Irish Baby Names for Girls

Jo Brielyn
Are you expecting a child and searching for a name for your baby girl? Whether you're of Irish descent or simply love the sound of the language, Ireland provides a long list of beautiful names for baby girls. In addition to having a lyrical ring to them, these selections also have special meanings which have been included for your knowledge. The names listed below are ten of my favorite choices for girls that I came across during my search of names for my own daughters. They all have traditional roots yet still have unique and fairly modern sounds to them.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #1 - Briana

This female version of Brian means virtuous or strong. Variations of Briana include Breana, Breann, Brianna, BrieAnn, and Bryanna. This also lends itself to the nickname, Bree.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #2 - Ciara

Pronounced Kee-ra, this choice means dark (as in dark hair and eyes) and comes from the seventh century figure, Saint Ciara. Other options for Ciara are Keera, Keira, Kierra, and Kira.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #3 - Kyla

The name originates from the Irish word "cadhla" and means beautiful or pretty. Variations of Kyla include Kiela, Keela, Kila, and Ki.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #4 - Ryanne

This female version of Ryan means royal or leader. Alternatives for Ryanne are Ryana, Rianna, Rianne, Ryanna, and Rynn.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #5 - Ailey

Pronounced Ay-lee, this name is a shortened form of Aileen and means light. Variations of Ailey include Ailee, Ailie, Allie, and Aila.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #6 - Caitlin

Caitlin is a variant of Katherine and means pure or pure-hearted. Other spellings of Caitlin include Caitlyn, Kaitlyn, Kaitlin, and Katelin.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #7 - Keena

This unique girls' name means courageous. Alternatives for Keena are Keiana, Keenya, Kina, and Kiana.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #8 - Meagan

This name means joyous or precious. Variations of Meagan include Meegan, Meghan, Meganne, and Meg.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #9 - Cassidee

Cassidee means clever girl. Alternatives for Cassidee include Cassidy, Kassidy, Casadee, Cassady, and the nickname Cass.

Irish Baby Names for Girls #10 - Keiley

This form of Kelly means brave one. Other options for Keiley include Keely, Kiley, Kealy, and Keighley.

Selecting a name for your baby girl is an important decision. You are choosing the name she'll have her entire life. Giving your daughter a name that represents your Irish descent is a beautiful way to pass on your family heritage to her. As with a name of any origin, carefully consider the mispronunciations, possible nicknames, and meanings of each name before making your final decision.

Published by Jo Brielyn - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Jo Brielyn is a freelance writer, Air Force veteran, youth worker, and parent with an extensive background in training and education. She is published on sites like Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Sports, Yahoo! Travel,...  View profile

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  • Sharie Orr4/11/2009

    Great Article! Love these names...We have a daughter Caitlin (Kaitlyn) and nieces Briana (Breanna) and Meagan (Meghan) and a friend Ciara (Sierrah). Wasn't aware they are Irish in origin. :)

  • Susan Anderson2/7/2009

    some nice names on this list :)

  • Audrey M. Brown2/5/2009

    I have a niece named Brianna, never thought of it as being Irish before! Very cool. :)

  • Randy Inman2/1/2009

    Nice list, Long Live the Irish!

  • Gregory Walker1/28/2009

    Lovely article, but you overlooked the most lyrical of Irish names: Siobahn!

  • Cathy A Montville1/26/2009

    I would love any one of these Irish names....they are all so beautiful! Lovely picks!

  • Cyndee Kromminga1/23/2009

    Jo, Brianna was our choice for a girl, but we had all boys. Did you pass this list onto Lindsay? (Giggles)

  • R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen (Rose)1/22/2009

    Nicely Written :)

  • Nikki1/22/2009

    I love all of these names!

  • 3lilangels1/22/2009

    Being part Irish I love all these names, very nice!

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