Female Irish Goddess Names

Choosing a name for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. It's a reflection of your values, beliefs, and hopes for your child's future. If you're looking for a name that's both unique and meaningful, why not consider naming your daughter after a powerful and revered female Irish goddess?

In Irish mythology, names were considered to have great power and significance. They were believed to reveal a person's true nature and destiny, and were often chosen based on the qualities and attributes associated with a particular deity or hero. Naming a child after a goddess was seen as a way to invoke her protection and blessings, and to imbue the child with her strength and wisdom.

Some of the most popular Irish goddess names include:

Brigid (also spelled Brigit or Bridget) is one of the most beloved and widely worshipped goddesses in Irish mythology. She is associated with fire, poetry, healing, and fertility, and is often depicted as a triple goddess. Brigid's name means 'exalted one' or 'high goddess', and she was revered as a protector of women and children, as well as a patron of the arts and crafts. Today, Brigid is still celebrated in Ireland and around the world on February 1st, which marks the ancient festival of Imbolc.

Maeve (also spelled Medb) is a powerful and complex goddess associated with sovereignty, war, and fertility. She is often depicted as a queen or warrior, and is known for her fierce independence and cunning. Maeve's name means 'intoxicating one' or 'she who makes men drunk with love', and she was said to have many lovers and suitors. Despite her reputation as a seductress, Maeve was also a wise and just ruler who defended her people against invaders and upheld the law of the land.

Danu (also spelled Dana or Anu) is the mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the legendary race of supernatural beings who ruled Ireland before the arrival of the Celts. She is associated with the earth, fertility, and abundance, and is often depicted as a nurturing and protective figure. Danu's name means 'divine waters' or 'flowing one', and she was believed to have created the rivers and streams that sustained life on earth. Today, Danu is still honored as a symbol of the land and its bounty.

Aine (also spelled Áine or Anu) is a goddess of love, fertility, and the sun. She is associated with midsummer and the harvest, and is often depicted as a radiant and joyful figure. Aine's name means 'brightness' or 'splendor', and she was believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who honored her. Aine was also known for her healing powers, and was said to have cured the sick and wounded with her touch.

If you're looking for a name that's less common but still rich in meaning and history, consider one of these lesser-known Irish goddess names:

Cliodhna (also spelled Clíodhna or Clídna) is a goddess of love, beauty, and the sea. She is associated with the southwest coast of Ireland, and is said to have lived in a magical underwater kingdom. Cliodhna's name means 'shapely one' or 'woman of the hills', and she was known for her grace and charm. According to legend, Cliodhna would sometimes appear to mortals in the form of a swan, singing a hauntingly beautiful song.

Etain (also spelled Étaín or Edain) is a goddess of beauty, rebirth, and transformation. She is associated with butterflies and swans, and is often depicted as a radiant and ethereal figure. Etain's name means 'shining' or 'radiant', and she was believed to have been reborn many times throughout history. According to legend, Etain was transformed into a butterfly by a jealous rival, but eventually regained her human form and reunited with her true love.

Niamh (also spelled Niam or Neve) is a goddess of beauty, youth, and the Otherworld. She is associated with the land of Tir na nOg, the mythical realm of eternal youth and happiness. Niamh's name means 'brightness' or 'radiance', and she was known for her grace and kindness. According to legend, Niamh fell in love with a mortal hero named Oisin, and took him to Tir na nOg to live with her forever.

Naming your child after a female Irish goddess is a powerful and meaningful way to honor your heritage and connect with the rich mythology of Ireland. Whether you choose a popular name like Brigid or Maeve, or a lesser-known option like Cliodhna or Etain, your daughter will carry with her the strength, wisdom, and beauty of these revered figures from Celtic mythology.