This name features in the legend of Cathal the King: (Lady Wilde, Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland, 1888). Fun Fact: Sheila Scott was a record-setting long distance female pilot, and the first British aviator to fly solo around the world. Fun Fact: Tarquin “Quinn” Blackwood is a character in The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice. John O'Hart in Irish Pedigrees, however, gives the meaning as ‘god of arms’. Latin—Coelfinnia. Fun Fact: Leonardo da Vinci’s "Mona Lisa" is one of the most famous paintings in the world. Aoibheann, Old Irish—Aibfinn, Æbfind, fair form; an ancient Irish name, borne by the mother of St. Enda. Eoin (Irish pronunciation: , sometimes spelled Eóin, or Eoinn) is an Irish name.The Scottish Gaelic equivalent is Eòin (Scottish Gaelic pronunciation: ) and both are closely related to the Welsh Ioan.It is also cognate with the Irish Seán.In the Irish language, it is the name used for all Biblical figures known as John in English, including John the Baptist and John the Apostle. Commonly pronounced ‘Breege’ with a soft ‘g’. It is in honour of St. James the Greater that the name is used in Ireland, as in Europe generally. the earth; the glob: orbis terrae, terrarum the continent: (terra) continens (B. G. 5. Kealey is more usually an Irish surname or family name, although the use of Irish surnames as given names has become common in the US (Kelly, Shannon, Ryan, Murray, Donovan…) There are a number of variants of the spelling of the Kealey name including Keeley, Kealey, Keeley, Keely, Keiley, all pronounced more or less the same. Fun Fact: The family name of Keelan originates from the county of Devon in England. The name appears in the title of a composition by the famous Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan: “… O'Carolan composed it in honour of Mary MacDermot (the daughter of the Princess of Coolavin), who was the Princess Royal of the MacDermot family, and for whom O'Carolan composed another song, ‘Maire an Cuilfhin’ (Fair-haired Mary)” (William H. Grattan Flood, O'Carolan and his Contempories, A History of Irish Music, 1905). The book is also available in Kindle. Fun Fact: Dillon is a city in South Carolina and home to South of the Border, a rest stop and tourist attraction on Interstate 95 just south of the North Carolina border. Pronounced ‘Keer-ran’. St. Tadhg was martyred at Wurtzburg; his feast was kept on 8 July. Fun Fact: Keegan is an English translation and modification of the Irish clan name Mac Aodhagáin. Pronounced ‘Don-ah-ka’. Central Statistics Office. Fun Fact: Colleen is from the word cailín which is Irish for a girl or young woman. Featured - Irish clans, Huguenot names, etc. Fun Fact: Finley is the name of one of Elvis Presley’s granddaughters. ", Fun Fact: Garrett Fort is best known for his work as a screenwriter on such horror films as "Dracula" and "Frankenstein.". Pronounced ‘Mwir-ren’. Fun Fact: Diamonds were mined from the Kelsey Lake Diamond Mine in Colorado from 1996 until 2001. St. Ailbe died in 541. The name is pronounced ‘Derd-rye’. Pronounced ‘Mah-raid’. The wife of King Cormac Mac Art was called Eithne: “His queen, Eithne, bore him three sons and ten daughters.” (Alfred Webb, Cormac MacArt, A Compendium of Irish Biography, 1878). Saint Brendan of Clonfert is reputed to have sailed to America in the 6th Century—The Tradition of Saint Brendan's Voyage to America (Thomas D'Arcy McGee, A History of the Irish Settlers in North America, 1852). Fun Fact: "Ryan’s Hope" was an American Soap Opera that appeared on television from 1975 to 1989. Eibhlín, sunlight; the name of the mother of Constantine; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Pronounced ‘Paah-rick’ or ‘Paw-rick’. Nuala (Nappy, Penelope, Penny); a shortened form of Fionnghuala. Seán is the source for English versions such as Shaun, Shawn and Shon. Fun Fact: As part of the U.S. Olympic team, Shauna Rohbock and her teammate Valerie Fleming won the silver medal in the two-woman bobsled event at the 2006 Winter Games in Torino. It is not a common name in Ireland. Cormac, Old Irish—Corbmac, chariot-son, charioteer, or son of Corb; an ancient Irish name, very common among the MacCarthys, MacDermotts, MacDonoughs, Maguires, O'Clerys, O'Connors of Connacht, O'Donnells and O'Farrells; now generally anglicised Charles. Séamus, literally ‘one who takes by the heel’ (Gen. XXV. Fun Fact: Named to honor the life of astronaut John H. Glenn, the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio works on research and development for NASA missions. Smokestack: Blacks: Believed to originate in pre WW II Detroit. Often pronounced ‘Moy-ah’. “… the country was ruled over by three Dedannan princes, who reigned each for one year in their turn. Provides details not only of 100s of Irish forenames but also 1000s of surnames and names of clans in Ireland. Where information is provided at the start of entries without a reference it can be assumed that it comes from Irish Names and Surnames by Patrick Woulfe.. Bear in mind that there can be widely different interpretations of meanings of names, as you will see, and that pronunciation can vary widely according to the region in Ireland and through time.. Deirdre. Meaning ‘wealth’ and pronounced ‘Mween’ [F. A. Fahy, The Revival of Irish Names (1886)]. Árdghal, genitive -ghail. It still survives, anglicised Loughlin and Laughlin. Cian, an old Irish name, meaning ‘ancient’; common among the O'Haras and O'Garas of Connacht and the O'Carrolls of Ely, who, no doubt, took it from their great ancestor, Cian, the son of Olioll Olum, King of Munster, and among the O'Mahonys of South Munster, after their great ancestor, Cian, the son-in-law of Brian Boru, who led the forces of Desmond at the battle of Clontarf; still in use, but sometimes ridiculously anglicised Cain. While the entire island of Ireland may only have a population of around 6.4 million (according to the 2011 census), up to 70 million people believe they are of Irish descent. While most people in Ireland speak English, there are some areas where Gaelic is the primary language. According to the article The Revival of Irish Names (1886) from the Irish Fireside the meaning of Brigid is ‘fiery dart’. Caoimhe, an Irish name, signifying ‘gentleness,’ ‘beauty,’ ‘grace,’ ‘courtesy’; borne by a Scoto-Irish saint whose feast-day is 2 November. Nuala has been a popular name throughout Irish history: “… Lady Nuala O'Connor, daughter of the noble O'Connor Faly, and wife of the powerful chieftain, Hugh O'Donnell.” (Margaret Anne Cusack, An Illustrated History of Ireland, 1868); Lady Nuala O'Connor helped establish the Franciscans in Donegal. Pronounced ‘Kor-mack’. of muir, sea, and ceart, right, meaning ‘sea-director,’ ‘expert at sea,’ ‘able navigator’; an ancient Irish name, common among the O'Briens, O'Connors, &c.; still in use [1920s], but generally anglicised Mortimer, with which it has no connection. Sláine, an old Irish name, meaning ‘health’; common among the O'Briens. Thomas O Flannghaile in Celtic Surnames, For the Tongue of the Gael, 1896, gives the meaning of the name Bláthnaid as ‘Floweret’. Fun Fact: Cory Matthews is a fictional character from the 1990s sitcom "Boy Meets World" who returns to TV almost 20 years later as the father a young girl in "Girl Meets World. Niamh, meaning ‘effulgence’ (dazzling light) according to The Revival of Irish Names (1886) from the Irish Fireside and pronounced ‘Neeve’. Tomas O Flannghaile in Celtic Surnames, 1896, gives the meaning of the name Aoibheann as ‘delightful’. The Scots make it Duncan. Here are some of the most popular and unique Irish baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information. Eleven saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. The Three Cairbres were important founders of tribes in Ireland (Margaret Anne Cusack, An Illustrated History of Ireland, 1868). Eithne, an Irish personal name, meaning ‘a kernel’; borne by three virgin saints. Fun Fact: “Come on Eileen” was a massive hit song for the Dexys Midnight Runners reaching number one in the United States in 1983. Pronounced ‘Shiv-awn’. Pronounced ‘Ruhr-ree’. “Fergus, one of the chiefs who headed the migration of the Irish to the Western Highlands of Scotland” (Alfred Webb, Fergus, A Compendium of Irish Biography). Incredible, a powerful superhero and part of a family of "supers” in the Disney animated films "The Incredibles" and "Incredibles 2.". Here are some popular and unique Irish baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information. Fun Fact: Mount Sheridan rises to an elevation of 10,313 feet above Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Fun Fact: Actress