Baby Names 50 Gaelic Baby Names Learn the meaning and origins of popular Gaelic baby names By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould LinkedIn Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 05, 2022 Fact checked by Daniella Amato Fact checked by Daniella Amato Daniella Amato is a biomedical scientist and fact checker with expertise in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. Learn about our editorial process Print Thanasis Zovoilis / Getty Images If you’ve ever been a bit confused about the difference between Irish, Scottish, Gaelic, and Celtic, you’re not alone. If you were to look at a tree diagram, you’d see Celtic at the top with two families underneath: Brythonig and Goidelic. The latter is where you'll find a trio of three primary languages: Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. While both Scottish and Irish Gaelic languages technically come from the same lineage, each has their own dialect and vocabulary. Below we’ve rounded up 50 Gaelic boys and girls names that come from both. Popular Gaelic Baby Names: Meanings and Origins Name Meaning Origin Aidan Little fire Gaelic, Scottish Blaire Dweller on the plain Gaelic, Scottish Brody Broad eye Gaelic, Scottish Casey Brave in battle Gaelic, Irish Kennedy Helmeted leader Gaelic, Irish Nora Honor, light Gaelic, Irish Owen Of noble descent Gaelic, Irish Riley From a rye meadow Gaelic, Irish Ryan Royal Gaelic, Irish Quinn Wise and reasonable Gaelic, Irish Popular Gaelic Baby Names for Girls See below for popular and unique Gaelic baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information. Ailsa Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Elf victoryFamous Namesakes: Scottish economist Ailsa McKayPeak Popularity: The name Ailsa isn’t very popular in the United States, but is quite common in Scotland. There isn’t enough information to determine when the name reached peak popularity, and only six baby girls given the name in the U.S. in 2019. Fun Fact: Ailsa Craig is the name of an island located at the western edge of Scotland. Aisling Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Fantasy, dreamAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aislin, Aislinn, AshlingFamous Namesakes: United States actress Aisling Sistrunk; Irish-English actress Aisling LoftusPeak Popularity: This name hasn't been very popular in the United States. Only 34 baby girls named Aisling in the U.S. in 2019. Blair Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: dweller on the plainAlternative Spellings & Variations: Blaire, Blare, Blayr, BlayreFamous Namesakes: Australian Olympic swimmer Blair Catherine Evans; Miss Alaska USA 2007 Blair ChenowethPeak Popularity: This name was quite popular in the U.S. from the mid '70s to mid '90s. In recently years, Blair reached peak popularity in 2020, when it ranked 669 on the list of most popular baby names. Bevin Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Fair Lady, White Lady, Lady with a sweet songAlternative Spellings & Variations: Bébhinn, Bébhionn, Bébinn, Béibhinn, Vivian, Vivi, VivyanFamous Namesakes: United States Actress Bevin Prince, Character on TV’s “One Tree Hill,” Bevin MirskeyPeak Popularity: This name, like many others on this list, isn’t popular in the United States. There isn’t enough information to determine when this name achieved peak popularity. There were exactly 5 baby girls who received the name Bevin in 2019. Catriona Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Pure and chasteAlternative Spellings & Variations: Caitria, Caitríona, Catrina, CaitrìonaFamous Namesakes: Canadian Olympic speed skater Catriona LeMay Doan; English actress Catriona MacCollPeak Popularity: Only 3 babies received the name in 2020 in Ireland. It isn't popular stateside either. Fun Fact: This name is a variation on Katherine. Casey Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Brave in battleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kacey, Kacie, Kaycee, KaseyFamous Namesakes: United States criminologist and legal analyst Dr. Casey Jordan; Australian pop singer ("Australian Idol") Casey Donovan Peak Popularity: This name began surging in popularity in the early ‘70s, and peaked in 1987. It has been a common name in the U.S. since then. Deirdre Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Broken-heartedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Deidra, Deidre, DeitraFamous Namesakes: United States actresses Deirdre Lovejoy and Deirdre O'Connell; United States cyclist Deirdre "Dede" Demet BarryPeak Popularity: The name rose in popularity during the '40s, peaked in 1961, and then waned. Only 17 girls received the name in the U.S. in 2019. Donella Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Ruler of the worldAlternative Spellings & Variations: Donalda, Donaldina, Donelle, DonnaFamous Namesakes: United States environmental scientist Donella MeadowsPeak Popularity: This name is quite rare in the United States. Fewer than five baby girls were given the name in 2019. Duana Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: SongAlternative Spellings & Variations: AnaFamous Namesakes: U.S. screenwriter Duana TahaPeak Popularity: Duana isn’t very popular in the United States. In 2019, fewer than five girls were given the name. Edna Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: DelicateAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aithne, Eithne, Ena, Enya, Ethna, Ethne, EtnaFamous Namesakes: United States novelist Edna Ferber, United States poet Edna St. Vincent MillayPeak Popularity: The name Edna was given heavily from 1880 to 1980, but hasn’t seen much use since the early 1980s. Edna reached peak popularity in the United States in 1918 and only 79 girls were given the name in 2019. Emer Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Quick, swiftAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eimhir, Eimear, ÉimhearFamous Namesakes: British actress Emer Gwynne Morganna KennyPeak Popularity: This name is quite rare. Fewer than five U.S. babies were named Emer in 2019. Enya Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Little seed or kernalAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aithne, Edna, Eithne, Ena, Ethna, Ethne, EtnaFamous Namesakes: Irish singer-songwriter EnyaPeak Popularity: Enya hasn't been a very popular name in the United States. In 2019, about 25 girls were so named. Fergie Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: VigorousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ferguson, FergusFamous Namesakes: United States pop singer Stacy Ann Ferguson (Fergie) Duhamel; Duchess of York Sarah Margaret Ferguson (Fergie).Peak Popularity: Fergie hasn't been a very popular name in the United States. In 2019, about 25 girls were so named. Ireland Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Homage to IrelandAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eireann, Erin, Ériu, ErinPeak Popularity: This name picked up traction in the United States in the 1990s and continued rising in popularity through 2010. In 2019, about 200 baby girls were given the name. Killian Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Little churchAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cillian, Cillín, Kilian, Kylian, LianPeak Popularity: Though it's risen a bit in popularity in the last couple decades, Killian hasn't been super common in the U.S. In 2019, only 16 girls were given the name. Keely Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: BeautifulAlternative Spellings & Variations: Keeley, KeeleighFamous Namesakes: United States TV journalist Keely Shaye SmithPeak Popularity: Keely saw a small rise in popularity in the U.S. in the early '70s, but has otherwise been relatively uncommon. Kennedy Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Helmeted leaderAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kennedi, Kennedee, Kennedey, KennedieFamous Namesakes: United States fashion journalist Kennedy FraserPeak Popularity: Kennedy started to become more common as a girls name in the '90s and has continued to rise in popularity. In 2000, it was at 172 and had reached 72 by 2020. Kevina Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Lively, belovedAlternative Spellings & Variations:Peak Popularity: The name isn’t popular in the United States. Fewer than five baby girls were given the name in 2019. Fun Fact: As you might have guessed, this name is the feminine version of Kevin. Maeve Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Intoxicating womanAlternative Spellings & Variations: Maedhbh, Maebh, Madb, MedbFamous Namesakes: British diplomat Maeve Geraldine Fort; United States actress Maeve Anne QuinlanPeak Popularity: The name didn’t begin to rise in popularity in the United States until the mid '90s. It reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 2020 at 173, up from 778 in 2020. Maille Origin: Gailic, Irish, FrenchMeaning: PearlAlternative Spellings & Variations: Molly, Mailleigh, Malley, Mally, O'MallyPeak Popularity: Maille is an uncommon baby name in the United States. It does not rank on the top 1000 baby names list. Fun Fact: Maille is the name of a three-century-old