Another was an anchorite of Clonmacnoise, who died in 1007. Aoife (ee-fa) This name means beautiful, radiant or joyful, and likely derives from the Gaelic … The Irish continued to go continental Europe into the 800s. The name is found among many legendary founders of families. This was an early name held by the mother of Mael Brigte mac Dornain, the abbot of Armagh (5), Samthann - (Pronounced sav-han) - St Samthann was the founding abbess of Clonbroney near Granard. The large numbers of Irish … Some names seem to defy modern or Anglicized translations, though, and many of those I've found in medieval French texts. Ireland is an island west of Great Britain and is politically separated into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Start here! Milo has seen a sudden resurgence on the charts, and we couldn’t be happier to see this pint-sized prince appearing more often. There are many saints who hold this name. The masculine word tigern, which means 'lord', may have meant 'lady' because it also appears in female names. Oissene was an abbot of Clonmacnoise who died in 706. The later form, Sean, comes from the French Jehan, which was introduced by the Normans. It became very popular after that. As Celtic-Irish baby names fall out of fashion, Nicole Buckler suggests we dig new ones out from a forgotten pool of Medieval Irish names. Quick and Easy Gaelic Names, by Sharon Krossa An excellent general guide to building a typical Gaelic name. Thank you. It was feminized as Segnat. 1. As Celtic-Irish baby names fall out of fashion, Nicole Buckler suggests we dig new ones out from a forgotten pool of Medieval Irish names. The Normans introduced the name to England. In time, the sense of tribal identity declined. The name was especially common amongst the O Connors of Connacht during the Middle Ages. - The name appears in mythology and was the name of a saint who lived in the 6th century. It also belonged to a 5th century Irish warrior. The queen of the Munster fairies was called Aine as was one of the wives of Fionn Mac Cool (read the legend). One of my favorite Irish girl names, Winnie or Wynnie means fair or light complexion. (3) Brian Boru: King of Ireland, Roger Chatterton Newman, Dublin: Anvil Books, 1983, 1986. (5), Rumann - (Pronounced ruv-an) - This was not a common name in early Ireland, but a Rumann mac Colmain of Trim (died c 747) was described in an early Irish text as follows, "There are three great poets of the world: Homer of the Greeks, Virgil of the Latins, and Rumann of the Irish". (2, 3), Over twelve thousand different names are recorded in the early Irish records. This is a great way to find out how to exactly pronounce female Irish names. She died in 934. Medieval mythology. Earlier names are harder to come by: references to Breton individuals in Frankish chronicles, and a small handful of stone inscriptions. by . Return to the Ancient Names Galleria. (5), Pilib - This name comes from the Greek Phillip ('horse-lover') and was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. For girls, it was Ciara, Aoife, Aoibhín, Róisín, Niamh, Caoimhe, Aisling, Sinéad, Gráinne, Saoirse, Eimear, Orla. Medieval: Saints: Anglo-Saxon: Byzantium : European Tribes: Franks: Goths: Huns: Lombards: England: Ireland: Scotland: Wales: Norse: Irish Names Names of Celtic Origin Celtic names and language were retained to a greater degree in the Irish Republic. There’s also Nathan, a pick who’s held onto popularity with his handsome styling. Medieval Irish society was organised around the extended family. Medieval English, German, Roman, and Norse names are all possibilities that have long been known for their hard work, weaponry, and loyalty to those they love. Initial: Pattern : the letters in the pattern are compared to the letters in … Some of these tribes included the Ciarraige, Dartraige, Muscraige, and Semonraige. Sadb was a frequent name in early Ireland that went on to become the second most popular female name in later medieval Ireland. These are generally found in the forms ‘Gil-‘ or ‘Mul-‘ in modern Irish surnames. Index of Irish Clan Names. Ruarcan was the diminutive form. Surnames today: There are many different origins for Irish names today