Irish Names for Boys

Rev Patrick Woulfe

1923

Abbán

ABBÁN, genitive -áin, Abban; diminutive of abb, an abbot; the name, of a famous Leinster saint of the 6th century; associated chiefly with Wexford. Latin—Abbanus.

Ábraham

ÁBRAHAM, genitive -aim, Abraham; Hebrew—Abbrahám, father of a multitude (compare Gen. XVII, 5); the name of the progenitor of the Jewish nation; propagated in France and the Netherlands through St. Abraham of Auvergne; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, but never became common. Latin—Abraham, -ae.

Abhuistín

ABHUISTÍN, See Ághuistín.

Ádhamh

ÁDHAMH, genitive -aimh, ÁDAM, genitive -aim, Adam; Hebrew—Adám, one made or produced, hence creature; the name of the first man; apparently in use in Ireland and Scotland from early Christian times; one of the most popular names among the Anglo-Normans. Latin—Adam, -ae, Adamus.

Adhamhnán

ADHAMHNÁN, genitive -áin, Adamnan, Eunan; diminutive of Ádhamh (which see); the name of a celebrated Abbot of Iona in the 7th century, author of the Life of St. Columba and patron of the Diocese of Raphoe. Latin—Adamnanus, Eunanus.

Águistín

ÁGUISTÍN, ÁGHUISTÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Augustine, Augustin, Austin, &c.; Latin—Augustinus, diminutive of Augustus, venerable; the name of the renowned Bishop of Hippo and Doctor of the Church; also of the Apostle of England. To the latter it was that it owed its popularity in England, where it was formerly common as Austin. It is only in comparatively recent times that it has come much into use in Ireland. Also Abhuistín, Aibhistín and Oistín.

Aibhistín

AIBHISTÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Augustine, Augustin, Austin, Avvy, Affy; a variant in Connacht of Ághuistín, which see. Also Abhuistín.

Aibhne

AIBHNE, genitive—id. (the same), Eveny; a Derry name, peculiar to the O'Kanes, MacCloskeys and O'Brallaghans.

Ailbhe

AILBHE, genitive—id. (the same), Alby, Alvy, (Albert, Bertie); the name of the patron of the Diocese of Emly; revived in recent times, but the anglicised form is generally Albert (Bertie), which is incorrect. St. Ailbe died in 541. His feast is kept on 12 September. Latin—Albeus.

Ailfrid

AILFRID, genitive—id. (the same), Ælfred; Anglo-Saxon Alfred, elf-counsel; the name of a king of the West Saxons, known as Alfred the Great; came into Ireland at the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion, but did not long survive. Ailfrid is a recent revival. Latin—Alfredus, Aluredus.

Ailín

AILÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Allen; an ancient Irish personal name, probably diminutive of some name commencing with Ail-, noble. Latin—Ailenus.

Aindréas

AINDRÉAS, AINDRIAS, genitive -réis, -riasa, Andrew; Greek 'Ανδρέας (Andréas), from 'ανήρ (anér), genitive ανδρóς (andrós), man; the name of one of the Twelve Apostles, the brother of St. Peter. The adoption of St. Andrew as the patron of Scotland made Andrew a national name. It was also one of the commonest names among the Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland (See Aindriú). Latin—Andreas, -ae.

Aindriú

AINDRIÚ, genitive—id. (the same), Andrew; a variant of Aindréas (which see), through the Norman-French Andreu; very common among the Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland.

Ainéislis

AINÉISLIS, genitive—id. (the same), Aneslis, (Standish; Stanislaus); comp. of ain-, negative, and éislis, neglect, forgetfulness, hence careful, thoughtful; an Irish name formerly in use among the O'Gradys, O'Donovans, O'Heynes, etc.

Alabhaois

ALABHAOIS, genitive—id. (the same), Aloys, Aloysius; Teutonic—Hlúdwig, famous battle, Frankish—Hluodowig, Cluodowic, Cludowich (Latin—Chlodovisus and Ludovicus), Clovis, Clouis, French—Louis, Provençal Aloys (Latin—Aloysius); adopted in Ireland in honour of St. Aloysius Gonzaga.

Alastar

ALASTAR, genitive -air, Allister, Alexander, &c.; an Irish form of Alexander. See Alsandar.

Alastrann

ALASTRANN, genitive -ainn, Alestren, Alexander, &c.; an Irish form of Alexander. See Alsandar.

Alastrom

ALASTROM, genitive -truim, Alexander, &c.; an Irish form of Alexander. See Alsandar.

Albán

ALBÁN, genitive -áin, Alban; Latin—Albanus, from 'albus,' white; the name of the proto-martyr of England.

Alphonsus

ALPHONSUS, ALFONSUS, genitive -uis, Alphonsus, Alfons; Teutonic—Adalfuns, noble eagerness; a name adopted in Ireland in honour of St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and Doctor of the Church. Latin—Alphonsus.

Alsandar

ALSANDAR, genitive -air, Alexander, Alex, Alick; Greek Αλέξανδρος (Aléxandros), defending men; perhaps the most widespread as well as the most famous of all personal names. The conquests of Alexander the Great caused it to become widely diffused among eastern nations, while the large number of saints and martyrs of the name in the early Church—the Roman Martyrology mentions no fewer than thirty-nine—popularised it all over Europe. It was introduced into Scotland by Queen Margaret, where it was borne by three of the Scottish kings and became a national name. It was also very common among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland. The ordinary Gaelic form of the name in Ireland and Scotland was Alastar or Alastrom, which see. Latin—Alexander, -dri.

Ambrós

AMBRÓS, genitive -óis, Ambrose; Greek Αμβρóσιος (Ambrósios), immortal, divine; the name of the great Bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church; never, however, very common in Ireland. Latin—Ambrosius.

Ambhrus

AMBHRUS, genitive -uis, Ambrose; an Ulster variant of Ambrós, which see.

Amhlaoibh

AMHLAOIBH, genitive—id. (the same), Auliffe, Olave, (Humphrey); Norse, Ólafr, ancestral relic; also written Onlaf and Anlaf; a name introduced by the Norsemen and adopted by the Irish; it first occurs in the Annals at the year 851; still common in West Munster, but absurdly anglicised Humphrey. St. Olave, King of Norway, who was slain in battle, July 29, 1030, has made it one of the most popular of Scandinavian names. Latin—Olavus.

An Calbhach

AN CALBHACH, genitive an Chalbhaigh, Callough, (Charles). See Calbhach.

Anluan

ANLUAN, genitive -ain, Anlon, (Alphonsus); comp. of an, great, and luan, a hero, champion, or warrior; a rare name, found only among the O'Briens and a few other families; anglicised Alphonsus among the MacEgans of Kerry; also, but less correctly, written Annluan. Latin—Anluanus.

Anmchadh

ANMCHADH, genitive -aidh and -adha, (Ambrose); a rare name, peculiar to the O'Maddens, among whom it was anglicised Ambrose. Latin—Anmchadus and Animosus.

Annluan

ANNLUAN, See Anluan.

Annraoi

ANNRAOI, genitive—id. (the same), Henry, Harry. See Éinrí.

Anntoin

ANNTOIN, ANTOIN, ANTOINE, genitive—id. (the same), Antony, Anthony, Anthin; Latin—Antonius, an ancient Roman name, popularised by St. Antony of Egypt and St. Antony of Padua. It was introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, but never became very common.

Aodh

AODH, genitive Aodha and Aoidh, Ea, (Hugh); Celt. *Aidu-s, fire, Old Irish—Aed; an ancient and very common Irish name; a favourite name among the O'Connors of Connacht and the ONeills and O'Donnells of Ulster; now always anglicised Hugh. Latin—Aidus, Ædus.

Aodhagán

AODHAGÁN, genitive -áin, Egan; diminutive of Aodh, which see; Old Irish—Aidacan. Latin—*Aidacanus.

Aodhaigh

AODHAIGH, genitive—id. (the same), Hughey; a pet form of Aodh, which see.

Aodhán

AODHÁN, genitive -áin, Aidan, Aedan, Edan; diminutive of Aodh, which see; fairly common in the 8th and 9th centuries. Twenty-three saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Aidanus, Edanus.

Aonghus

AONGHUS, genitive -ghusa and -ghuis, Angus, Aeneas, Eneas, Neese, Neece, Niece; Celt. *Oino-gustu-s (from oinos, one, and gustus, choice), Old Irish—Oingus, genitive Oingusso, Middle Irish—Oengus, Aengus, genitive -gusa; an ancient and once common Irish name, frequent among the MacDonnells, O'Dalys, O'Leynes, &c.; sometimes shortened to Naos, which see. Five saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Ængussius, Æneas.

Aralt

ARALT, genitive -ailt, Harold; Norse—Haraldr, army-might; a name brought into Ireland by the Norsemen. Latin—Haraldus.

Árdghal

ÁRDGHAL, genitive -ghail. Ardal, (Arnold); comp. of árd, high, and gal, valour; a favourite name among the MacKennas and MacMahons of Ulster by whom it was anglicised Arnold; still in use. Latin—Ardgalus.

Art

ART, genitive Airt, Art, (Arthur); Celt. *Arto-s, a stone, or bear; an ancient Irish personal name; common among the MacMurrough Kavanaghs, O'Connors and O'Molloys in Leinster, the O'Keeffes and O'Learys in Munster, the O'Haras and O'Rourkes in Connacht, and the O'Neills in Ulster; now generally anglicised Arthur. Latin—Artus.

Artúr

Bhail

BHAIL, Val; a pet form of Bhailintín, which see.

Bhailintín

BHAILINTÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Valentine; Latin—Valentinus, diminutive of valens, strong, healthy; the name of several martyrs in the early Church; never common in Ireland.

Baothghalach

BAOTHGHALACH, genitive -aigh, Behellagh, Beolagh, (Boetius, Bowes); compound of baoth, vain, foolish, and galach, valorous; a name peculiar to the MacEgans, O'Dalys, and a few other families. Latin—Boetgalachus, Boetius.

Barra

BARRA, genitive—id. (the same), Barry; a pet form of Bairrfionn or Fionnbharr, which see; the name of the patron of the Diocese of Cork. Latin—Barreus.

Beacán

BEACÁN, genitive -áin, Becan; diminutive of beag, small; the name of a celebrated Munster saint of the 6th century. His feast was kept on 26th May. Latin—Becanus.

Beanón

BEANÓN, genitive -óin, Benen, Benignus. See Beineón.

Bearach

BEARACH, genitive -aigh, Barry; derivative of bear, a spear, javelin, or anything pointed; the name of a celebrated Connacht saint of the 6th century, Abbot of Cluain Coirpthe, in the present Co. Roscommon, and patron of the O'Hanlys; explained in the Life of the saint as signifying "one who takes a direct aim at an object, or reaches it, as it were, with the point of the sword." "Rightly has this name been given to him," said the priest, Froech, by whom he was baptised, "for he shall be a saint and his place shall be in heaven." Bearach, anglicised Barry, continued in use as a Christian name among the O'Hanlys down to recent times. Latin—Berachius.

Bearchán

BEARCHÁN, genitive -áin, Bercan; diminutive of Bearach which see; the name of five Irish saints. Latin—Berchanus.

Bearnárd

BEARNÁRD, genitive -áird, Bernard; Frankish—Bernhard, strong bear, brave warrior; the name of the celebrated Abbot of Clairvaux, whose fame made it universal in Europe; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, among whom it was rather common, and later adopted as a synonym for the native name Brian, which see. Latin—Bernardus.

Beartlaidh

BEARTLAIDH, genitive—id. (the same), Bartley; a modern rendering of the English name Bartley. See Parthalán.

Beineán

BEINEÁN, genitive -áin, Benignus, Benen; a variant of Beineón, which see.

Beineón

BEINEÓN, genitive -óin, Benignus, Benen; Latin—Benignus, good, kind, mild; the name given by St. Patrick to his favourite disciple and successor in the See of Armagh.

Beircheart

BEIRCHEART, genitive -cheirt, (Benjamin, Ben; Bernard; Bertie); Anglo-Saxon Beorhthere, bright-army; the name of an Anglo-Saxon saint who settled at Tullylease, Co. Cork, where he died on 6th December, 839; common in many parts of Cork, Kerry and Limerick under the anglicised form of Benjamin; in parts of Tipperary, it is made Bernard. Latin—Berichertus.

Bineán

BINEÁN, genitive -áin, Benignus, Benen; a variant of Beineón, which see. Latin—Bineanus.

Bran

BRAN, genitive Brain and Broin, Bran; an old and once common Irish name meaning ‘raven’; in use in the family of O'Byrne down to the middle of the 17th century or later. Latin—Branius.

Bréanainn

BRÉANAINN, genitive—id. (the same), Brendan; the name of several Irish saints, of whom the most celebrated were St. Brendan, Abbot of Clonfert, and St. Brendan of Birr. The name in modern Irish is Breandán or Breanndán. Latin—Brendanus.

Breandán

BREANDÁN, BREANNDÁN, genitive -áin, Brendan. See Bréanainn.

Breasal

BREASAL, genitive -ail, Brasil, (Basil); Old Irish—Bressal, from Celt *brestelo-s, strife, war; the name of an Irish saint whose feast-day was 18th May; common among the O'Kellys and O'Maddens of Connacht. Latin—Bressalius.

Brian

BRIAN, genitive -ain, Brian, Bryan, (Bernard; Barnaby, Barney); a name made famous by King Brian Boru, victor of Clontarf, and ever since common in most Irish families. Latin—Brianus.

Brochadh

BROCHADH, Morgan; a corruption in West Connacht of Murchadh, which see.

Buadhach

BUADHACH, genitive -aigh, Buagh, (Boetius), Victor; derivative of buaidh, victory; formerly a favourite name among the O'Sullivans.

Cailean

CAILEAN, genitive -ein, Colin; a Scottish-Gaelic form of the Irish Coileán, which see; more of less peculiar to the Campbell family. Latin—Colinus.

Cainneach

CAINNEACH, genitive -aigh, Canice; an older form of Coinneach, which see; Latin—Cainnechus in the Book of Armagh.

Cairbre

CAIRBRE, genitive—id. (the same), Carbry; Old Irish—Coirbre, charioteer; formerly a common name among the O'Farrells, O'Beirnes, &c.; in use in a few families down to recent times. Four saintly bishops of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Corbreus.

Calbhach

CALBHACH, genitive -aigh, Calvagh, Callough, (Charles); an Irish name, meaning ‘bald’; once common among the O'Connors of Offaly, O'Carrolls of Ely, O'Molloys, O'Donnells, O'Reillys, &c.; now generally anglicised Charles. Also An Calbhach. Latin—Calvachus.

Caoimhghin

CAOIMHGHIN, genitive—id. (the same), Kevin; Old Irish—Coemgen, comely birth; the name of the celebrated Abbot of Glendalough; fast becoming a popular name. Latin—Coemgenus.

Caolán

CAOLÁN, genitive -áin, Kealan, Kelan; diminutive of caol, slender; the name of seven Irish saints. Latin—Coelanus.

Caomhán

CAOMHÁN, genitive -áin, Kevan; diminutive of caomh, comely, mild, &c.; sometimes Latinised Pulcherius by translation; the name of no fewer than fifteen Irish saints. Latin—Coemanus.

Carlus

CARLUS, genitive -uis, Charles; the Latin name Carolus which was adopted by the Norsemen in honour of Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus) and by them introduced into Ireland.

Cárthach

CÁRTHACH, genitive -aigh, Cartagh, Carthage; Old Irish—Carthach, from Celt. *karatako-s, loving; an ancient Irish name borne by the celebrated Abbot and Bishop of Lismore and patron of that diocese. Latin—Carthachus, Carthagus.

Cathair

CATHAIR, genitive—id. (the same), Cahir; a Donegal variant of Cathaoir, which see; found chiefly in the families of O'Doherty and O'Gallagher. Latin—Cathirius.

Cathal

CATHAL, genitive -ail, Cahal, (Charles); Celt. *Katu-valo-s, battle-mighty; an ancient and very common Irish name, especially among the O'Connors of Connacht, O'Farrells, O'Reillys, O'Rourkes and Maguires; now generally anglicised Charles. Latin—Cathalus, Cathaldus.

Cathaoir

CATHAOIR, genitive—id. (the same), Cahir, (Charles); Celt. *Katu-viro-s, Old Irish—Cathfer, Cather, battle-man, warrior; an ancient Irish name, most frequent amongst Leinster families, especially the O'Connors of Offaly, the Mac Coghlans, O'Molloys and O'Byrnes; now always anglicised Charles. In Donegal, Cathair (which see) is a variant. Latin—Cathirius.

Cathbharr

CATHBHARR, genitive -airr, Caffar; comp. of cath, battle, and barr, head, hence a helmet; a name peculiar to the O'Donnells of Tirconnell. Latin—Caffarrus.

Ceallach

CEALLACH, genitive -aigh, Kellagh, (Celsus); an ancient and once very common Irish name, meaning ‘war’ or ‘strife’; borne by at least three saints, of whom one was the celebrated Archbishop of Armagh, better known as St. Celsus, who died at Ardpatrick in Munster, on 1st April, 1129. Latin—Cellachus, Kellachus.

Ceallachán

CEALLACHÁN, genitive -áin, Callaghan; the name of two Irish saints in the Martyrology of Donegal; also that of a celebrated King of Munster in the tenth century, still borne by his descendants, the MacCarthys and O'Callaghans. Latin—Cellachanus, Kellachanus.

Cearbhall

CEARBHALL, genitive -aill, Carroll, (Charles); a once common Irish name, especially among the O'Dalys, now anglicised Charles. Latin—Kervallus.

Cian

CIAN, genitive Céin, Kian, Kean, Cain; an old Irish name, meaning ‘ancient’; common among the O'Haras and O'Garas of Connacht and the O'Carrolls of Ely, who, no doubt, took it from their great ancestor, Cian, the son of Olioll Olum, King of Munster, and among the O'Mahonys of South Munster, after their great ancestor, Cian, the son-in-law of Brian Boru, who led the forces of Desmond at the battle of Clontarf; still in use, but sometimes ridiculously anglicised Cain. Latin—Cianus, Kianus.

Cianán

CIANÁN, genitive -áin, Kienan, Kenan; diminutive of Cian, which see; the name of three Irish saints, of whom one was the celebrated Bishop of Duleek. Latin—Ciananus, Kenanus.

Ciarán

CIARÁN, genitive -áin, Kieran; diminutive of ciar, black; the name of no fewer than fifteen Irish saints mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal, of whom the best known are St. Kieran of Saighir, patron of the Diocese of Ossory, and St. Kieran, Abbot of Clonmacnoise and patron of that diocese. Their feasts occur respectively on 5th March and 9th September. Ciarán is still a common Christian name in Cape Clear and is also in use in parts of Connacht. Latin—Ceranus, Kiranus, Kieranus.

Cillian

CILLIAN, genitive -léin, Killian; ‘pet’ diminutive of Ceallach, which see; the name of a celebrated Irish missionary who was martyred at Wurtzburg in Germany, on 8th July, about the year 689. Latin—Chilianus, Kilianus, Killianus.

Cillín

CILLÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Killian; a variant of Cillian, which see. Latin—Cillenus, Killinus.

Cinnéididh

CINNÉIDIDH, CINNÉIDIGH, genitive—id. (the same), Kennedy; comp. of ceann, a head, and éide, armour, hence ‘helmeted-head’; the name of the father of Brian Boru; still in use among the O'Briens. Latin—Kinnedius.

Coileán

COILEÁN, genitive -áin, Colin; also written Cuileán; an old Irish personal name meaning ‘whelp,’ the same as the Scottish Cailean or Colin among the Campbells; rather rare and in later times almost peculiar to the family of O'Dempsey. Latin—Culanus, Culenus.

Coilín

COILÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Colin; a variant of Coileán, which see. Coilín was also in use among Anglo-Irish families as a ‘pet’ form of Nicol or Nicholas. Latin—Colinus.

Cóilín

CÓILÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Colman; diminutive of Colmán, which see; in use in Connemara.

Coinneach

COINNEACH, genitive -nigh, Canice, Kenny; older Cainneach, fair one; the name of the patron of Kilkenny. Latin—Cainnechus, Canicius.

Coireall

COIREALL, genitive -rill, Kerill, (Cyril); the name of a saintly Irish Bishop whose feast was kept on 13th June. Latin—Carellus, Cyrillus.

Colla

COLLA, genitive—id. (the same), Colla; an ancient Irish name, formerly common among the MacDonalds, MacSweenys and MacMahons of Ulster. Latin—Colla.

Colm

COLM, genitive—id. (the same), Colm, Colum, Columba; also written Colum; an old Irish name, signifying ‘dove’; made famous by St. Columcille, Apostle of Scotland, whose name signifies ‘dove of the church.’ Latin—Columba.

Colmán

COLMÁN, genitive -áin, Colman, Columban; diminutive of colm, a dove; formerly one of the commonest of Irish names; borne by nearly one hundred Irish saints, of whom three are patrons of Irish dioceses, namely, Cloyne, Dromore and Kilmacduagh. Latin—Colmanus.

Colum

COLUM, genitive -uim, Colum, Columba; a variant of Colm, which see.

Comán

COMÁN, genitive -áin, Coman; diminutive of cam, bent; the name of twelve Irish saints, from one of whom Roscommon was so called. Latin—Comanus.

Comhdhan

COMHDHAN, See Comhghan.

Comhghall

COMHGHALL, genitive -aill, Cole; Old Irish—Comgell, co-pledge, fellow-hostage; the name of the celebrated Abbot of Bangor and six other saints mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Comgallus.

Comhghan

COMHGHAN, genitive -áin, Cowan; also written Comdhan; Old Irish—Comgan, co-birth, perhaps meaning ‘twin’ (compare Tomás); the name of three Irish saints. Latin—Comganus.

Conaire

CONAIRE, genitive—id. (the same), Conary; an ancient Irish name. Latin—Conarius.

Conall

CONALL, genitive -aill, Conall, Connell; Celt. *Kuno-valo-s, high-mighty; an ancient and once common Irish personal name; still in use among a few families. Eight saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Conallus.

Conán

CONÁN, genitive -áin, Conan; the name of at least six Irish saints, of whom one was St. Conan of Assaroei, Co. Donegal, a relative of St. Columcille , who flourished in the 6th century and was venerated on 8th March. Latin—Conanus.

Conchobhar

CONCHOBHAR, genitive -air, Conor, Connor, Naugher, Noghor, Nohor, Conny, Con, (Cornelius, Corney, Neil); an ancient and very common Irish name, meaning ‘high will’ or ‘desire’; found in most Irish families; still very much in use, but generally anglicised Cornelius. Latin—Conchovarius, Conquovarus.

Conn

CONN, genitive Cuinn, Conn, Con, (Constantine); Old Irish—Cond, from Celt. *kondo-s, sense, reason, intelligence; also a freeman; an ancient Irish name, common among the O'Neills, O'Donnells and O'Rourkes. In the 17th century, it was anglicised Constantine by the O'Neills. Latin—Connus.

Connlaodh

CONNLAODH, genitive -aodha, CONNLAOTH, genitive -aotha, Conleth, Conley; comp. of connla, prudent, chaste, and aodh, fire; written Conlaid in the Book of Armagh; the name of the patron of the Diocese of Kildare. Latin—Conlaethus, Conlethus.

Consaidín

CONSAIDÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Constantine; Latin—Constantinus, a name which seems to have been adopted by the O'Briens in the 12th century, but never became common.

Cormac

CORMAC, genitive -aic, Cormac, (Charles); Old Irish—Corbmac, chariot-son, charioteer, or son of Corb; an ancient Irish name, very common among the MacCarthys, MacDermotts, MacDonoughs, Maguires, O'Clerys, O'Connors of Connacht, O'Donnells and O'Farrells; now generally anglicised Charles. Eight saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Cormacus.

Criomhthann

CRIOMHTHANN, genitive -ainn, Crevan; an old, but rare, name, meaning ‘fox’; common among the Kavanaghs of Leinster. It was the first name of St. Columcille. St. Criomhthann was venerated on 23rd May. Latin—Crimthanus.

Criostal

CRIOSTAL, genitive -ail, Christopher, Christy; a Scottish and North of Ireland form of Críostóir, which see.

Críostóir

CRÍOSTÓIR, genitive -óra, Christopher, Christy; Greek Χριστοφóρος, (Christophóros), Christ-bearing; a name in use from early Christian times and popularised through Europe by the legend of St. Christopher. It does not appear to have been frequent among the first Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland, but by the end of the 16th century it had become rather common. Latin—Christophorus.

Cróchán

CRÓCHÁN, genitive -áin, Crohan; the name of a Kerry saint, still much venerated in Cahirdaniel and neighbourhood, where Crohan is rather common as a Christian name. Latin—Crocanus.

Crónán

CRÓNÁN, genitive -áin, Cronan; diminutive of crón, dark-brown; the name of the celebrated Abbot of Roscrea and more than twenty other Irish saints. Latin—Cronanus.

Cuan

CUAN, genitive -ain, Cuan, the name of four Irish saints. Latin—Cuanus.

Cúchoigcríche

CÚCHOIGCRÍCHE, genitive Conchoigcríche, Peregrine; an Irish name meaning ‘hound of the border’; peculiar to the Mageoghegans, O'Molloys, and a few other families in Westmeath and Offaly; probably now obsolete. Peregrine was supposed to be a translation. Latin—Peregrinus.

Cúchonnacht

CÚCHONNACHT, genitive Conchonnacht, (Constantine); a favourite name among the Maguires, meaning ‘hound of Connacht.’ Latin—Cuconnactus.

Cúchríche

CÚCHRÍCHE, genitive Conchríche, Peregrine; the same as Cúchoigcríce, which see.

Cuimín

CUIMÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Cumin, Comyn; diminutive of cam, bent; the name of several Irish saints; still in use. Latin—Cominus, Cuminus.

Cúmhaighe

CÚMHAIGHE, genitive Conmhaighe, Cooey, Hughey, (Quintin, Quinton); a rare Derry name, meaning ‘hound of the plain’; peculiar to the family of O'Kane and MacCloskey, by whom it is anglicised Quintin.

Cúmheadha

CÚMHEADHA, genitive Conmheadha, Covey; an Irish name signifying ‘hound of Meadh’ (a place-name); peculiar to the MacNamaras.

Cú Uladh

CÚ ULADH, genitive Conuladh, Cullo, Cooley; an Irish name, meaning ‘hound of Ulidia’; formerly in use among the MacMahons, MacCawels, MacCanns, &c, but now very rare, if not obsolete.

Daibhéid

DAIBHÉID, genitive—id. (the same), David; Norman—Davet, diminutive of David (See Dáibhid).

Dáibhid

DÁIBHID, DÁIBHIDH, genitive—id. (the same), David; Hebrew—Dávídh, beloved, probably a shortened form of Dodavahu, beloved of Jehovah; the name of the great King of Israel, psalmist and prophet; the national name in Wales, out of reverence for St. David of Menevia; rather common among the Anglo-Normans, who brought it into Ireland, where it has ever since enjoyed a steady popularity. In the spoken language it is often shortened to Dáith and Dáth, with diminutive Dáithín. Latin—David, -is.

Dáire

DÁIRE, genitive—id. (the same), Dary; an old Irish name. Latin—Darius.

Dáith

DÁITH, genitive—id. (the same), Davy; a pet form of Dáibhidh, which see.

Dáithí

DÁITHÍ, genitive—id. (the same), Dahy, Davy, David; (1) an old Irish name, meaning ‘swiftness,’ ‘nimbleness’; borne by the celebrated King Dahy and retained by his descendants, the O'Dowds, down to recent times; and (2) a form of Dáibhidh, which see.

Dáithín

DÁITHÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Davy; diminutive of Dáith or Dáibhidh, which see.

Damhlaic

DAMHLAIC, genitive—id. (the same), Dominic, Dominick; very common in Derry for Doiminic, which see.

Damhnaic

DAMHNAIC, genitive—id. (the same), Dominic, Dominick; an Irish form of Dominic; in use in Co. Derry.

Dáth

DÁTH, genitive Dáith, Davy; a pet form of Dáibhidh, which see.

Déaglán

DÉAGLÁN, genitive -áin, Declan; the name of the patron of Ardmore, where his feast is kept on 24 July; a rather common name in Co. Waterford. Latin—Declanus.

Deasmhumhnach

DEASMHUMHNACH, genitive -aigh, Desmond; an old Irish name or designation, meaning native of, or belonging to, Desmond or South Munster. Latin—Desmundus.

Diarmaid

DIARMAID, genitive -ada, Dermod, Dermot, (Darby; Jeremiah, Jarmy, Jerry; Jerome); Old Irish—Diarmait, comp. of di, without, and airmit, injunction, hence a freeman; an ancient and very common name, especially among the MacCarthys, MacDermotts, O'Briens, and O'Connors; still found in every part of Ireland, but generally anglicised Jeremiah. Eleven saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Diermitius, Dermitius.

Doiminic

DOIMINIC, genitive—id. (the same), Dominic, Dominick; Latin—Dominicus, belonging to the Lord, or born on Sunday; the name of the founder of the Order of Preachers, in whose honour it was adopted in Ireland.

Domhnall

DOMHNALL, genitive -aill, Donall, Donald, (Daniel); Old Irish—Domnall, from Celtic *Dumno-valo-s, world-mighty, *Dubno-valo-s, mighty in the ‘deep’; one of the most ancient and popular of Irish names, still in use in every part of the country, but generally anglicised Daniel; also one of the most popular names in Scotland, where it is anglicised Donald. Only one saint of the name is mentioned in the Irish martyrologies; his feast was kept on 26th April Latin—Domnaldus, Donaldus.

Donn

DONN, genitive Duinn, Donn; a rare name, almost peculiar to the family of Maguire. Latin—Donnus.

Donnán

DONNÁN, genitive -áin, Donnan; diminutive of donn, brown; the name of four Irish saints. Latin—Donnanus.

Donnchadh

DONNCHADH, genitive -adha, -aidh, Donogh, Donough, Donaghy, (Donat, Denis, Duncan); Old Irish Donnchad, Dunchad, from Celt *Donno-catu-s, *Duno-catu-s, brown warrior, or strong warrior; an ancient and very common Irish name, still found in every part of the country, but generally anglicised Denis. The Scots make it Duncan. St. Dunchadh was Abbot of Iona; his feast was kept on 25th May. Latin—Donnchadus, Donatus.

Dubhaltach

DUBHALTACH, genitive -aigh, Dualtagh, Duald, (Dudley); a rare Irish name, meaning ‘black-jointed’; borne by the celebrated antiquary Dubhaltach Mac Firbhisigh, called in English Duald or Dudley MacFirbis. Latin—Dubaltachus.

Dubhán

DUBHÁN, genitive -áin, Dowan; diminutive of dubh, black; the name of two Irish saints, whose feasts were kept on 11th February and 11th November respectively. Latin—Dubanus.

Dubhdáleithe

DUBHDÁLEITHE, genitive Duibhdáleithe, (Dudley); an ancient Irish personal name, meaning ‘the black-man of the two sides, or halves’; now very rare, if not actually obsolete.

Dubhdara

DUBHDARA, DUBHDARACH, genitive Duibhdarach, (Dudley); an old Irish name, meaning ‘the black-man of the oak’; still in use in West Connacht, anglicised Dudley. Latin—Dubdarus.

Dubhghall

DUBHGHALL, genitive -aill, Dugald; comp. of dubh, black, and gall, a foreigner; a name given by the Irish to the Danes; still in use among the Scots, anglicised Dugald. Latin—Dugaldus.

Dubhghlas

DUBHGHLAS, genitive -ais, Douglas.

Eachaidh

EACHAIDH, genitive—id. (the same) and -adha, Aghy; a variant of Eochaidh, which see.

Eachann

EACHANN, genitive -ainn, Hector; older Eachdhonn, horse-lord; an old Irish name, still in use among the Scots, anglicised Hector.

Éadbárd

ÉADBÁRD, genitive -áird, Edward; Anglo-Saxon Eadweard, blessed-guard; the name of two saintly kings of England, known respectively as Edward the Martyr and Edward the Confessor; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, but has been almost completely absorbed by Éamonn, which see. Latin—Eduardus.

Éamonn

ÉAMONN, genitive -oinn, -uinn, Eamon, Edmund, Edmond, (Edward); Anglo-Saxon Eadmund, blessed-protection; the name of a saintly King of England, who was martyred on 20th November, 870; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, where it has become very popular and has almost completely absorbed the other great Anglo-Saxon name Edward, the Irish Éamonn generally standing for both names. Latin—Eadmundus, Edmundus.

Éanán

ÉANÁN, genitive -áin, Enan; the name of several Irish saints. Latin—Enanus.

Éanna

ÉANNA, genitive—id. (the same), Enda; an old Irish name, made famous by St. Enda, Abbot of Aran, whose feast is on 21st March. Latin—Endeus.

Earcán

EARCÁN, genitive -áin, Ercan, Erkan; diminutive of earc, red, or speckled; the name of several saintly Irish bishops and priests. Latin—Ercanus.

Earnán

EARNÁN, genitive -áin, Ernan, (Ernest); diminutive of earna, knowing, experienced; the name of eight Irish saints. Latin—Ernanus.

Éibhear

ÉIBHEAR, genitive -bhir, Ever, Heber, (Ivor); a common name among the MacMahons and a few other families in Ulster; also common in Cape Clear Island, anglicised Heber; in the North, sometimes anglicised Ivor. Also written Éimhear. Latin—Heberus, Eberus, Iberus.

Éigneachán

ÉIGNEACHÁN, EIGNEACHÁN, genitive -áin, (Æneas, Eneas; Ignatius); diminutive of Éignach or Eignach; an old Irish name, peculiar to the O'Donnells, O'Dohertys, and a few other families of Tirconnell, pronounced locally Eighneachán or Ighneachán. Latin—*Egnechanus.

Éimhear

ÉIMHEAR, genitive -mhir, Ever, Heber, (Ivor); a variant of Éibhear, which see. Latin—Emerus.

Éimhín

ÉIMHÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Evin; diminutive of eimh, swift, active; the name of three Irish saints, one of whom was the founder of Monasterevan and patron of the O'Dempseys. Latin—Eminus.

Éinrí

ÉINRÍ, genitive—id. (the same), Henry; Teutonic—Heimrich or Heinrich, home-ruler; one of the commonest names among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland; largely adopted by Irish families, especially the O'Neills. Latin—Henricus.

Eireamhón

EIREAMHÓN, genitive -óin, Erevan, Heremon, Hermon, (Irving); an ancient Irish name, still in use in Cape Clear Island; now pronounced Eireamhán. Latin—Heremon, Eremon, -onis.

Eirnín

EIRNÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Ernin; diminutive of earna, knowing, experienced; the name of no fewer than seventeen Irish saints. Latin—Erninus.

Eochaidh

EOCHAIDH, genitive—id. (the same), and -adha, Oghie; formerly a very common name, but now almost obsolete. It was a favourite name among the O'Hanlons. Latin—Eochodius

Eóin

EÓIN, genitive—id. (the same), Eoin, John, (Owen); Hebrew—Jochanan, grace, or gracious gift of Jehovah; the name of the precursor of Our Lord, and of the beloved disciple; common in all Christian countries; in use in Ireland from early Christian times; one of the most frequent names among the Anglo-Norman settlers, and now by far the most popular name in Ireland. See Seaghán, Seán and Seón. Latin—Joannes, -is.

Eóin Baiste

EÓIN BAISTE, John Baptist.

Eoghan

EOGHAN, genitive -ain, Eoghan, Owen, (Eugene); an ancient and rather common Irish name, explained as meaning ‘well-born’; still in use, but generally anglicised Eugene. Latin—Eoganus, Eugenius.

Eoghainín

EOGHAINÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Oynie; a diminutive of Eoghan, which see.

Fachtna

FACHTNA, genitive—id. (the same) and -nan, Fachnan, (Festus); the name of four Irish saints, one of whom is patron of the Dioceses of Ross and Kilfenora; formerly in use among the O'Kellys of Connacht by whom it was anglicised Festus. Latin—Fachtnanus.

Fáilbhe

FÁILBHE, genitive—id. (the same), Falvy; an ancient Irish name, borne by fourteen Irish saints. Latin—Falbeus.

Faolán

FAOLÁN, genitive -áin, Felan; diminutive of faol, a wolf; the name of fourteen Irish saints, one of whom was a brother of St. Fursey and a famous missionary in Flanders, where he was killed about the year 656. Latin—Foelanus.

Fearadhach

FEARADHACH, genitive -aigh, Farry, (Ferdinand); an ancient Irish name, meaning ‘manly’; rather common in early times; retained until recently among the O'Maddens and O'Naughtons of Connacht, by whom it was anglicised Farry. Finally it was turned into Ferdinand. Latin—Ferdachus.

Feardorcha

FEARDORCHA, genitive Firdorcha, Fardoragh, (Frederick; Ferdinand); also An Feardorcha; comp. of fear, a man, and dorcha, dark, hence ‘the dark-complexioned man’; a rather common name in the 16th century and in use down to comparatively recent times, but probably now obsolete. Latin—Fardorchus.

Fearghal

FEARGHAL, genitive -ghail and -ghaile, Fergal, Farrell; an ancient and once very common name, especially among the MacDonnells, MacDonoughs, Mageoghegans, O'Farrells, O'Neills and O'Rourkes; still in use, but rare. It is supposed to have been the Irish name of the celebrated St. Virgilius, the Irish fear- having been equated with the Latin Vir-(man). Latin—Fergalius.

Fearganainm

FEARGANAINM, genitive Firganainm, Fergananym, (Ferdinand); comp. of fear, a man, gan, without, and ainn, a name, hence ‘anonymous, nameless.’ This peculiar name was formerly rather common in Ireland. It is supposed to have been first given to persons who had not been baptised in their childhood.

Fearghus

FEARGHUS, genitive -ghusa, -ghuis, Fergus, (Ferdinand); Celt. *Ver-gustu-s, super-choice, super-selection, Old Irish—Fergus, genitive -gosso; formerly a rather common name in Ireland and Scotland. Ten saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Fergusius.

Feichín

FEICHÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Fehin, (Festus); diminutive of fiach, a raven; the name of five Irish saints, one of whom was Abbot of Fore and patron of West Connacht, where the name is now anglicised Festus. St. Feichin's Day is 20 January. Latin—Fechinus.

Feidhlim

FEIDHLIM, genitive—id. (the same), Phelim, (Felix; Philip); a shortened form of Feidhlimidh, which see. Latin—Fedelmius, Fedlimius.

Feidhlimidh

FEIDHLIMIDH, genitive—id. (the same), Felimy, Phelimy, Phelim, (Felix; Philip); an ancient Irish name, explained as meaning ‘the ever good’; common among the Maguires, O'Connors, O'Donnells, O'Neills and O'Reillys; and borne by six Irish saints, one of whom is patron of the Diocese of Kilmore. Latin—Fedelmidius, Fedlimidius.

Feóras

FEÓRAS, genitive -ais, Pierce; an Irish form of the Norman Piers (French—Pierre, Latin—Petrus, Peter).

Fiacha

FIACHA, genitive -ach, Feagh; a name among the O'Byrnes, borne by the famous Feagh MacHugh. St. Fiacha's Day was 27 December. Latin—Fiachus.

Fiachra

FIACHRA, genitive -ach, Fiachra, Feary; the name of eight Irish saints, of whom the most celebrated was St. Fiachra the Solitary, founder of the monastery of Breuil, in France, whose shrine is a constant place of pilgrimage, where innumerable miracles are said to have been performed. The French form of the name is Fiacre. Latin—Fiachrius.

Filib

FILIB, genitive—id. (the same), Philip; usually Pilib, which see.

Finghin

FINGHIN, genitive—id. (the same), Fineen, Finneen, Finnin, (Florence, Florry); an ancient Irish name, explained as meaning ‘fair birth’ or ‘fair offspring’; common among the MacCarthys, O'Sullivans, O'Mahonys, O'Driscolls, and other families in West Munster, by whom it is absurdly anglicised Florence. St. Finghin's Day was 5 February. Latin—Fingenus, Finginus.

Finnian

FINNIAN, genitive -éin, Finnian, Finian; diminutive of fionn, fair; the name of several Irish saints, of whom the most celebrated were St. Finnian, Abbot of Moville, and St. Finnian, Abbot of Clonard and founder of the famous school of that place. Latin—Finnianus.

Fionán

FIONÁN, genitive -áin, Fionan, Finan; also written Fionnán; diminutive of fionn, fair; the name of at least nine Irish saints, some of whom were very celebrated, as St. Fionan Cam and St. Fionan, the Leper. Latin—Fionanus.

Fionn

FIONN, genitive Finn, Finn; an ancient and once common name; made famous by Fionn MacCumhal . It was borrowed by the Norsemen and is still in use as a Christian name in Scandinavia and Iceland. Latin—Finnius.

Fionnán

FIONNÁN, see Fionán.

Fionnbharr

FIONNBHARR, genitive -airr, Finbar; comp. of fionn, fair, and barr, a head; the name of several Irish saints, of whom one is patron of the Diocese of Cork; also called Bairrfhionn, shortened to Barra, which see. Latin—Finnbarrus.

Fionntán

FIONNTÁN, genitive -áin, Fintan; diminutive of fionn, fair; the name of upwards of twenty Irish saints, of whom one of the most celebrated was St. Fintan of Clonenagh. Latin—Fintanus.

Fitheal

FITHEAL, genitive -thil, (Florence, Florry); a corruption of Fithcheallach (whence the surname Ó Fithcheallaigh); in use among the O'Mulconrys, by whom it was anglicised Florence.

Flann

FLANN, genitive Flainn and Floinn, Flann, Flan, (Florence, Florry); an ancient and once common Irish name, meaning ‘ruddy.’ It survived among the MacEgans and O'Mulconrys down to comparatively recent times. Several saints of the name are mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Flannus.

Flannán

FLANNÁN, genitive -áin, Flannan; diminutive of flann, ruddy; the name of the patron of the Diocese of Killaloe, whose feast is kept on 18th December. Latin—Flannanus.

Folc

FOLC, Foulk; a Frankish name introduced by the Normans and still found among a few families. It was generally pronounced Fúc. Latin—Fulcus.

Frainc

FRAINC, genitive—id. (the same), Frank; a pet form of Francis. See Proinnsias.

Garbhán

GARBHÁN, genitive -áin, Garvan; diminutive of garbh, rough; the name of five Irish saints. Latin—Garvanus.

Gearalt

GEARALT, genitive -ailt, Gerald; Teutonic—Gerwald, spear-might; a name introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. It was rare at first, but by the end of the 16th century had become very common. Its popularity has again declined. See Gearárd and Gearóid. Latin—Giraldus, Geraldus.

Gearárd

GEARÁRD, genitive -áird, Gerard; Frank. Gerhard, spear-brave; a name borne by two saints, one Bishop of Toul and the other Abbot of Namur, after whom it became popular among the Normans, who introduced it into Ireland. It appears, however, to have soon died out, having been apparently absorbed by Gerald (See Gearalt). The present popularity of the name in Ireland is due to St. Gerard Majella. Latin—Gerardus.

Gearóid

GEARÓID, genitive—id. (the same), Garrett, Gerald, Gerard; apparently not a diminutive of Gerald (See Gearalt), but merely the Norman pronunciation of that name. Latin—Giraldus, Geraldus.

Geaspar

GEASPAR, genitive -air, Jasper; a fancy name given to one of the Magi who came from the East to adore the Infant Saviour. The Magi, according to tradition, were three kings named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, who afterwards suffered martyrdom. The translation of their supposed relics from Constantinople to Milan, and thence to Cologne in the 12th century, made their names known in Europe. Gaspar became very common in Germany, and was in use in France as Gaspard and in England as Jasper. All three names were at one time in use in Ireland, but none of them ever became common. Gaspar was represented in the Fiants of Elizabeth by ‘Gaspar Synnott,’ ‘Jasper Browne,’ and ‘Jasper Butler,’ and is still in use. Melchior was current in the neighbourhood of Youghal, while Balthasar was a name among the Nugents. Latin—Caspar.

Gilibeirt

GILIBEIRT, genitive—id. (the same), Gilbert; Frank. Giselbert, hostage-bright; very common as Gilbert among the Normans, who introduced it into Ireland. Latin—Gilbertus.

Giobún

GIOBÚN, genitive -úin, Gibbon; a diminutive of Gilbert (See Gilibeirt).

Giolla Bhearaigh

GIOLLA BHEARAIGH, genitive—id. (the same), Gilvarry; an Irish name, meaning ‘servant of St. Barry’ (See Bearach). Latin—Berachianus.

Giolla Bhríghde

GIOLLA BHRÍGHDE, genitive—id. (the same), Gilbride; an Irish name, meaning ‘servant of St. Brigid’ (See Bríghid). Latin—Brigidianus.

Giolla Chríost

GIOLLA CHRÍOST, genitive—id. (the same), Christian; an Irish name, meaning ‘servant of Christ.’ Latin—Christianus.

Giolla Dhé

GIOLLA DHÉ, genitive—id. (the same), Gildea; an Irish name, meaning ‘servant of God.’ Latin—*Gildeus.

Giolla Easpuig

GIOLLA EASPUIG, genitive—id. (the same), Archibald; an Irish name, meaning ‘bishop’s servant'; strangely anglicised Archibald in the North of Ireland and in Scotland.

Giolla Íosa

GIOLLA ÍOSA, genitive—id. (the same), Gillisa, Gillesa, Gill; an Irish name, meaning ‘servant of Jesus.’ Latin—*Gilisius.

Giolla Na Naomh

GIOLLA NA NAOMH, genitive—id. (the same), (Nehemiah); an Irish name, meaning ‘servant of the saints.’ Latin—*Sanctianus.

Giorárd

GIORÁRD, genitive -áird, Gerard; a variant of Gearárd, which see.

Gioróid

GIORÓID, genitive—id. (the same), Garrett, Gerald, (Gerard); a variant of Gearóid, which see.

Glaisne

GLAISNE, genitive—id. (the same), Glasny; formerly a favourite name in several Ulster families; survived down to recent times. Latin—Glasnaeus.

Gordan

GORDAN, genitive -ain, Gordan; a name among the O'Neills of Ulster, first borne by a son of Sir Phelim O'Neill, who was so called from his grandfather, the Marquis of Huntly in Scotland, whose family name was Gordon. Latin—* Gordanus.

Gothfraidh

GOTHFRAIDH, GOTHRAIDH, genitive—id. (the same) and -adha, Godfrey, Gorry; Norse Gothfrithr, God-peace; a Norse name early adopted by the Irish, among whom it was at one time rather common. Latin—Godefridus.

Gréagóir

GRÉAGÓIR, genitive -óra, Gregory; Greek Γρηγóριος (Gregórios), watchman; a frequent episcopal name in the Eastern Church from early times, and borne by no fewer than sixteen Popes. Although rather common among the early Anglo-Norman settlers, it never became popular in Ireland. Latin—Gregorius.

Grioghar

GRIOGHAR, genitive -air, Gregory; a variant of Gréagóir, which see.

Hannraoi

HANNRAOI, HANRAOI, genitive—id. (the same), Henry, Harry; common variant of Éinrí, which see.

Hoibeard

HOIBEARD, genitive -aird, Hubert, (Hugh); Teutonic—Hugibert, mind-bright; a common name in France; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, but never became popular. St. Hubert was the patron of hunters. Latin—Hubertus.

Hoireabard

HOIREABARD, genitive -aird, Herbert; Frank. Haribert, Heribert, army-bright; common as Herbert among the Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland, but it quickly declined in popularity and for centuries has been very rare. Latin—Heribertus.

Iarfhlaith

IARFHLAITH, genitive -atha, Jarlath; the name of the patron of the Diocese of Tuam. Latin—Iarlathus.

Íomhar

ÍOMHAR, genitive -air, Ivor; Norse Ivarr; a name borrowed by the Irish from the Norsemen.

Íosac

ÍOSAC, genitive -aic, Isaac; Hebrew—Yitschaq, laughter; the name of the Jewish patriarch, son of Abraham and father of Esau and Jacob; probably so called on account of the joy occasioned by his birth (compare Gen. XVII, 17); always exceedingly rare in Ireland. Latin—Isaac.

Iósep, Ióseph

IÓSEP, IÓSEPH, genitive—id. (the same), Joseph; Hebrew—Yoseph, May God add (compare Gen. XXX, 23-24); the name of one of the sons of Jacob and Rachel, afterwards prime minister of Pharaoh in Egypt, and also of the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster-father of Jesus Christ; in use in Ireland from early Christian times and re-introduced by the Anglo-Normans, but it is only within comparatively recent times that it has become really popular. Latin—Josephus.

Íosóc

ÍOSÓC, ÍOSÓG, genitive—id. (the same), Isaac; variant of Íosac, which see.

Irial

IRIAL, genitive -ail, Irial; an ancient Irish name; formerly in use among the O'Farrells, O'Kennedys and O'Loghlens. Latin—Irialus.

Iústás

IÚSTÁS, genitive -áis, Eustace; Greek Εϋστάχυς (Eustachus), fruitful; the name of a Roman martyr whose relics were translated to the Church of St. Denis at Paris in the 12th century, making the name common in France. It was brought into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, but has always been very rare. Latin—Eustachius, Eustasius.

Labhcás

LABHCÁS, genitive -áis, Luke; a variant in parts of Connacht of Lúcás which see.

Labhrás

LABHRÁS, genitive -áis, Laurence; Latin—Laurentius, i.e., belonging to Laurentum, a town in Latium; the name of a celebrated Roman deacon who suffered martyrdom under Valerian, in the 3rd century; popular among the Anglo-Normans, who introduced it into Ireland. Sometimes Labhras and Lubhrás.

Lachtna

LACHTNA, genitive—id. (the same), (Lucius); the name of the great-grandfather of Brian Boru; hence the name Lucius among the O'Briens.

Laisrian

LAISRIAN, See Lasairian.

Laoighseach

LAOIGHSEACH, LAOISEACH, genitive -igh, Lysagh, (Lucius, Lewis, Louis); derivative of Laoighis, i.e., belonging to Leix; a name in use among the O'Mores and a few other families.

Lasairian

LASAIRIAN, genitive -éin, Laserian; diminutive of lasair, a flame; the name of four Irish saints, one of whom is patron of the Diocese of Leighlin. Latin—Lassarenus, Laserianus.

Leachlainn

LEACHLAINN, genitive—id. (the same), Laughlin, Lanty; a shortened form of Maeleachlainn, which see.

León

LEÓN, genitive -óin, Leo; Latin—Leo, genitive -onis, lion; a common Latin name, borne by thirteen Popes in honour of the last of whom—the great Pope Leo XIII—it was adopted in Ireland.

Liam

LIAM, genitive—id. (the same), William; a pet form of Uilliam, which see.

Lochlainn

LOCHLAINN, genitive—id. (the same), Loughlin, Laughlin; a name borrowed from the Northmen. The native home of the northern invaders was known to the Irish as Lochlainn, a name which is supposed to signify ‘Lakeland’ or ‘Fiordland.’ This was quickly adopted by the Irish as a personal name and became very popular. Dr. MacBain suggests that it was originally Maclochlainne ‘son of Scandinavia,’ hence a Scandinavian. It still survives, anglicised Loughlin and Laughlin. Latin—Lochlunius.

Lochlann

LOCHLANN, genitive -ainn, Loughlin, Laughlin; a variant of Lochlainn, which see.

Lomán

LOMÁN, genitive -áin, Loman; diminutive of lom, bare; the name of four Irish saints, one of whom was a disciple of St. Patrick. Latin—Lomanus.

Lonán

LONÁN, genitive -áin, Lonan; diminutive of lon, a blackbird; the name of eight Irish saints. Latin—Lonanus.

Lorcán

LORCÁN, genitive -áin, Lorcan, (Laurence); diminutive of lorc, fierce; the Irish name of St. Laurence O'Toole, patron of the Diocese of Dublin. Latin—Lorcanus.

Lúcán

LÚCÁN, genitive -áin, Lucan; the name of four Irish saints. Latin—Lucanus.

Lúcás

LÚCÁS, genitive -áis, Lucas, Luke; Greek Λουκᾶς (Loukas), traced by St. Jerome to the Hebrew and explained by him as meaning ‘resurrection,’ but generally considered to be a contraction of the Greek form, Λουκανος (Loukanos), of the Latin Lucanus, a Roman forename probably derived from Lucania, a district in Southern Italy; the name of one of the Four Evangelists, native of Antioch and physician by profession. ‘Lucas’ was the old English form of the name, as it is still in Spanish and Portuguese. Latin—Lucas, -ae.

Lughaidh

LUGHAIDH, genitive -adha, Lewy, (Lewis, Louis, Aloysius); an ancient Irish name, borne by ten saints; a favourite name among the O'Clerys. Latin—Lugadius.

Maeleachlainn

MAELEACHLAINN, MAELSHEACHLAINN, genitive Maoileachlainn, Melaghlin, Laughlin, Lanty, (Malachy; Milo; Miles, Myles); an Irish name, meaning ‘servant of St. Secundinus,’ disciple of St. Patrick and patron of the family of Ó Maoilsheachlainn, or O'Melaghlen; rather common in the tenth and succeeding centuries, especially among the O'Melaghlens, O'Farrells, O'Kellys and O'Connors; still in use, but generally disguised as Malachy. Latin—Malachias.

Maelíosa

MAELÍOSA, genitive Maoil Íosa, Maelisa; formerly a not uncommon Irish name signifying ‘servant of Jesus.’ Latin—Moelisa.

Maghnus

MAGHNUS, genitive -usa and -uis, Manus, (Manasses); Latin—Magnus, great; a name adopted by the Northmen in honour of Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus), and by them introduced into Ireland. It became very common among some Irish families, especially the O'Donnells of Tirconnell. Often pronounced Maghnus or Maonus. Eight saints of the name are mentioned in the Roman Martyrology.

Mainchín

MAINCHÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Munchin; diminutive of manach, a monk; the name of several Irish saints, one of whom is patron of the Diocese of Limerick. Latin—Manchinus, Munchinus.

Máirtín

MÁIRTÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Martin; Latin—Martinus, diminutive of Martius (derivative of Mars, the Roman god of war); the name of the celebrated St. Martin of Tours, said to have been a relative of St. Patrick, in whose honour it was popular in France, whence the Normans brought it into England and Ireland. Under the form of Mártan, however, it had been already in use in Ireland from early Christian times.

Mait

MAIT, genitive—id. (the same), Mat; a pet form of Maitiú, which see.

Maitín

MAITÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Mat; a diminutive of Maitiú, which see.

Maitias

MAITIAS, genitive -tís, MAITHIAS, genitive -thís, Matthias; probably of same origin as Maitiú, which see; the name of the Apostle who supplied the place of Judas; always rare in Ireland. Latin—Mathias, -ae.

Maitiú

MAITIÚ, genitive—id. (the same), Matthew; Hebrew—Mattattjah, gift of Jehovah; the name of one of the Twelve Apostles and the first of the Four Evangelists; a rare name among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland. Latin—Mattheus.

Maodhóg

MAODHÓG, genitive—id. (the same), Mogue, (Aidan, Moses); a variant of Aodhán, which see. The initial M represents the possessive pronoun Mo, my, prefixed as a term of endearment to the names of saints, while -óg is merely another diminutive termination. Latin—Maidocus.

Maoilir

MAOILIR, genitive—id. (the same) Meyler; Welsh Meilir or Meilyr; very rare. Latin—Milerus, Mylerus.

Maolbheannachta

MAOLBHEANNACHTA, genitive Maoilbheannachta, Benedict; an ancient Irish name, signifying ‘one desirous of the blessing.’

Maolcholm

MAOLCHOLM, MAOLCHOLUIM, genitive Maoilcholm, Malcolm; an Irish name signifying ‘servant of St. Columcille’; a royal name in Scotland, where it is still in use. It does not appear to have been at any time a very common name in Ireland. Latin—Malcolmus.

Maolmórdha

MAOLMÓRDHA, genitive Maoilmórdha, (Miles, Myles); an ancient Irish name signifying ‘majestic chief’; a favourite name among the O'Reillys, by whom it was anglicised Miles or Myles. Latin—Maelmorus.

Maolmhuire

MAOLMHUIRE, genitive Maoilmhuire, (Meyler, Milo, Miles, Myles); an Irish name, signifying ‘servant of the Blessed Virgin Mary’; a favourite name among the Mac Sweenys, by whom it was anglicised Miles or Myles. Latin—Maelmarius.

Maolruadháin

MAOLRUADHÁIN, genitive Maoilruadháin, Melrone an Irish name, meaning ‘servant of St. Ruadhan.’ Latin—Maelruadanus.

Marcus

MARCUS, genitive -uis, Marcus, Mark; Latin—Marcus, a common name in ancient Rome and its provinces; of uncertain origin, but supposed to be a derivative of Mars, the Roman god of war; the name of the second of the Four Evangelists. The Anglo-Normans brought it into Ireland, but it never became common.

Mártain

MÁRTAIN, genitive—id. (the same), Martin; a variant of Máirtín, which see.

Mártan

MÁRTAN, genitive -ain, Martin; a variant of Máirtín, which see.

Matha

MATHA, genitive—id. (the same), Matthew; a variant of Maitiú, which see.

Mathghamhain

MATHGHAMHAIN, genitive -amhna, Mahon, (Matthew); a well-known Irish name, signifying ‘a bear’; borne by the brother of Brian Boru , and common among the O'Briens, O'Connors, O'Farrells, &c, but now disguised under the anglicised form of Matthew. Latin—Mathgamanius.

Meallán

MEALLÁN, genitive -áin, Mellan, Meldan; diminutive of meall, pleasant; the name of four Irish saints. Latin—Mellanus.

Meilseóir

MEILSEÓIR, genitive -óra, Melchor; a fancy name given to one of the Magi (v. Geaspar); still in use in the neighbourhood of Youghal. Latin—Melchior, -oris.

Mícheál

MÍCHEÁL, MICHEÁL, genitive -chíl, Michael; Hebrew—Mikāēl, Who like God?; the name of one of the archangels, chief of the heavenly hosts and conqueror of Satan; rare until comparatively recent times, but now one of the most popular names in Ireland. Latin—Michael, -is.

Muircheartach

MUIRCHEARTACH, genitive -aigh, Murtaugh, Murty, (Mortimer); comp. of muir, sea, and ceart, right, meaning ‘sea-director,’ ‘expert at sea,’ ‘able navigator’; an ancient Irish name, common among the O'Briens, O'Connors, &c.; still in use, but generally anglicised Mortimer, with which it has no connection. Latin—Murchertachus.

Muireadhach

MUIREADHACH, genitive -aigh, Murry; derivative of muir, sea, meaning ‘seaman’; also ‘lord’; formerly a very common Irish name; borne by two saints, one of whom is patron of the Diocese of Killala. Latin—Muredachus.

Muirgheas

MUIRGHEAS, genitive -gheasa and -ghis, (Maurice); comp. of muir, sea, and -ghus, choice; formerly a common Irish name; now merged in Muiris, which see. Latin—Murgessius.

Muiris

MUIRIS, genitive—id. (the same), Maurice; Latin—Mauritius, Moorish, a Roman name for a man of Moorish lineage; borne by the captain of the Thebean legion who was martyred, together with his companions, in Switzerland, by order of Maximian, in the 3rd century; common among the Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland.

Murchadh

MURCHADH, genitive -adha and -aidh, Murrough, (Morgan); Celt. *Mori-catu-s, sea-warrior; an ancient Irish name, formerly common in most Irish families, especially among the O'Briens, O'Flahertys, &c.; still in use, but generally anglicised Morgan. Latin—Murchadus.

Naomhán

NAOMHÁN, genitive -áin, Nevan; diminutive of naomh, holy; the name of an Irish saint whose feast was kept on 13 September. Latin—Sanctanus.

Naos

NAOS, genitive -sa, Neece, Neese, Niece, (Nicholas); a pet form of Aónghus, which see; formerly common in Ulster and still extant in that province.

Neasán

NEASÁN, genitive -áin, Nessan; the name of five Irish saints, of whom the best known is St. Nessan, the deacon of Mungret. Latin—Nessanus.

Néill

NÉILL, see Niall.

Niall

NIALL, genitive Néill, Niall, Neal, Neale, Neil; an ancient Irish name, specially common in Ulster among the O'Neills, O'Donnells, O'Dohertys, O'Boyles, &c.; still in use, but the gen. Néill is sometimes used instead of the nominative. Latin—Niallus, Niellus, Nellus.

