Scottish Gaelic Names for Girls
- Ferelith
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"true sovereignty"Description:
Ferelith is an unusual yet deeply-rooted Scottish girl's name, also found in ancient Ireland and drawn from the Gaelic Forbhlaith or Forbflaith. While it went through a period of dormancy after the Middle Ages, there are some modern women named Ferelith, including actress Ferelith Young and Princess of Denmark Anne Ferelith Fenella Bowes-Lyon.
- Teasagh
Origin:
Scottish variation of JeanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Teasagh or Teasag, which can be Anglicized as Jessie, is a Scottish form of Jean, which itself originated as a Scottish feminine form of John. Scotswomen called Jessie are more likely to be properly named Teasagh than Jessica.
- Peigi
Description:
Peigi is a feminine Scottish Gaelic name that serves as a traditional diminutive form of Margaret. Pronounced approximately as 'PAY-gee,' this distinctive name carries the cultural heritage of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, particularly the Hebrides. Like Margaret, Peigi ultimately derives from the Greek 'margarites,' meaning 'pearl.' The name has deep roots in traditional Gaelic-speaking communities, where it has been passed down through generations. While common historically in Scottish Gaelic contexts, Peigi remains rare in the broader English-speaking world, giving it a distinctive quality. For families with Scottish Highland heritage, the name represents a connection to cultural roots and language traditions while offering a melodic, distinctive alternative to more common Margaret derivatives.
- Daibhidha
Description:
Daibhidha is a feminine name of Gaelic origin, derived from the masculine name David, which means "beloved" in Hebrew. The uniquely feminine adaptation features the characteristic Gaelic spelling pattern with added vowels and the 'dh' consonant blend. While relatively uncommon, this name represents a distinctive way to honor the Davidic tradition in a feminine form. Daibhidha carries the warm connotations of its root name while offering parents seeking a Celtic-inspired name a rare option that connects to both biblical heritage and Gaelic linguistic traditions. Its pronunciation may vary, but is typically similar to "Dav-ee-da" with a slight softening of the middle consonant.
- Ruaraidh
Description:
Ruaraidh is a feminine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, being the feminine form of the masculine name Ruairidh (Rory). It means "red king" or "famous ruler," derived from the Gaelic elements "ruadh" (red) and "righ" (king). While traditionally a male name in Scotland, this feminine variant is quite rare. The name carries strong Celtic heritage and connections to Scottish clan history. The pronunciation can be challenging for non-Gaelic speakers, typically sounding like "ROO-uh-ree." Despite its ancient roots, Ruaraidh remains uncommon in contemporary usage outside of Scotland and families with strong Scottish heritage.
- Ceit
Description:
Ceit is a feminine Scottish Gaelic form of Katherine or Kate. Pronounced approximately as 'kate' or 'kayt,' this concise name carries centuries of Celtic heritage. Katherine itself derives from the Greek 'Aikaterinē,' possibly meaning 'pure.' Ceit has remained primarily within Scottish Highland and Island communities, particularly in Gaelic-speaking regions, where traditional naming practices preserve cultural heritage. Though uncommon outside Scotland, its brevity makes it appealing in contemporary naming trends that favor short, distinctive names. Ceit offers a way to honor Scottish ancestry while providing a name that's both ancient and refreshingly simple compared to more elaborate variants of Katherine.
- Éimhear
Description:
Éimhear (also sometimes written as Éimear or Anglicized as Emer) is a feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin. In Irish mythology, Éimhear was the wife of the legendary hero Cú Chulainn and was renowned for her beauty, wisdom, and fierce spirit. The name is believed to derive from elements meaning 'swift' or 'ready,' reflecting qualities of alertness and quick-wittedness. The accent over the 'E' (called a fada in Irish) elongates the vowel sound. While traditional in Ireland, Éimhear remains relatively rare internationally, though interest in authentic Irish names has increased globally. The name combines ancient heritage with a melodic pronunciation, appealing to parents seeking a name with strong cultural roots and feminine strength.
