The Origin of Irish Baby Names

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 veryclassic Irish names did not originate in Ireland, but
popular category. But for many prospectiveare Irish versions of names from other cultures.
parents, Irish names can be very confusing. ManyThe name Sean, for example, is the Irish version
different races have settled in Ireland over theof the name John. Then there are Irish names
centuries. Celts, Vikings, Normans, and Englishthat 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 CelticThe name Aoife, for example, means 'radiant,'
settlers were a fair-haired race, while later settlersyet it is often translated as 'Eve,' or 'Eva.'
were of a darker complexion. However, recentAround 1923, a priest named Patrick Woulfe
evidence seems to contradict that idea. It is nowwrote a book called 'Irish Names For Children',
believed that very ancient settlers to Irelandwhich 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-haireda renewal of interest in names from Ireland, and
people.that interest has expanded and continued to the
The periodic arrival of newcomers to the Emeraldpresent day.
Isle, each with slightly different appearances, hasToday, parents looking for an Irish name might
led to a tradition where Irish names describestart by thinking about whether they want a
physical characteristics. Whole groups of namesGaelic name or an Anglicized name. For example,
revolve around such personal attributes. TheBairre 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 creatingInvariably, 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 aspronounce 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 aas Siobhan, (pronounced Shev-orn) work very
whole set of names based on sunlight andwell 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 suchNext, prospective parents will want to consult
as wildlife, warfare, and of course, magic andsome name lists, and to learn about the origin and
fairies, gave rise to beautiful and evocativemeanings of names they like. There are plenty of
names.good resources available, especially websites and
An unfortunate consequence of the periodicbooks. In the end, parents' personal choice is the
invasions of Ireland is that many Irish and Gaelicbest guide. For those who are looking for a name
names have been transformed over thethat evokes the charm and mystery of the
centuries, and, in some cases, the original meaningEmerald Isle, the possibilities are almost endless.