Irish Names for Girls
A
Abaigeal
ABAIGEAL, genitive idem (the same), Abigail; Hebrew—Abigail, father of joy, joyfulness; the name of the wife of King David, noted for her prudence and beauty; in use in Derry and Omeath. Latin—Abigail.
Abaigh
ABAIGH, genitive idem (the same), Abbey, Abbie; a pet form of Abaigeal, which see.
Agata
AGATA, genitive idem (the same), Agatha; Greek—‘Αγαθη (Agathé), good; the name of a celebrated Sicilian virgin and martyr of the 3rd century. O'Connell's heart rests in her church at Rome. Latin—Agatha.
Aghna
AGHNA, genitive idem (the same), Ina; the name of two Irish saints; probably an Irish form of Agnes (See Aignéis).
Aibhilín
AIBHILÍN, genitive idem (the same), Aileen, Eveleen, Evelyn; a variant of Eibhlín, which see.
Aifric
AIFRIC, genitive -ice, Afric, Africa, Aphria; the name of two abbesses of Kildare, one of whom died in 738 and the other in 833; also in use in Scotland and the Isle of Man. It was a lady of this name, Africa, daughter of Godred, King of Man, and wife of John de Courcy, that founded the Cistercian Abbey, known as the Grey Abbey, in the Ards of Co. Down. Now very rare. Latin—Affrica, Africa.
Aignéis
AIGNÉIS, genitive idem (the same), Agnes; Greek—‘Αγνη (Agné), sacred, pure; the name of a Roman virgin, martyred in 304; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Latin—Agnes, -etis.
Ailbhe
AILBHE, genitive idem (the same), Alvy, Elva; also written Oilbhe; formerly common as a woman's name in Ireland. Latin—Albea.
Ailidh
AILIDH, genitive idem (the same), Alley; a pet form of Ailís, which see.
Ailis
AILIS, AILÍS, AILÍSE, AILSE, genitive idem (the same), Alicia, Alice, Aylice, Elsha; a pet form of Adelaide (Teutonic—Adalheid, noble rank); a name introduced by the Anglo-Normans. Latin—Alicia.
Aimilíona
AIMILÍONA, genitive idem (the same), Amelina; a Norman diminuitive of Æmilia (see Eimíle); a name introduced by the Anglo-Normans. Latin—Æmiliana.
Áine
ÁINE, genitive idem (the same), Anne, Anna; an ancient Irish name; still common, but now merged in the Hebrew Ánna, which see
Aingeal
AINGEAL, genitive idem (the same), Angela; Latin—Angela, angel.
Aisling
AISLING, AISLINN, genitive -e, (Esther); an Irish name, meaning ‘a dream’; in use in Derry and Omeath.
Aithche
AITHCHE, genitive idem (the same), Atty; the name of a holy virgin, patroness of Cill Aithche in the barony of Kenry, Co. Limerick, where her feast-day (Jan. 15) was formerly kept as a holiday and a station held.
Alaidh
ALAIDH, genitive idem (the same), Alley; a pet form of Ailís, which see.
Alastríona
ALASTRÍONA, genitive idem (the same), Alastrina, Alexandra; the feminine form of ALASTAR, which see. Latin—Alexandra.
Allsún
ALLSÚN, genitive idem (the same), Allison; diminuitive of Ailís, which see; in use down to recent times.
Ánna
ÁNNA, ANNA, genitive idem (the same), Anna, Anne; Hebrew—Hannáh, grace; a Biblical name, borne by the mother of Samuel, the wife of Tobias, and the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is to the last of these that the name owes its popularity. Very common in Ireland; confused with the native name Áine, which see. Latin—Anna.
Annábla
ANNÁBLA, genitive idem (the same), Annabel, Annabella, Arabella, Bella; a name of uncertain origin; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, but never became popular. Latin—Annabella.
Annstás
ANNSTÁS, genitive idem (the same), Anastasia; Greek—‘Αναστάσια (Anastasia), from ’ανάστασις (anástasis), resurrection; a name given by the early Christians to newly baptised, to signify that they had arisen to a new life; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Latin—Anastasia.
Aodhnait
AODHNAIT, genitive idem (the same) -ata and -atan, Enat, Ena, Eny; feminine diminuitive of Aodh (which see), corresponding to the masculine Aodhán (which see); the name of an Irish saint whose feast was kept on 9 November. Latin—Aidnata.
