300+ Irish Baby Girl Names (with Meanings & Pronunciations)

When my best friend announced she was naming her daughter Saoirse, I watched half the baby shower guests struggle to pronounce it—but that didn’t make the name any less beautiful or meaningful.

Growing up with Irish roots in the Pacific Northwest, I spent countless evenings listening to my grandmother’s stories about names passed down through generations.

She’d trace each syllable with her finger, explaining how names weren’t just labels—they were legacy, wrapped in Celtic mist and warrior tales.

Irish baby girl names carry something special that trendy names simply can’t match. They’re steeped in mythology, nature, and centuries of storytelling tradition.

Whether you’re honoring your heritage, drawn to the lyrical sounds, or simply seeking something unique and meaningful, Irish names offer endless beautiful possibilities.

This guide explores 300+ stunning options, from well-known classics to hidden treasures, complete with pronunciations, meanings, and the stories behind them.

Classic Irish Girl Names: Timeless Treasures

These beloved names have graced Irish families for generations, combining beauty with unshakeable staying power.

• Aoife (EE-fa) – Warrior princess, means “beauty” or “radiance”
• Bridget/Brighid (BRIJ-id) – Saint and goddess, means “exalted one”
• Siobhan (shi-VAWN) – Irish form of Joan, means “God is gracious”
• Niamh (NEEV) – Golden-haired goddess, means “brightness”
• Ciara (KEER-a) – Feminine of Ciarán, means “dark-haired”
• Fiona – Means “fair” or “white,” accessible yet meaningful
• Maeve (MAYV) – Legendary warrior queen, means “she who intoxicates”
• Saoirse (SEER-sha) – Means “freedom,” famously worn by actress Saoirse Ronan
• Deirdre (DEER-dra) – Tragic heroine, means “sorrowful”
• Nora/Norah – Light or honor, short for Honora
• Kathleen – Irish form of Catherine, means “pure”
• Maureen – Diminutive of Mary, means “bitter” or “beloved”
• Colleen – Simply means “girl” in Irish
• Erin – Poetic name for Ireland itself
• Roisin (ro-SHEEN) – Means “little rose”
• Grainne (GRAWN-ya) – Grain goddess, means “grain” or “love”
• Sinead (shi-NADE) – Irish form of Jane, means “God’s gracious gift”
• Aisling (ASH-ling) – Means “dream” or “vision”
• Eileen – Anglicized Eibhlin, means “bright, shining one”
• Moira/Moyra – Anglicized Máire, Irish Mary
• Sheila – From Síle, Irish form of Cecilia
• Eilish (AY-lish) – Irish Elizabeth, means “pledged to God”
• Orla/Orlaith – Means “golden princess”
• Clodagh (CLO-da) – Named after an Irish river
• Nuala (NOO-la) – Short for Fionnuala, means “white shoulder”

Looking for matching sibling names? Browse Irish boy names to complete your Celtic family.

Nature-Inspired Irish Girl Names

Trust me, Irish names draw deeply from the natural world—rolling green hills, stormy seas, and mystical landscapes shaped Irish naming traditions.

• Muireann (MWEER-in) – Means “sea white” or “sea fair”
• Shannon – Named after Ireland’s longest river
• Kerry – County name, means “dark-haired people”
• Dara – Means “oak tree”
• Neala (NEE-la) – Means “champion” but evokes nature
• Enya (EN-ya) – Means “kernel” or “seed”
• Lia – Means “grey” like stones
• Rowan – From the rowan tree, magical protection
• Brenna – Means “raven-haired”
• Sorcha (SOR-kha) – Means “brightness” or “radiance”
• Cara – Means “friend” but also evokes warmth
• Eabha (AY-va) – Irish Eve, means “life”
• Blathnaid (BLAW-nid) – Means “little flower”
• Caoimhe (KWEE-va) – Means “gentle” or “beautiful”
• Bronagh (BRO-na) – Means “sorrow,” connected to land
• Darcy – From dark one, mysterious nature
• Fiadh (FEE-a) – Means “wild,” Ireland’s #1 name in 2023
• Laoise (LEE-sha) – Radiant girl, bright as sunshine
• Meadhbh (MAYV) – Alternate spelling of Maeve
• Riain (REE-an) – Little queen of nature
• Sadb/Sadhbh (SIVE) – Means “sweet and good”
• Sile (SHEE-la) – Irish Cecilia, musical as birdsong
• Tara – Ancient seat of Irish kings, sacred hill
• Una (OO-na) – Means “lamb,” gentle creature
• Eilis (AY-lish) – Graceful as wind through grass

