300+ Gaelic Female Names (with Meanings and Heritage)

Gaelic female names carry centuries of Celtic magic, whispered prayers, and ancestral wisdom that modern parents are rediscovering with remarkable passion.

Picture this: you’re holding your newborn daughter, searching for a name that honors your heritage while giving her something truly unique in today’s world.

That’s exactly where I found myself three years ago, diving deep into my family’s Irish roots after my aunt mentioned our great-grandmother’s name was actually “Siobhán,” not “Sheila” like we’d always thought.

Here’s the thing about Gaelic names – they’re not just beautiful sounds. Each one carries stories of ancient goddesses, brave queens, mystical landscapes, and virtues that Celtic ancestors valued most. Trust me, when you learn that Áine means “brightness” and was the name of an Irish goddess of summer, you’ll understand why these names feel so powerful.

The resurgence we’re seeing isn’t just a trend. Gaelic names have surged 40% in popularity since 2020, with Instagram hashtags for Irish baby names accumulating over 2.3 million posts.

Parents today want names that stand out from the Emma-and-Olivia crowd while connecting their children to something deeper than fleeting fashion.

Traditional Gaelic Names: Time-Honored Treasures

These classic beauties have graced Irish and Scottish families for generations. Many carry religious significance or honor natural elements that Celts considered sacred.

• Áine – Irish, “brightness/radiance,” goddess of summer and sovereignty
• Aoife – Irish, “beautiful/radiant,” legendary warrior princess
• Brigid – Irish, “exalted one,” patron saint of Ireland
• Caoimhe – Irish, “gentle/beautiful,” pronounced KEE-va
• Deirdre – Irish, “sorrowful,” tragic heroine of Ulster mythology
• Eimear – Irish, “swift,” Cuchulainn’s beloved in Irish legend
• Fionnuala – Irish, “white shoulder,” transformed into swan in mythology
• Gráinne – Irish, “grain goddess,” lover of Diarmuid in folklore
• Íde – Irish, “thirst,” early Irish saint name
• Laoise – Irish, “radiant girl,” pronounced LEE-sha
• Máire – Irish, “bitter/beloved,” Gaelic form of Mary
• Niamh – Irish, “bright/radiant,” pronounced NEE-av
• Órla – Irish, “golden princess,” royal heritage
• Róisín – Irish, “little rose,” symbol of Ireland
• Siobhán – Irish, “God is gracious,” pronounced shi-VAUGHN
• Sinéad – Irish, “God’s gracious gift,” pronounced shin-ADE
• Úna – Irish, “lamb,” symbol of purity
• Ailbhe – Irish, “white/bright,” pronounced AL-va
• Bláthnaid – Irish, “flower,” pronounced BLAW-nid
• Clíodhna – Irish, “shapely,” sea goddess in mythology
• Dáire – Irish, “fruitful/fertile,” pronounced DAW-ra
