US Rank |
Name |
Notes |
1 |
Kaitlyn |
American form of the Irish Caitlín (form of Catherine) |
6 |
Brianna |
Modern fem. Form of Brian |
18 |
Kayla |
Even though it’s probably a modern creation, it is similar to the Irish man’s name Cadhla meaning ‘slender’ |
29 |
Ciara |
Ciara, pronounced “KEE a ra” is a modern Irish name meaning ‘dark.’ However, in the USA, is’t probably pronounced see-Ahr-a or see-AIR-a, and is a modern crestion based on Sierra. |
33 |
Anna/Ana |
Most Anas are probably of Latina descent, but Ana can also be an ancient Celtic goddess name. |
43 |
Kylie |
Kylie is usually thought of as an Australian aborigianl name meaning ‘boomerang.’ However, it can also be a form of Kiley, an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Cadhla. |
50 |
Bailey |
Anglicization of the surnames Báille (from English) or deBelleau (from Norman) |
61 |
Kaylee |
This name is a modern invention based on the names Kay and Lee. However, it is sometimes used because it sounds like céilí, the Irish word for a gathering. |
67 |
Erin |
This is the poetic name for Ireland. The name is not used in Ireland itself, although it’s gaining in popularity in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. |
82 |
Kelly |
This is an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Ceallaich, meaning ‘bright-headed’ |
94 |
Clare |
Claire is the more popular spelling in the USA, and this is a French name meaning ‘clear.’ Clare is usually thought of as an alternate spelling. There is a county in Ireland called Clare (anglicization of an Clar). |
96 |
Kira |
Kira/Kyra is a Persian name meaning ‘light.’ However, it can also be an anglicization of Ciara, an Irish name meaning ‘dark.’ |
98 |
Cassidy |
Anglicization of an Irish surname with an obscure meaning. |
100 |
Molly |
A typically Irish pet form of Mary. Spelled Mallaidh in Irish. |
132 |
Cara/Kara |
Cara is the Italian word for ‘dear,’ It’s also the Irish word for ‘friend.’ It is not used in the Republic, but is used in Northern Ireland. |
146 |
Riley |
Riley can be an English surname meaning ‘rye field’ or an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Raghailligh. |
148 |
Cailin |
Sometimes spelled Kaylin, Caylin etc, this name is a modern creation based on the names Kay and Lynn. However, Cailín, pron. ‘colleen’ is the Irish word for ‘girl.’ |
149 |
Alana |
Used as a feminine form of the name Alan (of Celtic origin), Alannah’s popularity also can stem form the fact that it’s an anglicization of ‘a leanbh’ (‘0 child’), an Irish term of endearment. |
150 |
Brenda |
This name actually comes from a Norse word meaning ‘fire brand.’ However, it is often used as a feminine form of the Irish name Brendan. |
151 |
Ashlyn |
is is a modern creation based on the names Ashley and Lynn, but it can also be thought of as an anglicization of the Irish name Aislinn (ASH ling or ASH lin) meaning ‘dream’ or ‘vision.’ |
154 |
McKenna |
Anglicization of the Irish surname MacCionnaith. |
166 |
Kennedy |
Anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Cinnéde, meaning ‘ugly head.’ |
174 |
Bridget |
St. Brigid is one of the 3 patron saints of Ireland. See This page for more information on the name. |
177 |
Kathleen |
Anglicization of the Irish Caitlín, a form of Catherine. |
178 |
Patricia |
This is the feminine form of Patrick, which is actually name with Latin origins. However, many people use this name in honor of St. Patrick. |
182 |
Tara |
This is an anglicization of the old Irish name Teamhair. |
213 |
Shaina/Shauna/Shanna |
These are generally considered to be modern forms of the name Séan, an Irish form of John. Shaina also means ‘beautiful’ in Yiddish. |
254 |
Brenna |
Modern feminine form of the name Brennan, an anglicization of the surname Ó Braonáin. Brennan is used for boys in the USA. |
267 |
Aileen/Eileen |
Anglicizations of the Irish name Aibhilín/Eibhilín, an Irish form of the Germanic name Aveline/Eveline. It is also sometimes used as an Irish form of Helen. |
268 |
Shayla |
a modern anglicization of the Irish name Síle (SHEE la), usually anglicized Sheila. Síle is a form of the Latin name Cecilia. |
281 |
Reagan |
An anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Ríagáin. |
294 |
Shea |
Anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Siadha. |
337 |
Shawna |
See Shaina/Shauna/Shanna. |
343 |
Keely |
Modern coinage based on the Irish names Caoilfhionn and Cadhla. |
401 |
Cori/Kori |
Anglicization of the Irish surname Mac Gothraidh. |
407 |
Fiona |
Originally, Fíona, pronounced Feena was an old Irish name meaning ‘vine.’ Today, pronounced fee-OH na, it is a Scottish feminine form of Fionn. |
467 |
Maura |
Anglicization of the name Máire, the Irish form of Mary. |
469 |
Shelia |
Anglicization of Síle, the Irish form of Cecilia. |
473 |
Tracy |
Anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Treasaigh |
529 |
Quinn |
Anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Cuinn |
567 |
Ireland |
The name of the country itself. This name has been gaining in popularity ever since Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger named their daughter Ireland. |
598 |
Maeve |
An anglicization of the old Irish name Meadhbh. This is one of the few names on this list that is actually used in Ireland! |
734 |
Dara |
The Irish word for “oak tree.” |