Mythological & Legendary Irish Girl Names

Picture this—ancient Ireland, where goddesses walked among mortals and women warriors commanded armies. These names carry that mythical power.

• Aine (AWN-ya) – Queen of fairies, goddess of summer
• Banba (BAN-ba) – Ancient goddess, poetic name for Ireland
• Bebhinn (BEV-in) – Goddess of childbirth, means “fair lady”
• Brigid (BRIJ-id) – Triple goddess of poetry, healing, smithcraft
• Cliona (KLEE-na) – Goddess of love and beauty
• Dana/Danu – Mother goddess of Irish mythology
• Epona – Horse goddess, protector of animals
• Etain (eh-TEEN) – Transformed into butterfly, means “jealousy”
• Fand – Pearl of beauty, wife of sea god
• Fodla (FOH-la) – Goddess, another name for Ireland
• Isolde – Tragic heroine of Tristan and Isolde
• Macha (MA-kha) – War goddess, one of the Morrigan
• Morrigan – Phantom queen, goddess of war
• Nemain (NEV-in) – War goddess, means “venomous”
• Rhiannon – Great queen, horse goddess (Welsh-Irish overlap)
• Scathach (SKAH-hakh) – Warrior woman who trained heroes
• Tailte (TAL-tya) – Earth goddess, foster mother
• Tlachtga (TLAKH-ga) – Powerful druidess
• Badb (BIVE) – War goddess, means “crow”
• Cessair (KESS-ar) – Led first people to Ireland
• Delbchaem (DEL-kav) – Beautiful maiden of myth
• Fionnuala (fin-OO-la) – Transformed into swan
• Grania – Legendary Irish princess
• Liban (LEE-ban) – Became a mermaid
• Medb (MAYV) – Warrior queen of Connacht

Love powerful names? Discover warrior names for more fierce options.

Modern Irish Girl Names: Fresh but Rooted

These names blend contemporary appeal with authentic Irish heritage—perfect for parents seeking something fresh yet meaningful.

• Ailbhe (AL-va) – Means “bright” or “white”
• Aoibhe (EE-va) – Means “beautiful, radiant”
• Aoibhin (EE-veen) – Means “pleasant, beautiful sheen”
• Bebe – Modern Irish choice
• Caoilfhionn (KEEL-in) – Means “slender and fair”
• Catriona (ka-TREE-na) – Irish Catherine
• Cliodhna (CLEE-na) – Goddess name, modernized
• Dairine (DAW-reen) – Means “fruitful, fertile”
• Eimear (EE-mer) – Perfect beauty, Cú Chulainn’s wife
• Eire (AIR-a) – Ireland’s official name
• Eithne (EN-ya) – Means “kernel,” fire
• Fainche (FAWN-kha) – Means “crow, raven”
• Finola – Anglicized Fionnuala
• Ita – Means “thirst,” sixth-century saint
• Keela – Beautiful, from Irish
• Keeva – Gentle, beautiful child
• Kiera – Dark-haired, modern spelling
• Liadan (LEE-dan) – Grey lady, poetess
• Maire (MAW-ra) – Irish Mary
• Mairead (ma-RAID) – Irish Margaret
• Muirne (MWEER-na) – Beloved, festive
• Neasa (NASS-a) – Not gentle, warrior queen
• Niamh (NEEV) – Still modern despite age
• Orlagh (OR-la) – Golden princess, modern spelling
• Riona (REE-na) – Queenly, royal

Single-Syllable Irish Girl Names: Short & Sweet

I get it—sometimes you want a name that’s simple to say but still carries weight. These one-syllable gems pack serious punch.

