Irish Girls First Names that Start with J

Lots of Irish names for girls that start with the letter J are very different in Irish compared to English. For example, Seosaimhín is Josephine, and Fionnghuala is Jennifer.

⭐ Our Favourite: Seod (Jewel)

Pronunciation: Shod
First Used: Ancient Irish poetry and folklore
Meaning: Seod means “jewel” in Irish, symbolizing something rare and precious. Though not commonly used as a given name, it has long appeared in poetry as a term of endearment and beauty.
Why It’s Our Favourite: Seod is deeply poetic and uniquely Irish, evoking the magic of old Gaelic verses. Unlike many direct translations, it feels authentically woven into Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition. A hidden gem of a name—quite literally!

🍀 Jane (Sinéad)

Pronunciation: Shin-ade
Meaning: An Irish form of Jane, Sinéad means “God is gracious.” It became popular in Ireland through Norman influence. Famous bearers include singer Sinéad O’Connor, known for her powerful voice and activism.

🌊 Jennifer (Fionnghuala)

Pronunciation: Fin-oo-lah
Meaning: Fionnghuala means “fair-shouldered” and originates from ancient Irish mythology. It was borne by Fionnuala, one of the Children of Lir, transformed into a swan. The anglicised Jennifer became popular after the 20th century.

🏹 Jessica (Seasica)

Pronunciation: Shass-ih-ka
Meaning: A rare Irish adaptation of Jessica, possibly inspired by “Seasaigh,” meaning “to stand” or “endure.” Jessica itself originated from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, but its Irish counterpart is seldom seen today.

🌺 Julia (Iúile)

Pronunciation: Yoo-lah
Meaning: Derived from the Latin Julius, meaning “youthful,” Iúile is a poetic Irish take on the classic Julia. It shares roots with Iúil, the Irish word for July, symbolizing warmth and vitality.

🌸 Jasmine (Seasmín)

Pronunciation: Shass-meen
Meaning: A delicate floral name, Seasmín is the Irish version of Jasmine, derived from the Persian word yasamin. While not traditionally Irish, it blends seamlessly with Gaelic phonetics.

🌟 Josephine (Seosaimhín)

Pronunciation: Shuh-sev-een
Meaning: A diminutive of Seosamh (Joseph), Seosaimhín means “God will increase.” It was popularised in the early 20th century, particularly among devout Catholic families.

🔥 Joan (Siobhán)

Pronunciation: Shiv-awn
Meaning: The Irish form of Joan, Siobhán means “God is gracious.” It was introduced to Ireland by the Normans and remains a strong traditional name. Siobhán McKenna, an acclaimed Irish actress, carried the name with grace.

😊 Joy (Áthas)

Pronunciation: Aw-hus
Meaning: Áthas is the Irish word for “joy” or “happiness.” While not a common given name, it reflects the deep connection between Irish names and emotions, often appearing in poetry and storytelling.

🌿 Janet (Sinéad)

Pronunciation: Shin-ade
Meaning: Like Jane, Janet has its Irish counterpart in Sinéad, meaning “God is gracious.” Though Janet was more common in Scotland, Sinéad remained a distinctively Irish choice.

💎 Jade (Séid)

Pronunciation: Shayj
Meaning: Séid, meaning “blast” or “gust of wind,” is a poetic interpretation of Jade, which traditionally symbolizes wisdom and prosperity. The name evokes nature and the mystical Irish landscape.

🍀 Jemma (Seama)

Pronunciation: Sham-ah
Meaning: A softer, Irish-flavoured take on Gemma, Seama is thought to derive from seamh, meaning “gentle.” Gemma itself originates from the Italian word for “jewel,” making it a fitting choice for a precious name.

🔥 Joanna (Siobhán)

Pronunciation: Shiv-awn
Meaning: The Irish equivalent of Joanna, Siobhán means “God is gracious.” Popular since the Norman invasion, it has graced Irish literature and history, with figures like Siobhán McKenna leaving a lasting legacy.

🌊 Jean (Sinéad)

Pronunciation: Shin-ade
Meaning: An Irish version of Jean, Sinéad carries the same meaning—”God is gracious.” It became widely known through figures like singer Sinéad O’Connor, who gave the name international recognition.

