Irish Girls First Names that Start with E

There are some great twists on classic names when it comes to girls’ baby names starting with E. Éilse is a good example, which means “joy” and we also like Éadána which follows the name of an Irish saint.

🌟 Our Favourite: Emer (Éimhear)

Pronunciation: EE-mer
First Used: Ancient Irish mythology
Meaning: Emer, meaning “swift” or “quick,” was the wife of the legendary hero Cú Chulainn. The name symbolizes both beauty and strength.
Why It’s Our Favourite: Emer stands out for its deep roots in Irish legend. Not only is it tied to one of the most famous figures in Irish mythology, but it also reflects powerful qualities like wisdom and resilience, making it a truly remarkable and meaningful name.

🌿 Eileen (Eibhlín)

Pronunciation: EV-leen / Eye-leen
Meaning: Derived from the Norman “Aveline,” Eibhlín became a popular Irish name after the 17th century. It means “bright” or “shining one.” The name is famously associated with Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill, an 18th-century poet known for her lament “Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire.”

🎭 Eimear (Eimear)

Pronunciation: EE-mur
Meaning: In Irish legend, Eimear was the wife of Cú Chulainn, known for her six great virtues, including beauty and wisdom. The name means “swift” or “ready,” reflecting her quick wit and intelligence. It remains a beloved name in Ireland, symbolizing strength and loyalty.

🍀 Erin (Éirinn)

Pronunciation: AIR-in
Meaning: Erin is a poetic name for Ireland, derived from “Éire.” Popularized in the 19th century, it evokes a deep sense of Irish identity and patriotism. Used widely in Irish-American communities, it remains a symbol of heritage and pride, often appearing in songs and poetry.

🔥 Eithne (Eithne)

Pronunciation: EN-ya / ETH-na
Meaning: Eithne means “kernel” or “grain,” symbolizing growth and nourishment. It was a common name in early Irish mythology, borne by the mother of Lugh, the great warrior god. Saint Eithne was also a 5th-century Irish saint, adding a spiritual legacy to the name.

🌊 Elaine (Éiléin)

Pronunciation: Eh-LAYN
Meaning: Elaine has roots in both Greek and Irish, linked to “Helen,” meaning “light.” It was adopted into Irish through Éiléin, often seen as a variant of Eibhlín. Popularized by Arthurian legend, where Elaine was the tragic lover of Lancelot, it signifies beauty and devotion.

🌟 Eibhlin (Eibhlín)

Pronunciation: EV-leen
Meaning: A classic Irish name, Eibhlín is linked to nobility and grace. It became widely recognized through Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill, an 18th-century poet. The name carries an air of literary and historical significance, often associated with poetic beauty and refinement.

🌹 Esme (Éimí)

Pronunciation: EZ-may / EZ-mee
Meaning: A rare Irish adaptation of Esme, which means “esteemed” or “beloved” in Old French. The name has a romantic, literary charm, appearing in 20th-century novels. While not traditionally Irish, Éimí offers a Gaelic twist to this elegant and endearing name.

👑 Eilis (Éilís)

Pronunciation: AY-lish / EYE-lish
Meaning: The Irish form of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.” Éilís has been widely used in Ireland for centuries, bringing a regal and religious undertone. The name gained international recognition through the character Eilis Lacey in Brooklyn, a novel about Irish emigration.

🔥 Edana (Éadána)

Pronunciation: Eh-DAH-na
Meaning: Meaning “little fire,” Edana is linked to Saint Edana, a lesser-known Irish saint associated with wisdom and protection. The name conveys warmth, energy, and resilience, making it an empowering choice. While rare, it carries a deep-rooted Irish heritage.

🌟 Elva (Ailbhe)

Pronunciation: AL-va
Meaning: Elva, derived from the Irish name Ailbhe, means “white” or “bright.” It is associated with Saint Ailbhe, a 6th-century Irish bishop. Known for its purity and light symbolism, Elva is a name that evokes beauty and simplicity, often chosen for its soft yet strong qualities.

🎶 Eris (Éiris)

Pronunciation: AIR-iss
Meaning: Eris means “peace” in Irish, though it is often linked to the Greek goddess of chaos. The Irish version, Éiris, suggests harmony and tranquility. It’s a rare name in Ireland, carrying a sense of serenity and balance, though its mythological counterpart adds a touch of intrigue.