Aoibheann
AOIBHEANN, genitive -bhne, Eavan; Old Irish—Aibfinn, Aebfind, fair form; an ancient Irish name, borne by the mother of St. Enda. Latin—Aibfinnia.
Aoife
AOIFE, genitive idem (the same), Eva; an ancient Irish name. Latin—Eva.
Athracht
ATHRACHT, genitive idem (the same) and -a, Attracta; the name of an Irish virgin saint, of Ulster origin, who flourished in the 6th century and founded the nunnery of Killaraght, near Lough Gara, Co. Sligo, where her memory is revered on 11 August. Latin—Attracta.
B
Báb
BÁB, Babe; a pet name.
Baibín
BAIBÍN, genitive idem (the same), Barbara, Barbary, Bab; a pet diminuitive of Bairbre, which see; common in West Galway.
Báirbre
BÁIRBRE, BAIRBRE, genitive idem (the same), Barbara, Barbary; Greek—βάρβαρή (Bárbaré), stranger; a name in use among the ancient Romans; borne by a holy virgin and martyr of Nicodemia in the 3rd century, who became the patroness of architects and engineers; common in Connacht. Latin—Barbara.
Bean Mhumhan
BEAN MHUMHAN, Benvon; an Irish name, meaning ‘Lady of Munster’; in use down to the beginning of the 17th century.
Bean Mhidhe
BEAN MHIDHE, Benvy; an Irish name, meaning ‘Lady of Meath’; in use down to the beginning of the 17th century.
Bébhinn
BÉBHINN, genitive -binne, Bevin, (Vivian); an ancient Irish name, meaning ‘melodious lady’; borne by, among others, the mother and a daughter of Brian Boru.
Bláth
BLÁTH, genitive -áithe, Flora; an ancient Irish name, meaning ‘blossom,’ or ‘flower-bud’; borne by two virgin saints. Latin—Flora.
Bláthnaid
BLÁTHNAID, genitive idem (the same), Florence; diminuitive of Bláth, which see; an ancient Irish personal name. Latin—Florentia.
Blinne
BLINNE, genitive idem (the same), Blanche; a corruption of Moninne; the name of an Irish virgin, patroness of Killevy, Co. Armagh, whose feast-day is 6 July; still in use, angl. Blanche. Latin—Moninna.
Bluinse
BLUINSE, genitive idem (the same), Blanche; perhaps a corruption of Blinne, which see.
Bríghde
BRÍGHDE, see Bríghid.
Bríghdín
BRÍGHDÍN, genitive idem (the same), Bridie, Breeda, Bidina, Bidelia, Dina, Delia, Dillie, Beesy, &c.; diminuitive of Bríghid, which see.
Bríghid
BRÍGHID, genitive -ghde, Brigid, Bride, Breeda (Bridget); an ancient Irish name, probably derived from brígh, strength; the name of the goddess of poetry in pagan Ireland; sanctified and made for ever illustrious by St. Brigid of Kildare, patroness of Ireland. It does not appear to have come into common use as a woman's name until the 17th or 18th century. In the spoken language, the genitive case, Bríghde, is sometimes used for the nominative. The frequent anglicised form Bridget is due to the resemblance of the Irish name to that of the celebrated Swedish widow, St. Bridget. Latin—Brigida.
C
Cáit
CÁIT, genitive idem (the same), Kate; a pet form of Catherine (see Caitrín); very common.
Caiti
CAITI, genitive idem (the same), Katty; a pet form of Caitrín, which see.
Caitilín
CAITILÍN, genitive idem (the same), Kathleen, Catherine; a variant of Caitrín, which see. Compare Spanish Catalina and Hungarian Katalin.
Cáitín
CÁITÍN, genitive idem (the same), Katie, Katty; diminuitive of Cáit, which see.
Caitlín
CAITLÍN, genitive idem (the same), Kathleen, Catherine; a variant of Caitilín, which see.
Caitrín
CAITRÍN, CAITRÍONA, genitive idem (the same), Catherine; Greek—Καθαρινή (Kathariné), from καθαρός (katharos), pure; the name of a celebrated virgin and martyr of Alexandria, brought into Europe by the crusaders; but the popularity of the name is mainly due to St. Catherine of Sienna. Latin—Catharina.
Caoilfhionn
CAOILFHIONN, genitive -finne, Keelin; comp. of caol, slender, and fionn, fair; the name of an Irish virgin saint who was venerated on 3rd February. Latin—Coelfinnia.
