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We didn’t find many resources online for Irish names that start with G and there are some incredible choices, so we wanted to share them with you. Lots of these names are inspired by nature and mythology, making them really nice alternatives to modern day names.
If you find this list helpful then you might also be interested in some of our other resources on Irish names.
There are some lovely names for girls in this list, whether you want a bright name like Gréine which means ‘of the sun’ or a very individualistic name like ‘Gearóidín’.
Pronunciation: GYAL-kor
First Used: Early medieval Ireland, found in bardic poetry.
Meaning: Meaning “moonbeam” or “light-bringer,” Gealchóir evokes mystery, wisdom, and celestial beauty. It was historically used to describe luminous intellects and poetic souls.
Why It’s Our Favourite: This rare name carries an almost magical quality, linking it to Ireland’s poetic past and the ethereal glow of the moon. Its soft yet powerful sound makes it both enchanting and timeless.
Pronunciation: GAH-bree-ell
Meaning: A Gaelic form of Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength.” Though traditionally male in Hebrew origins, Gabrielle has been popular for girls in Ireland. It gained traction in the 20th century, partly due to French influence. Famous bearers include Gabrielle Reece, the volleyball star.
Pronunciation: GAYL
Meaning: Of Old Gaelic and Norman origin, Gáil means “joyful” or “merriment.” It has been used as a diminutive of Abigail in Ireland. The name saw popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the US and UK, but retains a classic charm in Ireland.
Pronunciation: GAR-nit
Meaning: A rare medieval Irish name, possibly linked to fortifications or warriors. It is believed to have Old Irish roots tied to ‘gairn,’ meaning “protection” or “defender.” While now obscure, historical records show its use among noble Gaelic families.
Pronunciation: GASH-kuh
Meaning: Meaning “great achievement” or “heroic feat,” Gaisce is strongly associated with the President’s Award for young people in Ireland. It embodies bravery and accomplishment. Rarely used as a first name, it carries a strong and noble connotation.
G
Pronunciation: GAR-vogue
Meaning: A diminutive of “garbh,” meaning “rough” or “wild,” Garbhóg refers to something small yet resilient. Historically, it was a descriptive name for children with strong, determined personalities. It appears in some folklore as a name for spirited youths.
Pronunciation: GYAL-awn
Meaning: Derived from “geal,” meaning “bright” or “radiant,” Gealáin was once a poetic name for those with a luminous spirit. It appears in ancient Irish poetry describing the glow of stars or firelight, making it an evocative name for storytellers and dreamers.
Pronunciation: GYAL-vawn
Meaning: Meaning “little bright one” or “sparrow,” Gealbhán has roots in nature and poetry. It is associated with the Irish word for the small bird, often seen as a symbol of resilience and joy. Once a common poetic name, it has faded in modern use.
Pronunciation: GYAL-a
Meaning: A rare name derived from “geal” (bright) and “gha” (fire), it suggests a shining flame. It may have been a descriptive name for warriors or poets in medieval Ireland. Its fiery imagery connects it to passion and inspiration.
Pronunciation: GYAL-akh
Meaning: Meaning “bright moon” or “radiant pledge,” Geallach was sometimes given to those born under a full moon. It appears in old Irish texts as a poetic term for celestial beauty. Though no longer common, it retains an air of mystery and elegance.
Pronunciation: GAN-tree
Meaning: Meaning “joyful music” or “merriment,” Geantraí comes from old Irish bardic traditions where it referred to uplifting tunes. It symbolizes happiness and artistic spirit. While rare as a name, it carries a deeply poetic and musical heritage in Irish folklore.
Pronunciation: GAR-oh-deen
Meaning: A diminutive of Gearóid, meaning “brave spear,” this name was once common among noble Gaelic families. It reflects strength and leadership, with historical links to the Fitzgerald dynasty in Ireland. Though rare today, it retains a regal and timeless quality.