Maureen McCormick played Marsha, the pretty and popular oldest Brady daughter, on the hit 1970s TV Show "The Brady Bunch.". Óglaigh na hÉireann Irish Defence Forces. Fun Fact: Braden is the name of a small town in Tennessee and a river in Florida. Dearbháil, compound of dearbh, true, and áil, desire; an ancient Irish name. Pronounced ‘Kee-an’. From James Bonwick, Senchus Mor, Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions, 1894, we learn that, “Brigh Ambui was a female author of wisdom and prudence among the men of Erin”. According to the article The Revival of Irish Names (1886) from the Irish Fireside the meaning of Aoife is ‘pleasant’ and it is pronounced ‘Ee-fa’. Can be pronounced ‘Col-um’. It does not appear to have come into common use as a woman's name until the 17th or 18th century. Johannes)” (John O'Hart, note to the Fitzmaurice pedigree, Irish Pedigrees, 1892). The native home of the northern invaders was known to the Irish as Lochlainn, a name which is supposed to signify ‘Lakeland’ or ‘Fiordland.’ This was quickly adopted by the Irish as a personal name and became very popular. Cairbre, Old Irish—Coirbre, charioteer; formerly a common name among the O'Farrells, O'Beirnes, &c.; in use in a few families down to recent times. Sadhbh was a daughter of Brian Boru and Lady Gormflaith (see Gormfhlaith above). Clicking on the individual names will provide information on the surname distribution in Ireland taken from the Birth Indexes of 1890. Ineen, meaning ‘daughter’ and pronounced ‘Innein’ [F. A. Fahy, The Revival of Irish Names (1886)]. Pronounced ‘Rooan’. Brian Boru “… had a famous son, Murchadh, who destroyed all serpents to be found in Ireland.” (James Bonwick, Serpent Faith, Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions, 1894). For an extended list of Irish girls’s names see: Below is a list of 20 of the most popular Irish names for boys with origins and meanings given where possible. Aisling, Aislinn, an Irish name, meaning ‘a dream’; in use in Derry and Omeath. One of the club's nicknames, "The Bhoys" dates from this era when they were described as the "bold boys," the additional "h" being added to phonetically represent the Irish pronunciation. This name features in an old and famous Irish song: “The same year is memorable for the demise of Carrol O'Daly (Cerbhall Ua Dalaigh), composer of ‘Eibhlín A Rúin,’” [Eileen A Roon] (William H. Grattan Flood, Irish Music in the Fifteenth Century, A History of Irish Music), 1905. Siobhán, genitive idem (the same), Joan, Johanna, Hannah, (Julia, July, Judith, Judy, Jude, Susanna, Susan, Nonie); the feminine form of Joannes, or John (see Eóin and Seán), which became common in France in the 12th century as Jehanne and Jeanne, and in England as Joan; brought into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, where it has ever since been one of the most popular of women's names. This name appears to have been applied to both sexes, see, for example, James Bonwick, ‘Magical Branch’ paragraph 2, Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions. Fun Fact: Aisling O’Connor is one of the main characters in the book, Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy. Heritage. Muircheartach, comp. Fun Fact: Rowan is a type of ash tree that produces reddish-orange berries. This name is immortalised in the song: “… This is illustrated by ‘Roisin Dubh’—little black rose, an allegorical ballad in which strong political feelings are personified under the form of an address from a lover to his fair one. Fun Fact: Conor McGregor is an Irish former professional fighter and mixed martial artist who has won two Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) titles. Breandán, Breanndán, genitive -áin, Brendan. The name features in the legend of the Pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne (Ethna Carbery, In the Celtic Past, 1904). Dr. MacBain suggests that it was originally Maclochlainne ‘son of Scandinavia,’ hence a Scandinavian. 8. Bébhinn, an ancient Irish name, meaning ‘melodious lady’; borne by, among others, the mother and a daughter of Brian Boru. Pronounced ‘Fee-on-bar’. Pronounced ‘Kee-vah’. Latin—Florentia. Éamonn, Anglo-Saxon Eadmund, ‘blessed-protection’; the name of a saintly King of England, who was martyred on 20th November, 870; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, where it has become very popular and has almost completely absorbed the other great Anglo-Saxon name Edward, the Irish Éamonn generally standing for both names. of Ionrachtach, King of Durlus.” (John O'Hart, Irish Pedigrees, 1892). Fun Fact: Caden is a commune or small town in the region of Brittany in the northwest part of France. St. Dunchadh was Abbot of Iona; his feast was kept on 25th May. Sorcha, genitive idem (the same), Sorcha, (Sarah, Sally); an old Irish name, signifying ‘clear’ or ‘bright’; still in use, but now always anglicised Sarah or Sally. Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Sometimes pronounced ‘Tierna’. According to the article The Revival of Irish Names (1886) from the Irish Fireside the meaning of Maeve is ‘mirthful’. Maeve - (MAYV) From the Old Irish name Medb, meaning 'intoxicating'. The author returned to Ireland in 1847–49 to help with famine relief and recorded those experiences in the rather harrowing: Annals of the Famine in Ireland is Asenath Nicholson's sequel to Ireland's Welcome to the Stranger. Pronounced (roughly) ‘Myur-er-tach’. Pronounced ‘Oona’. Eireamhón, an ancient Irish name, still in use in Cape Clear Island; now pronounced Eireamhán. Lasairfhíona, compound of lasair, a flame, and fíona, of wine; an ancient Irish name, still in use in parts of Connacht [1920s]. Caoimhghin, Old Irish—Coemgen, comely birth; the name of the celebrated Abbot of Glendalough; fast becoming a popular name [1920s]. The suggested pronunciations given below are just that—often no more than rough approximations of one version, so it is important to check for alternatives. Five saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Sinéad, a diminuitive of French Jeanne, from Johanna (see Siobhán). Fun Fact: Deasmhumhain (pronounced Desmond) was the name of the ancient Irish kingdom that occupied the area now known as South Munster. When the men fell, they picked up their weapons and fought in their place. Fun Fact: Nolan Ryan is a former professional baseball player, record-setting pitcher, and a two-time National League MVP who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. Smokefoot: Blacks: Color of feet. Instead, it was common among Irish-Americans immigratns. Pronounced ‘Bren-dan’. There are different interpretations of the origin of the name, but The Revival of Irish Names (1886) from the Irish Fireside suggests that the meaning of Una is ‘famine’. ", Fun Fact: Tara is the plantation and home of Scarlett O’Hara in the novel and movie "Gone With the Wind.". Fainche, the name of two saintly Irish virgins, one the sister of St. Enda of Aran and patroness of Rossory, on Lough Erne, whose feast was kept on 1 January; and the other patroness of Cluain-caoi, in the neighbourhood of Cashel, who was venerated on 21 of same month. Ireland is enchanting and full of culture, history, and ancient legends. Pronounced ‘Mur-ra-ha’. John O'Hart in the O'Connor Faley no. Fionnbharr, genitive -airr, Finbar; compound of fionn, fair, and barr, a head; the name of several Irish saints, of whom one is patron of the Diocese of Cork; also called Bairrfhionn, shortened to Barra. Tomas O Flannghaile (Celtic Surnames, For the Tongue of the Gael, 1896), however, gives the meaning of Niamh as ‘the splendid’, but Patrick Kennedy in a note to the Progress of the Wicked Bard, Legendary Fictions of the Irish Celts, also gives the meaning as ‘effulgence’. Tadhg, an ancient and very common Irish name, meaning ‘poet’ or ‘philosopher’; still found in every part of Ireland [1920s], but now generally anglicised Timothy. Pronounced ‘Meh-lah’. Fun Fact: In ancient Egypt, Shai (Shay) was the god of fate and destiny. Fun Fact: Rory McIlroy is a professional golf player from Northern Ireland and four-time major championship winner who spent over 100 weeks as the number one ranked golfer in the world. Liam, a pet form of Uilliam. Rónán, diminutive of rón, a seal; an ancient Irish personal name, borne by twelve saints. Fun Fact: Orrin Bach is a recurring character played by Glenn Fleshler on the Showtime drama series "Billions.". Census 2011 Ireland and Northern Ireland. The name is probably most famously represented in Irish history by Niall of the Nine Hostages (Alfred Webb, A Compendium of Irish Biography). Fun Fact: Brianna Keilar is a journalist who anchors the cable news program CNN Right Now. Pronounced ‘Blaw-nidh’. The Revival of Irish Names (1886) from the Irish Fireside suggests that the meaning of Eoghan is ‘youthful warrior’ whereas John O'Hart in Irish Pedigrees, differs again by giving the meaning of Eoghan as ‘god of arms’. Fun Fact: Sláine was the daughter of Brian Bórumha mac Cennétig or Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland in the 10th century. Flann, an ancient and once common Irish name, meaning ‘ruddy.’ It survived among the MacEgans and O'Mulconrys down to comparatively recent times. Pronounced ‘Bey-vin’. 8 pedigree (Irish Pedigrees, 1892), however, gives the meaning of the name as ‘the helping warrior’. Eoghan, an ancient and rather common Irish name, explained as meaning ‘well-born’; still in use [1920s], but generally anglicised Eugene. Fun Fact: Singer-songwriter Liam Payne gained popularity as a member of the boy band, One Direction. LÉ RÓISÍN P51. Pronounced ‘Ush-een’ or ‘Osh-een’. Clicking on hyperlinked names will provide additional information or other relevant sources of information on those particular names, including anglicised (English) equivalents. The undaunted American widow returned to Ireland in the midst of the Great Famine and helped organise relief for the destitute and hungry. If you haven't done so already, non-Irish speakers please see the the pronunciation guide. Fun Fact: High above the city of Wollongong in Australia, Mt. Uilleac, genitive -lic, Ulick, (Ulysses); a variant of Uileóg, which see. It grows in cooler regions of the northern hemisphere. Popular traditional Irish names, with their origins and meanings, and a guide to finding information on 1000s of other forenames, surnames and clans of Ireland. See Muire. Eight saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Global Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (the same), Alby, Alvy, (Albert, Bertie); the name of the patron of the Diocese of Emly; revived in recent times, but the anglicised form is generally Albert (Bertie), which is incorrect. The Revival of Irish Names (1886) from the Irish Fireside gives the meaning of Orla as ‘golden-haired lady’. The book is also available in Kindle. The Revival of Irish Names (1886) from the Irish Fireside gives the meaning of Brendan as ‘brown raven’. Fun Fact: Casey is the name of an Australian research station located just outside the Antarctic Circle in Antarctica. Maoin. Fun Fact: Seamus Finnigan is a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and one of Harry Potter’s fellow Gryffindor housemates in the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling. Fun Fact: Ronald Reagan was the 40th president of the United States of America. Úna, an ancient and once common Irish name, very popular throughout history. Their feasts occur respectively on 5th March and 9th September. Fun Fact: Brian Boru was a strong military leader and the last great High King of Ireland who ruled from 1002 to 1014. Fun Fact: “Cassidy” is the name of a song by The Grateful Dead. Generally pronounced ‘Rosh-een’ or ‘Ro-sheen’. Órfhlaith, an old Irish name, meaning ‘the golden lady’. Cathal, battle-mighty; an ancient and very common Irish name, especially among the O'Connors of Connacht, O'Farrells, O'Reillys, O'Rourkes and Maguires; now generally anglicised Charles. Aoife, an ancient Irish name. Áine, an ancient Irish name. Máire, genitive idem (the same), Mary, Moira, Maria. Diarmaid, Old Irish—Diarmait, comp. of árd, high, and gal, valour; a favourite name among the MacKennas and MacMahons of Ulster by whom it was anglicised Arnold. Liam O'Flaherty was a very popular Irish writer in the 20th century with novels including The Informer, Famine and Insurrection. Can be pronounced ‘Or-nah’. The series begins with the 1976 classic novel Interview with the Vampire. Ciarán is still a common Christian name in Cape Clear and is also in use in parts of Connacht [1920s]. Fun Fact: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is best known as the creator of the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Máirghréad, Mairghréad, a pearl; the name of a Christian virgin who was martyred at Antioch in the last general persecution; brought to Europe by the crusaders, when it became very common in France and England; introduced by the Anglo-Normans into Ireland, where it has ever since been very popular, and is now found under a great variety of forms. In Varieties and Synonymes of Surnames and Christian Names in Ireland especially (see book section below) can be found evidence of how difficult the job of an Irish registrar was in the past and why it can be particularly difficult to trace some Irish relatives: Names applied to both sexes gives some unusual cases of female Christian names applied to boys and vice versa. In common with all Scottish clubs with Irish roots, Celtic adopted green and white as their colours and wore a Celtic cross on their earliest shirts. Pronounced ‘Dha-hee’. Pronounced ‘Ash-leen’. maior in Ramminger, Johann (accessed 16 July 2016) Neulateinische Wortliste: Ein Wörterbuch des Lateinischen von Petrarca bis 1700‎, pre-publication website, 2005-2016; maior in William Smith, editor (1848) A Dictionary of Greek Biography and Mythology, London: John Murray Its correct Irish spelling is Seán or Séan (), while an older form is Seaghán or SeaÄ¡án.It is the Irish spelling of the Biblical name John.The Norman French Jehan (see Jean) is another version. Often pronounced similarly to the letter ‘A’ in English, or ‘eh’. Fun Fact: The “K” in best-selling author J.K. Rowling’s name stands for Kathleen. Fun Fact: Colin Powell was the U.S. Secretary of State who served from 2001 to 2005 as part of President George W. Bush's administration. Fun Fact: The River Shannon is Ireland’s longest river. And, for a small country, Ireland and its people have had a big influence on the world making contributions to art, science, literature, and much more. Fun Fact: County Kerry in southwest Ireland is home to mountains, lakes, coastlines, and Killarney National Park. Read our, 100 Beautiful Greek Baby Names to Inspire Your Search, The Meaning Behind Popular Celtic Names for Newborn Babies, 52 Royal Baby Names From Around the Globe, 100 Spanish Baby Names for Boys and Girls, 50 Scottish Baby Names: Meanings & Origins, Find the Perfect Biblical Baby Name With This List of 100. Ailbhe, genitive — id. Pronounced ‘Key-lin’. Keira lookout in Mt. Pronounced ‘Oh-an’. Fun Fact: John Lennon is one of the co-founders of the English rock band The Beatles. Latin—Affrica, Africa. Pronounced ‘Tur-rey-sah’. Fun Fact: In Indian culture, the similar name of Kiran means ray of light in Sanskrit. Generally pronounced ‘Shawn’. It was composed to celebrate Hugh Roe O’Donnell, and by “Roisin Dubh” (Roseen Duff), supposed to be a beloved female was meant Ireland …” (John Johnson Marshall, Names under which Ireland was personified in the Seventeenth Century, Popular Rhymes and Sayings of Ireland, 1924). Fun Fact: “Ronan” is a song by Taylor Swift inspired by a mom’s blog detailing her young son’s battle with cancer. Fun Fact: Caoimhe is a traditional Irish girl's name and the feminine form of Caoimhín or Kevin. Among the O'Neills, for example, “The Clan of this Aodh (or Hugh) Buidhe passed the river Ban into Eastern Ulster or Antrim and Down; and wrested from the mixed population of old natives and the descendants of the English settlers, the territory hence designated ‘Clanaboy’ or the Clan of Yellow Hugh” (John O'Hart, O'Neill No.3 pedigree, Irish Pedigrees, 1892). Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. “William Fitzadelm de Burgo … was twice married … second, to Una, daughter of Hugh O’Connor, the last king of Connaught” (John O'Hart, Bourke No.1 pedigree, Irish Pedigrees). Niamh is a name that dates back to Irish legend: “In the account of the Land of Youth, given by the heathen Fenian Oisin to St. Patrick—when the hero was carried off from the field of battle by the golden-haired fairy Niamh …” (James Bonwick, The Future Life, or Land of the West, Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions, 1894). From Margaret Anne Cusack, Death of King Aengus, An Illustrated History of Ireland, 1868, we learn that “Muircheartach, A.D. 504, was the first Christian King of Ireland”. Pronounced ‘Mave’ (rhyming with ‘wave’). Fun Fact: Órlaith was the sister of the 10th-century ancient Irish King Brian Bórumha mac Cennétig or Brian Boru. The goddess of sovereignty at Tara was Medb Lethderg, meaning Maeve of the Red Side. The approximate pronunciations are given, as names vary in dialects. Pronounced, by some at least, ‘Sor-sha’. Pronounced ‘Kwee-veen’. She is patroness of Gheel where her feast is kept on 15th May. In this section are featured some of the most popular pages from the site relating to Irish names and other names found in Ireland: Irish clan names: “Besides personal names, our Irish ancestors had from an early period, and even from pre-historic times, a complete system of fixed clan-names by which each family-group and its subdivisions had its own distinct name.”