Irish Names for Girls: The Complete List

Meabh, the native Irish spelling of Maeve, is in the Top 100 in Ireland and becoming more popular here in its Anglicized form. Outside of Ireland, life will be easier with the Maeve spelling of this lovely queen's name.

A name from the East African Kikuyu language with a sweet meaning; and a simplified spelling of McKenna.

Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now.

The Irish Gaelic form of Cecilia, which is the origin of the Anglicized version Sheila, which subsequently became very popular across the English-speaking world.

Poised for popularity, Brennan is an Irish last name soft enough to borrow from the boys.

Brighid is the original Gaelic form of the name of the mythological goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. More commonly found these days in any number of different guises: Bridget, Brigid, Brigitte et al. Whatever form it takes, Brighid is one of the most classic and enduring Irish names for girls.

This feminine form of Arliss, is familiar via the recent HBO series. But why not just use Arliss?

A name possibly derived from Etain, an ancient Irish sun and horse goddess whose name is still used. Adina is a related choice.

Cool a few decades ago, along with Lori and Tori -- but no more.

This name of a mythical beauty transformed into a scarlet fly by a jealous wife is popular in its native land; here, while pleasant to the ear, it's bewildering on paper.

Spelled this way, Adine could be a relative of either the Irish Aideen, which means jealousy, or the Arabic Adina, meaning slender. We'll go with the slender.

That er sound -- as in Myrna, Myrtle, and Bernice -- sounds terminally dated.

A name that's on the rise for boys but rarely used -- though possible -- for girls.

Magee became one of the first gender-bending Irish surname names so popular today thanks to New York television newswoman Magee Hickey. In case you don't know, the g is hard, as in Maggie, but with the opposite emphasis.

Has an incomplete feeling....

One of many takes on the Keira/Kyra concept, this one was chosen by ice-skating champ Kristi Yamaguchi.

Muirgen in Irish mythology was turned into a mermaid and then brought back to land after 300 years and transformed back into a woman -- which must have been quite a shock. Muirgen's original name was Liban. Muirgen may also be spelled Muireann or Muirenn.

Finella and cousin Fenella, which are found most often in Scotland, would make pleasing imports.