Baby Names 50 Gaelic Baby Names Learn the meaning and origins of popular Gaelic baby names By 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 Wendy Rose Gould Published on February 18, 2021 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 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, Scottish Meaning: Elf victory Famous Namesakes: Scottish economist Ailsa McKay Peak Popularity: The name Ailsa isn’t very popular in the United States, but 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, Irish Meaning: Fantasy, dream Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aislin, Aislinn, Ashling Famous Namesakes: United States actress Aisling Sistrunk; Irish-English actress Aisling Loftus Peak 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, Scottish Meaning: dweller on the plain Alternative Spellings & Variations: Blaire, Blare, Blayr, Blayre Famous Namesakes: Australian Olympic swimmer Blair Catherine Evans; Miss Alaska USA 2007 Blair Chenoweth Peak Popularity: This name was quite popular in the U.S. from the mid '70s to mid '90s. Blair reached peak popularity in 1988. Bevin Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Fair Lady, White Lady, Lady with a sweet song Alternative Spellings & Variations: Bébhinn, Bébhionn, Bébinn, Béibhinn, Vivian, Vivi, Vivyan Famous Namesakes: United States Actress Bevin Prince, Character on TV’s “One Tree Hill,” Bevin Mirskey Peak 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, Irish Meaning: Pure and chaste Alternative Spellings & Variations: Caitria, Caitríona, Catrina, Caitrìona Famous Namesakes: Canadian Olympic speed skater Catriona LeMay Doan; English actress Catriona MacColl Peak Popularity: This name hasn't been popular stateside. Only 21 babies received the name in 2019. Fun Fact: This name is a variation on Katherine. Casey Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Brave in battle Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kacey, Kacie, Kaycee, Kasey Famous 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, peaked in 1987, and has been a common name in the U.S. since then. Deirdre Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Broken-hearted Alternative Spellings & Variations: Deidra, Deidre, Deitra Famous Namesakes: United States actresses Deirdre Lovejoy and Deirdre O'Connell; United States cyclist Deirdre "Dede" Demet Barry Peak 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, Scottish Meaning: Ruler of the world Alternative Spellings & Variations: Donalda, Donaldina, Donelle, Donna Famous Namesakes: United States environmental scientist Donella Meadows Peak Popularity: This name is quite rare in the United States. Fewer than five baby girls were given the name in 2019. Duana Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Song Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ana Famous Namesakes: U.S. screenwriter Duana Taha Peak Popularity: Duana isn’t very popular in the United States. In 2019, fewer than five girls were given the name. Edna Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Delicate Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aithne, Eithne, Ena, Enya, Ethna, Ethne, Etna Famous Namesakes: United States novelist Edna Ferber, United States poet Edna St. Vincent Millay Peak 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, Scottish Meaning: Quick, swift Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eimhir, Eimear, Éimhear Famous Namesakes: British actress Emer Gwynne Morganna Kenny Peak Popularity: This name is quite rare. Fewer than five U.S. babies were named Emer in 2019. Enya Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Little seed or kernal Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aithne, Edna, Eithne, Ena, Ethna, Ethne, Etna Famous Namesakes: Irish singer-songwriter Enya Peak Popularity: Enya hasn't been a very popular name in the United States. In 2019, about 25 girls were so named. Fergie Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Vigorous Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ferguson, Fergus Famous 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, Irish Meaning: Homage to Ireland Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eireann, Erin, Ériu, Erin Peak 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, Irish Meaning: Little church Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cillian, Cillín, Kilian, Kylian, Lian Peak 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, Irish Meaning: Beautiful Alternative Spellings & Variations: Keeley, Keeleigh Famous Namesakes: United States TV journalist Keely Shaye Smith Peak 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, Irish Meaning: Helmeted leader Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kennedi, Kennedee, Kennedey, Kennedie Famous Namesakes: United States fashion journalist Kennedy Fraser Peak Popularity: Kennedy started to become more common as a girls name in the '90s and continued a slow rise through the 2010s. Kevina Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Lively, beloved Alternative 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, Irish Meaning: Intoxicating woman Alternative Spellings & Variations: Maedhbh, Maebh, Madb, Medb Famous Namesakes: British diplomat Maeve Geraldine Fort; United States actress Maeve Anne Quinlan Peak 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 2012. Maille Origin: Gailic, Irish, French Meaning: Pearl Alternative Spellings & Variations: Molly, Mailleigh, Malley, Mally, O'Mally Peak Popularity: There isn’t enough information to determine when the name Maille reached peak popularity in the United States. Fewer than baby girls were given the name in 2019. Fun Fact: Maille is the name of a three-century-old French company known for its specialty mustards. Myrna Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Merry Alternative Spellings & Variations: Morna, Murna, Muirne Famous Namesakes: United States actress Myrna Adele Loy; Miss USA 1953 Myrna Hansen Peak Popularity: The name Myrna was commonly used in the U.S. from the late 1800s through the 1970s. 1898-1975. 