The latter is where you’ll find a trio of three primary languages: Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. While both Scottish and Irish Gaelic languages technically come from the same lineage, each has their own dialect and vocabulary. Below we’ve rounded up 50 Gaelic boys and girls names that come from both.
Ailsa
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Elf victoryFamous Namesakes: Scottish economist Ailsa McKayPeak Popularity: The name Ailsa isn’t very popular in the United States, but is quite common in Scotland. There isn’t enough information to determine when the name reached peak popularity, and only six baby girls given the name in the U.S. in 2019.
Aisling
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Fantasy, dreamAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aislin, Aislinn, AshlingFamous Namesakes: United States actress Aisling Sistrunk; Irish-English actress Aisling LoftusPeak Popularity: This name hasn’t been very popular in the United States. Only 34 baby girls named Aisling in the U.S. in 2019.
Blair
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: dweller on the plainAlternative Spellings & Variations: Blaire, Blare, Blayr, BlayreFamous Namesakes: Australian Olympic swimmer Blair Catherine Evans; Miss Alaska USA 2007 Blair ChenowethPeak Popularity: This name was quite popular in the U.S. from the mid ’70s to mid ’90s. In recently years, Blair reached peak popularity in 2020, when it ranked 669 on the list of most popular baby names.
Bevin
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Fair Lady, White Lady, Lady with a sweet songAlternative Spellings & Variations: Bébhinn, Bébhionn, Bébinn, Béibhinn, Vivian, Vivi, VivyanFamous Namesakes: United States Actress Bevin Prince, Character on TV’s “One Tree Hill,” Bevin MirskeyPeak Popularity: This name, like many others on this list, isn’t popular in the United States. There isn’t enough information to determine when this name achieved peak popularity. There were exactly 5 baby girls who received the name Bevin in 2019.
Catriona
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Pure and chasteAlternative Spellings & Variations: Caitria, Caitríona, Catrina, CaitrìonaFamous Namesakes: Canadian Olympic speed skater Catriona LeMay Doan; English actress Catriona MacCollPeak Popularity: Only 3 babies received the name in 2020 in Ireland. It isn’t popular stateside either.
Casey
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Brave in battleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kacey, Kacie, Kaycee, KaseyFamous Namesakes: United States criminologist and legal analyst Dr. Casey Jordan; Australian pop singer (“Australian Idol”) Casey Donovan Peak Popularity: This name began surging in popularity in the early ‘70s, and peaked in 1987. It has been a common name in the U.S. since then.
Deirdre
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Broken-heartedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Deidra, Deidre, DeitraFamous Namesakes: United States actresses Deirdre Lovejoy and Deirdre O’Connell; United States cyclist Deirdre “Dede” Demet BarryPeak Popularity: The name rose in popularity during the ’40s, peaked in 1961, and then waned. Only 17 girls received the name in the U.S. in 2019.
Donella
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Ruler of the worldAlternative Spellings & Variations: Donalda, Donaldina, Donelle, DonnaFamous Namesakes: United States environmental scientist Donella MeadowsPeak Popularity: This name is quite rare in the United States. Fewer than five baby girls were given the name in 2019.
Duana
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: SongAlternative Spellings & Variations: AnaFamous Namesakes: U.S. screenwriter Duana TahaPeak Popularity: Duana isn’t very popular in the United States. In 2019, fewer than five girls were given the name.
Edna
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: DelicateAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aithne, Eithne, Ena, Enya, Ethna, Ethne, EtnaFamous Namesakes: United States novelist Edna Ferber, United States poet Edna St. Vincent MillayPeak Popularity: The name Edna was given heavily from 1880 to 1980, but hasn’t seen much use since the early 1980s. Edna reached peak popularity in the United States in 1918 and only 79 girls were given the name in 2019.
Emer
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Quick, swiftAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eimhir, Eimear, ÉimhearFamous Namesakes: British actress Emer Gwynne Morganna KennyPeak Popularity: This name is quite rare. Fewer than five U.S. babies were named Emer in 2019.
Enya
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Little seed or kernalAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aithne, Edna, Eithne, Ena, Ethna, Ethne, EtnaFamous Namesakes: Irish singer-songwriter EnyaPeak Popularity: Enya hasn’t been a very popular name in the United States. In 2019, about 25 girls were so named.