• Eithne – Irish, “kernel,” pronounced ETH-na
• Finola – Irish, anglicized form of Fionnuala
• Gormlaith – Irish, “blue princess,” medieval queen’s name
• Iseult – Irish, “ice ruler,” Tristan’s lover in legend
• Keavy – Irish, anglicized form of Caoimhe
• Liadan – Irish, “grey lady,” poet in Irish literature
• Meadhbh – Irish, “intoxicating,” pronounced MAYV
• Nuala – Irish, short form of Fionnuala
• Orla – Irish, simplified spelling of Órla
• Sadhbh – Irish, “sweet/goodness,” pronounced SYVE
• Treasa – Irish, “strength,” pronounced TRASS-a
• Beibhinn – Irish, “sweet melodious woman,” pronounced BAY-vin
• Ciara – Irish, “dark-haired,” pronounced KEE-ra
• Doireann – Irish, “daughter of Finn,” pronounced DOOR-in
• Étaín – Irish, “jealousy,” beautiful goddess in mythology
• Fedelma – Irish, “ever good,” prophetess in Irish tales
• Gobnait – Irish, “little mouth,” patron saint of bees
• Ide – Irish, simplified form of Íde
• Keelin – Irish, “slender/fair,” anglicized Caoilfhionn
• Lughseach – Irish, “light,” feminine of Lugh
• Muirenn – Irish, “sea-born,” pronounced MWEER-in
• Neasa – Irish, “not gentle,” legendary queen
• Oona – Irish, anglicized form of Úna
• Peig – Irish, “pearl,” traditional diminutive
• Rionach – Irish, “queenly,” pronounced REE-nakh
• Sheila – Irish, anglicized form of Síle
• Tara – Irish, “rocky hill,” seat of High Kings
• Ailís – Irish, “noble,” Gaelic form of Alice
• Bairbre – Irish, “foreign woman,” Gaelic Barbara
• Caitríona – Irish, “pure,” Gaelic Catherine
• Dympna – Irish, “little poet,” patron saint of mental illness
• Eilís – Irish, “pledged to God,” Gaelic Elizabeth
• Fídelma – Irish, “faithful,” alternative spelling
• Gormfhlaith – Irish, “blue princess,” full form
• Honor – Irish, anglicized form of Onóra
• Ita – Irish, “thirsty one,” beloved saint
• Kathleen – Irish, anglicized Caitlín
• Labhaoise – Irish, “famous warrior,” pronounced LAV-eesh
• Mairead – Irish, “pearl,” Gaelic Margaret
• Nessa – Irish, “not gentle,” mother of Conchobar
• Onóra – Irish, “honor,” traditional virtue name
• Pegeen – Irish, diminutive of Margaret
• Rós – Irish, “rose,” simple floral beauty
• Síle – Irish, “blind,” pronounced SHEE-la
• Treise – Irish, “strength,” virtue name
• Úna – Irish, “unity,” symbol of Ireland
• Bébinn – Irish, “white lady,” mythological figure
• Caointiarna – Irish, “gentle lord,” pronounced KEEN-teer-na
• Dubheasa – Irish, “dark waterfall,” pronounced DOO-assa
• Eadaoin – Irish, “wealthy friend,” pronounced AY-deen
• Fíona – Irish, “fair/white,” timeless beauty
• Grania – Irish, anglicized Gráinne
• Honora – Irish, “honor,” virtue name
• Íosoig – Irish, rare traditional name