but the vast majority can be broken down into either of three categories: Gaelic Irish, Cambro-Norman, and finally Anglo-Irish. (3, 5), Oissine, Oissene - (Pronounced us'-in) - This name is the diminutive of oss, which means "a deer". It was also the name of two abbots, who died in 781 (the abbot of Tuam) and 811 (the abbot of Armagh) (5), Oengus - (Pronounced en-is) - Many legendary heroes and founders had this name. It was fairly popular in England from the 12th and 15th centuries. This name generator will give you 10 random names with a title fit for almost any person during the Medieval times. Most of the names are Scots-language renderings of Gaelic names, though there are also a few names of Scots-speakers. It was used in the early Middle Ages among the northern Ui Neill and other families. (5), Ronnat - (Pronounced ron-it') - This was the feminine form of Ronan. The names have slipped in popularity since then. The bulk of the names aim to be from the 10th-15th centuries but many names from earlier and later periods are included as well. Story of a Name: Brendan, an Irish saint who many people believe reached America some 1000 years before Columbus. (5), Ronan - This name, which comes from the word for 'seal', was relatively common in early Ireland. Below you can find a definitive list of boys Irish names so you can research the meaning and listen to the audio to learn how to pronounce all of the boy names in Irish correctly. Ruaidri was a common name in medieval Ireland. The name Paitin, which may come from Patraic, is found amongst the O Maolchonaire in the 13th century. Ragnall mac Amlaib was killed at the battle of Tara in 980. (5), Aideen - Woman mentioned in the margins of a monkish document (1), Aoife - Aoife was the daughter of King Dermot of Leinster who married Strongbow, the Norman conqueror (6), . ... which is a good approximation to late medieval Irish pronunciation as well. Thousands of these names fell out of use at an early date. The Medieval Name List is comprised of names taken from the European area during the Middle Ages and Renaissance era. The name did not become popular in western Europe until after the First Crusade. Nuadu was an ancestral deity and lord of the Otherworld. Talitha is our top choice in this arena, as this beauty wears well with modern baby girl names. Formal Name or Dedication: ... (Ard-micnascai being the Irish name for Hollywood) Ard-mic-nascai Monastery early monastic site, founded before 640 by St Laiseran; Holywood Priory (v. infra) built on site Ard-mac-Croisk; Ard-mic-nascai; Ardnicise? The name was common among Anglo-Norman settlers and was adopted by the native Irish. I'm looking for names for characters right now. My story will be set in Ireland, around 1300-1400 B.C. (6) Book of Irish Names: First, Family, and Place Names, Ronan Coghlan, Ida Grehan, P.W. The form Siacas, from the French Jacques, was common in the 13th and 14th centuries. Vevila . It was used by a king of Connacht who died in 1118 and by Ruaidri Ua Conchobair (O Connor), king of Connacht and last high-king of Ireland, who died in 1198. Ragnall Ua Dalaig, the main poet of Desmond, died in 1161. Una means lamb. The name was largely confined to Munster. (2, 5), Olchobar, Olchobhor - (Pronounced ol-chur) - 9th century abbot of Emly, who died in 851. By the 5th century, Ireland was described as having five kingdoms: Mumha, Ulaid, Connachta, Laighin, and Midhe. (5), Uallach - (Pronounced ual-ach) - The name means "proud". A very popular Irish baby girl name, Tara means crag or tower. WARNING: Names listed in entries for the years 500 - 700 A.D. are Old Irish forms of the name. FORBFLAITH f Medieval Irish, Medieval Scottish Gaelic name which meant "overlordship" and "overlord, ruler, sovereign", derived from Old Irish fír "true" and flaith "ruler; sovereignty" (compare GORMLAITH, ÓRFHLAITH, TALULLA)... [ more] FORSY f Scots (Archaic), Medieval Scottish GAMELIN m Medieval Scottish Examples include Coblaith, , Dunfhlaith (feminine form of Dunan), Gormlaith (feminine form of Gormman), Saerlaith (from Saeran), Tailefhlaith, and Tuathfhlaith (from Tuathan or Tuathal). irish girl names in the 1800s. Wynnie. Given names with Old Irish as their language of origin plus names and related words that are in use where people speak Old Irish, Page 1, Tab Origin (1,4), By this time, the scroll had been replaced by the codex. Vellum was used for more important texts. Some of the most popular old Irish Celtic and Gaelic names for Girls, from Afric to Colleen, along with notes about their origin and history. At Top 100 Baby Names Search we have researched long and hard to provide you with a comprehensive list of baby names. Return to the main room of the Peiraeus Public Library. At about the same time, the monk, Cassiodorus, had a library at his estate in Calabria. More Filters. One holder of the name was the mother of St. Adamnan (c 7th century). The profession of copyist had largely disappeared during the 5th century but some private libraries survived in the houses of nobles. One of the many holders of the name was Sadb, daughter of Brian Boru, who died in 1048. These names were used by medieval Irish peoples. The Medieval Period lasted from the 5th until the 15th century, so names changed over this period. Some of these beautiful Irish names for girls, such as Aoife, Niamh, and Fiadh, have been in Ireland's Top 100 for years, and are just starting to catch on in England and the US too. The early Irish did not use this name out of respect for St. Patrick. (5), Segene - 7th century bishop of Armagh (2), Senach - (Pronounced s-an-ach) - This common early name comes from the word sen, which means 'ancient, old'. Ragnall mac Imair, the king of Waterford, died in 1018. The name appears in legend and history. You can listen to the author Frank McCourt pronounce every girls name in vivid description. Fionn (finn, fee-in or fyon) Meaning “fair-headed,” “white” or “clear.” Other translations … DESCRIPTION: Ancient Irish name from the noun aine that means “splendor, radiance, brilliance.” Aine is connected with fruitfulness and prosperity. Given names with Old Irish as their language of origin plus names and related words that are in use where people speak Old Irish, Page 1, Tab Origin. The names below are all of older, occasionally unknown, origin, some popular down the years, others regaining popularity after many years in the wilderness. Looking for unique Irish baby girl names that that honor legendary princesses, mighty warrior queens, and mythical fairies? (5), Segnat - (Pronounced s'en-it) - This is the feminine form of Segan. The diminutive form Piarag appeared in the 14th century. Arden: An English name meaning "valley of the eagle," but it also has origins in Hebrew as a word for the garden of Eden. The Normans introduced many new names. The Normans brought the name to Ireland. This name generator will generate 10 random Irish names and surnames. (5), Sibeal, Isibeal - (Pronounced s'i-bel) - Isabel, the medieval French form of Elizabeth, became popular in England in the 12th century. (6), Conchad - 7th century bishop of Sletty (2), Consaid�n - "Constant one" - The English form is Constantine. Ælfric (Old … Senchan Torpeist was one of the most famous early Irish poets. Within the top 1000 baby names then, there were 61 Medieval names. Go to … It may be the same name as Segene. In time, Ulaidh split into three kingdoms: Aileach in the west, Oirghialla in the middle, and Ulaid in the east. We also include the Gaelic and Celtic origin, meaning and name. Irish boy names are rising in numbers in the recent years. Male The name also belonged to a niece of Brian Boru, a daughter of Dermot Mac Murrough, a daughter of Tigernan O Rourke, king of Breifne, etc. It was originally the name of an early god. Plenty of medieval names for girls fit today’s top trends, including Nura, Merona, and Nahara. (5), Senan - (Pronounced s-an-an) - This is the diminutive of sen, which means 'ancient, old'. The number of names used became much narrower by the late Middle Ages. A list of names appropriate for Irish names before 1100 or so, extracted from O'Brien's Corpus Genealogiarum Hiberniae. Sheepskins were cut into double pages which were then folded into pages. Monks from various countries, but especially those from Ireland, have been credited with helping to save Greek and Roman literature. They were feared along the coasts of Wales and south-western England. MomJunction has compiled a list of medieval names that may have fallen off the radar, but we believe could return to prominence. It appears in the female names Caeltigern and Caintigern.