This page lists 34 Irish first names that start with E, and because E is one of the 18 letters of the traditional Irish alphabet, most of them are genuinely Irish, from Éabha and Eimear to Éanna and Eoin (we’ve flagged the handful that aren’t).
We love the unique sound of Irish names but there aren’t many resources online to find lists for certain letters. Here you can find some great ideas for Irish first names to help get your creative juices flowing.
We have lists of Irish names for all people and purposes. Have a browse and find a new favourite! We also have a list of Irish last names that start with E that you might be interested in.
Quick answer: the best Irish names that start with E
- Éabha (girl): the Irish form of Eve
- Éala (girl): from eala, meaning “swan”
- Eimear or Emer (girl): Cú Chulainn’s wife in legend
- Éanna (boy): the name of St Enda of Aran
- Eoin (boy): the Irish form of John
- Eoghan (boy): possibly “born of the yew”
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. Éabha is a good example, the Irish form of Eve, and we also like Éadaoin which follows the name of an Irish saint.
🌟 Our Favourite: Emer (Éimhear)
Pronunciation: EE-mer
First Used: Ancient Irish mythology
Meaning: Emer, a name of uncertain meaning, 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 came to Ireland with the Anglo-Normans. It’s often linked with Helen and said to mean “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 meaning of the name itself is uncertain, but her quick wit and intelligence are central to her story. 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 as a poetic name for Ireland 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. It was rare as a first name until the 1950s, but 75 baby girls were named Erin in Ireland in 2025.
🔥 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
Pronunciation: Eh-LAYN
Meaning: Elaine comes from an Old French form of “Helen,” so it isn’t Irish in origin and there’s no traditional Irish form, but it was hugely popular here: 507 baby girls were named Elaine in Ireland in 1980. 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 and the Irish spelling of Eileen, 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
Pronunciation: EZ-may / EZ-mee
Meaning: Esme means “esteemed” or “beloved” in Old French. The name has a romantic, literary charm, appearing in 20th-century novels. There’s no traditional Irish form of Esme, but it’s well used here: 66 baby girls were named Esme or Esmé in Ireland in 2025.
👑 Eilis (Eilís)
Pronunciation: EL-eesh / eh-LEESH
Meaning: The Irish form of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.” Eilís 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 (Éadaoin)
Pronunciation: Eh-DAH-na
Meaning: Edana is a Latinised form of Étaín (Éadaoin in modern Irish), and it’s linked to Saint Edana, a lesser-known Irish saint remembered at Moylurg, near Boyle in County Roscommon, whose feast day was 5 July. While rare, it carries a deep-rooted Irish heritage.
🌟 Elva (Ailbhe)
Pronunciation: EL-va (AL-veh for Ailbhe)
Meaning: Elva, derived from the Irish name Ailbhe, possibly 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. Ailbhe itself is far more common in Ireland today: 95 baby girls were given it in 2025, and you’ll find it among our Irish first names that start with A.
💖 Evelyn (Eibhlín)
Pronunciation: EH-vuh-lin
Meaning: Evelyn comes from an English surname based on the Norman name Aveline, the same root as Eibhlín, which is why Eibhlín is used as its Irish form. It was first used as a first name in the 17th century. It evokes elegance and charm, famously worn by figures like actress Evelyn Nesbit.
✨ Esther (Eistir)
Pronunciation: ES-ter
Meaning: Esther, also known as Eistir in Irish, probably comes 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. Patrick Woulfe noted that in Ireland it was often given to children born around Easter.
🌄 Eryn (Éireann)
Pronunciation: AIR-in
Meaning: Eryn is a variant spelling of Erin, from Éireann, meaning “of 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
Pronunciation: EH-lee-na
Meaning: Elina is a Finnish, Estonian and Swedish form of Helen, so it isn’t Irish and there’s no traditional Irish form, though a handful of baby girls are named Elina in Ireland every year. Elina has a soft, lyrical quality, making it an elegant choice often associated with grace and wisdom.
🌺 Evanna
Pronunciation: eh-VAN-ah
Meaning: Evanna has no traditional Irish form and its origin is uncertain, but it has a strong Irish connection: it is most famously borne by Irish actress Evanna Lynch, from Termonfeckin in County Louth, known for her portrayal of Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films. The name evokes beauty, grace, and a mystical quality.
🌷 Éabha (Éabha)
Pronunciation: AY-va / AY-wa
Meaning: The Irish form of Eve, a Hebrew name linked to the words for “to breathe” or “to live.” Éabha is having a real moment: it was Ireland’s second most popular girls’ name in both 2024 and 2025, with 294 baby girls given the name in 2025, and it’s near the top of our guide to the most popular Irish baby names.
