Both unique and meaningful, Gaelic names are still a big hit for many parents when naming their babies. In fact, many of the Irish names popular today are rooted in Irish mythology and old Gaelic.
In 2014, statistics based on newly issued passports placed three Irish names in the top 20 baby girl’s names’ – Aoife, Saoirse and Caoimhe.
As for the top 20 baby boy’s names? OisÃn, Liam, Cian, Darragh and Seán all featured in the list.
If you’d rather stay clear of the trends and fancy something a little bit different and unique, here are some of our favourite old Irish names.
1. Eistir, meaning star
2. PadraigÃn, meaning noble
3. AilÃn, meaning handsome
4. Caolán, meaning slender
5. Treasa, meaning strong
6. Beibhinn, meaning fair lady
7. Laoghaire, meaning shepherd
8. Daibhéid, meaning dearly loved
9. Labhaoise, meaning famous warrior
10. RÃoghnach, meaning Queenly
11. NainsÃ, meaning ‘full of grace’
12. Éanna, meaning ‘bird-like’
13. Colmán, meaning a little dove
14. Muirne, meaning beloved
15. DáimhÃn, meaning little deer
16. Conall, meaning strong wolf
17. Isibéal, meaning consecrated to God
18. Gréagóir, meaning watchful
19. Aodhfin, meaning white fire
With 2018 being Bliain na Gaeilge, do you need a better reason to give your child a Gaelic name?
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By Alison Spillane
Gaeilge Agus Iriseoireacht Student working with RTÉ Lifestyle.