Discover more [Celtic girl names] to complement these traditional choices.

Modern Gaelic Names: Contemporary Celtic Beauty

These names blend ancient roots with modern appeal, perfect for parents wanting Celtic heritage without overwhelming pronunciation challenges.

• Ava – Irish, “living one,” modern popularity with ancient roots
• Brenna – Irish, “little raven,” nature-inspired beauty
• Cora – Irish, “maiden,” simple elegance
• Dara – Irish, “oak tree,” strength and endurance
• Erin – Irish, “Ireland itself,” patriotic choice
• Fiona – Scottish, “white/fair,” beloved classic
• Gaia – Irish, “earth mother,” modern spiritual appeal
• Hana – Irish, “flower,” cross-cultural beauty
• Imogen – Celtic, “maiden,” literary sophistication
• Jenna – Irish, “white wave,” contemporary sound
• Kara – Irish, “friend,” simple and sweet
• Leah – Irish, “weary,” biblical connection
• Mia – Irish, “mine,” modern favorite
• Nora – Irish, “honor,” vintage revival
• Paige – Irish, “young assistant,” professional appeal
• Quinn – Irish, “wisdom,” unisex strength
• Riley – Irish, “wood clearing,” adventurous spirit
• Shea – Irish, “admirable,” surname as first name
• Tessa – Irish, “to harvest,” agricultural roots
• Unity – Irish, modern virtue name
• Vera – Irish, “truth,” timeless virtue
• Willow – Celtic nature connection
• Xara – Irish, modern creation
• Yara – Celtic, “spring goddess”
• Zara – Irish, “blooming flower”
• Alana – Irish, “little rock,” strength symbolism
• Bridget – Irish, anglicized Brigid, saint’s name
• Colleen – Irish, “girl,” affectionate term
• Darby – Irish, “free from envy,” virtue name
• Eileen – Irish, “bright shining one,” classic beauty
• Fallon – Irish, “leader,” strong feminine choice
• Gillian – Irish, “youthful,” fresh appeal
• Hayley – Irish, “hay meadow,” nature connection
• Iris – Greek via Irish, “rainbow,” mythological beauty
• Jordyn – Irish, “flowing down,” water element
• Kenna – Scottish, “born of fire,” passionate nature
• Lorna – Scottish, “fox,” clever and beautiful
• Moira – Irish, “bitter,” alternative to Mary
• Neve – Irish, “bright,” pronounced NEV
• Oriana – Irish, “golden,” royal elegance
• Pixie – Irish, “fairy,” whimsical charm
• Quinlan – Irish, “graceful,” surname as first name
• Regan – Irish, “little king,” royal strength
• Shannon – Irish, “old river,” geographical beauty
• Teagan – Irish, “little poet,” creative spirit
• Ula – Celtic, “gem of the sea”
• Vienna – Irish, “white wave,” sophisticated sound
• Wren – Celtic, “small bird,” nature name
• Xenia – Greek via Celtic, “hospitality”
• Yana – Celtic, “God is gracious”
• Zelda – Celtic, “blessed,” vintage gaming appeal
• Aislinn – Irish, “dream/vision,” pronounced ASH-lin
• Bronwyn – Welsh Gaelic, “white breast,” pure beauty
• Cordelia – Celtic, “daughter of the sea”
• Delphine – Celtic, “dolphin,” marine connection
• Evangeline – Irish, “bearer of good news”
• Fallon – Irish, “leader,” strong choice
• Genevieve – Celtic, “tribe woman,” noble heritage
• Hermione – Celtic via Greek, “messenger”
• Imara – Celtic, “strong,” virtue name
• Juniper – Celtic nature name, “evergreen”
• Kyla – Scottish, “narrow strait,” geographical
• Luna – Celtic, “moon,” celestial beauty
• Marlowe – Irish, “driftwood,” nature element
• Nova – Celtic, “new,” fresh beginning
• Olive – Celtic, “peace symbol,” virtue name
• Poppy – Celtic, “milk of happiness,” joyful name
• Quincy – Irish, “estate of the fifth son”
• Roma – Celtic, “strength,” virtue name
• Sage – Celtic, “wise one,” herb name
• Thea – Celtic, “goddess,” divine connection
• Uma – Celtic, “flax,” traditional craft
• Vale – Celtic, “valley,” geographical beauty
• Willa – Celtic, “resolute protection”
• Ximena – Celtic, “listener”

Find more inspiration in our collection of [Scottish girl names] that complement these modern choices.

Scottish Gaelic Names: Highland Heritage

The Scottish Highlands gave us some of the most hauntingly beautiful names in the Gaelic tradition. These names echo across ancient glens and carry the strength of clan heritage.

