767 Mystical Celtic Baby Names

Embracing the magic and mysticism of the Celts with a beautiful name.

Written by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

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Edited by Srija Chanda Burman, MA, PG Dip. Specialty: Relationships, Baby NamesExperience: 3 years

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

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Fact-checked by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Celtic baby names reflect the rich history and culture of the ancient Celts. The Celts were ancient people who lived in different parts of Europe from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, between 700 BC and 400 BC. Though the Celts never lived in a unified state, they had a common language. Even today, the language is spoken in Ireland and parts of Britain (1). You will find names of every meaning in the Celtic tongue, from mythology and legends to history and place names. Celtic names display the charm of the Isles they are derived from – Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and even Italy. Additionally, it can be deduced that the Celts followed polytheism, as many of these Celtic names are found in Irish and Welsh mythologies. These languages, along with Scottish Gaelic and Breton, have the most substantial ties to the original Celtic language (2). A formal Celtic name consists of a given name, a middle name, and a surname, which is patronymic in etymology (3). Such surnames begin with Mac or Mc, meaning ‘son of,’ or O, meaning ‘grandson of.’ While many families have started to prefer Gaelic versions of Celtic names to better honor their roots, some parents prefer anglicized versions for easy pronunciation. For instance, the Celtic name Eoin is pronounced eo-in. So, its anglicized version would be Owen. An interesting fact about Celtic names is that they are dithematic. In other words, they are derived from two elements, usually by joining a prefix or suffix. As such, they are similar to Germanic names, also considered dithematic. Take a look at the delightful Celtic baby names in the list below. Note – Traditional Celtic names can be a bit tricky to pronounce due to Celtic vowels. So, you must know and understand the proper pronunciation of your shortlisted names.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Jack	Boy	God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter
Connor	Boy	Lover of wolves; Hunter; Desiring wolves
Arthur	Boy	Bear king; Bear
Brianna	Girl	High; Power; Hill
Oscar	Boy	God's spear; Friend of deer
Nyla	Girl	Passion; Fury; Hero; Cloud
Colin	Boy	Victory of the people; Whelp; Young dog
Bryan	Boy	Strong; Noble; High; Hill
Brian	Boy	High; Power; Hill
Dallas	Boy	From valley meadows; Valley house

Milani	Girl	Middle of the plain; Black; Dark
Mckenna	Girl	Son of Cionnaith; Born of fire; Beautiful
Kane	Boy	Son of Cathán; Warrior; Battle; Barnacle goose
Desmond	Boy	One from South Munster
Milan	Boy	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the plain
Sabrina	Girl	Patient; Persevering; From the river Severn
Gwendolyn	Girl	Fair Bow; Blessed Ring
Nylah	Girl	Achiever; Fury or passion; Hero; Cloud
Lucca	Boy	Bringer of light; Marshy
Mack	Boy	Son; Great

Braelynn	Girl	Primrose; Hill
Allen	Boy	Handsome; Little rock
Nia	Girl	Goal; Determination; Purpose; Bright; Female champion; Priceless; Luck
Jenna	Girl	White phantom; Fair lady; Supernatural; God is merciful; God is Gracious
Briana	Girl	High; Power; Hill
Arturo	Boy	Bear; King
Kendra	Girl	Knowing; Handsome; Respect; Old power; Bold power; Chief hero
Kenna	Girl	Handsome; Fire-born; Ruler of the valley
Neil	Boy	Champion; Cloud; Passion; VIctory
Bridget	Girl	The exalted one; Power; Strength; Virtue

Nelson	Boy	Son of Neil; The son of Nell; Cloud; Champion
Braelyn	Girl	Primrose; Hill
Brock	Boy	Badger; Badger-like
Bria	Girl	Hill; Power; High; God is my strong man
Bryant	Boy	High; Hill; Might; Power; Honorable; Virtuous
Kellan	Boy	Slender; Son of Alan; Beautiful; Little rock; Son of Colin; Young one
Allan	Boy	Handsome; Little rock
Calum	Boy	Dove
Vienna	Girl	The capital of Austria; Forest stream
Aydin	Boy	Fire; Enlightened; Illuminating; Clear

Brayan	Boy	Hill; Noble; Power
Brittany	Girl	From Britain; From the land of Britons
Arden	Girl	Great forest; Garden of Eden; High valley
Kenny	Boy	Handsome; Fiery; Ruler of the valley; Dignified; Helmeted chief
Cordelia	Girl	Jewel of the sea; Heart of a lion
Duncan	Boy	Brown battle
Rhiannon	Girl	Great queen; Great goddess
Draven	Boy	Hunter; Child of shadows; Of the raven
Dwayne	Boy	Dark; Black; Little dark one
Taryn	Unisex	Land of Eoghan; People's ruler; Trespasser; Thunder; From a rocky cliff

