Here's some top Irish first names and their meanings. An alternative traditional naming convention consists of the first name followed by a double patronym, usually with the father and grandfather's names. In Irish legend, Dierdre was the name of a tragic character who died of a broken heart after Conchobar, the King of Ulster, killed her lover Naoise.In Irish this name means “kernel of a nut or seed.” There were at least nine Saint Eithnes.

O' means grandson of (not son of, as it commonly believed). Sadly no. Meaning radiance, luster or brightness. In history, St. Ciara was a distinguished figure who established a monastery in Co. A female's surname replaces If a woman marries, she may choose to take her husband's surname. Commonly Anglicized as Erin.This name means lamb, from the Gaelic word uan.

Examples include Ryan Lacken, Ryan Luke and Ryan Doc. As the population of the island grew it became necessary to add ‘mac’, meaning ‘son of’ to the start of the list as well, and after that, ‘ó’, meaning ‘grandson of’. It is also associated with the name Aidan, which means “little fire.”Usually translated as “lover of hounds.” It can also mean “high desire,” as derived from the Irish word “coachuhhar.” Conchobhar MacNessa was the king of Ulster; according to the legend, he was born on the same day as Sean is the Irish cognate of the name John, and means “God is gracious.” It can also mean “wise, old.”Meaning “little deer.” In Irish mythology, Oisin was a poet-hero, son of legendary warrior Fionn MacCool and the goddess Sive.

While the additive is not part of a person's official name, it may be used in a postal address, on an election register or in newspaper reports. It comes from the word for "wildlife," fiadhúrla.This comes from the Gaelic word “aoibh,” which means beauty.This means "radiant girl," and is often Anglicized as Louisa. Saint Bronagh is a venerated figure in Co. Down, where the name is popular.As the Gaelic form of the name Sarah or Sally, this name means “brightness” or “radiant.”This is the diminutive of the name Fionnuala, which means “fair shoulder.” Sometimes used as an alternate for the name “Una,” which means lamb.This name means Ireland, as the genitive case of the word Eire.

There were twelve saints named Ronan as well as an ancient king of Leinster.“Born of the yew tree.” Often associated with the Greek name “Eugenes.”Meaning “red” or “rust-colored.” Borne by Rory O’Connor, the last high king of Ireland, who reigned from 1166-1170.This name means “son of defilement,” from Gaelic “corb” (defilement) and “mac” (son). She was the lover of poet-hero Oisin; together they lived in Tir-na-nOg, the land of eternal youth.This name means "little rose," and has been used in Ireland since the sixteenth century.

Surnames from Ireland beginning with the letters A and B, from Aherne to Byrne. There is also a famous legendary Irish narrative, “The pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne,” which is about the love triangle between Fionn MacCool, princess Grainne and Fianna member Diarmuid O’Dyna.This name means "slim and fair" or "slender," deriving from the Gaelic word for slender, which is ‘caol.’This name means fair, white, beautiful. It implies dark features, like hair or eyes.

It was the name of an 11th century King of Connacht.Meaning “strong in battle.” Derived from Gaelic “cath” (battle) and "val" (rule). Irish Surnames A-B.

It was the name of a 7th century Irish saint.This name means “little wise person,” “old” or “ancient.” Derived from Sean with a diminutive suffix.This is a very old name meaning “little seal,” derived from the diminutive form of “ron” (seal).

Some say the meaning can also be “swift-footed warrior.” With the suffix “-an,” it means “little warrior.” According to Irish legend, This name means "slender" from the Gaelic word "caol. He brought her to St. Comghall, who baptized her, transforming her into a woman.This name can mean “rough” or “not gentle.” In Irish mythology, she was the powerful and ambitious mother of Conchobar (Conor) MacNessa, King of Ulster.A variation of the name Finnguala, which means ‘fair shoulder’ or ‘white shoulder,’ from “fionn” meaning white and “guala” meaning shoulder.This name comes from the older Gaelic form “Derdriu.” The meaning is possibly derived from the Celtic word for woman. It was likely used as the nickname for a “brave warrior.”Meaning “fair-haired,” this name is associated with Saint Finbar, the patron saint of This name means cub or puppy from the Gaelic word “cailean.” It can also be used as a diminutive of the name Nicholas, which means victor or victorious people.At least 17 saints bear the name Brendan, but perhaps the most famous would be Saint Brendan the Navigator.