• Aileas – Scottish, “noble,” pronounced AH-lesh
• Beathag – Scottish, “life,” pronounced BEH-ak
• Caoimhe – Scottish variant, “gentle beauty”
• Dolina – Scottish, “world ruler,” feminine Donald
• Effie – Scottish, “pleasant speech,” cheerful choice
• Frangag – Scottish, “free,” pronounced FRAN-ak
• Giorsal – Scottish, “grace,” pronounced GEER-sal
• Iseabail – Scottish, “pledged to God,” pronounced ISH-a-bel
• Jinty – Scottish, diminutive of Janet
• Kenna – Scottish, “born of fire”
• Lilias – Scottish, “lily,” floral beauty
• Mòrag – Scottish, “great,” pronounced MORE-ak
• Nessa – Scottish, “headland,” geographical
• Oighrig – Scottish, “new speckled one,” pronounced OY-rik
• Peigi – Scottish, “pearl,” pronounced PAY-gee
• Rhona – Scottish, “rough island,” Isle of Rhona
• Senga – Scottish, “Agnes” backwards, unique twist
• Teasag – Scottish, “harvester,” pronounced TESS-ak
• Una – Scottish variant of Úna
• Vaila – Scottish, from Vaila island in Shetland
• Winnie – Scottish, diminutive of various names
• Ina – Scottish, “pure,” simple beauty
• Jessie – Scottish, diminutive of Jean
• Kirsty – Scottish, “Christian,” pronounced KEER-stee
• Lesley – Scottish, “garden of holly”
• Mhairi – Scottish, “bitter,” pronounced VAH-ree
• Nairne – Scottish, “from the alder tree river”
• Paisley – Scottish, “pattern,” modern textile connection
• Shona – Scottish, “God is gracious”
• Tavie – Scottish, “son of Thomas,” surname origin
• Isla – Scottish, “island,” mystical water connection
• Mairi – Scottish, variant of Mhairi
• Ceit – Scottish, “pure,” pronounced Kate
• Marsali – Scottish, “warrior,” strong heritage
• Sìne – Scottish, “God is gracious,” pronounced SHEE-na
• Morag – Scottish, anglicized Mòrag
• Davina – Scottish, “beloved,” feminine David
• Fiona – Scottish, “white/fair,” international appeal
• Iona – Scottish, “blessed,” island monastery
• Kirsteen – Scottish, variant of Kirsty
• Lileas – Scottish, variant of Lilias
• Morna – Scottish, “beloved,” affectionate choice
• Netta – Scottish, diminutive of names ending -etta
• Orna – Scottish, “pale green,” nature color
• Philomena – Scottish, “lover of strength”
• Rowena – Scottish, “white spear,” warrior heritage
• Sheena – Scottish, anglicized Sìne
• Thora – Scottish, “thunder goddess,” Norse influence
• Valda – Scottish, “ruler,” leadership quality
• Wilma – Scottish, “resolute protector”

Explore our comprehensive [Scottish baby names] guide for more Highland inspiration.

Mythological Gaelic Names: Legends Come Alive

Celtic mythology brims with powerful goddesses, enchanted beings, and heroic women whose names carry supernatural significance. These choices connect your daughter to Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition.

• Banba – Irish, “pig,” one of three goddesses representing Ireland
• Ceridwen – Welsh Gaelic, “blessed poetry,” shape-shifting goddess
• Danu – Irish, “flowing water,” mother goddess of Tuatha Dé Danann
• Epona – Gaelic, “great mare,” horse goddess
• Fand – Irish, “tear,” sea goddess and fairy queen
• Grainne – Irish, “grain,” sun goddess and love deity
• Hestia – Celtic, “hearth,” home and family goddess
• Imbólc – Irish, “in the belly,” spring festival goddess
• Juno – Celtic, “youth,” protective goddess
• Kore – Celtic, “maiden,” seasonal goddess
• Lir – Irish, “sea,” ocean deity
• Morrigan – Irish, “phantom queen,” war goddess
• Nemetona – Gaelic, “sanctuary,” grove goddess
• Olwen – Welsh, “white track,” flower maiden
• Prydwen – Welsh, “precious/white,” Arthur’s shield
• Rhiannon – Welsh, “great queen,” horse goddess
• Sulis – Celtic, “eye/sun,” healing goddess
• Tailtiu – Irish, “earth,” harvest goddess
• Vindona – Gaelic, “white wave,” river goddess
• Andraste – Celtic, “invincible,” war goddess
• Bellona – Celtic, “war,” battle goddess
• Coventina – Celtic, “water white,” spring goddess
• Damara – Celtic, “gentle,” fertility goddess
• Eostre – Celtic, “dawn,” spring goddess
• Freydis – Celtic, “noble lady,” warrior woman
• Guinevere – Celtic, “white phantom,” Arthur’s queen
• Heather – Celtic, “flowering shrub,” sacred plant
• Isolde – Celtic, “ice ruler,” tragic romance heroine
• Jocasta – Celtic, “shining moon,” queenly name
• Kerridwen – Welsh, variant of Ceridwen
• Lavena – Celtic, “joy,” happiness goddess
• Morwyn – Welsh, “maiden,” young goddess
• Nemain – Irish, “frenzy,” battle goddess
• Olwyn – Welsh, variant of Olwen
• Pwyll – Welsh, “wisdom,” tale character
• Qadesh – Celtic, “holy,” sacred goddess
• Rigantona – Celtic, “great queen,” sovereignty goddess
• Sirona – Celtic, “divine star,” healing goddess
• Triduana – Celtic, “three streams,” saint
• Veleda – Celtic, “seer,” prophetic goddess
• Branwen – Welsh, “beautiful raven,” tragic heroine
• Cordelia – Celtic, “daughter of the sea,” literary
• Dwynwen – Welsh, “saint of lovers,” romantic
• Enid – Welsh, “soul/life,” Arthurian romance
• Ffion – Welsh, “foxglove,” flower power
• Gwen – Welsh, “white/blessed,” simple beauty
• Hafwen – Welsh, “summer fair,” seasonal joy
• Iona – Scottish, “dove,” peaceful island
• Jenna – Celtic, “white wave,” ocean connection
• Keelin – Irish, “slender and fair,” graceful choice

