As parents in Ireland and across the globe look for unique yet meaningful names for their newborns, these forgotten Irish baby names are coming back into fashion.
From names inspired by mythology to trendy celebrity choices, these ten forgotten Irish baby names have been making a comeback in recent years.
With parents across the globe looking for unique yet meaningful names for their little ones, we are seeing some of the most popular names from the past coming back into fashion.
So, whether you’re looking for baby name inspiration or just want to see if your own name made the list, read on to discover the top ten forgotten Irish baby names that have been making a comeback.
10. Sorcha (sor-kha) – meaning ‘brightness’ or ‘radiant’
According to baby name website The Bump, Sorcha is one of the forgotten Irish baby names making a comeback in recent years.
Coming from the Gaelic form of Sarah or Sally and often associated with light and purity, this is a great choice for your baby girl as it combines traditional roots with a modern sound.
9. Cillian (kill-ee-an) – meaning ‘little church’
Having been boosted in recent years by Irish actor Cillian Murphy, Cillian has seen a resurgence in popularity.
Currently ranked 16th most popular boys’ name in Ireland, according to Rollercoaster.ie, this is a great choice for baby boys.
8. Éala (ay-la) – meaning ‘swan’
Éala is a stunning Irish name that rose from 177th place in 2021 to 91st in 2022.
Associated with grace and beauty in folklore, Éala is a beautiful girls’ name that means ‘swan’.
7. Oisín (uh-sheen) – meaning ‘little deer’
Oisín is an Irish boy name with rich mythological significance. It comes from the son of Fionn mac Cumhaill, a prominent figure in Irish folklore.
According to the Central Statistics Office, the name was ranked 13th most popular boys’ name in Ireland in 2022.
6. Caoimhe (kwee-va or kee-va) – meaning ‘gentle’, ‘beautiful’, or ‘precious’
Caoimhe is a popular name that can be pronounced as ‘kwee-va’ or ‘kee-va’. It is also often anglicised as Keeva.
Caoimhe currently ranks 22nd most popular girls’ name in Ireland and has seen a rise in popularity in recent years.
5. Éanna (ay-na) – meaning ‘bird’
One of the forgotten Irish baby names making a comeback in recent years, Éanna was the name of several Irish saints.
According to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office, the name was a new entrant to the top 100 boys’ names in Ireland in 2023.
4. Síofra (shee-fra) – meaning ‘elf’ or ‘changeling’
A historic Irish name that rose from 157th place in 2022 to 100th in 2023. Thus, making it one of the names that is rising in popularity.
Deeply rooted in Irish folklore, Síofra is pronounced ‘shee-fra’ and means ‘elf’ or ‘changeling’.
3. Fionn (fee-un) – meaning ‘fair-haired’
A significant name in Irish mythology, the name is perhaps most well-known as the name of the legendary warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill.
Current naming trends in Ireland show that Fionn was the most popular boys’ name in Waterford County in 2023.
2. Saoirse (seer-sha) – meaning ‘freedom’ or ‘liberty’
Saoirse is a historic Irish name that gained popularity through the rise of Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan.
It is currently ranked 23rd most popular girls’ name in Ireland, according to the Central Statistics Office.
1. Aoife (ee-fa) – meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘radiant’
Aoife was the name of a character in Irish mythology who was a fierce warrior princess.
According to The Bump, the name ranked 43rd most popular girls’ names in Ireland and is one of the forgotten Irish baby names making a comeback in recent years.
