Parents might choose a Celtic baby name based on its meaning, to carry on the legacy of an relative or ancestor, or to remember a special place. Pregnant couple may simply be drawn to a name for its uniqueness and charming Celtic tone.
Whatever the reason, there are many lovely and unusual, unique and nice childrens names stemming from Gaelic and Celtic language roots.
Origins of Celtic Baby Names
According to an article on babynamesgarden (online), “The settlement of Ireland took place over thousands of years and consisted of distinct waves of newcomers – first Celtic, then Viking, Norman, and English. Irish settlers spoke Gaelic – a subset of the Celtic language.” (For more information, see O’Baby, The Irish Baby Name Book, by Geoffrey Johnson, Berkley Books, 1999.)
Many Celtic and Gaelic based baby names relate to local culture, history, nature, mythology, fiction or religious origins. Some are even "invented" to give newborns a uniquely different name.
Pretty and Unique Celtic Baby Names for Girls
Pronunciation of words and names in the Celtic - Gaelic language is quite tricky. Generally names will sound quite different than spelled. Once a name of interest is found, there are websites online to help with pronouncing then and looking up meanings of the names. Of course, parents may make their own pronunciations if authenticity is flexible.
Beautiful Celtic Baby Girl Names of Irish, Welsh, and Scottish Origins
Irish - Celtic Baby Girl Names
“Irish baby names, drawn from rich Gaelic and Celtic languages full of poetry and romance, are always popular baby names. The term ‘Irish names’ is a broad term, and includes not just those names with their roots in Ireland, but also Irish versions of names from other cultures…” (Baby Names Garden)
Following are some lovely and unique Irish names for baby girls.
Aileene, Alaina, Breen, Brendalynn, Brielle, Cavana, Eilinora, Enya, Faline, Henley, Hennessy, Islene, Kallie, Keara, Liadan, Maeve, Majella, Meeda, Noreen, Riona, Shaelan, Teagan, Zaira
Scottish – Celtic Female Newborn First Names
Adairia, Ainsley, Gavina, Isla, Jaimelynn, Janetta, Kameron, Kenzie, Lair, Larena, Linsey, Maisie, Marcail, Minna, Nessia, Sloan, Torree, Wynda
Welsh – Celtic Names for Baby Girls
Addien, Anwen, Ariana, Branwyn, Briallen, Cai, Cambree, Cordelia, Dera, Ebrill, GIyn, Gwylan, Jinelle, Mair, Mairwen, Meeghan, Owena, Rhiain, Rianna, Talar, Tarian, Wynne
Meanings of Some Popular Female Celtic Names
Some Celtic baby names are unique, but not especially difficult for most people to pronounce or spell. Following are a few nice and simple choices and the meanings of the names:
- Brianna: In Celtic the meaning of the name Brianna is ‘strong.’
- Alana: This name means ‘harmony, stone, or noble.’
- Evelyn: In the Celtic language the meaning of this name is ‘light.’
- Genevieve: This charming Celtic name Genevieve means: ‘white wave.’
- Keely: The Celtic meaning of the name Keely is ‘slender or comely.’
- Alice: Also of Celtic origin, the meaning of this feminine name is ‘noble.’
Choosing a Lifelong Baby to Adult Name for Your Daughter
“A first name is the very first present that we give to our baby,” says one Baby Names website based in the United Kingdom. This being true, most parents give their children(s) names a lot of thought. After all, choosing the name of a baby is a lifetime decision. The baby girl name must work for not only a baby, but a child, a teenager, and and adult.
Whatever name a child is given, even if slightly foreign to friends and relatives in the beginning, becomes identified with the baby fairly quickly. It can be fun to think up names for a newborn, and yet at the same time stressful. When one trusts one's heart, everything generally turns out just fine.
Other Suite101 articles of interest may include: Celtic Gaelic Names - Ideas for Baby Boys, Best Thoughtful Baby Shower Gifts, and Preparing to Become a Grandparent.
For those with other children, the website Toddler Birthday Party Ideas may be of interest.
And to those expecting a new baby: "Beir bua agus beannacht," which means "Best Wishes" in Irish-Gaelic.
One can find free Gaelic to English and English to Gaelic translators online with any Internet search engine.
Article Updated 2012
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