Niallán

NIALLÁN, genitive -áin, Niallan; diminutive of Niall, which see. Latin—Niallanus.

Nioclás

NIOCLÁS, genitive -áis, Nicholas; Greek Νικóλαος (Nikólaos), victory of the people; the name of one of the seven first deacons. The legend of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, made it universal. It was one of the commonest names among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland, and still retains its popularity. Latin—Nicolaus.

Niocol

NIOCOL, genitive -oil, Nicol; a short form of Nioclás, which see.

Odhrán

ODHRÁN, genitive -áin, Oran; diminutive of odhar, pale-green; the name of nine Irish saints, one of whom is patron of Waterford. Latin—Odranus, Otteranus.

Oilibhéar

OILIBHÉAR, genitive -éir, Oliver; almost certainly a Gallicised form of the Norse Ólafr or Óleifr, ancestor's relic (v. Amhlaoibh); a name introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans and once fairly common, until its association with Cromwell made it unpopular. With the beatification of Blessed Oliver Plunket it is likely to be revived. Latin—Oliverus, Oliverius.

Oisín

OISÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Ossin, Ossian; diminutive of os, a deer; the name of the Fenian poet, son of Fionn MacCumhail; also borne by four Irish saints. Latin—Ossenus.

Oistín

OISTÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Austin; a Norse form of Augustine. It occurs in the Annals of Ulster, at the year 874, as the name of a son of Amhlaoibh, king of the Norsemen. See Ághuistín.

Oscar

OSCAR, genitive -air, Oscar; Norse Asgeirr, a common Norse name, meaning ‘divine spear’ or ‘spear of the Anses or gods,’ the same as the Anglo-Saxon Osgar (occurring in Domesday Book); but ‘oscar’ is also an Irish word, meaning ‘champion’ or ‘combatant’; the name of the son of Oisin and grandson of Fionn Mac Cumhail; also a name among the Maguires in the 14th century. Latin—Osgerus.

Padhra

PADHRA, genitive—id. (the same), Paddy; a pet form of Pádraig, which see.

Pádraic

PÁDRAIC, PÁDHRAIC, PÁDRAIG, PÁDHRAIG, genitive—id. (the same), Patrick; Latin—Patricius, Patritius, patrician, noble; the name of the National Apostle of Ireland.

Páid

PÁID, genitive—id. (the same), Pat; a pet form of Pádraig, which see.

Paidi

PAIDI, genitive—id. (the same), Paddy; a pet form of Pádraig, which see.

Páidín

PÁIDÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Padden, Paddy, Pat; a pet diminutive of Pádraig, which see.

Parra

PARRA, genitive—id. (the same), Paddy; a pet form of Pádraig, which see.

Parthalán

PARTHALÁN, PÁRTHALÁN, PÁRTHLÁN, PÁRTLÁN, PÁRTNÁN, genitive -áin, PARTLÓN, genitive -óin, Bartholomew, Bartlemy, Bartley, Barkley, Berkley, Barclay, Bartel, Parlan, Bat, Batt; Hebrew—Bar Talmai, son of Talmai; the name of one of the Twelve Apostles; fairly common in Ireland. Latin—Bartholomaeus.

Peadar

PEADAR, genitive -air, Peter; Latin—Petrus, rock; the name given by Christ to Simon, son of Jonas, whom He made Chief of the Apostles and the foundation-stone of His Church. This form of the name is comparatively recent, Piaras (which see) being the form previously in general use.

Peadair

PEADAIR, genitive—id. (the same), Peter; a variant of Peadar, which see.

Piaras

PIARAS, genitive -ais, Piers, Pierce; the Norman form of Peter (see Peadar), from French Pierre; a common name among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland. Latin—Petrus, Piercius, Percius.

Pilib

PILIB, genitive—id. (the same), Philip; Greek Φíλιππος (Philippos), horse-lover; the name of one of the Twelve Apostles; in use in Ireland in early Christian times; a very common name among the Anglo-Norman settlers. Latin—Philippus.

Píus

PÍUS, genitive—id. (the same), Pius; Latin—Pius, pious; the name of eleven Popes.

Pól

PÓL, genitive Póil, Paul; Latin—Paulus, small; the name of the Apostle of the Gentiles; never a common name in Ireland.

Preanndaigh

PREANNDAIGH, genitive—id. (the same), Frank; a pet form of Proinnsias; in use in Omeath.

Proinnsias

PROINNSIAS, PROINNSÉAS, PRÓINSIAS, genitive -séis, Francis; Latin—Franciscus, Frenchman, a name given in his youth to St. Francis of Assisi (whose original name was John), from the readiness with which he acquired and spoke the French language, and which from him became a name of world-wide popularity.

Rádhulbh

RÁDHULBH, genitive -uilbh, Ralph; Teutonic—Raedwulf, swift-wolf, or counsel-wolf, Frank. Radulf; one of the most frequent names among the Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland, but it rapidly declined in popularity, and even in the 16th century was very rare. Latin—Radulfus.

Raghnall

RAGHNALL, genitive -aill, Reginald, Reynald, Ronald, (Randal, Randulph); Teutonic—Raginwald, Reginwald, mighty-power, Norse Rognvaldr, Norman—Ragenald, Regnault, Reynald, Eng. Reynold; a Teutonic name which reached us by two channels, first through the Norsemen when it was largely borrowed by the Irish and Scottish Gaels, especially the MacDonnells, by whom it was incorrectly anglicised Randal, and again through the Anglo-Normans, among whom it was very common. The pronunciation is often Rághnall, or Raonall. Latin—Raganaldus, Reginaldus.

Raibhilín

RAIBHILÍN, Revelin. See Roibhilín.

Raidhrí

RAIDHRÍ, see Ruaidhrí.

Rannulbh

RANNULBH, genitive -uilbh, Randulph; Frankish—Randulf, shield-wolf; a name introduced by the Anglo-Normans, but always very rare. Its anglicised form, Randal, has been absorbed by Raghnall, which see. Latin—Randulfus, Randulphus.

Réamonn

RÉAMONN, genitive -oinn, Raymond, Redmond, Mundy; Teutonic—Raginmund, Reginmund, mighty-protection, French—Raimond, or Anglo-Saxon Raedmund, counsel-protection; a name introduced by the Anglo-Normans and formerly not uncommon in many Irish families. Latin—Raymundus, Reymundus, Remundus.

Reidhrí

REIDHRÍ, see Ruaidhrí.

Ribeard

RIBEARD, genitive -aird, RIBEART, genitive -birt, RIBIRT, genitive—id. (the same), RIOBÁRD, genitive -áird, RIOBART, genitive -airt, Robert. See Roibeárd.

Riocárd

RIOCÁRD, genitive -áird, RIOCARD, genitive -aird, Rickard, Richard; Teutonic—Rikhard, Richard, powerful-brave, French—Ricard, Ricart, Richard; one of the most frequent names among the Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland. It owed its popularity to an Anglo-Saxon king of Kent, who in the 7th century left his throne to become a monk at Lucca, where he was reputed to have wrought many miracles. Latin—Richardus.

Risteárd

RISTEÁRD, genitive -áird, Richard; a variant of Riocárd, due to French influence. This is the common form of the name. Cf. Italian Ricciardo for Riccardo.

Rodhlaidhe

RODHLAIDHE, genitive—id. (the same), Roland, Rowland; a pet form of Rodhlann, which see.

Rodhlann

RODHLANN, genitive -ainn, Roland, Rowland; Teutonic—Hruodlant, Hrothland, famous-land, Norman—Rollant, Roland; a name introduced by the Anglo-Normans, among whom, however, it was not of frequent occurrence. Latin—Rotlandus, Rolandus.

Rodhulbh

RODHULBH, genitive -uilbh, (Ralph); Teutonic—Hruodwulf, Hrothwulf, famous-wolf, Norman—Rodulf (Rolf in Domesday Book); a rare Anglo-Norman name; absorbed by Rádhulbh, which see. Latin—Rodulfus, Rodulphus.

Roibean

ROIBEAN, see Roibín.

Roibeárd

ROIBEÁRD, genitive -áird, ROIBEARD, genitive -aird, Robert; Teutonic—Hruodberht, Hrothberht, fame-bright, Norman—Rodbert, French—Robert; one of the commonest names among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland, but it has greatly declined in popularity and is now a rather rare name, Roibín (which see) is a diminutive. Latin—Robertus.

Roibhilín

ROIBHILÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Revelin, (Roland, Rowland); a rare name, peculiar to the MacDonnells and the Savages of the Ards, Co. Down; perhaps the same as Ravelin of Domesday Book; also written Raibhilín and Ruibhilín.

Roibín

ROIBÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Robin; diminutive of Roibeárd, which see. Roibean is sometimes a variant.

Rónán

RÓNÁN, genitive -áin, Ronan; diminutive of rón, a seal; an ancient Irish personal name, borne by twelve saints. Latin—Ronanus.

Ros

ROS, genitive -sa, Ross; a rare name, formerly in use among the Mageoghegans, MacMahons, Maguires, O'Loghlens, &c. Latin—Rossius.

Ruadhán

RUADHÁN, genitive -áin, Rowan; diminutive of ruadh, red; the name of the celebrated Abbot of Lorrha, whose feast was kept on 15 April. Latin—Ruadanus.

Ruaidhrí

RUAIDHRÍ, genitive—id. (the same), Rory, Roderick, (Roger, Roddy); Teutonic—Hruodric, Norse Rothrekr, fame-ruler; a name introduced by the Norsemen and which became very common in many Irish families; now often incorrectly anglicised Roger. Raidhrí and Reidhrí are dialectical variants. Latin—Rodericus, Rudericus.

Ruibhilín

RUIBHILÍN, see Roibhilín.

Saerbhreathach

SAERBHREATHACH, genitive -aigh, Justin; comp. of saor and breathach, meaning ‘noble judge’; a common name among the MacCarthys, borne by the father of Cárthach, from whom the family name. Latin—Justinus.

Sailbheastar

SAILBHEASTAR, genitive -air, Sylvester; Latin—Silvester, -tri, living in a wood; the name of two Popes; brought into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, but always very rare.

Samhairle

SAMHAIRLE, genitive—id. (the same), (Charles); a dialectical variant of Somhairle, which see.