Caoimhe
CAOIMHE, genitive idem (the same), Keavy; an Irish name, signifying ‘gentleness,’ ‘beauty,’ ‘grace,’ ‘courtesy’; borne by a Scoto-Irish saint whose feast-day is 2 November. Latin—Pulcheria.
Catraoine
CATRAOINE, genitive idem (the same), Catherine; a variant of Caitrín, which see.
Ciannait
CIANNAIT, genitive idem (the same), -ata and -atan, Kinnat, Keenat; feminine diminuitive of Cian (ancient), corresponding to the masculine Cianán, which see; the name of an Irish virgin saint, commemorated on 23 March. Latin—Ciannata.
Cristín
CRISTÍN, CRISTÍONA, genitive idem (the same), Christina; Latin—Christina, derivative of Christus, a Christian; the name of a Roman virgin who was martyred at Bolsena in 295; brought into Scotland by Queen Margaret, and into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans.
D
Damhnait
DAMHNAIT, genitive idem (the same), -ata, -atan, Devnet, Downet, Dymphna; feminine diminuitive of damh, a poet, corresponding to the masculine Damhán; the name of a celebrated Irish virgin who was martyred at Gheel in Belgium. She is patroness of Gheel where her feast is kept on 15th May. Latin—Dymphna.
Dearbháil
DEARBHÁIL, genitive *-áile, Derval, Dervilia; compound of dearbh, true, and áil, desire; an ancient Irish name. Latin—Dervilia.
Doireann
DOIREANN, genitive -rinne, Dorren, (Dorothy, Dolly); an ancient Irish name, meaning ‘the sullen.’ Latin—Dorinnia.
E
Éadaoin
ÉADAOIN, genitive -ine, Edwina; the name of a holy virgin of Moylurg (Boyle), Co. Roscommon, whose festival-day was 5 July. Latin—Edwina.
Earnait
EARNAIT, genitive idem (the same) -ata and -atan, Ernet; feminine diminuitive of earna, knowing, corresponding to the masculine Earnán, which see. Latin—Ernata.
Eibhilín
EIBHILÍN, EIBHLÍN, genitive idem (the same), Eileen, Eveleen, Evelyn, Aileen, Ellen, Helen, Ellie, Eily, Nellie, Nell, Lena; Greek—’Ελένη (Elené), from έλη (elé), sunlight; the name of the mother of Constantine; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Latin—Helena.
Eiléanóir
EILÉANÓIR, EILEANÓIR, EILÍONÓRA, genitive idem (the same), Eleanor, Eleanora; supposed by some to be a distinct name, but really only a Provençal form of Helena (see Eibhlín); introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans.
Eilís
EILÍS, EILÍSE, genitive idem (the same) Elizabeth, Eliza, Elsie, Lizzie, Bessie, Betsey, Betty, (Alicia, Alice, Aylice); Hebrew—Eliscéba‘, from ’el, God, and scéba‘, an oath, meaning ‘God hath sworn,’ or ‘God is an oath’; the name of the wife of Zachary and mother of John the Baptist, and of many other holy women; Isabella was the form under which it first came into Ireland, where it is very common. Latin—Elisabetha.
Eimíle
EIMÍLE, genitive idem (the same), Emily; Latin—Æmilia, the feminine form of Æmilius, the cognomen of one of the most ancient of the patrician gentes of Rome, and the name of several early martyrs.
Eistir
EISTIR, genitive idem (the same), Esther; Hebrew—’Estér, of Persian origin; the name of the Hebrew lady who was wife of Assuerus, King of Persia; popularised in France by Racine; in Ireland, given to children born about Easter. Latin—Esther.
Eithne
EITHNE, genitive idem (the same), Eithne, Ethna, Etney, (Annie); an Irish personal name, meaning ‘a kernel’; borne by three virgin saints. Latin—Ethnea.
F
Fainche
FAINCHE, genitive idem (the same), Fanny; the name of two saintly Irish virgins, one the sister of St. Enda of Aran and patroness of Rossory, on Lough Erne, whose feast was kept on 1 January; and the other patroness of Cluain-caoi, in the neighbourhood of Cashel, who was venerated on 21 of same month. Latin—Fanchea.
Faoiltighearna
FAOILTIGHEARNA, genitive idem (the same), Whiltierna; comp. of faol, wolf, and tighearna, lady; the name of an Irish virgin saint whose feast-day was 17 March. Latin—Failtigerna.
