| Take a glance at a bookstore's baby names | | | | meaning is lost to us. Some names that are |
| shelf, and you'll see that Irish baby names | | | | considered classic Irish names did not |
| are a very popular category. But for many | | | | originate in Ireland, but are Irish versions |
| prospective parents, Irish names can be very | | | | of names from other cultures. The name Sean, |
| confusing. Many different races have settled | | | | for example, is the Irish version of the name |
| in Ireland over the centuries. Celts, | | | | John. Then there are Irish names that have |
| Vikings, Normans, and English have all gone | | | | been given English 'translations,' which |
| into the melting pot. | | | | really have nothing to do with the original |
| | | | name. The name Aoife, for example, means |
| It was once believed that the first wave of | | | | 'radiant,' yet it is often translated as |
| Celtic settlers were a fair-haired race, | | | | 'Eve,' or 'Eva.' |
| while later settlers were of a darker | | | | |
| complexion. However, recent evidence seems to | | | | Around 1923, a priest named Patrick Woulfe |
| contradict that idea. It is now believed that | | | | wrote a book called 'Irish Names For |
| very ancient settlers to Ireland came across | | | | Children', which gave parents the resources |
| the sea from Gaul (modern France) and Spain, | | | | to research and choose an Irish name. The |
| and were probably a dark-haired people. | | | | book helped spark a renewal of interest in |
| | | | names from Ireland, and that interest has |
| The periodic arrival of newcomers to the | | | | expanded and continued to the present day. |
| Emerald Isle, each with slightly different | | | | |
| appearances, has led to a tradition where | | | | Today, parents looking for an Irish name |
| Irish names describe physical | | | | might start by thinking about whether they |
| characteristics. Whole groups of names | | | | want a Gaelic name or an Anglicized name. For |
| revolve around such personal attributes. The | | | | example, Bairre is Gaelic, while the English |
| name Ciara means 'black' or 'dark,' while | | | | version is Barry. The famous Irish name Kevin |
| 'Finn' means 'fair.' The name Breac means | | | | comes from the Gaelic Caoimhin. |
| 'freckled.' | | | | |
| | | | Invariably, the English version will sound |
| The Irish people were very fond of creating | | | | less authentically 'Irish,' but it will be |
| names that reflected the world around them, | | | | easier to pronounce and to spell. That's an |
| especially the natural world. Names such as | | | | important consideration for a child. Some |
| Anbhile (pronounced an-vile), meaning 'great | | | | Irish names, such as Siobhan, (pronounced |
| tree,' are common. Celtic sun-worship gave | | | | Shev-orn) work very well in the original |
| rise to a whole set of names based on | | | | Gaelic, and have become popular in that form. |
| sunlight and radiance. The girl's name Grian, | | | | |
| for example, means 'sun' or 'sun goddess.' | | | | Next, prospective parents will want to |
| Other themes such as wildlife, warfare, and | | | | consult some name lists, and to learn about |
| of course, magic and fairies, gave rise to | | | | the origin and meanings of names they like. |
| beautiful and evocative names. | | | | There are plenty of good resources available, |
| | | | especially websites and books. In the end, |
| An unfortunate consequence of the periodic | | | | parents' personal choice is the best guide. |
| invasions of Ireland is that many Irish and | | | | For those who are looking for a name that |
| Gaelic names have been transformed over the | | | | evokes the charm and mystery of the Emerald |
| centuries, and, in some cases, the original | | | | Isle, the possibilities are almost endless. |