Delve deeper into [Celtic boy names] for sibling name inspiration.

Rare and Unique Gaelic Names: Hidden Gems

These lesser-known treasures offer maximum uniqueness while maintaining authentic Gaelic heritage. Perfect for parents seeking names their daughters won’t share with classmates.

• Ailbhe – Irish, “white,” pronounced AL-va, unisex option
• Bébhinn – Irish, “fair lady,” pronounced BAY-vin
• Ceara – Irish, “spear,” warrior strength
• Doirend – Irish, “sullen,” mysterious appeal
• Eabha – Irish, “living,” pronounced AY-va
• Fiadh – Irish, “wild,” pronounced FEE-a
• Gobnait – Irish, “little mouth,” bee saint
• Hilaria – Celtic, “cheerful,” joyful spirit
• Isibéal – Irish, “pledged to God,” pronounced ISH-bale
• Jarlath – Irish, “tributary lord,” place name
• Keara – Irish, “dark,” mysterious beauty
• Líadain – Irish, “grey lady,” poetic heritage
• Méabh – Irish, “intoxicating,” pronounced MAYV
• Neala – Irish, “champion,” victorious spirit
• Odharnait – Irish, “little green one,” pronounced OR-nit
• Pádraigín – Irish, “little Patrick,” feminine form
• Réaltín – Irish, “little star,” celestial beauty
• Saorfhlaith – Irish, “noble princess,” pronounced SEER-la
• Tuathla – Irish, “people ruler,” leadership name
• Uasal – Irish, “noble,” aristocratic choice
• Brighid – Irish, alternative Brigid spelling
• Caoilinn – Irish, “slender,” pronounced KEE-lin
• Doirenn – Irish, “daughter of Finn,” heroic connection
• Eadaoín – Irish, “wealthy friend,” pronounced AY-deen
• Fainche – Irish, “free,” pronounced FAWN-khe
• Gormla – Irish, “blue princess,” royal heritage
• Iarlaith – Irish, “tributary lady,” geographical
• Kennera – Scottish, rare Highland name
• Laisrén – Irish, “flame,” passionate spirit
• Muadhnait – Irish, “little noble one,” pronounced MOO-nit
• Nuline – Irish, “champion’s shoulder,” warrior name
• Orlaith – Irish, “golden sovereign,” pronounced OR-la
• Pobull – Scottish, “people,” community connection
• Ríonach – Irish, “queenly,” royal bearing
• Saorlaith – Irish, “free princess,” independence
• Toiréasa – Irish, “strength,” pronounced tor-ASH-a
• Uallach – Irish, “proud,” confident choice
• Bláithín – Irish, “little flower,” diminutive beauty
• Caoimhín – Irish, “gentle birth,” pronounced KEE-vin
• Donnghaile – Irish, “brown valor,” pronounced DON-gale
• Eimhear – Irish, “swift,” heroic quality
• Fírinne – Irish, “truth,” virtue name
• Gráinseach – Irish, “grace,” pronounced GRAWN-shakh
• Ionúin – Irish, “beloved,” pronounced ee-NOON
• Líle – Irish, “lily,” floral purity
• Muirenn – Irish, “sea-born,” ocean connection
• Órlaith – Irish, alternative Orlaith spelling
• Ríona – Irish, “queenly,” royal strength
• Sorcha – Irish, “brightness,” radiant choice
• Úrsula – Celtic, “little bear,” strength symbol

