This list has 44 Irish first names that start with F, and because F is one of the 18 letters of the traditional Irish alphabet, most of them are genuine Gaelic names, from Fiadh and Fódhla to Fionn and Fiachra.
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 top Irish names that start with F
- Fiadh (girl): “wild” or “deer”
- Fódhla (girl): a goddess of Ireland
- Fionnuala (girl): “fair shoulder”
- Fionn (boy): “fair” or “white”
- Fiachra (boy): possibly “raven” or “battle king”
- Faolán (boy): “little wolf”
Fiadh was the 3rd most popular girls’ name in Ireland in 2025 and Fionn was the 6th most popular boys’ name, according to the CSO. Checked against the CSO’s Irish Babies’ Names 2025 data, Patrick Woulfe’s Irish Names and Surnames and the Ó Dónaill Irish-English dictionary on teanglann.ie in October 2026.
Irish Girls First Names that Start with F
There’s something so mystical about names that start with F – probably because ‘fairies’ starts with F. We’re sure you’ll find some great ideas that start with F, both traditional and modern.
⭐ Our Favourite: Fiadh (Fiadh)
Pronunciation: FEE-ah
First Used: Fiadh is an old Irish word, but as a first name it’s modern: the CSO first recorded it in 2002, and it peaked in 2021 with 424 baby girls.
Meaning: Meaning “wild” or “deer” in Irish, Fiadh is a nature-inspired name that has surged in popularity in recent years. Rooted in Ireland’s deep connection to the land and wildlife, it reflects freedom and vitality. It was the 3rd most popular girls’ name in Ireland in 2025, with 273 baby girls registered as Fiadh (and another 79 as Fíadh), so it sits right near the top of the most popular Irish baby names.
Why It’s Our Favourite: Fiadh captures the wild beauty of Ireland’s landscape and folklore. It’s short, easy to say and unmistakably Irish. This name feels both ancient and fresh, making it a powerful yet poetic choice.
🌿 Fiona (Fíona)
Pronunciation: FEE-uh-nuh
Meaning: Usually linked to the Gaelic fionn, meaning “fair” or “white,” Fiona is often associated with elegance and nobility. It’s Scottish in origin: James Macpherson first used it in his Ossian poems in the 1760s, and William Sharp made it famous when he wrote as “Fiona Macleod” in the 1890s. It gained popularity in Ireland in the 20th century, peaking in 1972 with 657 baby girls. Famous Fionas include singer Fiona Apple and actress Fiona Shaw.
🦢 Finola (Fionnuala)
Pronunciation: fin-OO-lah
Meaning: An ancient Irish name meaning “fair-shouldered,” Fionnuala appears in Irish mythology as one of the Children of Lir, turned into a swan by a jealous stepmother. Finola is the anglicised spelling, and the name has endured for centuries: Woulfe notes it was common into the late 1600s, and actress Fionnula Flanagan keeps it on screens today.
📜 Frances (Proinséas)
Pronunciation: FRAN-sis
Meaning: The Irish form of Frances, Proinséas, comes from Latin Franciscus, meaning “Frenchman.” Traditionally associated with Saint Francis of Assisi, the name became common in Ireland through religious influence. Frances Browne, a 19th-century Irish writer, was one of its notable bearers.
Choose a Different Letter
F
⛲ Florence
Pronunciation: FLOR-ence
Meaning: Stemming from the Latin Florentius, meaning “flourishing” or “prosperous,” Florence has no traditional Irish form of its own. In Ireland it was used for boys as an English stand-in for Irish names like Fínghin (especially in Munster) and Flann, though Woulfe called the Fínghin swap “absurd.” Florence Nightingale gave the name an enduring association with healing and care.
🌸 Flora
Pronunciation: FLOR-ah
Meaning: Flora comes from the Latin flos, meaning “flower,” rather than from Irish (the Irish word for flower is bláth), so there’s no traditional Irish form. This name embodies nature and renewal. The Roman goddess of flowers, Flora, contributed to its popularity. Though more common in Scotland, where it stood in for the Gaelic Fionnghal, it’s used in Ireland too, symbolizing beauty and growth.
🔥 Fidelma (Feidhelm)
Pronunciation: fih-DEL-ma
Meaning: A Latinised form of the old Irish name Fedelm (Feidhelm), Fidelma appears in medieval history and mythology. Its meaning is uncertain, though it may be a feminine form of Feidlimid. Saint Fidelma, a daughter of King Laoghaire who was baptised by St. Patrick along with her sister Eithne, helped solidify its spiritual significance. It was widely used in early Ireland and remains a distinctive choice today.
