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Irish names - Baby names with the origin Irish

Irish names are rooted in Gaelic language and mythology, reflecting Ireland’s rich cultural history. Names like Cian (ancient) and Aoife (beauty) often symbolize nature, bravery, or legendary figures. These names celebrate Irish heritage and maintain a strong connection to the country’s linguistic and cultural traditions.

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Name Meaning Origins Gender
Eimear Eimear: Irish name meaning "swift," elegant, and uniquely charming choice. Irish Girl
Eimhín Eimhín: Unique Irish name meaning "swift," pronounced "AY-veen." Irish Boy
Eimhínn Eimhínn: Unique Irish name meaning "swift," pronounced "AY-veen." Irish Girl
Eimile Eimile: Irish name meaning "industrious," unique, feminine, and charming. Irish Girl
Eion Eion: Greek origin name meaning "son of Apollo," culturally significant. Greek, Irish Unisex
Eirin Eirin means "peace" in Irish; derived from the word "Éire." Ancient Greek, Irish, Welsh Girl
Eirinn Eirinn means "Ireland" in Irish Gaelic, symbolizing heritage and identity. Gaelic, Irish Unisex
Eirpne Eirpne: Rare Irish name meaning peace, associated with harmony and tranquility. Irish Girl
Eistir Eistir: Unique Irish name meaning "star" or "bright shining one." Irish Unisex
Eithne Eithne: Gaelic name meaning "kernel," linked to harvest goddess. Gaelic, Irish, Scottish Girl
Eithnea Eithnea: Unique Irish name meaning "kernel," elegant and melodic choice. Irish Girl
Eithnne Eithnne: Rare Irish name meaning "kernel," unique with cultural significance. Irish Girl
Eleenah Eleenah, an Irish variant of Eileen, means "bright, shining one." Irish Girl
Eleene Eleene, an Irish name meaning "bright one," is uniquely beautiful. Irish Girl
Elidure Elidure: Unique Welsh name symbolizing strength, resilience, and mythology. Celtic, Irish Boy
Elleen Eleen, an Irish name meaning "bright one," symbolizes beauty and strength. Irish Girl
Ellie Maeve Ellie Maeve: Charming name blending English and Irish heritage, gaining popularity. English, Irish Girl
Elva Elva: Irish name meaning "white, noble, bright"; unique and timeless. Irish Unisex
Elyin Elyin: a unique, modern name with uncertain origins and meanings. Irish Unisex
Emyt Emyt: a unique, gender-neutral name with unclear origins and meaning. Germanic, Irish Unisex
Enda Enda: Irish name meaning "bird-like," unique, and culturally significant. Irish Boy
Ene Algonquian, American, Biblical, Celtic, English, Irish, Latin, Native American
Ennis Ennis means "island" in Irish, derived from the Gaelic "Inis." Gaelic, Irish Unisex
Enya Enya, an Irish name meaning "little fire," gained popularity through music. Irish Unisex
Epona Epona, a unique name, originates from Celtic mythology, meaning "horse." Celtic, Irish Girl
Eponah Eponah: Unique name rooted in Celtic mythology, honoring goddess Epona. Celtic, Irish Girl
Erc Erc: Rare Irish name meaning "speckled," with historical significance. Irish Boy
Eriann Eriann: a modern, unique name meaning "peaceful," derived from Erin. Irish Girl
Erinan Erinan: Unique Irish unisex name meaning "little Ireland," emphasizes strength. Irish Unisex
Erinetta Erinetta: Unique Irish name meaning "peace," derived from Erin. Irish Girl

FAQs about the name Irish

What is the origin of the name 'Irish'?

The name 'Irish' originates from the Old English word 'Iras', referring to the people of Ireland. This term itself is derived from the Old Norse word 'Írar', which the Norse Vikings used to describe the inhabitants of Ireland. Over time, the term evolved in the English language to refer to anything pertaining to Ireland or its culture.

Does the name 'Irish' have any ancient roots?

Yes, the name 'Irish' has ancient roots, tracing back to the Celtic inhabitants of Ireland. The Celts referred to their land as Éire, and the people were known as the Éireann or the Irish. The term has been anglicized over the centuries, but it retains its connection to the early inhabitants of the island.

Is the term 'Irish' connected to the Gaelic language?

Yes, the term 'Irish' is closely connected to the Gaelic language. Gaelic is a branch of the Celtic languages, and the term used by the Gaelic-speaking inhabitants of Ireland to describe themselves is 'Éireannach'. The English term 'Irish' is an adaptation of this Gaelic word.

How did the term 'Irish' evolve in English?

The term 'Irish' evolved in English through a series of linguistic changes from the Old English 'Iras' to the Middle English 'Irissh'. These changes were influenced by the interactions between the English and the Gaelic-speaking Irish, as well as the Norse invaders. Over time, the term became standardized in English as 'Irish'.

What is the etymology of the word 'Ireland'?

The etymology of the word 'Ireland' is derived from the Old English name 'Īrland', which is itself sourced from the Old Norse name 'Írland'. This Norse term was used to refer to the island inhabited by the Gaelic people, known as 'Éire' in Gaelic. The name 'Ireland' has thus been shaped by both Norse and Gaelic influences.

Are there different variations of the name 'Irish' in other languages?

Yes, there are different variations of the name 'Irish' in other languages. For example, in Spanish, it is 'irlandés'; in French, it is 'irlandais'; and in German, it is 'irisch'. These variations reflect the phonetic and grammatical conventions of each language.

What does the term 'Irish' signify in a cultural context?

In a cultural context, the term 'Irish' signifies anything related to Ireland, its people, or its culture. This includes the Irish language, traditions, music, folklore, and national identity. The term is used globally to represent the distinct cultural heritage of Ireland.

Can the name 'Irish' be used to describe both language and ethnicity?

Yes, the name 'Irish' can be used to describe both the language and the ethnicity. 'Irish' as a language refers to the Gaelic language of Ireland, also known as Irish Gaelic. As an ethnicity, it refers to people of Irish descent or nationality.

How has the name 'Irish' been used historically?

Historically, the name 'Irish' has been used to identify the people of Ireland and their descendants. It has been used in legal and historical texts to distinguish the inhabitants of Ireland from those of other nations. The term has also been used to describe the Irish diaspora around the world.

Is the term 'Irish' used differently in Ireland compared to abroad?

The term 'Irish' is used in Ireland primarily to denote nationality and cultural identity. Abroad, the term often encompasses a broader sense of ethnic identity, especially among the Irish diaspora. It can also be used to describe someone or something associated with Ireland or its culture, regardless of actual nationality.