🌟 Josie (Seosaimhín)

Pronunciation: Shuh-sev-een
Meaning: A diminutive of Seosamh (Joseph), Seosaimhín means “God will increase.” Once common among Irish Catholic families, it retains an old-world charm while being effortlessly modern.

🌸 Juliette (Iúiléid)

Pronunciation: Yoo-layj
Meaning: A lyrical Irish variation of Juliette, Iúiléid is linked to Iúil (July), evoking warmth and romance. Though the classic Juliette gained fame through Shakespeare, this softer Gaelic version has an enchanting feel.

🎻 Jessie (Seasí)

Pronunciation: Shass-ee
Meaning: Seasí is a rare Irish take on Jessie, a diminutive of Seasaigh, meaning “to stand” or “endure.” While Jessie is often associated with Jessica or Jean, this Gaelic spin feels distinctly strong and independent.

🌿 Jolene (Siolín)

Pronunciation: Shuh-leen
Meaning: Siolín gives Jolene an Irish touch. While Jolene was popularized by the famous Dolly Parton song, its possible origins from jo (God) and lene (light) make it a name full of warmth and hope.

🌊 Jayla (Séala)

Pronunciation: Shay-la
Meaning: Séala is an Irish-inspired adaptation of Jayla, reminiscent of séala, meaning “seal” or “mark.” Though Jayla has modern origins, its soft Gaelic sound makes it fit naturally into the Irish naming tradition.

🍀 Janelle (Sinéad)

Pronunciation: Shin-ade
Meaning: A French-influenced diminutive of Jane, Janelle aligns with Sinéad, the Irish form of Jane, meaning “God is gracious.” Sinéad O’Connor brought this name global recognition, making it one of the most famous Irish names today.

🎶 Jovie (Ióibí)

Pronunciation: Yo-bee
Meaning: Ióibí is a playful, Irish take on Jovie, which derives from the Latin jovialis, meaning “joyful” or “of Jupiter.” Though rare, it captures the essence of happiness, much like its English counterpart.

🏹 Jessa (Seasa)

Pronunciation: Shass-ah
Meaning: Seasa is an Irish take on Jessa, likely linked to seasaigh, meaning “to stand” or “endure.” A strong and steady name, it carries a sense of resilience and independence.

🌿 Janis (Seainis)

Pronunciation: Shan-iss
Meaning: Seainis is a rare Gaelic version of Janis, which itself comes from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious.” Janis Joplin made this name iconic, giving it an association with soulful music and free-spirited energy.

🌺 Julissa (Iúilíosa)

Pronunciation: Yoo-lee-oh-sa
Meaning: A modern blend of Julia and Alissa, Julissa takes on a fresh Irish twist as Iúilíosa, linked to Iúil (July). The name evokes summer warmth and brightness, making it a unique yet fitting choice.

🌊 Jovana (Iovánna)

Pronunciation: Yo-van-ah
Meaning: Iovánna is the Gaelic version of Jovana, a Slavic variation of Joanna, meaning “God is gracious.” With echoes of Iománaíocht (hurling), the name subtly nods to Ireland’s deep-rooted sporting heritage.

🍀 Jaylene (Séilín)

Pronunciation: Shay-leen
Meaning: Séilín is a lyrical Gaelic version of Jaylene, a modern blend of Jay and Eileen. It echoes séala (seal), symbolizing protection and strength.

🍀 Jaida (Séida)

Pronunciation: Shay-da
Meaning: Séida is the Irish equivalent of Jaida, likely connected to jade, the precious green stone. In Irish culture, green represents prosperity, making this name particularly symbolic.

🎶 Jovianne (Ioviánn)

Pronunciation: Yo-vee-awn
Meaning: Ioviánn, a rare Irish take on Jovianne, stems from Jove, meaning “heavenly.” It carries an elegant rhythm and a sense of divine energy.

Irish Boys First Names that Start with J

As you can probably expect by now, boys’ names also don’t translate directly from English to Irish, but there are still some good ones to choose from.