🏰 Fionnuala (Fionnuala)
Pronunciation: fin-OO-lah
Meaning: The Irish original behind Finola (and itself a shortened form of Fionnghuala), Fionnuala has deep roots in Irish mythology. One of the most tragic yet beautiful figures in folklore, Fionnuala was a princess cursed to live as a swan for 900 years. The name carries an air of legend and timeless beauty.
🍀 Fallon (Ó Fallamhain)
Pronunciation: FALL-on
Meaning: Originally an Irish surname meaning “leader” or “descendant of Fallamhan,” Fallon has become a first name in recent years (seven baby girls in Ireland were named Fallon in 2025). It signifies strength and resilience. The O’Fallons were lords of Clann Uadach, in the barony of Athlone in Co. Roscommon.
🕊️ Fenella (Fionnghuala)
Pronunciation: fen-EL-uh
Meaning: An anglicised form of Fionnuala, meaning “fair-shouldered,” Fenella has strong roots in Irish mythology. Sir Walter Scott gave it a boost with the character Fenella in Peveril of the Peak (1823). It was famously borne by one of the Children of Lir, transformed into a swan for 900 years. The name remains a lyrical and elegant choice.
🔥 Flannery (Ó Flannabhra)
Pronunciation: FLAN-uh-ree
Meaning: From the surname Ó Flannabhra, “descendant of Flannabhra” (red eyebrows), built on flann, meaning “red” or “ruddy,” Flannery was originally a surname before being adapted as a given name for girls and boys. It carries connotations of warmth and fire, and was famously borne by Irish-American writer Flannery O’Connor, known for her Southern Gothic literature.
🏹 Ferelith (Forbflaith)
Pronunciation: FAIR-uh-lith
Meaning: The anglicised form of the old Gaelic name Forbflaith, meaning “overlord” or “sovereign.” It was historically given to noblewomen, particularly in Scotland and Ireland. Ferelith symbolizes wisdom and leadership, and it’s been in rare use, mostly in Scotland, since the late 1800s.
🍂 Fia (Fia)
Pronunciation: FEE-ah
Meaning: Meaning “wild” or “deer” in Irish, Fia is the modern Irish spelling of fiadh, and 18 baby girls in Ireland were named Fia in 2025. It embodies freedom and connection to the land, fitting for those drawn to nature’s beauty.
🌍 Fódhla (Fódhla)
Pronunciation: FOH-luh
Meaning: Fódhla (also spelled Fódla) is one of the three goddesses of the land in Irish mythology, alongside Ériu and Banba, who each asked the poet Amergin to name Ireland after her. Her name is linked to the Old Irish word for sod or land, and poets still use Fódhla as a name for Ireland. You’ll meet her sisters among the Irish gods and goddesses. It’s on the rise, too: 28 baby girls were named Fódhla in 2025, up from 8 in 2020.
⛪ Fainche (Fainche)
Pronunciation: FAN-heh
Meaning: An old Irish saint’s name (Fanchea in Latin) whose meaning isn’t recorded. Woulfe lists two saints called Fainche, including a sister of St. Enda of Aran who was patroness of Rossory on Lough Erne. It was once anglicised as Fanny.
🦌 Fiadhnait (Fiadhnait)
Pronunciation: FEE-uh-nitch
Meaning: A feminine diminutive of fiadh, so roughly “little deer.” It was the name of an early Irish saint with a feast day on 4 January, and it was anglicised as Feenat or Feena.
Irish Boys First Names that Start with F
There are some great names starting with F, such as Fiachra and Faolán. Especially if you’re looking for twin names, there are some great-sounding pairs in this list.
A few entries, like Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, Farrell, Ferris, Forbes, Ford, Finnegan and Flanagan, are surnames found in Ireland that only turn up now and then as first names, so we’ve given their surname forms. You’ll find more in our list of Irish last names starting with F.
⭐ Our Favourite: Fiachra (Fiachra)
Pronunciation: FEE-uh-kra
First Used: Early medieval Ireland, linked to Irish mythology and saints.
Meaning: Possibly meaning “raven” or “battle king,” Fiachra is an ancient name with deep mythological roots. In Irish legend, Fiachra was one of the four Children of Lir, transformed into swans for 900 years. The name represents resilience, wisdom, and transformation.
Why It’s Our Favourite: Fiachra is a name with rich storytelling power. It carries both a warrior’s strength and a mystical connection to nature, making it one of the most evocative and timeless Irish names. It’s rare yet deeply embedded in Ireland’s folklore, giving it a truly legendary feel.
🦊 Finn (Fionn)
Pronunciation: FIN (Fyun)
Meaning: Derived from the Old Irish fionn, meaning “fair” or “white.” The name is famously associated with Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the legendary warrior of Irish mythology. It has been used since ancient times and remains a popular choice in Ireland and beyond.