• Bree – Strength, power
• Cloe – Irish form of Chloe
• Conn – Wisdom (unisex)
• Dawn – Anglicized Irish names
• Grace – English, but beloved in Ireland
• Lynn – Lake, waterfall
• Maeve – Warrior queen
• Quinn – Wisdom, intelligence (unisex)
• Rae – Grace, doe
• Reese – Enthusiasm (Welsh-Irish)

Two-Syllable Irish Girl Names: Perfect Balance

These names hit the sweet spot—easy to pronounce but distinctly Irish, flowing beautifully with most surnames.

• Alva – Means “white”
• Anya – Anglicized Aine
• Ashlyn – Dream, vision
• Breda (BREE-da) – Exalted, strong
• Bridie – Diminutive of Bridget
• Bronwyn – White breast (Welsh-Irish overlap)
• Cassie – Clever, curly-haired
• Decla – Full of goodness
• Dervla (DER-vla) – Daughter of the poet
• Edna – Kernel, means renewal
• Ena (EE-na) – Little fire
• Fallon – Descended from ruler
• Fennella – White shoulder
• Fia – Wild, untamed
• Finley – Fair warrior (unisex)
• Glenna – Valley, glen
• Grania (GRAWN-ya) – Love or grain
• Ida – Thirst for goodness
• Imogen – Maiden, girl
• Iona – Blessed, purple jewel
• Kaitlin – Pure, Irish Catherine
• Keavy – Beautiful child
• Keira – Dark-haired
• Kelsey – Brave, ship victory
• Lana – Little rock
• Megan – Pearl, precious one
• Molly – Beloved, Irish Mary diminutive
• Myra – Admirable, wonderful
• Nessa – Not gentle, headstrong
• Neve (NEEV) – Bright, snow
• Nola – Fair shoulder, white
• Oona (OO-na) – Lamb, unity
• Regan – Little ruler
• Riley – Courageous, valiant
• Shea (SHAY) – Admirable, hawk-like
• Shona (SHO-na) – God is gracious
• Sloane – Warrior, raider
• Teagan (TEE-gan) – Beautiful, attractive
• Treasa (TRASS-a) – Strength, Irish Theresa
• Vida – Life, beloved

Discover similar options: Check out Celtic girl names for more beautiful choices.

Rare & Uncommon Irish Girl Names: Hidden Gems

These beauties rarely appear on popularity charts, making them perfect for parents seeking truly unique Irish names.

• Affric (AF-rik) – Pleasant, agreeable
• Aifric (AF-rik) – Same as Affric
• Ailish (AY-lish) – Noble kind
• Aislinn (ASH-lin) – Dream, vision
• Alannah – Beautiful child, harmony
• Arlene – Pledge, oath
• Attracta – Name of Irish saint
• Barriona – Fair-haired
• Beibhinn (BAY-vin) – White lady
• Blathnaid (BLAW-nid) – Little flower
• Breasal – Strife (rare for girls)
• Breena – Fairy palace
• Cailin (KAY-lin) – Girl, maiden
• Caitriona (kat-REE-na) – Pure one
• Caelfind (KALE-fin) – Slender and fair
• Cairenn (KAR-en) – Little beloved one
• Caitria (KAT-ree-a) – Pure
• Ciannait (KEE-nit) – Ancient one
• Cliodhna (CLEE-na) – Shapely one
• Cobhlaith (KOH-la) – Victorious ruler
• Damhnait (DAV-net) – Little fawn
• Dearbhail (DER-val) – True desire
• Dechtire (DEKH-tira) – Mother of Cú Chulainn
• Deirbhile (DER-vila) – Daughter of poet
• Doireann (DIR-in) – Daughter of Finn
• Dubheasa (DOO-asa) – Dark waterfall
• Duibhne (DEEV-na) – Ancient goddess
• Eachna (AKH-na) – Steed, horse
• Eadaoin (AY-deen) – Jealousy, passion
• Ealga (AL-ga) – Noble, Ireland
• Eavan (AY-van) – Fair, beautiful
• Eibhlin (EV-leen) – Pleasant, beautiful
• Eilis (AY-lish) – Pledged to God
• Eimhear (EE-ver) – Swift, ready
• Eithne (ETH-na) – Kernel, nut
• Emer (EE-mer) – Swift one
• Eshlin – Dream, vision
• Etain (AY-teen) – Shining one
• Ethna (ETH-na) – Fire, kernel
• Fainne (FAWN-ya) – Ring, circle
• Feidelm (FED-elm) – Ever good
• Finseach (FIN-shakh) – Fair one
• Flann – Red, ruddy
• Gobnait (GUB-net) – Little mouth
• Gormlaith (GOR-la) – Illustrious lady
• Ide (EE-da) – Thirst, saint name
• Iseult (i-SOOLT) – Fair, ice ruler
• Lasair (LASS-ar) – Flame
• Liath (LEE-ah) – Grey
• Mealla (MAL-a) – Lightning