Fiadhnait
FIADHNAIT, genitive idem (the same), -ata, and -atan, Feenat, Feena; feminine diminuitive of fiadh, a deer; the name of a saintly Irish virgin whose festival was celebrated on 4 January. Latin—Fiadnata.
Fionnghuala
FIONNGHUALA, genitive idem (the same), Finola, Nuala, (Flora, Penelope, Penny, Nappy); comp. of fionn, fair, and guala, a shoulder; an ancient Irish name, common down to the end of the 17th century and still in use, but often shortened to Nuala (which see) and generally disguised under the anglicised form of Penelope. Latin—Finguala, Finola.
G
Gobnait
GOBNAIT, genitive idem (the same), -ata and -atan, Gobinet, Gobnet, Gubby, (Abigail, Abbey, Abbie, Abina, Deborah, Debby, Webbie); feminine diminuitive of gob, a mouth, corresponding to the masculine gobán; the name of a celebrated Munster virgin, the patroness of Ballyvourney, whose feast is kept on 11 February; still common in Cork, Kerry and Limerick, but generally anglicised Abbey and Debby. Latin—Gobnata.
Gormfhlaith
GORMFHLAITH, genitive -atha, Gormlaith, Gormley, (Barbara, Barbary); compound of gorm, blue, and flaith, lady; still in use, but rare. Latin—Gormlata.
Gráinne
GRÁINNE, genitive idem (the same), (Grace, Gertrude, Gertie); an ancient Irish name, still in use. Latin—Grania.
H
Hilde
HILDE, genitive idem (the same), Hilda, Hildy; the name of a saintly Irish abbess, who was venerated on 18 November. Latin—Hilda.
I
Ide
IDE, genitive idem (the same), Ida, Ita; Old Irish—Itu, thirst; the name of the celebrated Abbess of Kileedy, in West Limerick, whose feast is kept with great solemnity on 15 January. Latin—Ita.
Iseabal
ISEABAL, see Isibéal.
Isibéal
ISIBÉAL, genitive idem (the same), Isabella, Sybil, Sibby, Elizabeth, Eliza, Bessie, (Annabel, Annabella, Bella); the French form of Elizabeth (see Ailís); apparently the form in which the name first came into Ireland; still in use, but rare; also Sibéal.
L
Labhaoise
LABHAOISE, genitive idem (the same), Louisa; the feminine form of Alabhaois, which see. Latin—Aloysia, Ludovica.
Lasairfhíona
LASAIRFHÍONA, genitive idem (the same), Lassarina; compound of lasair, a flame, and fíona, of wine; an ancient Irish name, still in use in parts of Connacht. Latin—Lassarina.
Léan
LÉAN, genitive idem (the same), Eleanor, Eleanora; a pet form of Eiléanóir, which see.
Lil
LIL, LÍLE, genitive idem (the same), Lily, Lelia. Latin—Lelia.
Luighseach
LUIGHSEACH, genitive -sighe, Lucy; the feminine form of Lughaidh, which see; the name of an Irish virgin saint who was venerated on 22 May. Latin—Lugsecha.
M
Máda
MÁDA, genitive idem (the same), Maud; a contraction of Matilda (see Maitilde).
Madailéin
MADAILÉIN, genitive idem (the same), Madeline; a name assumed in honour of St. Mary Magdalen. Latin—Magdalena.
Máible
MÁIBLE, genitive idem (the same), Mabel; a shortened form of Amabel, from Latin—Amabilis, loveable.
Máighdlín
MÁIGHDLÍN, genitive idem (the same), Madeline. See Madailéin.
Maighréad
MAIGHRÉAD, genitive idem (the same), Margaret, Maggie, Madge. See Máirghréad.
Máille
MÁILLE, MÁILSE, MÁILTI, genitive idem (the same), Molly, (Margery, Marjory); pet form of Máire, which see.
Máire
MÁIRE, genitive idem (the same), Mary, Moira, Maria. See Muire.
Máiréad
MÁIRÉAD, MAIRÉAD, see Máirghréad.
Máirghréad
MÁIRGHRÉAD, MAIRGHRÉAD, genitive idem (the same), Margaret, Maggie, Madge; Greek—Μαργαρίτης (Margarítés), a pearl; the name of a Christian virgin who was martyred at Antioch in the last general persecution; brought to Europe by the crusaders, when it became very common in France and England; introduced by the Anglo-Normans into Ireland, where it has ever since been very popular, and is now found under a great variety of forms. Latin—Margarita.
