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