(5). An estimate from 1973 suggests that one-third of all Latin literature has survived while only ten per cent of the ancient Greek literature has survived. Sadb was a frequent name in early Ireland that went on to become the second most popular female name in later medieval Ireland. (5), Seamus - (Pronounced s'em-as) - This name came from the Latin Jacobus through the English and French. During the 6th century A.D., wandering Irish monks participated with other groups in a small amount of book trading in Italy and Gaul. The northernmost monastery was Iona, in Scotland, the easternmost was Vienna, and the southernmost was Taranto in southern Italy. Copts fled to the Ulster monastery in Bangor and brought with them the convention of using red dots to decorate manuscript initials. The name was held by a bishop of Kildare who died in 840 and an abbot of Roscrea who died in 952. It was common among the O Hanleys of Connacht and others during the later Middle Ages. Medieval name generator . MALLET Anglo-Norman, Medieval English, French, Catalan Originated in Norman France and spread to England following the Norman conquest of 1066. The Vikings arrived in the 9th century. St. Ealanor was an Irish martyr. (3), By the fifth century A.D., the Irish had learned to write Latin, Greek, and even some Hebrew, and were busily copying Scripture and the ancient literature of the Greeks and Romans. Irish personal names were at one time followed by the word "moccu". Irish Names. (1) How the Irish Saved Civilization, Thomas Cahill, New York: Doubleday, 1995, 1996. Claire - (KLARE)- A medieval Irish girl name derived from Latin clarus, meaning 'clear, bright, famous'. (5), Seaan - (Pronounced s'an) - This name comes from Jehan, the French form of the Latin Joannes. The female form, Patricia, was not created in Scotland until the 18th century. (5), Robartach - (Pronounced ro-art-ach) - One holder of this name was an abbot of Aghaboe, who died in 836. Casidhe – from a word meaning “clever.” Casie. Holders of the name included the mother of Domnall Mor O Brien, the King of Thomond. Double monasteries admitted both men and women. Earlier names such as Etain, Medb, Taillte, Ailbe, and others also survived. (2) Modern Irish already has crotach "curlew", but there seemed to be no medieval evidence for this bird-name until we noted crottach in texts going back at least as far as the early 15th century. During the 18th and 19th centuries, hardly any old Celtic/Irish girls' names were in use and most parents chose from a restrictive list. Ryleigh. The word "moccu" was gradually replaced by terms such as "Ui" ("grandson"), "Cenel" ("kindred"), "Clann" ("family"), and "Sil" ("offspring"). The name was used by the O'Briens since the 12th century (6), Cormac - Name of a 7th century Leinster man and many others(2, 3), Crimthann - "Fox", the real name of the 6th century monk, Columcille; also a 5th century Irish king (1), Deicola - 6th century colleague of Columbanus (1), Domnall, Domhnall - Name of a 7th century Irish king and others (2, 3), Donnchadh - Name of a 10th century high king, a son and heir of Brian Boru, and others (3), Donn Cuan - An older brother of Brian Boru (3), �anna - (English Edna) - The name may mean "birdlike". (5), Aidan - 6th/7th century, established the monastery at Lindisfarne (1), Aileran - 7th century scholar at Clonard (2), Ainmire - "Great Lord" - The name was held by St. Ainmire, a monk of Co. Donegal, and Ainmire, king of Tara, who died c. 569 (6), Airtre - Leader of Armagh during the Viking period (3), Aodh - Aodh Oirdnidhe was a high king during the 9th century (3), Breandan, Brendan - Brendan the Navigator explored Iceland, Greenland, and perhaps North America (1, 6), Cadhla - "Handsome" - The name was used in the Middle Ages (6)>, Caoimh�n - "Comely birth" - The English form is Kevin. Created before June 2004 Last Updated November 30, 2009 Some of the most popular old Irish Celtic and Gaelic names for boys, some in