Máirín
MÁIRÍN, genitive idem (the same), Maureen, May, Molly; a diminuitive of Máire, which see.
Mairsil
MAIRSIL, MAIRSILE, genitive idem (the same), Marcella; Latin—Marcella, a feminine diminuitive of Marcus (see Marcus); the name of a saintly Roman widow; common in France, whence apparently it came into Ireland.
Maiti
MAITI, genitive idem (the same), Matty; a pet form of Maitilde, which see.
Maitilde
MAITILDE, genitive idem (the same), Matilda; German—Mahthild, might-heroine; the name of a royal German saint, the mother of the Emperor Otho I, a lady remarkable for her humility and patience; formerly very common in France; brought to England by the wife of William the Conqueror and into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. The Flemings called the name Mahault, whence the Norman forms, Molde and Maud. Both Matilda and Maud were in use in England, but neither ever became common in Ireland. Latin—Mathildes, -is.
Mallaidh
MALLAIDH, genitive idem (the same), Molly; a pet form of Máire, which see.
Muraod
MURAOD, see Máirghréad.
Marta
MARTA, genitive idem (the same), Martha; a Biblical name of uncertain origin; borne by the sister of Lazarus and Mary, and by an Abbess of Kildare, in the 8th century. Latin—Martha.
Meadhbh
MEADHBH, genitive Meidhbhe, Meadhbha, Meave, (Maud, Mabbina, Mabel, Margery, Marjory, Madge); the name of the celebrated Queen of Connacht in the first century; also borne by an Irish saint who was venerated on 22 November. Latin—Meba.
Mealla
MEALLA, genitive idem (the same), Mella; the name of several holy women in ancient Ireland. Latin—Mella.
Méars
MÉARS, genitive idem (the same), Mary; a form of Máire, which see; in use in Kerry until recent times.
Meidhbhín
MEIDHBHÍN, genitive idem (the same), Meaveen, (Mabbina); a diminuitive of Meadhbh, which see.
Míde
MÍDE, genitive idem (the same), Meeda; a variant of Íde (which see) by the prefixing of Mo, my, as a term of endearment. Latin—Mita.
Móirín
MÓIRÍN, genitive idem (the same), Moreen; diminuitive of Mór, which see.
Moncha
MONCHA, genitive idem (the same), Monica; a name of unknown origin, borne by the mother of St. Augustine. Latin—Monica.
Mór
MÓR, genitive—Móire, More, (Martha, Mary, Agnes); an ancient and, until comparatively recent times, very common Irish name, signifying ‘great’; still in use, but disguised under the angl. forms of Martha, Mary, or Agnes. Latin—*Mora.
Muadhnait
MUADHNAIT, genitive idem (the same), -ata and -atan, Monat, Mona; diminuitive of muadh, noble; the name of an Irish virgin saint, whose festival-day was 6 January. Latin—Muadnata.
Muire
MUIRE, genitive idem (the same), Mary; Hebrew—Mrjám, which can be read Mirjám, or better Mariám, a name of difficult interpretation, as are all names which appear in a very contracted form and in which it is difficult to discover the root-word from which they are derived. About seventy different meanings are given to Mary, in great part suggested by devotion to the Mother of God rather than by solid critical sense. Historically and grammatically examined, it seems very likely that it is a Hebrew name signifying ‘bitterness,’ in the sense of grief, sorrow, affliction, either in reference to the pains of childbirth, or to the moral condition of the mother and family, oppressed by some great misfortune, or perhaps to the sad period of the Egyptian bondage, to which the Israelites were subject at the time of the birth of the first Mary, the sister of Moses. It was afterwards the name of several Jewish women, including the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, but was very slow in creeping in to the Western Church. It is only about the middle of the 12th century that we find the first instances of its use in Europe, whither apparently it had been brought by the devotion of the crusaders. Even in Ireland, there were few Marys until comparatively recent times. I find only a few instances of the use of the name before the 17th century. At present one-fourth of the women of Ireland are named Mary. The ordinary form of the name, however, is Máire, Muire being used exclusively for the Blessed Virgin Mary, and, therefore, the most honoured of all names of women. Latin—Maria.
Muiréad
MUIRÉAD, MUIRGHÉAD, see Máirghréad.