🌙 Étaín (Éadaoin)
Pronunciation: AY-teen (AY-deen for Éadaoin)
Meaning: Possibly from the Old Irish ét, meaning “jealousy” or “passion.” Known from Irish mythology, Étaín was a beautiful woman and a central figure in the story of the Tuatha Dé Danann. In The Wooing of Étaín, she’s the wife of Midir, turned into a fly by his jealous first wife and later reborn as a woman. Éadaoin is the modern Irish spelling, and 21 baby girls were given it in 2025.
🦢 Éala (Éala)
Pronunciation: AY-la
Meaning: From eala, the Irish word for “swan,” with the fada added in modern use. Swans loom large in Irish legend, most famously in the Children of Lir. Éala is one of the fastest-rising names in the country: 209 baby girls were named Éala in 2025, making it the 10th most popular girls’ name in Ireland, up from 53rd in 2023.
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 swift, 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 was proclaimed High King of Ireland in 1315 and killed at the Battle of Faughart in 1318.
🛡️ 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 OWN
Meaning: Possibly meaning “born of the yew tree” or “well-born,” 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 (Éimhín)
Pronunciation: AY-veen (EV-in in English)
Meaning: Meaning “swift” or “active,” it has roots in early Irish history. It was the name of three Irish saints, including St Éimhín, whose monastery gave Monasterevin in County Kildare its Irish name, Mainistir Eimhín.
🦅 Enda (Éanna)
Pronunciation: EN-da
Meaning: Derived from “Éanna,” an old Irish name of uncertain meaning (it’s sometimes linked to éan, “bird”). St. Enda, a 5th-century Irish saint whose feast day is 21 March, was a warrior turned monk who founded a monastic settlement on the Aran Islands.
🌿 Eanna (Éanna)
Pronunciation: AY-na
Meaning: A boys’ name of uncertain meaning, sometimes linked to éan, “bird.” Used in medieval Ireland, it appears in ancient genealogies and was borne by kings and saints. Spelled Éanna, it’s now the most popular genuinely Irish E name for boys: 66 baby boys got it in 2025.
⚡ Eben
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. There’s no traditional Irish form of Eben.
🦋 Eirnin (Eirnín)
Pronunciation: ER-nin
Meaning: A diminutive of the Old Irish earna, meaning “knowing” or “experienced,” it was the name of no fewer than seventeen Irish saints. It has strong historical roots in early Irish monastic tradition. If saints’ names appeal, our list of Irish Catholic names has plenty more.
🌾 Ernan (Earnán)
Pronunciation: ER-nan
Meaning: From Old Irish, a diminutive of earna, meaning “knowing” or “experienced.” It was borne by eight early Irish saints.
🌲 Evin (Éimhín)
Pronunciation: EV-in
Meaning: Meaning “swift” or “active,” this name is rooted in ancient Irish traditions. It is an English form of Éimhín, the name of three early Irish saints.
⚡ Edison
Pronunciation: ED-i-son
Meaning: Meaning “son of Eda” or “son of Adam,” this name gained fame through the inventor Thomas Edison. It’s far more common in other English-speaking countries than in Ireland and has no Irish form, but it still symbolizes innovation and creativity.
🌿 Evan
Pronunciation: EV-an
Meaning: Evan is Welsh, an English form of Ifan (John), so despite the similar sound it isn’t related to the Irish Éimhín. In modern times, it became popular in both Ireland and Wales: 76 baby boys were named Evan in Ireland in 2025.
🏹 Eibhear (Éibhear)
Pronunciation: AY-ver
Meaning: From the Old Irish Éber, a name of uncertain meaning. In Irish legend, Éibhear Finn and Éibhear Donn were sons of Míl, leader of the Gaels who conquered Ireland. Patrick Woulfe recorded it as a favourite name among the MacMahons in Ulster and on Cape Clear Island, where it was anglicised Heber. It’s rare today, which makes it a great pick if you want a genuinely old Irish name.
Checked against Patrick Woulfe’s Irish Names and Surnames (1923), the CSO’s Irish Babies’ Names 2025 figures and Behind the Name in October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular Irish girl names beginning with E?
Éabha is the clear leader: it was Ireland’s second most popular girls’ name in 2025, with 294 babies, according to the CSO. Éala came 10th that year, while Eimear and Éadaoin are steady, more traditional choices.
What are the best Irish boy names starting with E?
Éanna, Eoin and Eoghan are the most used genuinely Irish E names for boys, with 66, 53 and 41 babies respectively in 2025. Evan is more common again (76 boys), but it’s Welsh in origin.
How do you pronounce Éabha?
Éabha is pronounced AY-va, or AY-wa in some parts of Ireland. The fada on the É makes it a long “ay” sound, as in “day.”
Is Erin an Irish name?
Erin comes from Éire, the Irish name for Ireland, but it’s a modern first name rather than a traditional one. It was rare as a given name until the 1950s and is still well used in Ireland, with 75 baby girls named Erin in 2025.
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.