⭐ Our Favourite: Jorah (Iorach)

Pronunciation: YOH-rah
First Used: Rarely recorded in Ireland but fits within Gaelic naming traditions
Meaning: From Hebrew, meaning ‘early rain’ or ‘autumn rain.’
Why It’s Our Favourite: Iorach feels naturally Irish while carrying a poetic, weather-related meaning that resonates with Ireland’s misty landscape. It also has a modern pop culture connection through Game of Thrones, giving it both timeless and contemporary appeal. It’s rare, yet effortlessly fits within the rhythm of traditional Gaelic names.

🏰 James (Séamus)

Pronunciation: SHAY-mus
Meaning: An Irish form of James, Séamus comes from the Hebrew Ya’aqov, meaning ‘supplanter.’ It became popular after the Norman invasion of Ireland. Notable bearers include Séamus Heaney, the Nobel-winning poet, and many Irish revolutionaries.

☘️ John (Seán)

Pronunciation: SHAWN
Meaning: Derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning ‘God is gracious,’ Seán has been a staple in Irish history for centuries. Seán O’Casey, the playwright, and Seán MacBride, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, carried this name with pride.

🎭 Jack (Seán)

Pronunciation: JAK
Meaning: In Ireland, Jack is often a diminutive of Seán. The name became popular in the 19th century and remains a top choice today. Jack Charlton, the beloved manager of the Irish football team, cemented its popularity.

🌾 Joseph (Seosamh)

Pronunciation: SHOW-suv
Meaning: From the Hebrew Yosef, meaning ‘God will add,’ Seosamh has deep biblical roots. Seosamh Mac Grianna was a notable Irish writer, and the name is a common feature in Irish Catholic families.

🐑 Jacob (Iacób)

Pronunciation: YAH-kobe
Meaning: A name of biblical origin meaning ‘holder of the heel’ or ‘supplanter.’ Though not as widespread in Ireland, it has been used in Irish-speaking communities since the 17th century, often linked to European influences.

🎶 Justin (Iustín)

Pronunciation: YOOS-teen
Meaning: Rooted in the Latin Iustinus, meaning ‘just’ or ‘fair,’ Iustín became popular in Ireland due to early Christian influences. St. Iustín, an early Christian martyr, gave the name its religious significance.

🏗️ Jaxon (Seacán)

Pronunciation: SHAH-kawn
Meaning: A modern variant of Jackson, meaning ‘son of Jack.’ In Irish, Seacán is a diminutive of Seán. While Jaxon is a newer name, Seacán has long been used in Irish folklore for figures with resilience and strength.

⚔️ Jovanic (Iovánach)

Pronunciation: YOH-vah-nakh
Meaning: A variant of Jovan, meaning ‘descendant of Jupiter.’ Iovánach is an old Gaelic adaptation, though seldom used. It has an air of nobility, tied to warriors and rulers in ancient times.

🌿 Jedidiah (Iedidiah)

Pronunciation: YED-ee-DY-ah
Meaning: Meaning ‘beloved of God,’ Iedidiah appears in biblical stories but was never common in Ireland. It gained occasional usage among Puritan settlers, with modern appearances in literature and pop culture.

🔥 Jax (Seacs)

Pronunciation: SHAKS
Meaning: A modern short form of Jackson, meaning ‘son of Jack.’ Seacs is an Irish phonetic twist, carrying a bold, sharp energy that fits its contemporary style.

🌱 Jayden (Séadan)

Pronunciation: SHAY-dan
Meaning: A modern name meaning ‘thankful’ or ‘God has heard.’ Séadan is a uniquely Irish take, aligning with traditional Gaelic names. Jayden has surged in popularity globally, favored for its soft yet strong sound.

🌊 Jadran (Iadhrán)

Pronunciation: YAH-drawn
Meaning: Of Slavic origin, meaning ‘from the Adriatic Sea.’ Iadhrán has an Irish feel, resembling traditional names like Ciarán. Though rare in Ireland, its connection to water and exploration makes it a strong, adventurous choice.

Despite the difficulty with translation, there are still some great names to choose from that start with the letter J. You might also be interested in some of our other resources on Irish names. We also have a list of Irish surnames that start with J.