Choosing Irish Baby Names

Irish names have always been steeped in tradition. While traveling in Ireland, you will come across families of Marys, Patricks, Tommys and Bridgets. Why are they all alike? Doesn't Ireland have any other names? In fact, there is a rich history of naming in Ireland, and a variety of wonderful cultural ones to choose from.

If you'd like to call your child under the traditional cultural principles, there is an unspoken code for doing so. While it varies according to area, the general gist is as follows:

The first son was named after the father's father
The first daughter was named after either of the parent's mother
The second son was named after the mother's father
The second daughter was named after the other parent's mother
The third son after the father
The third daughter after the mother
The fourth son was named after the father's oldest brother
The fourth daughter after the mother's oldest sister
The fifth son after the mother's oldest brother
The fifth daughter after the father's oldest sister
Etc.

Following your family's naming history will bring interesting information to the surface about your family history. It will also honor your ancestors that have come before you.

If you are looking for an Irish name, but do not wish to follow the traditional naming trend, there are many beautiful names to choose from. Over the past decade, traditional names and Irish names spelled in the traditional Irish Gaelic manner have gained popularity. In 2009, the most popular names for girls in Ireland were Siobhan, Aisling, Deirdre, Niamh, and Eileen. For boys, they were Aidan, Liam, Declan, Ciaran, and Conor. This contrasts with 1999, which saw Conor, Sean, Jack, James, and Adam for boys and Chloe, Aoife, Sarah, Ciara, Niamh, and Emma for girls.

When choosing and Irish name, have someone Irish speak it so you can hear its true pronunciation. For non-Gaelic speakers, Gaelic spellings can be confusing to decipher. Names like Aoife, Naimh, and Oisin may give a child a lifetime of having to correct and give pronunciations. However, a beautiful Gaelic name with a rich history and meaning will provide a strong and colorful personality, and will definitely make your child unique in a classroom of Janes and Johns.

Ciara O'Brien writes content for Irish Celtic Jewels, a leading online Celtic jewelry store with more than 30 years experience in the jewelry trade. Click here for more information about Celtic jewelry and here for Irish wedding rings.