Muireann
MUIREANN, MUIRINN, genitive—-rinne, Morrin, (Marion, Madge); an ancient Irish name, meaning ‘of the long hair.’ Latin—Murinnia.
Muirgheal
MUIRGHEAL, genitive -ghile, Murel, Muriel; comp. of muir, sea, and geal, bright, meaning ‘sea-bright,’ or ‘fair one of the sea.’ Latin—Murgela.
Muráid
MURÁID, see Máirghréad.
Murainn
MURAINN, see Muireann, of which it is a variant.
N
Nábla
NÁBLA, NÁIBLE, genitive idem (the same), Annabel, Annabella, Nabla, (Mabel), Bella; a shortened form of Annábla, which see.
Nainseadh
NAINSEADH, NEANS, genitive idem (the same), Nancy, Nance, Nan, Anne; popular variants of Ánna, which see.
Neill
NEILL, NEILLI, genitive idem (the same), Nell, Nellie; pet forms of Eibhlín, which see.
Nóinín
NÓINÍN, NÓIRÍN, Nonie, Daisey; pet form of Nóra, which see.
Nóra
NÓRA, genitive idem (the same), Nora, Norah, Honor, Honora, Honoria Nonie, Nanno, (Hannah); a shortened form of Onóra. which see.
Nuala
NUALA, genitive idem (the same), Nuala, (Nappy, Penelope, Penny); a shortened form of Fionnghuala, which see.
O
Odharnait
ODHARNAIT, genitive idem (the same), -ata, and -atan, Ornat, Orna; feminine diminuitive of odhar, pale, olive-colour, corresponding to the masculine Odhrán, which see; the name of an Irish saint, venerated on 13 November. Latin—Odarnata.
Oilbhe
OILBHE, genitive idem (the same) Elva; (Olive); a variant of Ailbhe which see.
Onóra
ONÓRA, genitive idem (the same), Honor, Honora, Honoria, Nora, Norah, (Hannah); Latin—Honoria, feminine diminuitive of Honorius, honourable; a name introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans and still very popular under the shortened form of Nóra, which see.
Órfhlaith
ÓRFHLAITH, genitive -atha, Orlaith; an old Irish name, meaning ‘the golden lady.’ Latin—Orlata.
P
Paili
PAILI, PAILS, PAL, Poll, Polly; variant of Mallaidh, which see.
Peig
PEIG, PEIGI, genitive idem (the same), Peg, Peggy; rhymed variant of Meg and Meggy, for Margaret (see Máirghréad).
Proinnséas
PROINNSÉAS, PRÓINSÉAS, genitive idem (the same), Frances, Fanny; Latin—Francisca, feminine form of Franciscus, or Francis; a name adopted in honour of St. Francis of Assisi and borne by a saintly Roman widow, whose feast-day is 9 March.
R
Rathnait
RATHNAIT, genitive idem (the same), -ata and -atan, Renny; feminine diminuitive of rath, grace, or prosperity; the name of an Irish saint who is patroness of Kilrenny, Co. Kildare. Latin—Ratnata.
Richeal
RICHEAL, genitive -chile, Richella; the name of a virgin saint whose feast-day was 19 May. Latin—Richella.
Ríoghnach
RÍOGHNACH, genitive -aighe, Regina; the name of a saintly Irish virgin, whose feast was kept on 18 December; she was the sister of St. Finnian of Clonard. Latin—Regnacia.
Róis
RÓIS, RÓISE, genitive idem (the same), Rose; Teutonic—Hros, a horse, Norman—Rohais, Roese, Roesia; a name introduced, no doubt, by the Anglo-Normans and borne by a lady of the Maguires in the early part of the 16th century. The name of St. Rose of Lima is derived from the Latin rosa, a rose. She was first named Isabella, but was afterwards called Rose from the rose-like appearance of her face in childhood. Róis was, however, a woman's name in Ireland long before the birth of St. Rose. Latin—Rosa.
Róisín
RÓISÍN, genitive idem (the same), Rose, Rosie; a diminuitive of Róis, which see.
S
Sabha
SABHA, genitive idem (the same), Sive, (Sally); a variant in West Connacht of Sadhbh, which see.
Sadhbh
SADHBH, genitive idem (the same), and Saidhbhe, Sive, (Sabia, Sophia, Sophy, Sarah, Sally); an ancient Irish name, meaning ‘goodness’; still in use, but generally anglicised Sally. Latin—Sabia.