French company known for its specialty mustards. Myrna Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: MerryAlternative Spellings & Variations: Morna, Murna, MuirneFamous Namesakes: United States actress Myrna Adele Loy; Miss USA 1953 Myrna HansenPeak Popularity: The name Myrna was commonly used in the U.S. from the late 1800s through the 1970s. Since then, it hasn't been used much. It peaked in 1938 when 1800 girls were so named; in 2019 only 19 girls received the name. Nora Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Honor, lightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Nóra, Norah, Lenora, Lenore, Nell, Nelle, Norah, Leanora, Ella, Ellen, Noor, Noortje, Leonora, LoraFamous Namesakes: Indian Actress and Dancer Nora Fatehi; United States film director and producer Nora Ephron Peak Popularity: Nora has been a relatively common name in the United States since the late 1800s. It reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 2017 at 30. Oona Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: LambAlternative Spellings & Variations: Una, Ola, OonaghFamous Namesakes: Oona Castilla Chaplin, a Spanish actress and granddaughter of Charlie ChaplinPeak Popularity: This name hasn't been very popular in the United States. In 2019, about 70 babies were given the name. Quinn Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Wise and reasonable Alternative Spellings & Variations: QuinFamous Namesakes: United States actress Quinn ShephardPeak Popularity: This name was popular in the U.S. in the ‘90s and ‘00s. It reached peak popularity in 2017, at 76. In 2020, it ranked 85. Fun Fact: Oona Castilla Chaplin, granddaughter of famous comic actor Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977), starred in Game of Thrones as Talisa of Volantis. Riley Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: From a rye meadow Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rylee, Ryleigh, RylieFamous Namesakes: United States actress Riley Elizabeth Weston; United States Gymnast Riley Shannon McCuskerPeak Popularity: As a girl’s name, Riley didn't see much use before the late 1980s. It did start gaining traction in the U.S. in the '90s, however, and has continuously risen in popularity since then. In 2020, it was the 33rd most popular name. Popular Gaelic Baby Names for Boys Below are 25 popular and unique Gaelic baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information. Aidan Origin: Gaelic, Scottish Meaning: Little fire Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aden, Aiden, Aydan, Ayden Aodhán, Edan, Aodhán, Edan Famous Namesakes: United States actor Aidan Daley Mitchell; Irish Actor Aidan Gillen Peak Popularity: Aidan was a relatively rare name in the U.S. until the late 1980s. Since then, it's become increasingly popular, reaching a peak in 2003 when over 10,000 babies were so named. Alastair Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Defender Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alistaire, Allister, AlasdairFamous Namesakes: Alistair Cooke, British-born American writer Peak Popularity: Alastair has remained a relatively uncommon name in the United States. In 2019, only 62 boys were given this name. Fun Fact: This name is a variation of the Greek name Alexander. Angus Origin: Gealic, ScottishMeaning: StrengthAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gus, Aonghas, Aonghus, Aengus, AonghusFamous Namesakes: Angus Alan Douglas, the 15th Duke of Hamilton and 12th Duke of BrandoPeak Popularity: This name has been uncommon, but was used a bit more prior to the '50s. At its peak in 1926, about 90 people were given the name. Brody Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Broad eyeAlternative Spellings & Variations: BrodieFamous Namesakes: U.S. reality TV star Brody Jenner, Australian singer-songwriter Brody DallePeak Popularity: Brody experienced a rapid spike in popularity from the late '90s to the 2010s peaking at around 6000 names in a given year. In 2019, about 2000 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: Brody is also the name of a Scottish castle located in Moray, Scotland. It was built in 1567 and has been well-preserved. Cian Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: AncientAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kian, Kean, Keane, Cianán, KeenanFamous Namesakes: Irish footballer Cian Thomas Bolger; Irish rugby union player Cian HealyPeak Popularity: Cian isn't very popular in the United States. Only 127 baby boys were given the name in 2019. Colm Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: DoveAlternative