💖 Evelyn (Éibhlín)

Pronunciation: EH-vuh-lin
Meaning: The Irish form of the name Evelyn, Éibhlín means “wished for” or “longed for.” It is a variant of Aveline, which gained popularity in the 17th century. It evokes elegance and charm, famously worn by figures like actress Evelyn Nesbit and Queen Evelyn.

✨ Esther (Eistir)

Pronunciation: ES-ter
Meaning: Esther, also known as Eistir in Irish, originates from the Persian word for “star.” The name became widely recognized through the biblical story of Queen Esther. It represents beauty, courage, and wisdom, and it remains a popular choice for its regal and timeless qualities.

🌸 Elsha (Éilse)

Pronunciation: EL-sha
Meaning: Elsha is a modern Irish variation of the name Éilse, meaning “joy” or “happiness.” The name’s cheerful and uplifting meaning reflects a personality of light and positivity. While rare, it has an appealing simplicity that makes it a charming and endearing choice.

🍀 Elva (Éilbhe)

Pronunciation: EL-va
Meaning: A variant of Ailbhe, Elva means “white” or “fair.” The name has deep Irish roots and evokes qualities of purity and clarity. It is associated with the mythological hero Ailbhe, a figure of strength and nobility in Irish folklore.

🎤 Eulalia (Eulália)

Pronunciation: yoo-LAH-lee-ah
Meaning: Eulalia, from the Greek meaning “well-spoken” or “sweet-speaking,” was popularized by Saint Eulalia, a 3rd-century martyr. The name has a melodic quality, symbolizing eloquence and grace. It’s a name historically favored in Spain and across Europe, often used for its poetic resonance.

🌄 Eryn (Éireann)

Pronunciation: AIR-in
Meaning: Eryn is a variant of Éireann, meaning “Ireland.” It evokes a deep connection to the Irish homeland and is often used to express pride in Irish heritage. The name carries a sense of patriotism and beauty, symbolizing the country’s rolling hills and rich culture.

🌻 Elina (Éilíne)

Pronunciation: EH-lee-na
Meaning: Elina is derived from Éilíne, meaning “bright” or “shining light.” It has roots in both Irish and Greek traditions, symbolizing clarity and beauty. Elina has a soft, lyrical quality, making it an elegant choice often associated with grace and wisdom.

🌼 Eudora (Eudóra)

Pronunciation: yoo-DOR-ah
Meaning: Eudora, meaning “good gift” in Greek, was popularized in Greek mythology. The name was borne by one of the Hyades, the rain-bringing nymphs. It evokes qualities of generosity and blessing, making it a timeless and elegant name with deep roots in ancient history.

🌿 Evania (Éabhánia)

Pronunciation: eh-VAN-ee-ah
Meaning: Evania is an Irish variation of the name Evangeline, meaning “good news” or “bearer of good news.” With a soft, melodic sound, the name evokes positivity and hope, often chosen for its uplifting meaning and connection to the well-wishing spirit of Irish culture.

🌸 Emera (Éimera)

Pronunciation: EM-er-ah
Meaning: Emera is a modern Irish variation of the name Emer, which means “swift” or “quick.” In Irish legend, Emer was the wife of the hero Cú Chulainn. The name evokes both speed and grace, making it a name of strength and beauty.

🌺 Evanna (Éibhanna)

Pronunciation: eh-VAN-ah
Meaning: Evanna, a variant of Éibhanna, is an Irish name meaning “fair” or “beautiful.” It is most famously borne by actress Evanna Lynch, known for her portrayal of Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films. The name evokes beauty, grace, and a mystical quality.

✨ Ester (Éistir)

Pronunciation: ES-ter
Meaning: Ester, an Irish variant of Esther, means “star.” It was made famous by the biblical Queen Esther, who saved her people. The name carries a sense of nobility, beauty, and courage, representing a shining light in both history and mythology.

Irish Boys First Names that Start with E

If you’re looking for baby names starting with the letter E (congratulations by the way!) then we have some lovely options. We particularly like Éimhín, meaning fair one, and the old Irish Earnán.

🌟 Our Favourite: Eamon (Éamon)

Pronunciation: AY-mon
First Used: Medieval Ireland
Meaning: The Irish form of Edmund, meaning “protector of wealth.”
Why It’s Our Favourite: Eamon is a name rich with Irish history, rooted in both strength and nobility. With famous figures like Éamon de Valera, it embodies resilience and leadership. It’s a name that balances tradition with a strong cultural impact.