Fergie
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: VigorousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ferguson, FergusFamous Namesakes: United States pop singer Stacy Ann Ferguson (Fergie) Duhamel; Duchess of York Sarah Margaret Ferguson (Fergie).Peak Popularity: Fergie hasn’t been a very popular name in the United States. In 2019, about 25 girls were so named.
Ireland
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Homage to IrelandAlternative Spellings & Variations: Eireann, Erin, Ériu, ErinPeak Popularity: This name picked up traction in the United States in the 1990s and continued rising in popularity through 2010. In 2019, about 200 baby girls were given the name.
Killian
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Little churchAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cillian, Cillín, Kilian, Kylian, LianPeak Popularity: Though it’s risen a bit in popularity in the last couple decades, Killian hasn’t been super common in the U.S. In 2019, only 16 girls were given the name.
Keely
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: BeautifulAlternative Spellings & Variations: Keeley, KeeleighFamous Namesakes: United States TV journalist Keely Shaye SmithPeak Popularity: Keely saw a small rise in popularity in the U.S. in the early ’70s, but has otherwise been relatively uncommon.
Kennedy
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Helmeted leaderAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kennedi, Kennedee, Kennedey, KennedieFamous Namesakes: United States fashion journalist Kennedy FraserPeak Popularity: Kennedy started to become more common as a girls name in the ’90s and has continued to rise in popularity. In 2000, it was at 172 and had reached 72 by 2020.
Kevina
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Lively, belovedAlternative Spellings & Variations:Peak Popularity: The name isn’t popular in the United States. Fewer than five baby girls were given the name in 2019.
Maeve
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Intoxicating womanAlternative Spellings & Variations: Maedhbh, Maebh, Madb, MedbFamous Namesakes: British diplomat Maeve Geraldine Fort; United States actress Maeve Anne QuinlanPeak Popularity: The name didn’t begin to rise in popularity in the United States until the mid ’90s. It reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 2020 at 173, up from 778 in 2020.
Maille
Origin: Gailic, Irish, FrenchMeaning: PearlAlternative Spellings & Variations: Molly, Mailleigh, Malley, Mally, O’MallyPeak Popularity: Maille is an uncommon baby name in the United States. It does not rank on the top 1000 baby names list.
Myrna
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: MerryAlternative Spellings & Variations: Morna, Murna, MuirneFamous Namesakes: United States actress Myrna Adele Loy; Miss USA 1953 Myrna HansenPeak Popularity: The name Myrna was commonly used in the U.S. from the late 1800s through the 1970s. Since then, it hasn’t been used much. It peaked in 1938 when 1800 girls were so named; in 2019 only 19 girls received the name.
Nora
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Honor, lightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Nóra, Norah, Lenora, Lenore, Nell, Nelle, Norah, Leanora, Ella, Ellen, Noor, Noortje, Leonora, LoraFamous Namesakes: Indian Actress and Dancer Nora Fatehi; United States film director and producer Nora Ephron Peak Popularity: Nora has been a relatively common name in the United States since the late 1800s. It reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 2017 at 30.
Oona
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: LambAlternative Spellings & Variations: Una, Ola, OonaghFamous Namesakes: Oona Castilla Chaplin, a Spanish actress and granddaughter of Charlie ChaplinPeak Popularity: This name hasn’t been very popular in the United States. In 2019, about 70 babies were given the name.
Quinn
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Wise and reasonable Alternative Spellings & Variations: QuinFamous Namesakes: United States actress Quinn ShephardPeak Popularity: This name was popular in the U.S. in the ‘90s and ‘00s. It reached peak popularity in 2017, at 76. In 2020, it ranked 85.
Riley
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: From a rye meadow Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rylee, Ryleigh, RylieFamous Namesakes: United States actress Riley Elizabeth Weston; United States Gymnast Riley Shannon McCuskerPeak Popularity: As a girl’s name, Riley didn’t see much use before the late 1980s. It did start gaining traction in the U.S. in the ’90s, however, and has continuously risen in popularity since then. In 2020, it was the 33rd most popular name.
Popular Gaelic Baby Names for Boys
Below are 25 popular and unique Gaelic baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.
Aidan
Origin: Gaelic, Scottish Meaning: Little fire Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aden, Aiden, Aydan, Ayden Aodhán, Edan, Aodhán, Edan Famous Namesakes: United States actor Aidan Daley Mitchell; Irish Actor Aidan Gillen Peak Popularity: Aidan was a relatively rare name in the U.S. until the late 1980s. Since then, it’s become increasingly popular, reaching a peak in 2003 when over 10,000 babies were so named.
