As parents who love Irish names get more creative with naming their babies, stepping outside the lists of more "traditional" names, more and more wonderful native monikers are entering the public consciousness. Some Irish names that were once practically unheard of – like Fiadh, Éabha, Cuan, and Caolán – are now being heard in playgrounds everywhere. We forget that it wasn’t long ago when those names were uncommon!
Some of the more unusual Irish names rising in popularity include Éala, which derives from the word for "swan", and Féile, meaning "festival". These two names are interesting because Irish parents in the past probably wouldn’t have considered them baby names.
However, this Irish baby name for girls is different as it goes back years and years and is steeped in Irish mythology. It is still very unusual in Ireland, despite its ancient roots. It is so rare in Ireland right now that it doesn’t even make the charts, as the CSO doesn’t count names that were given to fewer than three babies.
However, we predict it will be on the rise in no time, particularly because it is so easy for people around the world to say.
The Irish baby girl name in question is Anu. Anu (or Danu) was an Irish Goddess linked to fertility and prosperity. The Old Irish term ánu means "wealth, riches, or prosperity." She has sometimes been called the mother of Brian, Iuchat and Iucharba, who are key figures in Tuatha Dé Danann, the mythological race of spirit people.
She is linked to nature, too, and associated with a famous pair of hills in Co Kerry, known as the Paps of Anu (Dá Chích Anann).
The name Anu can also be found in different cultures and heritages, making it rather international and rendering it unisex! (Kind of like with the very international name Dara.)
It is commonly heard in Finland and Estonia, derived from the name Anna. It is also quite popular in India, as a short form of names beginning with the three letters, and also in Nigeria, where it comes from the word for "mercy."
We’ve certainly heard a few little ones being referred to as Anu recently. It’s only a matter of time before it enters the charts.
Is this Irish baby girl name one that you would consider?
* This article was originally published on RollerCoaster.ie.
Comments