Irish Baby Names of Saints and Legends

Many beautiful names have come from Ireland. Almost all Irish names can be traced back to the many saints of Ireland or to the folklore and legends throughout its history. Although the spelling and pronunciation of these names may be a little tricky, I think they would make great baby names if you are looking for something different. I have listed some of my favorites.

GIRLS:

Alannah ("a + lan + na") means "darling child" - A favored name in Ireland

Ashling ("ash + ling") means "a vision" or "a dream" - A very popular name in Ireland now

Keela ("kee + la") means "a beauty that only poetry can capture."

Maolisa ("mail + issa") means "follower of Jesus" - A name first used by clerics and can be used for boys and girls.

Neala ("nee + la") means "female champion"

Nuala ("noo + la") means "fair shouldered, exceptionally lovely"

Ryanne ("rye + an") means "little princess"

Sheenagh ("she + na") means "God is gracious" - an Irish form of the name Jane

Sheelagh ("she + la") means "pure and musical." - the Irish form of Cecilia

Teagan ("tee + gun") means "beautiful." - my favorite

BOYS:

Aedan ("ai + dan") means "born of fire." - From Irish legend

Carrick ("car + ick") means "a rock."

Kian ("key + in") means "ancient, enduring." - Irish legend

Donal ("doe + nail") means "ruler of the world." - "Young Donal" is 15th century love song, still popular among Irish

Kevan ("key + von") means "gentle child" or "well born." - St. Kevan, a name that is still very popular in Ireland.

Lorcan ("lor + can") means "silent" or "fierce" "brave warrior." - This name is growing in popularity again in Ireland.

Oisin ("osh + een") means "little deer." - legend of child raised in forest by his mother after she was turned into a deer. A very popular name again in Ireland.

Riordan ("reer + don") means "royal poet." - poets were very highly regarded in royal households as he acted as scholar, historian and advisor to the king.

Ronan ("ro + nan") means "sea-longing" - children of selkies and humans, known as "ronans" or "little seals"

Ruari ("ro + ree") means "red king, great king."

**Check out the history and legends of Ireland to find complete information on these baby names.