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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
Mearla Mearla: Unique Irish name meaning "thief," symbolizing strength and independence. Irish, Persian Unisex
Medbh Medbh: Irish name meaning "intoxicating," elegant, and culturally significant. Irish Girl
Medhbhín Medhbhín: Rare Irish name meaning "intoxicating beauty," uniquely charming. Irish Girl
Meighan Meighan means "son of the warrior," of Irish origin. English, Irish Unisex
Meigin Meigin: Unique Irish name meaning "youthful," suitable for any gender. Irish Unisex
Meleattah Meleattah: Unique Irish name meaning "honey," popular for baby girls. Irish Girl
Meleney Meleney: Unique Irish name meaning "yellow-haired," derived from Melanie. Irish Girl
Merna Merna: Irish name meaning "tender," popularized by poet Merna Summers. Irish Girl
Mhairey Mhairey: Gaelic name meaning "bitter," historically significant in Scotland, Ireland. Gaelic, Hebrew, Irish, Scottish Girl
Miach Miach: Irish name meaning "honorable," linked to healing mythology. Celtic, Irish Unisex
Miceal Miceal: Irish male name meaning "who is like God," unique. Irish Boy
Miceala Miceala: Unique Irish name meaning "who is like God," elegant. Irish Girl
Micheál Micheál means "who is like God?"; derived from Hebrew origins. Biblical, Irish Male
mickia Mickia: A unique name, possibly derived from "Mika," meaning "who is like God?" American, Biblical, English, Irish Either
Mieghan Mieghan: Unique Irish name meaning "pearl," elegant and charming choice. Irish Girl
mishy Mishy: diminutive of Michelle, meaning "who is like God?" American, Arabic, Armenian, Biblical, English, Indian, Irish, Japanese, Persian, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu Either
Mo Mo is a short form of names like Moses or Maurice. Arabic, Biblical, Chinese, Hebrew, Irish, Japanese, Latin, Persian Unisex
Moane Moane: Irish unisex name meaning "little and smooth one," charming. Irish Unisex
Mogan Mogan: Unique Irish name meaning "descendant of the beloved one." Irish Boy
Mohyny Mohyny: Unique Irish name meaning wealthy, unisex, elegant, culturally significant. Irish, Unique Unisex
Moina Moina: Irish name meaning "gentle," unique, elegant, and culturally significant. Irish Girl
Molan Molan: Irish name meaning "bald," associated with St. Moling. Irish Unisex
Molleah Molleah: Unique Irish name meaning "bald meadow," symbolizing wisdom and nature. Irish Unisex
Molloy Molloy: Irish name meaning "descendant of St. Molua's servant." Catholic, Gaelic, Irish Unisex
Monahan Monahan: Irish surname meaning "descendant of little monk," historically significant. Irish Unisex
Monhinie Monhinie: a rare name meaning "man with strong buttocks." Irish, Scottish Unisex
Monie Monie: Derived from "money," symbolizing wealth or prosperity in names. American, Arabic, Armenian, Biblical, English, French, Greek, Hebrew, Indian, Irish, Italian, Latin, Persian, Spanish Unisex
Moone Moone: Unisex name meaning "dweller at the moor" or "moon." English, Irish Unisex
Mooney Mooney: Irish surname meaning "wealth," associated with history and success. Irish, Literature Unisex
Mooreen Mooreen: Irish name meaning "little marshy land," variant of Maureen. 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.