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, Irish Meaning: Honor, light Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nóra, Norah, Lenora, Lenore, Nell, Nelle, Norah, Leanora, Ella, Ellen, Noor, Noortje, Leonora, Lora Famous 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 2012, and in 2019 about 6000 babies were given the name. Riley Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: From a rye meadow Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rylee, Ryleigh, Rylie Famous Namesakes: United States actress Riley Elizabeth Weston; United States Gymnast Riley Shannon McCusker Peak 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. Oona Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Lamb Alternative Spellings & Variations: Una, Ola, Oonagh Famous Namesakes: Oona Castilla Chaplin, a Spanish actress and granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin Peak Popularity: This name hasn't been very popular in the United States. In 2019, abot 70 babies were given the name. Fun Fact: Oona Castilla Chaplin, granddaughter of famous comic actor Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977), starred in Game of Thrones as Talisa of Volantis. Quinn Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Wise and reasonable Alternative Spellings & Variations: Quin Famous Namesakes: United States actress Quinn Shephard Peak Popularity: This name was popular in the U.S. in the ‘90s and ‘00s. It reached peak popularity in 2012. 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 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, Scottish Meaning: Defender Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alistaire, Allister, Alasdair Famous 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, Scottish Meaning: Strength Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gus, Aonghas, Aonghus, Aengus, Aonghus Famous Namesakes: Angus Alan Douglas, the 15th Duke of Hamilton and 12th Duke of Brando Peak 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, Scottish Meaning: Broad eye Alternative Spellings & Variations: Brodie Famous Namesakes: U.S. reality TV star Brody Jenner, Australian singer-songwriter Brody Dalle Peak 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, Irish Meaning: Ancient Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kian, Kean, Keane, Cianán, Keenan Famous Namesakes: Irish footballer Cian Thomas Bolger; Irish rugby union player Cian Healy Peak Popularity: Cian isn't very popular in the United States. Only 127 baby boys were given the name in 2019. Colm Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Dove Alternative Spellings & Variations: Calum, Colin, Callum, Coleman Famous Namesakes: Irish actor Colm Wilkinson; United States actor Colm Feore; Irish singer of band Celtic Thunder Colm Keegan Peak 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, Irish Meaning: God’s peace, chosen one Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cory, Kory, Kori Famous Namesakes: U.S. Actor Corey Feldman; Canadian actor Corey Haim Peak Popularity: Corey peaked in popularity during 1989 when 8,011 people received this name in the United States. 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, Irish Meaning: Son of the raven Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cormag Famous 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, Scottish Meaning: Rock Famous Namesakes: U.S. actor Craig Robinson; Scottish television personality Craig Ferguson, Peak Popularity: Craig was a particularly popular name in the 1950s through '80s. Desmond Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: of the world Alternative Spellings & Variations: Desmonde, Des Famous Namesakes: Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu Peak 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, Scottish Meaning: Dark warrior Famous Namesakes: Duncan Hines, a U.S. entrepreneur who invented the eponymous line of sweets Peak Popularity: Duncan experienced a small peak in popularity in the 1990s. In 1997, 644 boys were given the name. 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, Scottish Meaning: Hero Alternative Spellings & Variations: Finly, Fin, Finn Peak Popularity: Finley experienced a very small peak in popularity in the '00s and '10s. In 2019, about 1200 boys were given the name. Glenn Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Valley Alternative 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, Scottish Meaning: From the wetlands Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cade, Caden, Caid, Caide, Kaden, Kayd, Khade Peak Popularity: Kade has slowly risen in popularity since the late 1980s. In 2019, over 800 boys were given the name. Keenan Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Ancient one, old soul Alternative Spellings & Variations: Keenen, Kenan Famous Namesakes: U.S. actor Keenan Thompson; U.S. actor and comedian Keenan-Ivory Wayans Peak Popularity: The name Keenan saw a peak in polarity in the United States in the '90s and '00s. In 2019, about 225 boys were given the name. Lennon Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Cloak, little cape Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lenin, Lenn, Lenny, Len, Lennen Famous 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, Scottish Meaning: Follower or Devotee of St. Columba Alternative Spellings & Variations: Máel Coluim Famous Namesakes: NFL football player Malcolm Floyd; United States Activist Malcolm X Peak 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 1992, when about 1,500 boys were given the name. Neil Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: 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 Armstrong Peak Popularity: Neil was particularly popular from the 1940s through the 1980s. It reached its peak in 1954 when around 2,000 boys were given this name. 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 2012 when over 8,500 boys were so named. Ronin Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Joyful song Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ron, Ro Peak Popularity: Ronin has experienced a very small peak in popularity since the '10s. In 2019, about 640 boys were given the name. Rooney Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Red-haired Alternative Spellings & Variations: Roon, Roone, Rune Famous Namesakes: U.S. Actress Rooney Mara Peak 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 king Alternative Spellings & Variations: Raure, Aurora Famous 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 2019, about 900 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 2019, 6,087 boys were given the name. Sean Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Gracious god Alternative Spellings & Variations: Seán, Shane, Shaun, Shawn, Shayne Famous 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, Irish Meaning: Replacement, bonus Alternative Spellings & Variations: James, Jamie, Shay, Shea Famous Namesakes: Irish poet Seamus Heaney; U.S. actor Seamus Dever Peak 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, Ireland Meaning: Eyes like a hawk, dark eyed Peak Popularity: Sullivan has experienced a very small peak in popularity since the '10s. In 2019, 776 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, Irish Meaning: Of the earth Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tyron Famous Namesakes: U.S. actor Tyrone Power Peak 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit