Celtic culture emerged around the 5th century BC. C. and has left an incredible legacy in traditions, cultures and languages from many areas of Europe and the world in general, as attested by names of Celtic origin that have survived to this day.
The Celts did not form a unified state, but were diverse tribes with cultural and linguistic ties who lived in areas of western and central Europe during the end of the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.
Celtic names: the legacy of people closely linked to nature
Although Celtic culture was absorbed by the Roman Empire, the Celts continued to be present in some more isolated parts of Europe, such as Ireland and northern Britain. Thus, Celtic culture continued to thrive during the medieval period, with expressions in Irish, Welsh or Scottish medieval literature and art.
The Celts were characterized by being brave, independent and heroic peoplesand for his veneration of forests, rivers and sacred springs and nature in generalsomething that is reflected in their myths and religious practices.
The legacy of the Celts is still present in the language, culture and traditions of Celtic nations, such as Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and also in areas of northern Spain, such as Galicia.
This legacy is reflected in the names of Celtic originwhich continue to be worn and transmit the feeling of magic and bravery of the people that inspired them.
Celtic girl names
Celtic girl names, in addition to powerful meanings, have a sound that evokes the magic of their heritage. Below, we show you a selection of the most popular Celtic names for girls, along with its meaning:
- Aine: means «radiance» and is the name of a fairy queen.
- Briana: means «strong woman.»
- Brigid: In Celtic mythology, the goddess Brighid was the protector of the home. The name means «strength.»
- Caitlin: means «clean», «purified».
- Carys: means «love» or «charity.»
- Caoimhe: This name, very popular in Ireland, means «beauty» and «sweetness.» It is pronounced «kiva«.
- Deirdre: means «pain» or «broken heart.» It is the name of a tragic heroine from Irish mythology.
- Enid o Enyd: its meaning is related to the soul and life.
- Erin: In Irish tradition, Eriu was a goddess who gave her name to the land of Ireland. It means «girl of Ireland» or «daughter of Ireland.»
- Fiona: means «fair» or «white.»
- Gwendolyn: is the name of a mythical British queen and means «white ring.»
- Gwyneth: Popularized by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, it means «white» and «blessed.»
- Iona: is the name of a small island west of Scotland and means «island» or «blessed.»
- Kiera: means «dark-haired.»
- Maeve: means «joyful» or «intoxicating» and is pronounced «maiv«
- Moira: means «exceptional» or «beloved.»
- Nia: means «bright» or «radiant.»
- Sabrina: means «of the River Severn», it is the longest river in Great Britain.
- Saoirse: This name, made popular by actress Saoirse Ronan, is pronounced “be-sha” and means “freedom.”
- Shannon: means «wise», «ancient».
- Bibiana or Viviana: in its Celtic origin it means «small». It is also a name of Latin origin that means “full of life.”
Celtic boy names
Many Celtic boy names evoke strength and bravery, but there are also some linked to other desirable virtues in a person or with meanings associated with nature. We have collected the most popular Celtic names for boys along with its meaning:
- Aidan: comes from the name of the Celtic sun god (Aed) and means «little fire» or «fire bearer.»
- Alan: means “handsome or beautiful man.”
- Brendan: means «prince» or «king.»
- Brian: means «power.»
- Cael: means «thin.»
- Cyan: pronounced «kian», means «ancient» or «lasting.»
- conor: means «wolf lover.»
- Cormac: means «son of the charioteer.»
- Declan: means «full of goodness.»
- Desmond: means «from the south of Munster», an area in the south of Ireland.
- Dylan: was a Welsh sea god and means «son of the sea» or «great tide.»
- Finn: means «light», «blond».
- Gavin: means «little falcon.»
- Ian: means «God is merciful.»
- Keith: means «he who lives in the forest.»
- Kevin: comes from the Irish Caoimhin and means «noble» or «well-born.»
- Liam: means «guardian» or «protector» and is pronounced «Lium«.
- Oscar: means «friend of the deer»
- Owen: means «young fighter» or «born into nobility.»
- Ronald: means «he who rules with good counsel.»
- Ryan: believed to mean «little king.»