🏰 Edward (Éadbhard)

Pronunciation: ED-ward (AYD-vard in Irish)
Meaning: Of Old English origin, meaning “wealthy guardian.” Introduced to Ireland by the Normans, it became popular through English influence. Famous bearers include Edward Bruce, who briefly ruled Ireland in the 14th century.

🛡️ Edmund (Éamon)

Pronunciation: ED-mund (AY-mon in Irish)
Meaning: Derived from Old English, meaning “protector of wealth.” It took root in Ireland due to Norman and English rule. Éamon de Valera, a major figure in Irish history, carried the Irish form of this name.

⚔️ Eoghan (Eoghan)

Pronunciation: OH-in or YO-in
Meaning: Meaning “born of the yew tree” or “youth,” Eoghan is an ancient Irish name linked to warriors and kings, including Eoghan mac Néill, a son of the High King Niall of the Nine Hostages.

📜 Eoin (Eoin)

Pronunciation: OH-in
Meaning: The Irish equivalent of John, derived from the Hebrew “Yohanan” meaning “God is gracious.” It has been common in Ireland for centuries, notably borne by Eoin MacNeill, a key figure in the Irish language revival.

🌊 Eimhin (Eimhin)

Pronunciation: EV-in
Meaning: Meaning “swift” or “active,” it has roots in early Irish mythology. The legendary figure Eimhin of the Fianna was noted for his speed and agility.

🦅 Enda (Éanna)

Pronunciation: EN-da
Meaning: Derived from “Éanna,” meaning “bird-like” or “freedom.” St. Enda, a 5th-century Irish saint, was a warrior turned monk who founded a monastic settlement on the Aran Islands.

🌿 Eanna (Éanna)

Pronunciation: AN-na or AY-na
Meaning: A unisex name meaning “bird-like” or “radiant.” Used in medieval Ireland, it appears in ancient genealogies and was borne by kings and saints.

🏞️ Ennis (Énna)

Pronunciation: EN-is
Meaning: Derived from “inis,” meaning “island,” Ennis is both a name and a town in County Clare. It has links to St. Éanna and Irish monastic settlements.

⚡ Eben (Éibhin)

Pronunciation: EH-ben
Meaning: Short for Ebenezer, meaning “stone of help.” Rare in Ireland, it has biblical connections and is linked to resilience and faith.

🦋 Eirnin (Eirnín)

Pronunciation: ER-nin
Meaning: Meaning “little green one,” this name is derived from the Irish word “éirí,” meaning “to rise” or “to prosper.” It has strong historical roots in early Irish monastic tradition.

🌾 Ernan (Earnán)

Pronunciation: ER-nan
Meaning: From Old Irish, meaning “little eagle.” It has associations with the wild and powerful, often linked to figures in early Irish legends and saints, including St. Ernan, a 6th-century Irish abbot.

🌿 Eoighan (Eoighan)

Pronunciation: OH-in
Meaning: Meaning “youth,” it carries connotations of vitality and vigor. It is an early Irish name, first used in mythology, with a legendary figure Eoghan mac Néill, a descendant of the High Kings of Ireland.

🛡️ Ettan (Éiteán)

Pronunciation: ET-an
Meaning: A diminutive form of Étaín, meaning “little fire” or “spark.” Known from Irish mythology, Étaín was a beautiful woman and a central figure in the story of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

🌲 Evin (Éimhín)

Pronunciation: EV-in
Meaning: Meaning “fair one” or “bright,” this name is rooted in ancient Irish traditions. It is linked to the legendary warrior Éimhín, who was noted for his courage and leadership.

⚡ Edison (Éidison)

Pronunciation: ED-i-son
Meaning: Meaning “son of Edward,” this name gained fame through the inventor Thomas Edison. Though more common in English-speaking countries, its Irish version appears in historical records, symbolizing innovation and creativity.

🌿 Evan (Éimhín)

Pronunciation: EV-an
Meaning: A variant of the Irish name Éimhín, meaning “fair” or “bright.” It has roots in early Irish history and folklore, with links to warriors and kings. In modern times, it became popular in both Ireland and Wales.

Thank you for taking a look at our list of Irish names. We hope you found some you like. We have a lot of other resources on Irish names that you might find helpful.