Alastair
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Defender Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alistaire, Allister, AlasdairFamous Namesakes: Alistair Cooke, British-born American writer Peak Popularity: Alastair has remained a relatively uncommon name in the United States. In 2019, only 62 boys were given this name.
Angus
Origin: Gealic, ScottishMeaning: StrengthAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gus, Aonghas, Aonghus, Aengus, AonghusFamous Namesakes: Angus Alan Douglas, the 15th Duke of Hamilton and 12th Duke of BrandoPeak Popularity: This name has been uncommon, but was used a bit more prior to the ’50s. At its peak in 1926, about 90 people were given the name.
Brody
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Broad eyeAlternative Spellings & Variations: BrodieFamous Namesakes: U.S. reality TV star Brody Jenner, Australian singer-songwriter Brody DallePeak Popularity: Brody experienced a rapid spike in popularity from the late ’90s to the 2010s peaking at around 6000 names in a given year. In 2019, about 2000 boys were given the name.
Cian
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: AncientAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kian, Kean, Keane, Cianán, KeenanFamous Namesakes: Irish footballer Cian Thomas Bolger; Irish rugby union player Cian HealyPeak Popularity: Cian isn’t very popular in the United States. Only 127 baby boys were given the name in 2019.
Colm
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: DoveAlternative Spellings & Variations: Calum, Colin, Callum, ColemanFamous Namesakes: Irish actor Colm Wilkinson; United States actor Colm Feore; Irish singer of band Celtic Thunder Colm KeeganPeak Popularity: The name has been used in Ireland for quite some time, but isn’t very popular stateside. In 2019, there were a total of 15 boys who received the name in the U.S.
Corey
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: God’s peace, chosen oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cory, Kory, KoriFamous Namesakes: U.S. Actor Corey Feldman; Canadian actor Corey HaimPeak Popularity: Corey peaked in popularity during 1977 when 6,044 people received this name in the United States. In 2020, it ranked 525.
Cormac
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Son of the ravenAlternative Spellings & Variations: CormagFamous Namesakes: United States novelist and playwright Cormac McCarthy Peak Popularity: This ancient Irish name has never been very popular in the United States. About 140 baby boys were given the name in the U.S. in 2019.
Craig
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: RockFamous Namesakes: U.S. actor Craig Robinson; Scottish television personality Craig Ferguson, Peak Popularity: Craig was a particularly popular name in the 1950s through ’80s. It’s still in the top 1000 but has seen a steep decline. In 2000, it ranked 340 and was down to 986 in 2020.
Desmond
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: of the world Alternative Spellings & Variations: Desmonde, DesFamous Namesakes: Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond TutuPeak Popularity: Desmond has seen a small and steady popularity since the 1960s. In 2019, about 850 boys were given the name.
Duncan
Origin: Galeic, ScottishMeaning: Dark warriorFamous Namesakes: Duncan Hines, a U.S. entrepreneur who invented the eponymous line of sweetsPeak Popularity: Duncan experienced a small peak in popularity in the 1990s. In 1997, 644 boys were given the name. More recently, it’s been in decline, dropping from 447 in 2020 to 978 in 2020.
Finley
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Fair hero or Fair oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Finly, Fin, FinnPeak Popularity: Finley experienced a very small peak in popularity in the ’00s and ’10s. In 2019, about 1200 boys were given the name. In 2020, it ranked 304.
Glenn
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: ValleyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gleann, Glen, Glenna Famous Namesakes: U.S. trombonist Glenn Miller, Candian classical pianist Glenn Gould, Peak Popularity: The name Glenn had been popular in the U.S. for over a century. It peaked in 1962 and remained in the top one thousand until the late 2000s.
Kade
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: From the wetlandsAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cade, Caden, Caid, Caide, Kaden, Kayd, KhadePeak Popularity: Kade has slowly risen in popularity since the late 1980s. In 2019, over 800 boys were given the name.
Keenan
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Ancient one, old soulAlternative Spellings & Variations: Keenen, KenanFamous Namesakes: U.S. actor Keenan Thompson; U.S. actor and comedian Keenan-Ivory WayansPeak Popularity: The name Keenan saw a peak in popularity in the United States in the ’90s and ’00s. It’s now in decline, going from 532 in 2000 to 990 in 2020.