common use still, others more unusual. One Senchan was an abbot of Emly, who died in 781. (5), Senchan - (Pronounced s'an-chan) - This is a diminutive of Senach. (6), Fachtna - Fachtna was the name of the Irish 6th century saint and bishop of Ros Carbery. (5), Sadb, Sadhbh - (Pronounced seiv) - The name is said to mean "sweet". Many groups fled the unrest and escaped to places like Ireland. There were ten saints by this name. While the Byzantines copied Greek literature, only the monks preserved Latin literature. For girls, it was Ciara, Aoife, Aoibhín, Róisín, Niamh, Caoimhe, Aisling, Sinéad, Gráinne, Saoirse, Eimear, Orla. The Roman form of the name is Columba (1, 3), C�n�n - "Small Hound." This was the fourth most popular female name in 12th century Ireland. According to historians, medieval texts reveal that William and John were the most common names among men in medieval English. By 1170, the Anglo-Normans were poised to dominate Ireland. Throughout the naughties, Gaelic-Irish baby names were all the rage. By the time these annals were written, centuries after the events record for these dates, the Irish language had changed significantly and the writers of the annals used their … Take a look! While both genders share the same last names, they have different prefixes with different meanings. As we’ve mentioned, many medieval names for girls are ready for a comeback. As we’ve mentioned, many medieval names for girls are ready for a comeback. (5), Eilionora, Ealanor - The name of Eleanor became popular in England from Queen Eleanor, wife of Edward I. (4), In the 500s and 600s, Irish monks went to continental Europe and founded monasteries in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Or Medieval Names Galleria. (5), Segan - (Pronounced s'e-an) - This rare early name may come from the word for "hawk". Somebody asked me on Tumblr if I'd talk about how to pronounce the main names in the Táin, and/or how to tackle medieval Irish names in general. Irish monasteries hosted Picts, Britons, Anglo-Saxons, and other guests. (5), In general, names that ended in -an, -ene, and -ine are masculine. Besides personal names, our Irish ancestors had from an early period, and even from pre-historic times, a complete system of fixed clan-names by which each family-group and its subdivisions had its own distinct name. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. Another increasingly well-used, more feminine, form of Riley, this one is particularly … (5). St Ronan Finn died in 664 and St Ronan of Lismore died in 763. Some say this decline started during the 8th century while others feel the decline began in the 5th century. Another Ragnailt was the daughter of Aed Ua Conchobair, king of Connacht, who died in 1393. It is a simple illustration of the … These túatha often competed for control of resources and thus they continually grew and shrank (in both size and number). (5), Saerbrethach - (Pronounced ser-vr'a-hach) - One holder of this name was the abbot of Emly, who died in 1025. Patrick was first used again as a personal name by colonists of Ireland rather than by the native Irish. When the Anglo-Normans used the name, the Irish wrote it as Padraigin. At the end of the 6th century, Isidore built a library in Seville with 400 codices. Uallach, daughter of Muimnechan, was the chief poet of Ireland. Older names of Gaelic origin which have retained their popularity over the generations include Oisin, Cian, Eoin, Cathal and Fionn. These groups brought their books and learning with them. (5), Ragnailt - (Pronounced rein-ilt') - This was the feminine form of Ragnall. (2) Early Medieval Ireland 400 - 1200, Daibhi O Croinin, New York: Longman, 1995, 1996. Most of these names are still in use but in their modern forms. Important books were then bound between two covers. Piaras - This name was adapted from Piers, which was the Anglo-Norman French form of Peter. 