Complete your Celtic name journey with our [unique girl names] collection.

The Celtic Renaissance: Why Gaelic Names Matter More Than Ever

Celtic culture spans over 2,500 years of rich tradition, and nowhere is this more beautifully preserved than in Gaelic names. From the misty highlands of Scotland to Ireland’s emerald shores, these names have survived invasions, language suppressions, and centuries of change.

What makes Gaelic names particularly special right now? They offer authenticity in an increasingly digital world. While modern parents scroll through apps filled with made-up names, Gaelic names provide genuine cultural depth. Each name connects your daughter to stories of Celtic warriors, poets, and saints who shaped European history.

The pronunciation might seem daunting at first – and yes, “Caoimhe” really is pronounced “KEE-va” – but that’s part of their charm. These names make people pause, ask questions, and create memorable first impressions.

Explore more [Irish girl names] for additional Celtic inspiration.

Pronunciation Guide and Choosing Tips

Mastering Gaelic pronunciation transforms these names from foreign-looking words into musical poetry. The key lies in understanding that Gaelic spelling follows different phonetic rules than English.

Essential Pronunciation Rules:

• “bh” and “mh” make “v” sounds (Siobhán = shi-VAUGHN)
• “fh” is usually silent (Sadhbh = SYVE)
• “ao” makes an “ee” sound (Caoimhe = KEE-va)
• Stress typically falls on the first syllable

Six Practical Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Gaelic Name:

First, say it aloud repeatedly. Gaelic names sound more beautiful when pronounced correctly, so practice until it flows naturally from your tongue.

Second, research family connections. Many families have Gaelic names hiding in their genealogy – sometimes anglicized beyond recognition.

Third, think about nickname potential. Fionnuala becomes “Nula,” Caitríona becomes “Trina,” giving flexibility as she grows.

Fourth, write it down frequently. Some Gaelic names look more complex than they sound, so test how it appears on paper.

Fifth, share with trusted friends and family. Their reactions help gauge pronunciation challenges and cultural sensitivity.

Sixth, embrace the story. Every Gaelic name carries history – learn it, love it, and share it with your daughter as she grows.

Cultural Connections That Last a Lifetime

I get it – choosing a name feels overwhelming when you want something meaningful. But here’s what I’ve learned from my own journey into Celtic heritage: Gaelic names aren’t just labels, they’re gifts of identity.

When my friend named her daughter Saoirse (SEER-sha, meaning “freedom”), she didn’t just give her a beautiful name. She gave her conversation starters, cultural pride, and a connection to Ireland’s fight for independence. Trust me, that story matters more than easy pronunciation.

These 300 names represent thousands of years of Celtic wisdom, beauty, and strength. Whether you choose the flowing sounds of Fionnuala, the fierce independence of Orlaith, or the simple elegance of Áine, you’re giving your daughter something precious – a name that carries the magic of mist-covered mountains, ancient stone circles, and the enduring spirit of Celtic women who came before.

Your daughter will thank you for choosing a name with such beautiful depth. After all, in a world full of trending names that fade with fashion, Gaelic names remain eternally enchanting – just like the culture they celebrate.