If you’re expecting a baby and just can’t get enough of the languages and respective cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and other Celtic nations, you may be considering Celtic baby names. These names are increasing in popularity each year for many reasons, which include pop culture and media, the inclination to be a little unconventional and the desire to celebrate family history.
“Many parents want to give their child a family name and also want a unique name to pass onto their children, which makes surnames a perfect choice,” says Kim Grundy, a writer and editor who frequently covers parenting topics. “This is one reason that names traditionally thought of as last names are increasing in popularity.”
“An interest in honoring cultural roots may be behind some of the recent popularity in Celtic names,” agrees Amanda Elizabeth Barden, author of “Baby Names Made Easy.” But, she says, there could be more to it, adding that “Some parents are attracted to Celtic names because they seem new and different.”
Among the most popular are Mac and Mc names. Historically, these were patronymics (derived from the name of a male or ancestor) meaning “son of,” just like Stephenson (Stephen’s son) and Johnson (John’s son). However, these monikers are quickly finding new life for boys and girls as unique first names — McKenna, Macaulay, MacKenzie, McAuliffe and Macallister among them.
Here are 22 popular, classic and uniquely Celtic names and their meanings:
Celtic baby girl names
1. Aderyn (ah-DARE-en)
This is a modern Welsh name meaning “bird.”
2. Aoife (EEF-uh)
The Irish version of Eva meaning “beauty,” this name is also the name of a legendary warrior.
3. Brendolyn (BREN-doe-lin)
This feminine form of Brendan comes from the Celtic term for “beacon on the hill.”
4. Bronwen (BRONE-wen)
A Welsh name meaning “white breasted” or “pure hearted,” it is also sometimes spelled Bronwyn.
5. Deirdre (DEE-druh)
Meaning sorrowful, Deirdre was a tragic heroine in Irish mythology.
6. Kathleena (Kath-LEAN-ah)
Meaning “pure,” this name comes from the name Katherine and offers a twist on Kathleen.
7. Kirklyn (KIRK-linn)
In Scotland, kirk is a word meaning “church.” Kirklyn is also a city in Pennsylvania.
8. Laoghaire (LEE-ruh)
Dún Laoghaire is a town near Dublin, Ireland, and is the first name of a female character in the “Outlander” TV series.
9. Rowena (row-WEEN-uh)
A variation of the Irish surname Rowan, Rowena became popular after the publication of “Ivanhoe.” Modern mentions appear in “Harry Potter” and TV’s “Supernatural.”
10. Sheridan (SHARE-uh-den)
The name of two towns in Northern Ireland, it’s from the Gaelic word meaning “searcher.”
Celtic baby boy names
11. Conall (KON-all)
Thought to mean “strong wolf,” Conall has roots in Ireland and Scotland.
12. Finian (FINN-ee-in)
Comes from the Irish word for “fair.”
13. Ioan (YO-wan)
A Welsh variation of the name John, this name was popularized by actor Ioan Gruffudd.
14. Niall (NYE-al)
The name of an ancient king is trendy, thanks to singer Niall Horan, formerly of the popular boy band One Direction.
15. Parlan (PAR-len)
From the Celtic word for “farmer” or “plowman,” it’s the Gaelic form of Bartholomew.
16. Shanahan (SHAN-nah-han)
This Irish name comes from the Celtic term for “wise one.”
17. Tadleigh (TAD-lee)
An Irish name meaning a “bard or poet from the meadow.”
18. Torin (TOH-rin)
This Irish name means “chief.”
Celtic unisex names for babies
19. Flannery (FLAN-ner-ree)
From the Irish name O Flannghaile, it means “red valor.”
20. Quarrie (KWAR-ee)
This name, from the Celtic word for “proud,” is more common as the MacQuarrie surname.
21. Kieran (KEER-un)
A popular Irish name meaning “little dark-haired one.” The traditional Gaelic spelling is Ciaran.
22. Bryn (brinn)
A Welsh name meaning “hill or mound,” used for both boys and girls.
Considerations for parents choosing a Celtic name
“Some parents won’t choose a name that doesn’t have a meaning they love and find inspirational,” says Barden. “Others just want to make sure that the name does not have a negative meaning.”
“Parents need to find a name that not only works well with their last name,” says Grundy, “but is relatively easy to spell and pronounce.”
Barden adds a final tip, “Look ahead and consider your child in school, your child applying for jobs and your child as an adult.”
No matter which Celtic baby name you choose, céad míle fáilte — a hundred thousand welcomes — to your child!