'Ó' before a surname means 'grandson of' and 'Mac' means 'son of'. Throughout the naughties, Gaelic-Irish baby names were all the rage. During the time of Niall Naoighiallach of the Nine Hostages (d. 405 A.D.), the Irish were great seamen. The name was held by a daughter of Cinneide mac Lorcain and older sister of Brian Boru, who was executed for adultery. The largest body of information on medieval Breton names begins around the 9th century with cartularies such as the Cartulary of Redon. Anglicized form of the Irish name Ó Donndubháin meaning "descendant of DONNDUBHÁN ". The native Irish soon adapted it. Middle Irish, sometimes called Middle Gaelic (Irish: An Mheán-Ghaeilge), is the Goidelic which was spoken in Ireland, most of Scotland and the Isle of Man from circa 900–1200 AD; it is therefore a contemporary of late Old English and early Middle English. A monastery had huts for the monks, a guesthouse, a refectory and kitchen, a scriptorium for copying, a library, a smithy, a kiln, a mill, some barns, and a church. The men either have 'Ó' or 'Mac'. For much of this period, the island was divided into numerous clan territories and kingdoms (known as túatha). Variants of the name were used instead, such as Gilla Patraic ('servant of St Patrick') and Mael Patraic ('devotee of St. Patrick'). Few monks could read Greek so less Greek literature has survived. (5), Rechtabra - (Pronounced r'acht-ur-a) - One holder of the name was the son of Flann Feorna, a prince of the Ciarraige, who died in 741. One of the most popular Irish baby girl names . Home; Names. The carvers of 5th and 6th century ogam stones used the word "moccu" to denote tribal affiliation. Joyce, New York: Sterling Publishing Co. Inc., 1989. Who you were related to determined what you could own, what work you could do, who you fought with and against … Hereditary patronymic surnames were wonderful badges of allegiance, showing everyone immediately who 'your people' were. For many other fine names, see Medieval Names Archive: Scandinavian Names. Ceara – (KE-a-ra) Old Irish=name Cera, meaning may be “bright red.” Cera was the name of a wife of Nemed, of legendary early invaders of Ireland. Bangor Abbey: Gaelic monks founded 555 or 559 by St Comgall; Augustinian Canons Regular — from Armagh refounded … The complete collection contains roughly 10,000 masculine names, … She died in 739. Thomas is likely one you’ve seen a time or two, and his origins date back hundreds of years. Most Popular. Magnus, Lochlann or Sitric), and in DNA evidence in some residents of these coastal cities to this day. Though long obsolete as people-names, … This may also have been a feminine name. (5), Remann - (Pronounced r'e-mun) - The name comes from the German for 'counsel' (ragan) and 'protection' (mund. (3, 5), Ornat - (Pronounced or-nit) - One Ornat was a daughter of Cuan, king of Munster, who died in 641. Gormlaith is enjoying a revival in popularity as an Irish baby girl name, but is now usually spelled in its Anglicized version, Gormley. The name consists of Irish domhan meaning "the world", Irish gabh meaning "I take" and the given name ART. In the 10th century, Brian Boru tried to unite all of Ireland under his rule. Names of Catholic saints and festivals also occur. Liadan was a poet and nun. The surname comes from the given name Malle, an Old English diminutive of MARY or from the given name Malo, a popular form of the name of Saint … It was a very common name throughout most of early and medieval Ireland (and borne by many great historical figures) and has enjoyed a recent revival : Tárlach: Tar-lack: Terence/Turlough: A medieval name enjoying something of a renaissance. Medieval Irish Submitted Surnames Home » Submitted Names. In Irish, means poet. (5), Seigine - (Pronounced s'e-in, s'ein) - This name comes from seig, which means "hawk". Stream the original series Disney Family Sundays , plus all your Disney favorites, anytime on Disney+. Norse influence shows in the Norse-derived names of many contemporary Irish kings (e.g. (5), Tadhg - Name of a son of Brian Boru and an Irish king (3), Tirechan - 7th century writer, from Armagh (2), Ultan - 7th century bishop of Ardbraccan (2), Patraic - This name came from the Latin Patricius. The name became popular amongst the Irish. (5), Ruaidri - (Pronounced rua-r'i) - The name means "great or red king". (5), Ricard, Risderd - Ricard and Richard were common names in medieval England. (5), Ragnall - (Pronounced rei-nal) - This name came from the Old Norse and was the name of many Vikings in Ireland. Your baby's name is our business, AND we take that very seriously! Many medieval names for boys are still popular today. (5), The Irish were more willing to borrow names from other cultures for their daughters than for their sons. Irish girl names are on very different popularity tracks in the US and in Ireland itself. Not referenced by the lenition guide, but useful for clarifying some terminology used in these articles. (3, 5), Saerlaith - (Pronounced ser-la) - The name means 'noble princess'. (5), Lochlainn - (Pronounced luch-lin') - The name means "Viking". 