. Pronounced ‘Nile’ like the river. Usually pronounced ‘Ay-mon’ with ‘Ay’ rhyming with ‘hay’. Pronounced ‘Dear-mid’. ‘Foala’ [F. A. Fahy, The Revival of Irish Names (1886)]. For that reason, it conveys the reality of the calamity in a much more telling way. Pronounced ‘Fear-gus’. It relates the circumstances under which the great exodus to the New World began, the trials and tribulations faced by these tough American pioneers and the enduring influence they came to exert on the politics, education and religion of the country. Colm, also written Colum; an old Irish name, signifying ‘dove’; made famous by St. Columcille, Apostle of Scotland, whose name signifies ‘dove of the church.’ Latin—Columba. German Palatine Names is another section from a ‘Special Report on Surnames in Ireland’ and also has more further coverage in The Palatines in Ireland from ‘Irish Pedigrees’. Fun Fact: St. Pádraig, also known as St. Patrick, is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is given credit for bringing Christianity to the country. Pronounced ‘Tige’ as in ‘tiger’. An American widow’s account of her travels in Ireland in 1844–45 on the eve of the Great Famine: Sailing from New York, she set out to determine the condition of the Irish poor and discover why so many were emigrating to her home country. It was her grandmother’s name. Donnchadh, Old Irish Donnchad, Dunchad, from Celt *Donno-catu-s, *Duno-catu-s, brown warrior, or strong warrior; an ancient and very common Irish name, still found in every part of the country [1920s], but generally anglicised Denis. Latin—Murchertachus. Fun Fact: Irene Cara is an actress, singer, and songwriter best known for her role in the 1980 musical drama Fame and her award-winning song “Flashdance… What a Feeling.”. *Aidu-s, fire, Old Irish—Aed; an ancient and very common Irish name; a favourite name among the O'Connors of Connacht and the O'Neills and O'Donnells of Ulster; now always anglicised Hugh. Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honor Society. The anglicised form James is derived from the Spanish Jayme. Below is a list of attractive names not included in the foregoing sections. He also won six Olympic medals, two of which were gold for men’s team 4 X 100-meter relay. Fun Fact: Brendan Hansen is a champion U.S. swimmer who held world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke categories. Seán, Old French—Jehan, French—Jean; a variant of Eóin, which see; one of the commonest names among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland and now by far our most popular man's name; also written Seaghán and Seón. There can be no doubt that she and her brother, Maelmordha, were the remote causes of the famous battle of Clontarf.” (Margaret Anne Cusack, An Illustrated History of Ireland, 1868). Ardal, (Arnold); comp. Can be pronounced ‘Eve-een’. Ruaidhrí, Teutonic—Hruodric, Norse—Rothrekr, fame-ruler; a name introduced by the Norsemen and which became very common in many Irish families; now often incorrectly anglicised Roger. Most of the details of names below are taken primarily from Irish Names and Surnames by Patrick Woulfe, but with additions from other sources such as The Revival of Irish Names by F. A. Fahy, Celtic Surnames by Tomas O Flannghaile and Ancient Irish Proper Names by John O'Hart. Gormflaith was the name of the wife of the famous Brian Boru: “It will be remembered that Brian had married the Lady Gormflaith … She was remarkable for her beauty, but her temper was proud and vindictive. Latin—Finnbarrus. Names under which Ireland was personified in the Seventeenth Century, The Tradition of Saint Brendan's Voyage to America, The Ocean Plague: or, A Voyage to Quebec in an Irish Emigrant Vessel. Pronounced ‘Slawn-yuh’. “It may be here observed that Joan, Johanna, or Jane, is in Irish Sinead, the feminine of Seaghan or Shane, which is the Irish for John (Lat.
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