Saint-Inspired Irish Girl Names

Ireland’s rich Catholic heritage gives us stunning saint names, each carrying stories of devotion, miracles, and Irish history.

• Attracta – 6th-century saint, means “attracted”
• Bernadette – Brave as bear, Lourdes saint
• Brigid/Brighid – Ireland’s patron saint
• Canice (CAN-iss) – Good-looking, attractive
• Cecilia – Blind one, patron of music
• Christina – Christ-bearer
• Clare – Bright, clear
• Colmcille (COLM-kil-a) – Dove of church
• Dymphna (DIMP-na) – Little fawn, patron of mental health
• Gobnait (GUB-net) – Little mouth saint
• Ita – Irish saint, means “thirst”
• Keeva/Caoimhe – Gentle, beautiful saint
• Killian – Church, strife (mostly male, occasionally female)
• Moninne (mon-IN-a) – Little monk
• Teresa/Treasa – Harvester, strength
• Scholastica – Scholarly sister saint

Searching for spiritual names? Explore biblical girl names for more options.

Irish Girl Names Meaning “Beautiful”

Let’s be real—every parent thinks their daughter is beautiful. These names literally mean it.

• Aoibhe (EE-va) – Beautiful, radiant
• Aoibheann (EE-van) – Beautiful sheen
• Aoibhinn (EE-veen) – Pleasant beauty
• Bébhinn (BAY-vin) – Fair lady
• Caoimhe (KWEE-va) – Gentle, beautiful
• Caoilfhionn (KEEL-in) – Slender beauty
• Eavan (AY-van) – Fair form
• Fionnuala (fin-OO-la) – Fair shoulder
• Finola – White shoulder, fair
• Keeva – Beautiful, gentle
• Nuala (NOO-la) – Fair shoulder
• Shayla – Fairy palace, beautiful
• Shevawn – God is gracious, beautiful
• Una (OO-na) – Lamb, unity, beautiful

Irish Girl Names Meaning “Strong” or “Brave”

For the warrior spirit in every little girl—names that embody strength, courage, and fierce determination.

• Brianna – Strong, virtuous
• Briana – Noble, strong
• Casey – Brave in battle
• Delaney – Dark challenger
• Kiera/Ciara – Dark warrior
• Matilda – Battle mighty (Norman-Irish)
• Nessa – Not gentle, fierce
• Rowan – Little red one, strong tree
• Sloane – Warrior, strong

Irish Girl Names from Irish Counties & Places

These geographical names connect your daughter to Ireland’s stunning landscapes and historic regions.

• Carlow – County in Leinster
• Clare – Western county, means “clear”
• Cork – Southern county and city
• Donegal – Northwest county
• Galway – Western city and county
• Kerry – Southwest county
• Kildare – County in Leinster
• Leitrim – Northwest county
• Limerick – City and county
• Mayo – Western county
• Sligo – Northwest coastal county
• Tipperary – Munster county
• Westmeath – Midlands county
• Wexford – Southeast county
• Wicklow – Garden county

Irish Girl Names with Nicknames

These longer Irish names come with built-in cute nicknames, giving your daughter options as she grows.

• Aoife (EE-fa) – Nickname: Effie, Eva
• Bridget/Brighid – Nickname: Birdie, Bree, Biddy
• Caitlin – Nickname: Cait, Katie, Kate
• Clodagh – Nickname: Clo, Cloda
• Fionnuala – Nickname: Nuala, Nula, Finn
• Grainne – Nickname: Graine, Nia
• Kathleen – Nickname: Kathy, Kate, Kat
• Mairead – Nickname: Madge, Maggie, Maisie
• Margaret/Mairead – Nickname: Peggy, Meg, Greta
• Maureen – Nickname: Maura, Mo, Reenie
• Patricia – Nickname: Tricia, Trish, Pat
• Roisin – Nickname: Ro, Rosie
• Siobhan – Nickname: Shiv, Vonnie
• Sinead – Nickname: Shay, Nessie

Need pairing ideas? Browse sibling name ideas for perfect combinations.

Anglicized Irish Girl Names: Easier Pronunciation

These names maintain Irish roots while offering pronunciation that won’t require constant correction outside Ireland.

• Alanna – Beautiful child
• Alva – White, fair
• Ashling – Dream, vision
• Bridgette – Exalted one
• Cathleen – Pure one
• Delaney – Descendant of challenger
• Evelyn – From Eibhlin
• Fallon – Leader’s descendant
• Kaitlyn – Pure, Irish Catherine
• Keely – Beautiful, graceful
• Keira – Dark-haired one
• Kennedy – Helmeted chief
• McKenna – Son of handsome one
• Nola – Fair shoulder
• Quinlan – Gracefully shaped
• Reagan – Little ruler
• Shauna – God is gracious
• Sheena – God is gracious
• Teagan – Little poet

Vintage Irish Girl Names Making a Comeback

Trust me, what’s old becomes new again. These vintage Irish beauties are ready for revival.

• Agatha – Good, kind
• Biddy – Exalted one, strength
• Bridie – Strength, exalted
• Delia – From Delos, noble
• Honora – Honor, reputation
• Mamie – Pearl, wished-for child
• Nonie – Honor, ninth child
• Pegeen – Pearl, Irish diminutive
• Phelim – Ever good (rare female use)
• Rosleen – Little rose
• Tessie – Harvester, Irish Theresa
• Winifred – Blessed peace, reconciliation
• Yseult – Fair, ice ruler

Why Irish Girl Names Are Captivating Parents

Here’s the thing—Irish names aren’t just having a moment, they’re experiencing a full-blown renaissance. The Social Security Administration reports that Irish names like Nora, Maeve, and Bridget have climbed steadily in U.S. popularity rankings over the past decade, with Nora reaching #30 in 2024—a remarkable 200% increase since 2010.

Social media tells the story too. The Instagram hashtag #IrishBabyNames has exploded past 150,000 posts, with 67% appearing in just the last 18 months. Millennial and Gen Z parents are searching for names with cultural depth and authentic stories, not just pleasant sounds.

The rise of shows like “Normal People” and renewed fascination with Celtic mythology has sparked what baby name experts call “the Irish name renaissance.”

Irish names represent more than heritage—they’re connections to warrior queens, mystical legends, patron saints, and a culture that preserved its language through centuries of challenges. Each name carries whispers of ancient Ireland, from windswept cliffs to sacred wells, from fierce battles to gentle lullabies.

Explore more naming traditions: If you love cultural names, check out Scottish baby names for similar Celtic beauty.

How to Choose the Perfect Irish Girl Name

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of helping friends navigate Irish naming traditions:

Consider Pronunciation Challenges

Be honest about your family’s willingness to correct pronunciation. Names like Saoirse and Caoimhe sound gorgeous but require patience outside Irish communities. If you live in Dublin, no problem. If you’re in suburban Texas, think carefully. There’s no wrong choice—just know what you’re signing up for.

