- and what they mean! Interest in the Irish language and Irish culture is becoming increasingly popular around the world.

A major new national study conducted by Amárach Research, in collaboration with Gaelchultúr and Údarás na Gaeltachta, examined public attitudes towards the language and the Gaeltacht. It found that 73% of adults under 35 wish to strengthen their language skills.

Alongside this renewed interest, more and more parents are choosing Irish names for their children – names that are beautiful, rich in history and meaning, and deeply rooted in Irish mythology and folklore. Gender-neutral names are also becoming increasingly popular – names that suit anyone and carry a sense of individuality and freedom.

At Gaelchultúr, we understand that choosing a baby name is never easy. Many parents are looking for something unique, timeless and meaningful. Why not choose a name from Irish mythology and folklore? These are names that have survived for thousands of years and still feel magical today. Here’s a list we’ve compiled of 10 gender-neutral Irish names for your little one, as well as their meanings and origins!

Ailbhe

Ailbhe comes from Old Irish and is believed to mean “white” or “bright”. In various stories, Ailbhe appears as the name of both heroes and saints, giving it a rich sense of history and strength. It has a soft, elegant and modern sound, and is now commonly used as a gender-neutral name.

Aodán

Aodán, or Aodhán, comes from the name Aodh, associated with fire and the sun in Irish tradition. It means “little fire”. The English name Aidan derives from Aodán.

Caoilfhionn

Caoilfhionn comes from the Irish words “caol” and “fionn”, meaning “slender” and “fair”. Although traditionally feminine, variations of the name such as Caolán, or Caelan, are now sometimes used more broadly.

Caolán

Caolán means “little slender one”.

Connla

Coming from the Old Irish “Conláed”, this is possibly a compound word that means “eternal fire”, with “áed” meaning fire in Old Irish and “cunnail” meaning “forever”.

Dáire/Dara/Darach

Dáire (or Dara / Darach) is an ancient Irish name which comes from the Irish word “dair”, meaning “oak”. It is widely used today as a modern, gender-neutral name.

Naoise

Naoise was a tragic hero in the Ulster Cycle, best known for his love story with Deirdre. Traditionally, Naoise would be considered a boy’s name, however like many Irish names today, people are beginning to use it in a more gender-neutral way because of its soft and modern sound.

Rossa

Rossa comes from the Irish word “ros”, meaning “wooded headland”. The name appears throughout Irish history and folklore.

Ruadhán

Ruadhán comes from the Old Irish “rúad”, meaning “red-haired”, and the meaning of the name is “little red-haired one”.

Seanán/Senán

Coming from the Old Irish “sen”, meaning “old”, Senán means “little old one”.

Séaghdha

Séaghdha comes from the Old Irish word “ségda” to describe somebody noble, favoured and educated. Other variants of the name include Séada – or Séadhna – and Sé is often used as a modern shortened version of the name.

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Irish names carry a sense of magic, history and identity that is truly timeless. Rooted in folklore, mythology, and Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, they offer a meaningful connection to Ireland’s culture in a modern way.

Gender-neutral names are becoming more popular than ever, reflecting individuality, creativity and openness. Whether you are expecting a baby, searching for inspiration or simply exploring Irish culture, there is something beautiful about a name that has survived for thousands of years.

If you have an interest in all things folklore, Gaelchultúr has folklore courses for fluent speakers and for beginners starting soon. From pre-Christian traditions to the art of storytelling, superstitions to the dark underworld, these courses discuss some of the most fascinating elements of Gaelic folklore. You can learn more or register your place on a cultural course with us at Gaelchultur.com.