Spellings & Variations: Calum, Colin, Callum, ColemanFamous Namesakes: Irish actor Colm Wilkinson; United States actor Colm Feore; Irish singer of band Celtic Thunder Colm KeeganPeak Popularity: The name has been used in Ireland for quite some time, but isn't very popular stateside. In 2019, there were a total of 15 boys who received the name in the U.S. Corey Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: God’s peace, chosen oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cory, Kory, KoriFamous Namesakes: U.S. Actor Corey Feldman; Canadian actor Corey HaimPeak Popularity: Corey peaked in popularity during 1977 when 6,044 people received this name in the United States. In 2020, it ranked 525. Fun Fact: The name Corey is derived from the gaelic word, Coire, which translates to "in a Caidron” or “in a hollow.” Cormac Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Son of the ravenAlternative Spellings & Variations: CormagFamous Namesakes: United States novelist and playwright Cormac McCarthy Peak Popularity: This ancient Irish name has never been very popular in the United States. About 140 baby boys were given the name in the U.S. in 2019. Craig Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: RockFamous Namesakes: U.S. actor Craig Robinson; Scottish television personality Craig Ferguson, Peak Popularity: Craig was a particularly popular name in the 1950s through '80s. It's still in the top 1000 but has seen a steep decline. In 2000, it ranked 340 and was down to 986 in 2020. Desmond Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: of the world Alternative Spellings & Variations: Desmonde, DesFamous Namesakes: Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond TutuPeak Popularity: Desmond has seen a small and steady popularity since the 1960s. In 2019, about 850 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: Desmond is also the name of a Southern Irish city. Duncan Origin: Galeic, ScottishMeaning: Dark warriorFamous Namesakes: Duncan Hines, a U.S. entrepreneur who invented the eponymous line of sweetsPeak Popularity: Duncan experienced a small peak in popularity in the 1990s. In 1997, 644 boys were given the name. More recently, it's been in decline, dropping from 447 in 2020 to 978 in 2020. Fun Fact: Duncan is technically the Anglicized variation of the Gaelic name "Donnchadh.” Also, there is a town in Texas called “Duncanville.” Finley Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Fair hero or Fair oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Finly, Fin, FinnPeak Popularity: Finley experienced a very small peak in popularity in the '00s and '10s. In 2019, about 1200 boys were given the name. In 2020, it ranked 304. Glenn Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: ValleyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gleann, Glen, Glenna Famous Namesakes: U.S. trombonist Glenn Miller, Candian classical pianist Glenn Gould, Peak Popularity: The name Glenn had been popular in the U.S. for over a century. It peaked in 1962 and remained in the top one thousand until the late 2000s. Fun Fact: The name Glenn is derived from the Gaelic word “gleann,” which means valley. Kade Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: From the wetlandsAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cade, Caden, Caid, Caide, Kaden, Kayd, KhadePeak Popularity: Kade has slowly risen in popularity since the late 1980s. In 2019, over 800 boys were given the name. Keenan Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Ancient one, old soulAlternative Spellings & Variations: Keenen, KenanFamous Namesakes: U.S. actor Keenan Thompson; U.S. actor and comedian Keenan-Ivory WayansPeak Popularity: The name Keenan saw a peak in popularity in the United States in the '90s and '00s. It's now in decline, going from 532 in 2000 to 990 in 2020. Lennon Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Cloak, little capeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lenin, Lenn, Lenny, Len, LennenFamous Namesakes: Beatles singer John Lennon (surname), Canadian singer Lennon Stella of country duo Lennon & Maisy.Peak Popularity: Lennon hasn't been a popular name in the United States, but it’s seen a very small peak in the 2010s and 2020s. In 2019, about 340 boys were given the name Lennon. Fun Fact: Lennon is the Anglicized variation of the Gaelic term "Lonáin.” This word stems from the diminutive of "lon," which means blackbird. Malcolm Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Follower or Devotee of St. ColumbaAlternative Spellings & Variations: Máel ColuimFamous Namesakes: NFL football player Malcolm Floyd; United States Activist Malcolm XPeak Popularity: The name Malcolm has been relatively popular in the United States, first gaining traction in the early 1910s. The name reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 1928, when about 666 boys were given the name. In 2000, it ranked 368 and was up to in 290 2020. Neil Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Passionate, champion, cloud Alternative Spellings & Variations: Niall, Neill, Neal Famous Namesakes: U.S. actor Neil Patrick Harris; U.S. Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond; U.S. astronaut Neil ArmstrongPeak Popularity: Neil was particularly popular from the 1940s through the 1980s. It reached its peak in 1953 when around 2,000 boys were given this name. Neil ranked 749 in 2020. Owen Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Of noble descent Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eógan, Eógan, Eoghan, Eoghan, Euan, Ewan, Ewen Famous Namesakes: United States Actor Owen Cunningham Wilson, United States football players Owen Gerald Daniels and Owen Marecic Peak Popularity: The name has been used consistently in the U.S. since the late 1800s. Owen dramatically increased in popularity around the late 1980s through early ‘90s and reached peak popularity as recently as 2019 when over 9,323 boys were so named. Ronin Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Joyful songAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ron, RoPeak Popularity: Ronin has experienced a very small peak in popularity since the '10s. In 2020, it ranked 388 and 786 boys were given the name. Rooney Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Red-hairedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Roon, Roone, RuneFamous Namesakes: U.S. Actress Rooney MaraPeak Popularity: This name has not been popular in the United States. Only 21 baby boys were given the name in 2019. Rory Origin: Gaelic, Scottish, Irish Meaning: Red-haired kingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Raure, AuroraFamous Namesakes: U.S. actor Rory Culkin; U.S. filmmaker and daughter of JFK, Rory Kennedy Peak Popularity: Rory has seen small and steady popularity since the 1950s. In 2020, it ranked 33o and 989 boys were given the name. Ryan Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: royal, a king’s descendant Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ryean, Ryanne, Rian, Ry, Ryen Famous Namesakes: U.S. Olympian swimmer Ryan Lochte; U.S. television host Ryan Seacrest; U.S. Actor Ryan Reynolds Peak Popularity: Ryan has been an exceptionally popular name over the last century in the United States. It saw a peak in the mid-80s when around 30,000 boys were given the name. It's since dropped in popularity. In 2020, 5,286 boys were given the name. Sean Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Gracious godAlternative Spellings & Variations: Seán, Shane, Shaun, Shawn, ShayneFamous Namesakes: United States actor Sean Patrick Flanery; United States Rapper Sean John Combs (Diddy)Peak Popularity: This name is quite common in the U.S. It began rising in the early '50s and reached its peak popularity in 1990 when over 12,000 individuals were so named. Seamus Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Replacement, bonusAlternative Spellings & Variations: James, Jamie, Shay, SheaFamous Namesakes: Irish poet Seamus Heaney; U.S. actor Seamus DeverPeak Popularity: Seamus started peaking slightly in the late '90s and has remained steady since then. In 2019, about 200 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: This name is a variation on the Hebrew name, James. Sullivan Origin: Gaelic, IrelandMeaning: Eyes like a hawk, dark eyedPeak Popularity: Sullivan has experienced a very small peak in popularity since the '10s. In 2020, 763 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: This name is commonly seen as a surname. Actress Susan Sullivan and TV host Ed Sullivan are two examples. Tyrone Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Of the earthAlternative Spellings & Variations: TyronFamous Namesakes: U.S. actor Tyrone PowerPeak Popularity: Tyrone was particularly popular in the United States from the 1940s through the 1990s with a peak of 2531 names in 1970. It's since dwindled in popularity; in 2019 only 159 boys were given the name. 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Social Security Administration. Popular baby names: beyond the top 1000 names. Social Security Administration. Popular baby names. By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies