Irish Name Pronunciation: A Guide to Understanding Gaelic Names

Are you fascinated by the rich and beautiful history of Irish names? The Gaelic language is filled with unique and evocative sounds, and understanding how to pronounce these names correctly can enhance your appreciation for their meaning and heritage. This guide offers a detailed look at some of the most popular Irish names, providing not only their pronunciation but also their deep and meaningful origins.
1. **Aisling:** "Dream," "vision," or "inspiration" – pronounced AYSH-ling
2. **Aoife:** "Beauty," "radiance," or "vigor" – pronounced EE-fa
3. **Aidan:** "Little fire," "fiery one," or "ardor" – pronounced AY-dan
4. **Alan:** "Handsome" or "beautiful" – pronounced AY-lan
5. **Aoibheann:** "Beautiful" or "lovely" – pronounced EE-van
6. **Bairbre:** "Bridget" or "strong" – pronounced BAR-bra
7. **Caoimhe:** "Gentle," "beautiful," or "beloved" – pronounced KEE-va
8. **Ciara:** "Dark haired" or "black" – pronounced KEE-ra
9. **Colm:** "Dove" – pronounced KULM
10. **Conall:** "Strong" or "mighty" – pronounced KUH-nal
11. **Conleth:** "Strong" or "brave" – pronounced KUH-leth
12. **Cian:** "Ancient" or "old" – pronounced KEE-an
13. **Darragh:** "Oak tree" – pronounced DAR-ah
14. **Eamonn:** "Rich protector" – pronounced AY-mun
15. **Eoin:** "John" or "God is gracious" – pronounced AY-in
16. **Fiachra:** "Fiery" or "ardent" – pronounced FEE-ah-kra
17. **Finnian:** "Fair" or "white" – pronounced FIN-ee-an
18. **Fiona:** "Fair" or "white" – pronounced FEE-o-na
19. **Gráinne:** "Graceful" or "lovely" – pronounced GRAW-nya
20. **Iarlaith:** "Earl" or "noble" – pronounced EAR-la
21. **Jack:** "God is gracious" – pronounced JAK
22. **James:** "Supplanter" or "he who follows" – pronounced JAY-mz
23. **John:** "God is gracious" – pronounced JAHN
24. **Liam:** "Strong-willed warrior" – pronounced LEE-am
25. **Niall:** "Champion" or "cloud" – pronounced NEE-al
26. **Oisín:** "Little deer" – pronounced OH-sheen
27. **Pádraig:** "Nobleman" or "patrician" – pronounced PAA-drig
28. **Ríona:** "Queen" or "little queen" – pronounced REE-o-na
29. **Saoirse:** "Freedom" or "liberty" – pronounced Seer-sha
30. **Séan:** "God is gracious" – pronounced SHAY-n
31. **Síle:** "Blind" or "innocent" – pronounced SHEE-la
32. **Síomha:** "Gentle" or "soft" – pronounced SHEE-va
33. **Tara:** "High place" or "sacred hill" – pronounced TAR-a
34. **Tomás:** "Twin" – pronounced TOH-mas
35. **Úna:** "Lamb" or "beautiful" – pronounced OO-na
36. **Róisín:** "Little Rose" – pronounced ROH-sheen
37. **Aodhán:** "Noble" or "fire" – pronounced AY-dawn
38. **Bronagh:** "White" or "fair" – pronounced BROH-nah
39. **Deirdre:** "Sorrowful" or "heartbreak" – pronounced DEER-dra
40. **Eibhlín:** "Evelyn" or "life" – pronounced AYV-leen