Lennon
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Cloak, little capeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lenin, Lenn, Lenny, Len, LennenFamous Namesakes: Beatles singer John Lennon (surname), Canadian singer Lennon Stella of country duo Lennon & Maisy.Peak Popularity: Lennon hasn’t been a popular name in the United States, but it’s seen a very small peak in the 2010s and 2020s. In 2019, about 340 boys were given the name Lennon.
Malcolm
Origin: Gaelic, ScottishMeaning: Follower or Devotee of St. ColumbaAlternative Spellings & Variations: Máel ColuimFamous Namesakes: NFL football player Malcolm Floyd; United States Activist Malcolm XPeak Popularity: The name Malcolm has been relatively popular in the United States, first gaining traction in the early 1910s. The name reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 1928, when about 666 boys were given the name. In 2000, it ranked 368 and was up to in 290 2020.
Neil
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Passionate, champion, cloud Alternative Spellings & Variations: Niall, Neill, Neal Famous Namesakes: U.S. actor Neil Patrick Harris; U.S. Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond; U.S. astronaut Neil ArmstrongPeak Popularity: Neil was particularly popular from the 1940s through the 1980s. It reached its peak in 1953 when around 2,000 boys were given this name. Neil ranked 749 in 2020.
Owen
Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Of noble descent Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eógan, Eógan, Eoghan, Eoghan, Euan, Ewan, Ewen Famous Namesakes: United States Actor Owen Cunningham Wilson, United States football players Owen Gerald Daniels and Owen Marecic Peak Popularity: The name has been used consistently in the U.S. since the late 1800s. Owen dramatically increased in popularity around the late 1980s through early ‘90s and reached peak popularity as recently as 2019 when over 9,323 boys were so named.
Ronin
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Joyful songAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ron, RoPeak Popularity: Ronin has experienced a very small peak in popularity since the ’10s. In 2020, it ranked 388 and 786 boys were given the name.
Rooney
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Red-hairedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Roon, Roone, RuneFamous Namesakes: U.S. Actress Rooney MaraPeak Popularity: This name has not been popular in the United States. Only 21 baby boys were given the name in 2019.
Rory
Origin: Gaelic, Scottish, Irish Meaning: Red-haired kingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Raure, AuroraFamous Namesakes: U.S. actor Rory Culkin; U.S. filmmaker and daughter of JFK, Rory Kennedy Peak Popularity: Rory has seen small and steady popularity since the 1950s. In 2020, it ranked 33o and 989 boys were given the name.
Ryan
Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: royal, a king’s descendant Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ryean, Ryanne, Rian, Ry, Ryen Famous Namesakes: U.S. Olympian swimmer Ryan Lochte; U.S. television host Ryan Seacrest; U.S. Actor Ryan Reynolds Peak Popularity: Ryan has been an exceptionally popular name over the last century in the United States. It saw a peak in the mid-80s when around 30,000 boys were given the name. It’s since dropped in popularity. In 2020, 5,286 boys were given the name.
Sean
Origin: Gaelic, Irish Meaning: Gracious godAlternative Spellings & Variations: Seán, Shane, Shaun, Shawn, ShayneFamous Namesakes: United States actor Sean Patrick Flanery; United States Rapper Sean John Combs (Diddy)Peak Popularity: This name is quite common in the U.S. It began rising in the early ’50s and reached its peak popularity in 1990 when over 12,000 individuals were so named.
Seamus
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Replacement, bonusAlternative Spellings & Variations: James, Jamie, Shay, SheaFamous Namesakes: Irish poet Seamus Heaney; U.S. actor Seamus DeverPeak Popularity: Seamus started peaking slightly in the late ’90s and has remained steady since then. In 2019, about 200 boys were given the name.
Sullivan
Origin: Gaelic, IrelandMeaning: Eyes like a hawk, dark eyedPeak Popularity: Sullivan has experienced a very small peak in popularity since the ’10s. In 2020, 763 boys were given the name.
Tyrone
Origin: Gaelic, IrishMeaning: Of the earthAlternative Spellings & Variations: TyronFamous Namesakes: U.S. actor Tyrone PowerPeak Popularity: Tyrone was particularly popular in the United States from the 1940s through the 1990s with a peak of 2531 names in 1970. It’s since dwindled in popularity; in 2019 only 159 boys were given the name.
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