SHAH-non) "wise one"; name of the longest river in Ireland, from the old Irish goddess Sinann, granddaughter of Manannan Mac Lir. Not used as a first name in Ireland. Shanna.
Sํlbhe — [SHEEL-uh-vuh] modern and rare Irish form of Sylvia.
Sile — (SHEE-la) "blind" or "gray eyes"; Irish form of Cecilia. Sheela, Sheelah, Sheila, Shelagh, Sheelagh, Shiela, Sheilag, Cicily, Celia, Selia, Sissy.
Sํne — (SHEE-na or SEEN-uh) "god's gracious gift"; in County Derry, a variation of Sinead. An Irish form of French Jeanne and Jeanette. Sina, Seena, Sheena, Shena, Shana, Shauna, Shay, Shona, Shonda, Shawnda, Shonta, Shunta.
Sin้ad — (SHIN-ayd or SHEE-naid) "gracious"; Irish version of French-Norman names Jeanne and Jonet. Jane, Janey, Sine (SHEE-na).
Siobhแn — (SHIV-awn or shuh-VAHN) "gracious"; from French-Norman name Jeanne, fem. form of Jean (equiv. of English John). Siban, Shibahn, Joan, Hannah, Siobhanin (shi-VAWN-een).
Siofra — word for a "changeling" or "little elf". It's also used as a term for a precocious child. It's use as a name is modern (20th century).
Siomha — (SHEE-va) from Old Irish name Sithmaith: sith "peace" + maith "good". Sithmaith was the name of 8th C. abbess of Clonburren. Sheeva.
Sive — anglicization of Sadhbh, meaning "sweet".
Slแine — (SLAH-nye or SLAHN-nuh) "good health"; used in medieval times by the MacNamaras and O'Briens. Slany.
Sorcha — (SOO-ruh-ka or SOHR-e-khuh) from Old Irish sorchae "bright, radiant". Popular from the Middle Ages to present. Sarah.
Steise — (STEH-shuh) dim. of Annstas (Gr) "resurrection".
S๚sanna — "lily".
Sybil — dim. of Elizabeth. Sibby, Sibi, Siobaigh (shuh-BEH).

Taillte — in legend, the foster-mother of the god Lugh, and daughter of a Spanish king who married Eochaid of the Tuatha De Danann. She and Lugh were honored by games in honor of the dead at Mag Taillten in County Meath. The town is now known as Teltown on the River Blackwater. Until the 18th or 19th C.'s, "Teltown Marriages" were held in the ring-fort of Rath Dugh. If, after a year and a day the couple did not wish to continue the marriage, they returned to the fort, stood with their backs to each other, and walked away. Tailltiu, Tailtiu.
Tara — (TAH-ra) "tower" or "crag"; from Old Irish Temair. In legend, Temair was wife of Eremon, leader of the ancestors of the Irish, Sons of Mil. Temair gave her name to the hill of Tara, the traditional seat of Irish kingship. Teamhair (TOHR).
Teamhair — (TOHR) probably "eminence" or "elevated place". Possible version of Tara.
Theneva — (prob. Irish Gaelic) Saint Theneva, with her son, Saint Kentigern (Mungo) the patron saints of Glasgow. Possibly also: Theneu, Thenu, and Denw. The daughter of a Pictish king.
Tierney — from the word meaning "noble". Tiernan.
Tipper — "water pourer".
Tlachtga — daughter of Mog Ruith, she traveled throughout the world with her father and learned his magic. Druids lit their Samhain fires on her mound twelve miles from Tara.
Toir้asa — (toh-REH-suh) Irish form of Teresa "harvester". Theresa, Tessie.
Treasa — "strength"; used as an equivalent of Teresa, but no connection. Treise, Toir้asa.
Trevina — "prudent"; feminine version of Trevor. Treva.
Troya — derived from Irish word for "foot soldier".
Tullia — "peaceful, quiet". Tuila, Tulliah.
Tuiren — an Otherworld woman who was Fionn's aunt and married to Iollan, one of the Fianna.

Uathach — "specter"; daughter of Scathach, and became the mistress of Cu Chulainn after her husband died.
Ula — (Celt) "sea jewel" or "gem of the sea". Uli, Ulicia.
ฺna — (OO-nuh) derived from old word uan "lamb"; also listed as "unity"; ancient Irish name; the O'Carroll family had a bean sidhe (banshee) with this name. Also a legendary daughter of a king of Lochlainn. Popular in the Middle Ages. Oona, Oonagh, Winifred, Uny, Unity.
Una — (OO-na) from Old Irish uan "lamb". Legendary daughter of a king of Lochlainn. Popular in Middle Ages. Oona, Oonagh.
Ursula — "little bear".

Vanessa — "butterfly".
Vevina — form of Gaelic B้bhinn, "sweet lady".
Vivienne — from Latin for "living".

Whiltierna — from faol "wolf" + tiarna "lord". Faoiltiarna.
Withypol — possibly from English withy "twig, willow" + poll "head".
Wony — form of Una.

Yseult — variant of Welsh Iseult. Ysolte.
Yvon — "archer". Yvonne, Yvonn, Yvone.

Zaira — name invented by Irish writer C.R. Maturin, in his novel Women; or, pour et contre (1818).
Zinna — name appearing in the Toler-Aylward family of Shankhill Castle.