Pronunciation: GUB-nit
Meaning: Derived from “gobha,” meaning “smith,” Gobnait is associated with Saint Gobnait, the patron saint of beekeepers. She is celebrated in Irish folklore for her healing abilities. The name has a strong, nurturing connotation, making it a unique and meaningful choice.
Pronunciation: GRAW
Meaning: Simply meaning “love” in Irish, Grá embodies deep affection and devotion. Used poetically for centuries, it remains a powerful, minimalist name. While not widely used as a given name, it holds strong sentimental and cultural significance in Irish language and literature.
Pronunciation: GRAWN-ya
Meaning: A legendary name from Irish mythology, Gráinne was a princess linked to the famous lovers’ tale of Diarmuid and Gráinne. Meaning “grace” or “grain,” it is one of Ireland’s oldest and most enduring names, popular in both history and modern times.
Pronunciation: GRAWN-yog
Meaning: Meaning “hedgehog,” Gráinneog is a playful and quirky name rooted in nature. While rarely used as a personal name, it carries a sense of resilience and charm. In Irish folklore, hedgehogs were believed to have mystical qualities, adding an element of magic.
Pronunciation: GRAY-nya
Meaning: Meaning “of the sun” or “sunlight,” Gréine is a bright and radiant name. It appears in mythology, linked to deities of light and warmth. This name reflects energy, positivity, and life, making it a poetic and evocative choice.
There are lots of great names for boys as well, such as Seafraidh which is a play on Geoffery, best known as a villain in Game of Thrones, or Giollachríst meaning ‘servant of Christ’
Pronunciation: GOH-bawn
First Used: Early medieval Ireland
Meaning: Derived from goba (smith), meaning “blacksmith” or “metalworker.” Gobán is linked to the legendary Gobán Saor, a master craftsman in Irish folklore, famed for constructing castles, churches, and round towers.
Why It’s Our Favourite: This name carries the weight of history, craftsmanship, and legend. Gobán Saor is Ireland’s equivalent of Daedalus—a genius builder whose wit and skill outmatched kings. It’s a name with depth, mystery, and a strong connection to Ireland’s ancient architectural wonders.
Pronunciation: GAYL
Meaning: Meaning “Gaelic” or “of the Gaels,” this name reflects Irish heritage and Celtic identity. It is more commonly used in Spain and Latin America but has gained traction in Ireland in recent years due to the rising popularity of Gaelic cultural revival.
Pronunciation: GAR-veh
Meaning: An old Irish name meaning “rough peace” or “sharp peace.” It was used by medieval Irish kings and warriors, reflecting both strength and diplomacy. Though rare today, it carries a noble and historical essence.
Pronunciation: GAR-ned
Meaning: Possibly derived from the Old Irish gairid (short) or linked to “gardener” in later usage. This name has medieval roots and may have been used to describe craftsmen or those who worked the land. It remains obscure but historically significant.
Pronunciation: GASH-ka
Meaning: Meaning “great achievement” or “feat of heroism,” this name is deeply tied to Irish folklore and warrior culture. It is also the name of Ireland’s national youth award, promoting excellence. Rare as a given name but carries a strong, ambitious meaning.
Pronunciation: GLASH-nyeh
Meaning: This poetic name means “watery” or “stream-like,” referring to a flowing river. It was borne by a 6th-century Irish saint, lending it a mystical quality. Perfect for those who appreciate nature and heritage.
Pronunciation: GAR-van
Meaning: Meaning “little rough one,” this name was popular among early Irish saints and warriors. It has deep roots in Irish history, linked to St. Garbhán, the patron saint of Dungarvan, a town named after him.
Pronunciation: GYA-rohd
Meaning: The Irish form of Gerald, meaning “ruler with a spear.” It was a noble name in Ireland, famously borne by Gearóid Mór, the powerful 15th-century Earl of Kildare. The name has a regal and historical weight.
Pronunciation: GYA-ralt
Meaning: An Irish version of Gerald, meaning “mighty with a spear.” Used by Norman-Irish nobility, particularly in the Fitzgerald family, who played key roles in Irish history. It is now a rare but distinguished name.