Honor Your Heritage Authentically

If Irish names matter because of your ancestry, dig into your family tree. My grandmother’s name was Kathleen, but her grandmother was Caitlín. Using the original Irish spelling felt like reclaiming something precious. Talk to older relatives about names that shaped your family story.

Test the Full Name

Say the first, middle, and last name together repeatedly. Does it flow? How does it look written? I’ve seen beautiful names crash into awkward surname combinations. “Aoife O’Fee” might sound repetitive, while “Aoife McCarthy” flows beautifully.

Research Meanings Thoroughly

Some gorgeous Irish names carry meanings you might not love. Deirdre means “sorrowful,” Mallaidh means “slow,” Bronagh means “sad.” If meanings matter to you, research thoroughly. That said, names transcend their original meanings—Deirdre sounds lovely regardless of etymology.

Consider Sibling Name Harmony

If you have other children, think about how names sound together. Three Irish names create beautiful consistency. One Irish name among three English names might feel disconnected. Mixing Celtic boy names with Irish girl names creates lovely thematic unity.

Embrace Nicknames and Variations

Many traditional Irish names offer built-in nickname options. Aoife becomes Effie, Fionnuala becomes Nuala, Siobhan becomes Vonnie. This flexibility lets your daughter choose how she’s known in different contexts—formal Irish name for special occasions, accessible nickname for everyday use.

Understanding Irish Name Pronunciation

The Irish language (Gaeilge) follows different pronunciation rules than English, which is why Irish names often surprise people. Here are key patterns:

• “mh” and “bh” sound like “v” (Niamh = NEEV, Caoimhe = KWEE-va)
• “dh” and “gh” often silent or make soft sounds
• Slender vowels (e, i) soften preceding consonants
• Broad vowels (a, o, u) keep consonants hard
• Fada marks (á, é, í, ó, ú) lengthen vowel sounds

Don’t let pronunciation intimidate you. Every name requires learning, whether it’s Irish Saoirse or French Genevieve. The beauty is worth the brief learning curve.

Irish Naming Traditions to Know

Traditional Irish families followed fascinating naming patterns that might inspire your choice:

• First daughter: Named after maternal grandmother
• Second daughter: Named after paternal grandmother
• Third daughter: Named after mother
• Fourth daughter: Named after mother’s eldest sister

While few families follow these rules strictly today, they offer meaningful ways to honor family connections. My cousin named her first daughter after both grandmothers by choosing “Mary Kathleen”—Mary from one grandmother, Kathleen from the other.

The Rising Popularity of Irish Names Globally

Ireland’s cultural influence extends far beyond its shores. According to recent data, Irish names now appear in top baby name lists across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This global embrace reflects growing appreciation for names with authentic cultural roots and meaningful stories.

Irish names offer something modern parents crave—uniqueness without weirdness, history without stuffiness, beauty with substance. They’re conversation starters, heritage markers, and simply stunning choices that stand the test of time.

Final Thoughts on Irish Baby Girl Names

Choosing your daughter’s name ranks among parenting’s most personal decisions. Irish baby girl names offer extraordinary options whether you’re celebrating heritage, drawn to Celtic beauty, or simply seeking something special. From warrior queens like Maeve to gentle saints like Ita, from mythological goddesses to modern gems, these 300 names represent Ireland’s rich cultural tapestry.

The name you choose becomes your daughter’s first gift, something she’ll carry throughout her life. Irish names gift her connection to ancient stories, stunning landscapes, and centuries of resilience. They’re names that spark curiosity, invite conversation, and never feel disposable or trendy.

Take your time browsing this list. Say names aloud. Imagine calling them across a playground. Picture them on professional documents. Test them with your surname. Most importantly, trust your instincts—you’ll know when you’ve found the one that makes your heart whisper “yes, this is her name.”

Slán go fóill (goodbye for now), and best wishes on your naming journey!

Share your favorite Irish name in the comments below! Are you honoring Irish heritage or simply drawn to these beautiful names?

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