Sadhbha
SADHBHA, genitive idem (the same), Sive, (Sophia, Sophy); a variant of Sadhbh, which see; in use in Donegal and Derry.
Saidhbhín
SAIDHBHÍN, genitive idem (the same), Sabina; diminuitive of Sadhbh, which see. Latin—Sabina.
Séarlait
SÉARLAIT, genitive idem (the same), Charlotte; feminine diminuitive of Charles; a name of comparatively recent formation. Latin—Carlotta.
Seósaimhthín
SEÓSAIMHTHÍN, genitive idem (the same), Josephine; feminine diminuitive of Joseph (see Iósep); a name of comparatively recent formation; borrowed from the French. Latin—Josephina.
Sibéal
SIBÉAL, see Isibéal.
Síle
SÍLE, genitive idem (the same), Cecelia, Cecily, Celia, Selia, Sheila, Sheela, (Sabina, Sibby, Sally, Julia, July, Judith, Judy, Jude); Latin—Caecilia, diminuitive of caeca, blind; the name of a celebrated Roman virgin and martyr, the patroness of musicians; introduced by the Anglo-Normans and ever since common in Ireland, but generally wrongly angl. Julia, &c.
Sine
SINE, genitive idem (the same), Jane, Jannet, Jenny; a variant of Sinéad, which see; in use in Co. Derry.
Sinéad
SINÉAD, genitive idem (the same), Jane, Jannet, Jenny; a diminuitive of French Jeanne, from Johanna (see Siobhán).
Sineaid
SINEAID, genitive idem (the same), Jane, Jannet, Jenny; a variant of Sinéad, which see; in use in Co. Derry.
Siobháinín
SIOBHÁINÍN, genitive idem (the same), Hannah, (Josephine); a diminutive of Siobhán, which see.
Siobhán
SIOBHÁN, genitive idem (the same), Joan, Johanna, Hannah, (Julia, July, Judith, Judy, Jude, Susanna, Susan, Nonie); the feminine form of Joannes, or John (see Eóin and Seán), which became common in France in the 12th century as Jehanne and Jeanne, and in England as Joan; brought into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, where it has ever since been one of the most popular of women's names. Latin—Joanna.
Sisile
SISILE, genitive idem (the same), Cecilia, Cecily; a late form of Síle, which see.
Siubháinín
SIUBHÁINÍN, a variant of Siobháinín, which see.
Siubhán
SIUBHÁN, a variant of Siobhán, which see.
Siúi
SIÚI, a pet form of Súsanna, which see.
Sláine
SLÁINE, genitive idem (the same), Slany; an old Irish name, meaning ‘health’; common among the O'Briens. Latin—Slania.
Sorcha
SORCHA, genitive idem (the same), Sorcha, (Sarah, Sally); an old Irish name, signifying ‘clear’ or ‘bright’; still in use, but now always anglicised Sarah or Sally. Latin—Sorcha.
Sósanna
SÓSANNA, genitive idem (the same), Susanna, Susan; a variant of Súsanna, which see.
Stéise
STÉISE, a pet form of Annstás, which see.
Súsanna
SÚSANNA, genitive idem (the same), Susanna, Susan; Greek—Σουσανα (Sousana); the name of a Hebrew maiden who, on being falsely accused of adultery, was condemned to death, but saved by Daniel who showed that her accusers were calumniators; introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Latin—Susanna.
T
Tilde
TILDE, genitive idem (the same), Tilda; a shortened form of Maitilde, which see.
Toiréasa
TOIRÉASA, genitive idem (the same), Teresa, Tessie; a name of uncertain origin; peculiar to Spain until the 16th century, when the fame of St. Teresa made it world-wide. Latin—Teresia.
Traoine
TRAOINE, TRÍONA, genitive idem (the same), Trina, Katie, Katty; pet forms of Catraoine or Caitríona, which see.
Treasa
TREASA, TREISE, genitive idem (the same); an old Irish name, meaning ‘strength’; adopted as the Irish equivalent of Teresa (see Toiréasa).
U
Úna
ÚNA, genitive idem (the same), Una, Uny, (Unity, Winifred, Winefred, Winnie, Winny, Agnes); an ancient and once common Irish name; still in use, but generally angl. Winifred. Latin—Una.
Ursula
URSULA, genitive idem (the same), Ursula; Latin—Ursula, little bear; the name of a Breton maiden who was martyred by the Huns at Cologne in the 5th century.