There are some really gorgeous Irish baby names that all have deep roots in and connection to our rich mythology, and right now, a few of these are climbing up the trend charts, not only here at home, but also with parents in other countries.
One such name for baby girls is Ériu – a beautiful name linked to a mythical past. In pre-Christian times, Celtic civilisation had a strong history of revering the Divine Feminine. Ériu, more commonly known as Éire, is the Irish name for Ireland, and it’s named after the powerful female goddess.
Ériu, alongside her sisters Banba and Fódla, is recognised as a Goddess of Sovereignty. According to the Irish Star, this title and heritage make Ériu an appropriate name for the sovereign nation of Ireland.
Other mythical Irish baby names on the list are Réaltín, which means little star; Grian, which means sun in Irish; and Tuiren, who was famed for her beauty.
10 unique Irish baby names that have deep mythological roots
1. Doireann
The name Doireann originates from the mythological figure, Doireann, who was the daughter of Bodb Derg – the King of the Tuatha Dé Danann, which was a mythological race in Irish mythology that included kings, queens, druids, bards, warriors, heroes, healers, and craftsmen.
2. Réaltín
This beautiful moniker means little star.
3. Lugh
The name Lugh means "bright or shining one." Lugh is the multi-talented god of light, craftsmanship, and skill. In Irish mythology, he is associated with harvest festivals and is a key figure in the Mythological Cycle.
4. Grian
This beautiful Irish baby girl’s name means sun in Irish.
5. Cáel
From Old Irish, Cáel means ‘slender.’ According to mythology, Irish legend Cáel was a warrior of the Fianna and the lover of Créd.
6. Fionn
The meaning of Fionn is ‘fair or bright.’
In Irish mythology, Fionn is the central figure in the Fenian Cycle, a wise and mighty warrior who gains all the world’s knowledge by tasting the Salmon of Knowledge. In fact, in Ireland, Fionn is often seen as the ultimate Irish hero—smart, strong, and noble.
7. Éibhear
From Old Irish, Éber means uncertain.
According to Irish legend, this name belonged to two of the sons of Míl, Éibhear Dunn and Éibhear Finn, the first of the Gaels to conquer Ireland.
8. Naoise
In Irish legend, Naoise was the young man who fled to Scotland with Deirdre, who was due to marry Conchobar, the king of Ulster. Conchobar eventually succeeded in capturing Deirdre and killing Naoise, which caused Deirdre to die of grief.
9. Étaín
Possibly derived from Old Irish and said to mean “jealousy, passion,” this moniker is trending once more.
In Irish legend, Étaín is the subject of the 9th-century tale The Wooing of Étaín. She was accidentally swallowed, and then reborn to the woman who swallowed her. After she grew again to adulthood, she married the Irish high king Eochaid Airem.
10. Nechtan
An Irish name of uncertain meaning, possibly from a Celtic root meaning “damp.”
In Irish mythology, Nechtan was the husband of Boann, the goddess of the River Boyne. He is sometimes identified with Nuada.
* This article was originally published on Rollercoaster.ie.
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