Pronunciation: SHAF-ree
Meaning: The Irish form of Geoffrey, meaning “peace of the land.” Introduced by the Normans, it became common in medieval Ireland. Seafraidh Ó Donnchadha was a notable 17th-century Irish poet.
Pronunciation: GYA-ralt
Meaning: An Irish form of Gerald, meaning “mighty with a spear.” Brought by the Normans, it was used by noble families, including the Fitzgeralds. Gearalt was common in medieval Ireland and retains a historical and aristocratic air.
Pronunciation: GILL-ah
Meaning: Meaning “servant” or “devotee,” this name was often part of longer names like Giollachríst. It indicated deep religious devotion, especially in early Christian Ireland. Though rare as a standalone name today, it was once widely used.
Pronunciation: GILL-ah-KREEST
Meaning: Meaning “servant of Christ,” this name was popular in medieval Ireland, reflecting deep Christian faith. It was often shortened to Chrístín in later generations. Some historical figures bearing this name became monks or priests.
Pronunciation: GILL-ah-YOHN
Meaning: Meaning “servant of John,” this name was used in early Christian Ireland, linking to the veneration of St. John. It evolved into surnames like MacGiollaeoin. Rare today, it was once a common part of religious names.
Pronunciation: GILL-ah-PAW-drig
Meaning: Meaning “servant of Patrick,” this name honored Ireland’s patron saint. It was popular in medieval Ireland, especially among monks and scholars. Over time, it contributed to surnames like Fitzpatrick.
Pronunciation: GLASH-nokh
Meaning: Derived from glas, meaning “green” or “watery,” this name is linked to nature and purity. It was sometimes used as a poetic descriptor in early Irish literature.
Pronunciation: GLASH-nawn
Meaning: A diminutive form of Glaisne, meaning “little green one” or “small stream.” It evokes imagery of lush landscapes and flowing water, making it a name deeply tied to Irish nature and heritage.
Pronunciation: GOV-nit
Meaning: Meaning “little smith,” this name is linked to St. Gobnait, the patron saint of beekeepers. She was revered in Cork and Kerry, where she established a monastery. A name rich in Irish folklore.
Pronunciation: GRAH-dawn
Meaning: Meaning “beloved” or “dear one,” this name comes from the Irish grá (love). It was used poetically in old Irish literature and has a warm, affectionate feel.
Pronunciation: GRAY-gohr
Meaning: The Irish form of Gregory, meaning “watchful” or “vigilant.” It was popular among Irish monks and scholars, influenced by Pope Gregory I. St. Gréagóir of Kells was a notable bearer of the name in medieval times.
Pronunciation: GRIH-feen
Meaning: Derived from Griffin, meaning “strong lord” or linked to the mythical griffin, a symbol of bravery. While more common as a surname, it has historical use as a given name in Ireland, especially in noble families.
Pronunciation: GROO-ah-gokh
Meaning: Meaning “long-haired one,” this name is steeped in folklore, referring to supernatural beings who guarded treasure or assisted warriors. It also described poets and wise men in ancient Ireland.
Pronunciation: GOO-uh-rah
Meaning: Meaning “noble” or “generous,” this name is best known from Guaire Aidne, a legendary king of Connacht renowned for his kindness. It symbolizes generosity and leadership.
Pronunciation: GILL-een
Meaning: A diminutive of William, this name was once common in Gaelicized Norman families. It means “little will” or “young protector,” and though rare today, it has historical ties to medieval Ireland.
Pronunciation: GOO-shtin
Meaning: The Irish form of Augustine, meaning “great” or “majestic.” It was brought to Ireland by early Christian missionaries and was used by scholars and saints. St. Gúistín of Limerick was a medieval bishop.
We hope you found our list of Irish names useful and informative. We also have lots of other resources on Irish names, and a list of Irish surnames that start with G as well.