643 Marvelous Irish Boy Names With Meanings Story of a Name: Aoife and the Children of Lir, doomed to spend 900 years as swans. Contact. Apply this search to the main name collection, the letters in the pattern are compared to the letters in the name, search for an exact phrase by surrounding it with double quotes, this field understands simple boolean logic, force a term to be included by preceding it with a, force a term to be excluded by preceding it with a, sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations, syllables can only be counted in names that have been assigned pronunciations, names without pronunciations are excluded from results. Individual pages were taller than they were wide because this allowed for the most efficient use of sheepskins. By the 12th century, Sadb, Cacht, Mor, Gormlaith, and Orlaith were the most common female names. Medieval names for baby girls, with 116 entries. Talitha is our top choice in this arena, as this beauty wears well with modern baby girl names. During these years, a person's name would have been written in an earlier form of the language, Oghamic Irish. Plenty of medieval names for girls fit today’s top trends, including Nura, Merona, and Nahara. Male names can be made into female names by the addition of -nat or -sech. His name means, "Dove of the church." The Anglo-Normans brought the name to Ireland. Male names are better represented than female names. USA 2019 female USA 2019 male USA all years England plus Wales Ireland Canada BC Australia NSW Complete List … Anina is another, with her sweet sound right at home on a baby girl. The estate was known as Vivarium. The top Irish name for girls in the US is the surname-name Riley, a departure from the days when Kathleen and Bridget reigned as the most popular Irish names for girls. Phillip was a very common name in medieval England. Their usage peaked in 1932 with 19.906% of baby girls being given Medieval names. Caoilinn – (KAY-leen) Old Irish=name Caelfind: cael “slender” + finn “bright, fair.” Saint Caelfind of Kerry’s feast day is Feb. 3. More modern Celtic names are often unisex—like Morgan and Quinn . These clan-names are of great importance in tracing the early history of families. Grania - (GRAW-nya) From the Old Irish gráinne, meaning 'grain, seed'. A later holder of the name was St Senach of Lough Erne. Vevila means harmony. They became popular instead in places to which Irish people emigrated, particularly the USA, probably out of nostalgia for the ‘home country’. Somebody asked me on Tumblr if I'd talk about how to pronounce the main names in the Táin, and/or how to tackle medieval Irish names in general. (6), Siban - (Pronounced s'iv-an) - This was adapted from the French Jehane or Jehanne, which comes from John. Naming customs began to diverge by the 10th century. She was loved by Cuirithir, the poet, who became a monk. Another Cathal died in 1224 (2, 6), Ceallachan - 10th century king of Munster (3), Cinneide, Ceinneidigh - Father of Brian Boru (3), Colum, Colam - Name of many individuals, including a name on an ogam stone (2, 3), Columbanus - Monk at Bangor and then continental Europe, b. Celtic baby names (a combination of Irish, Welsh, Gaelic, and Scottish names) tend to have a magical, timeless, and musical feel. In time, the Irish would found monasteries in Armagh, Bangor, Derry, Inis Murray, Kells, Kildare, Skellig Michael and other places in Ireland; Durham, Glastonbury, Lindisfarne, York, and other places in England; as well as Berne, Cologne, Ghent, Milan, Naples, Paris, Rome, Salzburg, and other places on the Continent.