Ten old Irish names from your grandparent’s generation that you just don’t hear anymore.
It’s 2023, and as Ireland has changed significantly over the past 100 years, so have the names Irish parents are choosing for their children.
So, whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply interested in the history of somewhat forgotten Irish names, we’ve put together a list of ten old Irish names from your grandparent’s generation.
10. Eithne – a woman’s name meaning kernel or grain.
The name Eithne was at peak popularity in Ireland 100 years ago during the 1920s. This feminine name was also the name of some Irish saints and goddesses of Irish mythology.
The name means ‘nut kernel’ in English and is taken from the bardic poetry tradition, its anglicised and modern form being Enya.
9. Desmond – a name for a man from south Munster
This noble and strong name was popular amongst men in Ireland in the 20th century.
The name itself is born from the old Irish term ‘Deasmhumhnach’, which translates to south Munster. Desmond is also recognised in Anglo-Irish terms as meaning ‘Gracious Defender’.
8. Nora – a Latin name adopted into Irish heritage
Nora is one of the old Irish names from your grandparent’s generation that was hugely popular in Ireland at the beginning and throughout the 20th century. However, its origin is Latin.
The name is said to be a shortened version of the Latin ‘Honora‘. Nora means ‘honourable’ or ‘shining light’.
The name has had popularity across the world but somehow became a quintessential Irish name from your grandparent’s generation.
7. Sheila – a heavenly, Irish female name
Originally a Roman clan name, Sheila is derived from the Latin ‘Caeila’, meaning heavenly. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, where it became the Gaeilge, ‘Síle’ and the Irish equivalent of the name Julia.
The name was so popular that Sheila became a term for any given Irish woman, in turn becoming an Australian slang term for a girl.
6. Cornelius – a popular Irish masculine name that isn’t used much in modern times
Cornelius was one of the most popular names chosen by Irish parents in 1965. The name in Ireland has a meaning of strong-willed or wise.
However, Cornelius was originally the name of a Roman Centurion in the bible who was known for his devotion to God, good deeds and overall pious nature.
5. Majella – a name for a saint
Majella was a very common name amongst women in Ireland in the 60s and 70s. This name in Ireland means ‘the name of a Saint’.
The reason for this comes from the Italian Patron Saint of pregnancy, Saint Gerardo Maiella. Maiella or Majella massif is located in central Italy in Abruzzo, home to Saint Maiella and to the origin of the popular Irish name Majella.
4. Maurice – a brief history of the masculine name Maurice
Maurice is a typical old Irish name from your grandparent’s generation. In the 1911 census, there were found to be 6564 men called Maurice in Ireland at the time.
The name is a French version of the Latin ‘Mauricius’ and means ‘Moorish’ or ‘dark-skinned’. ‘Moor’ was an unkind term given to darker-skinned men, which you’ll find in Shakespeare’s Othello and other classical works.
3. Eamon/Eamonn/Éamon – an old Irish masculine name that you’ll often still hear
Eamon is an Irish version of the name Edmund, both of which translate to mean ‘wealthy protector’.
The name was at peak popularity in Ireland in the early years of the 20th century and is recognisable as the name of Galway republican and figurehead of the 1916 Rising, Éamon Ceannt.
2. Bridget – the Patron Saint of Kildare
This feminine Gaelic name not only had popularity in old Ireland, but it also has a rich Irish history, from being the name of the Celtic goddess of wisdom to the Patron Saint of scholars and poetry.
The name Brigid comes from the Gaelic for power, strength, and virtue, ‘brígh’.
1. Patrick – one of the most popular old Irish names ever
John and Patrick were the most popular Irish male names of the 20th century, and Patrick remains popular to date in Ireland and across the whole world.
Patrick is, of course, known as the name of the Patron Saint of Ireland. Furthermore, Paddy and Patrick universally represent the notion of Irishness, but the name itself is of Latin origin. Coming from the Latin, ‘Patricius’, Patrick translates as meaning ‘nobleman’.
So, there you have it. Ten old Irish names from your grandparent’s generation. Did we miss any?