🏹 Fergus (Fearghus)
Pronunciation: FUR-gus (FAR-ah-gus)
Meaning: A name of strength, meaning “man of vigour.” Fergus Mac Róich was a warrior in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, known for his bravery and loyalty. The name has been in use since medieval times and is common in both Ireland and Scotland.
🔥 Fintan (Fiontán)
Pronunciation: FIN-tan (FYUN-tawn)
Meaning: Possibly meaning “white fire” or “white ancient one,” Fintan is linked to Fintan mac Bóchra, a mythical wise man who survived the biblical flood. The name symbolises wisdom and longevity and has been used in Ireland since early Christian times.
🍀 Felix (Féilim)
Pronunciation: FEE-liks (FAY-lim)
Meaning: Felix itself is Latin for “lucky,” but Féilim (Feidhlim), a short form of the old Irish Feidhlimidh, was often anglicised as Felix or Phelim. It has historical significance through Sir Féilim Rua Ó Néill (Sir Phelim O’Neill), who started the 1641 rebellion in Ulster. The name has positive connotations of happiness and success.
📜 Francis (Proinsias)
Pronunciation: FRAN-sis (PRUN-shees)
Meaning: An Irish adaptation of the Latin Franciscus, meaning “Frenchman.” Proinsias is widely associated with St. Francis of Assisi and became popular in Ireland through Franciscan monks.
🌊 Finley (Fionnlagh)
Pronunciation: FIN-lee (Fyun-lah)
Meaning: Originally Scottish Gaelic but used in Ireland, meaning “fair warrior” or “white hero.” It was historically popular in Scotland and remains common today.
🍁 Flynn (Flann)
Pronunciation: FLIN (FLAN)
Meaning: From the Irish Flann, through the surname Ó Floinn, meaning “reddish” or “ruddy,” often referring to someone with red hair. Historically, the name belonged to kings and poets in early medieval Ireland.
🛡️ Farrell (Fearghal)
Pronunciation: FAR-uhl (FAR-gal)
Meaning: Meaning “man of valour” or “brave warrior,” this name was common among ancient Irish chieftains, and Farrell was one of its English forms. The O’Farrells (Ó Fearghail) ruled Annaly in Co. Longford for centuries.
🏰 Fitzgerald (Mac Gearailt)
Pronunciation: FITZ-jer-ald (Mak GYAR-ilt)
Meaning: A Norman-Irish surname meaning “son of Gerald,” Fitzgerald became a powerful name in medieval Ireland, linked to the influential Geraldine dynasty. The family played a key role in Irish history, with figures like Lord Edward Fitzgerald, a leader in the 1798 Irish Rebellion.
⛪ Fitzpatrick (Mac Giolla Phádraig)
Pronunciation: FITZ-pat-rik (Mak GIL-uh FAW-drig)
Meaning: Meaning “son of the devotee of Patrick,” Fitzpatrick is the only Irish surname with the Norman “Fitz” prefix that is fully Gaelic in origin. The Mac Giolla Phádraig clan were powerful rulers in Ossory, with a history tied to St. Patrick’s legacy.
🦅 Fiach (Fiach)
Pronunciation: FEE-ukh
Meaning: Meaning “raven” or “hunt,” Fiach is an old warrior name in Irish history. It was famously borne by Fiach McHugh O’Byrne, a 16th-century chieftain who led resistance against English forces in Ireland.
🌿 Fionán (Fionán)
Pronunciation: FYO-nawn
Meaning: Derived from fionn, meaning “fair” or “bright,” Fionán is associated with St. Fionán, a 6th-century Irish abbot and founder of monasteries. The name conveys wisdom and enlightenment.
⚔️ Ferris (Ó Fearghuis)
Pronunciation: FER-is
Meaning: From the surname Ó Fearghuis, “descendant of Fearghus,” the same name behind Fergus. Woulfe records one family of the name as physicians to the O’Malleys in west Connacht. The surname Ferris remains common in Kerry.
🛡️ Fergal (Fearghal)
Pronunciation: FUR-gal (FAR-gal)
Meaning: Meaning “brave man” or “valorous,” Fergal was the name of High King Fearghal mac Máele Dúin, who ruled in the 8th century. It symbolizes leadership and courage.
🌊 Finbar (Fionnbharr)
Pronunciation: FIN-bar (FYUN-var)
Meaning: Meaning “fair-haired,” St. Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork. His monastery became the foundation of modern-day Cork city. The name is still popular in Ireland today.
🐺 Faelan (Faolán)
Pronunciation: FAY-lawn
Meaning: Meaning “little wolf,” Faolán was a name borne by many Irish kings and warriors. It represents stealth, loyalty, and strength, with strong ties to early Irish clans.
🍀 Finnegan (Ó Fionnagáin)
Pronunciation: FIN-uh-gan
Meaning: Meaning “little fair one,” Finnegan is linked to the famous Irish ballad Finnegan’s Wake, which inspired James Joyce’s novel. It conveys resilience and renewal.
