Unique Irish spin on this classic baby name is on the rise in Ireland

When it comes to Irish names, you can’t go wrong with the classics (Aoife, Séan, Gráinne, we’re looking at you!).

Although some parents might be looking for something more on the obscure side, and if that’s you, you’ve come to the right place!

Irish names are used widely back home and abroad for good reason; they’re melodic, have lyrical qualities, and their deep, historical meanings make them an obvious choice for prospective parents.

A trend we’ve noticed in recent years, that has been gaining serious traction, is to take a popular name and add an Irish twist to it – and we can definitely get behind it!

One such name that is rising in favor amongst parents, which has got an Irish makeover, is Nancy.

Pronounced the same as its English equivalent (nan-cee), we love these spelling variations that we’re sure will only boom in popularity over the next few years.

 Neansaí and Nainsí take their origins from the Hebrew and English name Nancy which means "grace" or "favor".

While Nancy has a stronghold in Ireland (48 baby Nancys born in 2025), these two adorable choices are proving to be a hit with new mums and dads, with Neansaí being given to six baby girls last year and Nainsí being given to 10 baby girls.

Nainsí first appeared on Irish charts in 2018, with four babies born with the name that year, ranking it in at 734th, and has been on the rise since, peaking last year in 381st.

* This article was originally published on Rollercoaster.ie.