Maelynn	Girl	Princess; Chief; Month of May
Brent	Boy	Holy one; From a steep hill; Sword; Warrior
Brentley	Boy	A hilltop; Steep hill
Aydan	Boy	One who is born out of fire; The Sun God; From the moon
Imogen	Girl	Maiden; Beloved child
Nile	Boy	Fury; Passion; Cloud; Hero; Victory of the people; River; Champion
Barry	Boy	Fair-headed; Spear; Sharp
Breanna	Girl	Hill; Might; Noble
Wiley	Unisex	Resolute protector; Noble spirit; River Wylye; Willow clearing; Crafty
Neal	Boy	Cloud; Passionate; Victory; Honour; Champion

Shay	Boy	Fine; Favorable; Learned; Gift; Yahweh is salvation
Bryanna	Girl	Exalted one; Eminence; Might; Strength; Power
Brenden	Boy	Prince; King; Outstanding
Maelyn	Girl	The month of May; Wished-for child; Beloved; Lake; Soft
Kenai	Girl	Flat meadow; Black bear; Clean water
Elvin	Boy	Noble; Wise; Elf; Friend
Adin	Girl	Beautiful; Adorned; Little fire; Ever lasting; Leader; Delicate
Arlene	Girl	Oath; Pledge; Promise
Arlen	Boy	Pledge; Oath; Hare land
Kayne	Boy	Battle; Acquired

Duane	Boy	Dark; Swarthy; Little dark one
Bryden	Boy	Salmon; Thief; Broad clearing; Hill; High; Might; Power
Brenton	Boy	A hilltop or the top of a mountain
Kinleigh	Unisex	White warrior; All good; King's meadow
Nyle	Boy	Champion or hero; Fury or passion; Cloud
Milania	Girl	Gracious; Dear; Middle of the plain; Dark; Black
Brea	Girl	Hill; Might; Noble
Edna	Girl	Pleasure; Delight; Luxury; Fire; Rich friend
Niles	Boy	Fury; Passion; Cloud; Hero
Reyaan	Unisex	Little king; Young king; Watered; Plentiful; Heaven's gate

Finlee	Unisex	White warrior; Blessed warrior
Eidan	Unisex	Little fire
Shaylee	Girl	Lovely eyes; Learned; Good; Favorable
Loralei	Girl	Rock; Rock of Lorelei
Bridgette	Girl	The exalted one; Power; Strength; Virtue
Lyon	Boy	Lion; Hill fort of Lugus; Shining
Selma	Girl	God's protection; God's helmet; Safe; Beautiful vew; Peace
Brigitte	Girl	The exalted one; Power; Strength; Virtue
Rorie	Unisex	Red-haired
Siara	Girl	Mountain range

Kazi	Boy	Judge; Respect
Tadhg	Boy	Poet; Philosopher
Aryn	Girl	Ireland; High mountain; Exalted; Enlightened
Delano	Boy	Wetland; Swamp
Nyles	Boy	Champion or hero; Fury or passion; Cloud
Trysten	Unisex	Sad; Tumult; Noise
Nara	Girl	Happy; Country; Sun; Pomegranate tree; Man
Kensie	Unisex	Handsome; Beautiful; Good
Edan	Boy	Era; Fire
Breelyn	Girl	Hill; High; Might; Exalted

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Although the Celts were an ancient race, their influence on names has remained timeless. Celtic baby names encompass a variety of meanings and aspects, including gods, festivals, traits, natural elements, mythology, and other features. If you plan to give your baby a Celtic name, you must confirm its proper pronunciation. By providing your baby a Celtic name, you are giving them a robust and meaningful name and cementing their ties with an ancient yet evolving culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some modern variations of traditional Celtic names?

Several modern adaptations of traditional Celtic names exist, such as Aidan (Aodhán), denoting ‘fire’ or ‘fiery one,’ Liam (William), signifying a ‘determined protector,’ and Aoife (Aífe), an Irish name meaning ‘beautiful,’ ‘radiant,’ or ‘joyful.’ These modified versions successfully retain the Celtic essence while embracing current naming conventions.

2. What are some common Celtic names, and what do they mean?

Some frequently encountered Celtic names are Fiona, which signifies 'blessed' or 'white,' Eoin, denoting 'God is gracious,' and Niamh, an Irish name meaning 'radiant' or 'bright.'

3. How do the pronunciation and meaning of Celtic names change when translated into other languages?

The pronunciation and meaning of Celtic names might vary when they are translated. Phonetics adjust pronunciation to the rules of the target language. Due to linguistic intricacies and cultural settings in other languages, original meanings may be lost or altered.

Infographic: Lovely Celtic Baby Names For Your Cuddly Cutie

Celtic baby names originate in various languages and cultures, including Irish, Scottish, and Welsh. They may also have the essence of Old French, Old English, Latin, and Germanic languages. From this rich mixture come out beautiful names that will captivate your senses and bestow attention upon the bearer. Your search for Celtic baby names ends here. Take a look at our infographic to get some charming names with meanings.

captivating celtic baby names with meanings for your little one (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Ancient Celts:
https://www.worldhistory.org/celt/
Peter Forster and Alfred Toth;
Toward a phylogenetic chronology of ancient Gaulish
Irish Culture: Naming.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/irish-culture/irish-culture-naming

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.