Séadna

SÉADNA, genitive—id. (the same), (Sidney); an ancient Irish name, borne by four saints. Latin—Sednaeus, Sedonius, Sidonius.

Séafra

SÉAFRA, SEAFRAID, genitive—id. (the same), Geoffrey; a variant of Gothfraidh (which see) owing to French influence; a common name among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland; now rare. Latin—Galfridus.

Seaghán

SEAGHÁN, genitive -áin, Shane, John. See Seán.

Séamus

SÉAMUS, genitive -uis, Shemus, James; Hebrew—Yākōb, literally one who takes by the heel (Gen. XXV. 25, XXVII, 36), from yekeb, a heel, hence to trip up, defraud, supplant by subtlety; the name of the Jewish patriarch (Jacob) and of two of the Twelve Apostles; common among the Anglo-Norman settlers, and ever growing in popularity. It is in honour of St. James the Greater that the name is used in Ireland, as in Europe generally. The anglicised form James is derived from the Spanish Jayme. Latin—Jacobus.

Seán

SEÁN, genitive -áin, Sean, Shane, John; Old French—Jehan, French—Jean; a variant of Eóin, which see; one of the commonest names among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland and now by far our most popular man's name; also written Seaghán and Seón. Latin—Joannes, -is.

Seanán

SEANÁN, genitive -áin, Senan, Sinan, Synan, Sinon; diminutive of sean, old, wise; the name of upwards of twenty Irish saints, of whom the most celebrated is St. Senan of Iniscathy; his feast is kept on 8th March. Latin—Senanus.

Séarlas

SÉARLAS, genitive -ais, SÉARLUS, genitive -uis, Charles; Teutonic—Carl, Karl, man, French—Charles; a rare name in Ireland until James I called his son and heir Charles as a lucky royal name. Latin—Carolus.

Séartha

SÉARTHA, genitive—id. (the same), Sheary, Geoffrey, Jeffrey; a variant of Seafra, which see.

Searthún

SEARTHÚN, see Séathrún.

Séathra

SÉATHRA, see Séartha.

Séathrún

SÉATHRÚN, SEATHRÚN, genitive -úin, Sheron, Geoffrey, Jeffrey; probably from French diminutive of Geoffrey.

Seóirse

SEÓIRSE, genitive—id. (the same), George; Greek Γεωργος (Georgos), husbandman, rustic; the name of the patron saint of England; rare in Ireland before the advent of the Hanoverian dynasty. Seórsa is sometimes a variant. Latin—Georgius.

Seón

SEÓN, genitive -óin, John; a variant of Seán, which see; a late form from the English John.

Seórsa

SEÓRSA, see Seóirse.

Seósamh

SEÓSAMH, genitive -aimh, SEÓSAP, SEÓSAPH, Joseph; variant of Iósep, which see.

Siadhal

SIADHAL, SIAGHAL, genitive -ail, Shiel; an old Irish name, borne by two saints, one of whom is said to have been Bishop of Dublin. Latin—Sedulius.

Simidh

SIMIDH, genitive—id. (the same), Jimmy; a pet form of Séamus, which see.

Siofraidh

SIOFRAIDH, genitive—id. (the same), Geoffrey; a variant of Seafraidh, which see.

Siomaidh

SIOMAIDH, genitive—id. (the same), Jimmy; a pet form of Séamus, which see.

Síomón

SÍOMÓN, genitive -óin, SÍOMONN, genitive -oinn, SÍOMÚN, genitive -úin, Simon; Hebrew—Shim'ón (Simeon), from the root sháma', to hear (compare Gen. XXIX 33); Greek form Σιμóν (Simon), confused with Anglo-Saxon Sigemund, ‘victory-protection’; the first name of St. Peter and the name of another of the Apostles; rather common among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland. Latin—Simon, -onis.

Sionán

SIONÁN, genitive -áin, Sinan, Synan, Sinon; a variant of Seanán, which see.

Siseal

SISEAL, genitive -sil, Cecil; Latin—Caecilius, diminutive of caecus, blind.

Solamh

SOLAMH, genitive -aimh, Solomon; doubtless the Scriptural name; formerly in use among the MacNamees and O'Mellans of Ulster.

Somhairle

SOMHAIRLE, genitive—id. (the same), Sorley, (Samuel, Charles); Norse Sumerlide, summer-sailor; a name of Norse origin; specially common among the MacDonnells, by whom it was anglicised Sorley; now disguised as Samuel and Charles. Latin—Somerledus.

Steafán

STEAFÁN, genitive -áin, STEIMHIN, genitive—id. (the same), STIABHÁN, genitive -áin, STIABHNA, STIANA, STIBHIN, genitive—id. (the same), STIOFÁN, genitive -áin, Stephen; Greek Στέφανος (Stephanos), crown, or wreath; the name of the proto-martyr of the Christian faith; a rather common name among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland. Latin—Stephanus.

Suibhne

SUIBHNE, genitive—id. (the same), Sivney, (Simon); an old Irish name meaning ‘well-going’; borne by seven Irish saints. Latin—Suibneus.

Tadhg

TADHG, genitive Taidhg, Teige, Teague, (Thaddeaus, Thaddeus, Thady, Thade, Timothy, Tim); an ancient and very common Irish name, meaning ‘poet’ or ‘philosopher’; still found in every part of Ireland, but now generally anglicised Timothy. St. Tadhg was martyred at Wurtzburg; his feast was kept on 8 July. Latin—Thaddaeus.

Taidhgín

TAIDHGÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Tim; a diminutive of Tadhg, which see.

Tarla

TARLA, see Toirdealbhach.

Teabóid

TEABÓID, genitive—id. (the same), Tibbot, Theobald, (Tobias, Toby); Teutonic—Theodbald, people-bold, Norman—Thebault, Thebaut, Thibault, Thibaut; a rare name, introduced by the Anglo-Normans. Latin—Theobaldus.

Téadóir

TÉADÓIR, genitive -óra, Theodore; Greek Θεóδωῤος (Theodoras), God-gift. Latin—Theodoras.

Tighernach

TIGHERNACH, genitive -aigh, Tierney; derivative of tighearna, a lord, and meaning ‘lordly’; an old Irish name, borne by four saints, of whom the best known is St. Tierney of Clones. Latin—Tigernachus.

Tighearnán

TIGHEARNÁN, genitive -áin, Tiernan; diminutive of tighearna, a lord; a common name among the O'Rourkes. St. Tiernan's Day was 8 April. Latin—Tigernanus.

Tiobóid

TIOBÓID, a variant of Teabóid, which see.

Tiomóid

TIOMÓID, genitive—id. (the same), Timothy; Greek Τιμóθεος (Timotheos), honouring God; an ancient name, in use even in pagan times; borne by the disciple of St. Paul. In Ireland, it appears to be of comparatively recent introduction and is very rare. Timothy as an anglicised form of Tadhg (which see) is, however, very common, but does not appear to have been in use before the Cromwellian period. Latin—Timotheus.

Toirdealbhach

TOIRDEALBHACH, genitive -aigh, Turlough, (Terence, Terry, Charles); an Irish name, meaning ‘shaped like Thor,’ the Norse Jupiter; a common name among the O'Briens, O'Neills, O'Donnells, O'Connors of Connacht, MacSweenys, &c.; now generally anglicised Terence. Latin—Tordelvachus.

Tomáisín

TOMÁISÍN, genitive—id. (the same), Tommy; a diminutive of Tomás, which see.

Tomaltach

TOMALTACH, genitive -aigh, Tomaltagh, Tumelty, (Timothy); an old Irish name, formerly rather frequent, especially among the O'Connors of Connacht; still in use, but disguised under the anglicised form of Timothy. Latin—Tomaltachus, Tumultachus.

Tomás

TOMÁS, genitive -áis, Thomas; Hebrew—Toma, from tom, a twin, the same as the Greek δíδυμος (Didymus); the name of one of the Twelve Apostles; very common among the early Anglo-Normans out of devotion to St. Thomas a Becket. Latin—Thomas, -ae.

Traelach

TRAELACH, a dialectical variant of Toirdealbhach, which see.

Tuathal

TUATHAL, genitive -ail, Toal, Tully; Celt. *Touto-valo-s, people-mighty; an ancient and once rather common name in Ireland; still in use, but now very rare. Latin—Tuathalius, Tulius.

Uaitéir

UAITÉIR, genitive—id. (the same), Walter; a variant of Ualtar, which see.

Uaithne

UAITHNE (recte. Uaitne), genitive—id. (the same), Hewney, Oney, Owney, Oynie, (Antony, Anthony); an old Irish name, found among the O'Mores, O'Loghlens, &c, by whom it was anglicised Antony.

Ualtar

UALTAR, genitive -air, Walter; Teutonic—Waldhar, Walthar, Walther, power-army, Norman—Walter; one of the commonest names among the early Anglo-Normans in Ireland, but now rather rare. Latin—Valterius.

Uileóg

UILEÓG, genitive—id. (the same), Ulick, (Ulysses); a diminutive of Uilliam, which see. Latin—Ulligus.

Uilfrid

UILFRID, genitive—id. (the same), Wilfrid; Anglo-Saxon Wilfrith, will-peace.

Uilleac

UILLEAC, genitive -lic, Ulick, (Ulysses); a variant of Uileóg, which see.

Uilliam

UILLIAM, genitive—id. (the same), William; Teutonic—Willehelm, Wilhelm, will-protection, Norman—Willaume; the most common name among the early Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland. It owed its popularity to William the Conqueror. Latin—Gulielmus.

Uillioc

UILLIOC, see Uilleac and Uileóg.

Uinseann

UINSEANN, UINSIONN, genitive -sinn, Vincent; Latin—Vincentius, conquering; a name introduced by the Anglo-Normans; always rare.

Úistean

ÚISTEAN, genitive -tin, Euston; Norman—Hutchen, diminutive of Hugh; a name among the MacDonnells.

Ultan

ULTAN, genitive -ain, Ultan; the name of eighteen Irish saints mentioned in the Martyrology of Donegal. Latin—Ultanus.

Unfraidh

UNFRAIDH, genitive—id. (the same), Humphrey; Teutonic—Hunfrid, Hunfrith, Hun-peace; a rare name among the Anglo-Normans. It appears to have gone entirely out of use, except as an anglicised form of Amhlaoibh, which see. Latin—Hunfridus, Onuphrius.