💰 Forbes (Mac Firbhisigh)
Pronunciation: FORBZ (Mak FIR-vish-ee)
Meaning: Originally a Scottish surname, Forbes was adopted into Irish usage. In Connacht it became the usual English form of Mac Firbhisigh, “son of Fearbhisigh” (man of prosperity), the family of hereditary historians who compiled the Book of Lecan. The Forbes family were influential landowners in Ireland during the 17th century.
🌉 Ford (Fórd)
Pronunciation: FORD (FOHRD)
Meaning: Ford is an Anglo-Norman surname, from the French le fort, “the strong,” and Woulfe gives Fórd as its Irish form for the family who settled in Meath and Louth.
🚗 Fiacre (Fiachra)
Pronunciation: FEE-uh-kra
Meaning: The French form of Fiachra, possibly meaning “battle king,” Fiacre was the name of a 7th-century Irish saint who founded a monastery at Breuil in France and became the patron saint of gardeners and of taxi drivers in France, as Parisian cabs were once called fiacres after him.
📖 Finnian (Fionnán)
Pronunciation: FIN-ee-an (FYUN-awn)
Meaning: Derived from fionn, meaning “fair” or “white,” Finnian was borne by several early saints, including St. Finnian of Clonard, known as the “Teacher of the Saints of Ireland.” The name symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment.
🍂 Flanagan (Ó Flannagáin)
Pronunciation: FLAN-uh-gan (FLAN-a-gawn)
Meaning: From Flann, meaning “red” or “ruddy,” Flanagan was an ancient Irish surname borne by at least five separate families, including stewards to the kings of Connacht. It remains a common surname today.
🌑 Feardorcha (Fardoragh)
Pronunciation: FAR-dur-kha
Meaning: Meaning “dark man,” Feardorcha was a name for a dark-complexioned man, and English records sometimes swapped it for Frederick or Ferdinand. It was famously used by Feardorcha Ó Néill (Matthew O’Neill, Baron of Dungannon), an Irish noble in the 16th century.
⚔️ Ferdia (Fear Diadh)
Pronunciation: FER-dee-uh
Meaning: The meaning isn’t settled, but the story is famous: in the Táin Bó Cúailnge, Ferdia was Cú Chulainn’s foster-brother and best friend, forced to fight him at a ford for three days until he was killed. The town of Ardee in Co. Louth (Baile Átha Fhirdhia) is said to be named after him. Eleven baby boys were named Ferdia in Ireland in 2025.
🐦 Féichín (Féichín)
Pronunciation: FAY-heen
Meaning: Meaning “little raven,” from fiach, Féichín was the name of St. Féichín, who founded the monastery at Fore in Co. Westmeath and died in a plague in 665. In west Connacht it was anglicised as Festus.
🕯️ Fachtna (Fachtna)
Pronunciation: FAKHT-nuh
Meaning: An old Irish name whose meaning isn’t certain. St. Fachtna founded the monastery of Ros Ailithir (Rosscarbery) in Co. Cork around the end of the 6th century and is patron saint of the Diocese of Ross. The O’Kellys of Connacht also used the name, anglicising it as Festus.
🔥 Flannán (Flannán)
Pronunciation: FLAN-awn
Meaning: A diminutive of flann, meaning “ruddy” or “red.” St. Flannán is the patron saint of the Diocese of Killaloe, with a feast day on 18 December.
Frequently asked questions
What are Irish girl names beginning with F?
Fiadh, Fódhla, Fionnuala, Fidelma, Fainche and Fiadhnait are genuine Irish girls’ names beginning with F. Fiadh is the most popular by far: it was the 3rd most common girls’ name in Ireland in 2025, according to the CSO.
What are Irish boy names beginning with F?
Fionn, Finn, Fiachra, Faolán, Fergal, Fergus, Féilim, Ferdia and Féichín are all Irish boys’ names beginning with F. Fionn was the 6th most popular boys’ name in Ireland in 2025, with 321 baby boys.
Is Fiona an Irish name?
Not originally. Fiona was first used by the Scottish poet James Macpherson in the 1760s and made famous by William Sharp’s pen name, Fiona Macleod, though it comes from the Gaelic fionn (“fair”) and was hugely popular in Ireland in the 1970s.
Is Faye an Irish name?
No. Faye comes from the English word fay, meaning “fairy,” via Old French, and it has no Irish form. It is well used in Ireland, though: 61 baby girls were named Faye in 2025.
How do you pronounce Fiadh?
Fiadh is pronounced FEE-ah, much like “Mia” with an F. The “dh” at the end is silent.
Thank you for taking the time to explore our list of Irish names. If you enjoyed this list of Irish names then we bet you’ll also like some of our other research into Irish names.