- Díorbhail
Description:
Díorbhail is a traditional feminine Irish name with deep Gaelic roots. Pronounced approximately as 'DEER-val' or 'JEER-val,' this name comes from ancient Irish Gaelic elements possibly meaning 'true pledge' or 'genuine promise.' The name appears in medieval Irish manuscripts and folklore, though it has become quite rare in modern usage, even within Ireland. The accent over the 'i' (fada) indicates a long vowel sound in Irish pronunciation. Díorbhail offers a strong connection to Irish heritage and language, appealing to families seeking an authentic Gaelic name with historical significance. Though challenging for non-Irish speakers, the name carries a musical quality and distinctive cultural heritage.
- Bearnas
Description:
Bearnas is a feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin, though it remains quite obscure even within Ireland. It may be related to the Irish word 'bearna' meaning 'gap' or 'mountain pass,' suggesting connections to Ireland's landscape. Some sources suggest it could be a variant of Bernice or Berenice, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'bringing victory.' As an unusual name, Bearnas carries a distinctly Celtic flavor and evokes Ireland's rich cultural heritage. The pronunciation typically emphasizes the first syllable: BEAR-nas. The name's rarity gives it a mysterious quality, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with Irish roots that remains virtually unknown. Despite its obscurity, the name has a natural melodic flow characteristic of many traditional Irish names.
- Seonag
Description:
Seonag is a feminine Scottish Gaelic name, a diminutive form of Joanna or Jane. Pronounced roughly as 'SHOH-nag' or 'SHAW-nak,' it derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This traditional Highland name carries deep connections to Scottish heritage and culture. Though common historically in Gaelic-speaking parts of Scotland, it remains relatively rare even within Scotland today and is virtually unknown outside Scottish communities. The name preserves important linguistic and cultural heritage, making it a meaningful choice for families with Scottish roots. Despite its unfamiliar appearance to non-Gaelic speakers, Seonag has a pleasant, distinctive sound once pronunciation is learned.
- Beitris
Description:
Beitris is a feminine name with Scottish Gaelic roots, serving as a variation of Beatrice. The original Latin name Beatrix means 'she who brings happiness' or 'blessed.' This distinctive Gaelic form maintains the melodic quality of the original while offering a unique cultural connection to Scottish heritage. Beitris remains relatively rare, even within Scotland and other Gaelic-speaking regions, making it an uncommon choice for parents seeking a name with authentic cultural ties. The name's soft consonants and flowing sound give it a gentle, lyrical quality while its uncommon nature offers distinctiveness without being completely unfamiliar. Beitris may appeal particularly to families with Scottish heritage looking to honor their roots.
- Bhictoria
Description:
Bhictoria is an extremely rare variant spelling of Victoria, a name with Latin origins meaning 'victory.' This highly unusual orthographic adaptation substitutes 'Bh' for the traditional 'V,' possibly reflecting phonetic spelling practices or cultural adaptation in specific linguistic contexts. While the traditional Victoria has been globally popular for centuries—associated with Roman mythology, Christian saints, and notably Queen Victoria of England—the Bhictoria variant remains extraordinarily uncommon. This alternative spelling might appeal to parents seeking an extremely distinctive take on a classic name, though it could present practical challenges with pronunciation and spelling clarification. The underlying meaning and historical associations remain connected to concepts of triumph and achievement despite the modified presentation.
- Jennice
Description:
Jennice is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of Janet or Janice, which ultimately derive from the Hebrew name John, meaning "God is gracious." This creative spelling variant gained modest recognition in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, appealing to parents seeking a familiar-sounding name with a distinctive touch. Jennice blends the friendly accessibility of Jenny with the more sophisticated feel of names like Janice or Denise. Though never reaching widespread popularity, the name carries a pleasant, melodic quality with its soft consonants and clear vowel sounds. Jennice projects a gentle strength and approachability, striking a balance between uniqueness and familiarity while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns.
- Barabal
Description:
Barabal is an unusual feminine name with possible Scottish Gaelic origins, potentially derived from or related to the name Barbara. In Scottish naming traditions, it may have served as a variant or diminutive form. The name has an ancient, rustic quality that evokes the highlands and Celtic heritage. Extremely rare in modern usage, Barabal maintains an air of mystery and old-world charm. The pronunciation (likely BAR-uh-bull) has a rhythmic quality that distinguishes it from more common names. Historical records show limited usage primarily in Scotland and nearby regions, though it has never achieved widespread popularity. For contemporary parents, Barabal might appeal as an extraordinarily distinctive choice with authentic historical roots.