List share #1: The wildest of my GPs!

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I thought I'd do a different post idea, and share some of my personal name lists. My name lists grow a lot, I'm always looking for new names to love. I think having large namelists is a great thing, because when you come to have children, you can look back at your lists if you're stuck during your naming journey. 

Today I'm going to post about the weirdest, and most wonderful names on my guilty pleasure (GP) list. Names become guilty pleasures for me if they have a negative personal or famous association, if they sound too unfamiliar in my mother tongue (British English), or if they are just simply too crazy to use in real life.

Florentine

I have Florentine on my GP list because I think it's a little too unusual for real life and it's also the name of a dialect spoken in Florence. Florentine is the French form of Florentina, which itself is the feminsation of Florentinus, which is an Ancient Roman name that has a meaning of "prosperous; flourishing" as being derived from Florentius. 

Libertine

I made up Libertine as a name, after visiting the Libertine Pub in London. Sound and appearance wise, I thought it was such a pretty word. However, the meaning is the total opposite (a "playboy") so it's staying firmly on the GP list. 

Holiday

I have Holiday on my GP list because I feel that it's still too connected to the word to be used in real life. The word means "holy day" and the name is of Modern English usage, though it is rare. Holiday featured in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's, on the character Holiday "Holly" Golightly, who was played by Audrey Hepburn. 

Madelina

I have Madelina on my GP list because it seems too unusual to use in real life, and it may lead to some teasing because of the "mad" beginning. Madelina is the Latinate form of the more common Madeleine, which itself is a variation of Magdalene. 

Marie des Neiges

I have Marie des Neiges on my GP list because it's too unfamiliar in my native language. Marie des Neiges is a French religious name, which has a beautiful meaning of "Mary of the snows". It's rare in its native France, where the similar Marie-Neige is more common. 

Zipporah

I have Zipporah on my GP list, simply because I think it's too unusual to use in real life. Zipporah is of Hebrew origins, where it's original transcript is Tzipporah. It has a meaning of "bird" and in Hebrew, it can be written as צִפּוֹרָה. 

Pomeline

I have Pomeline on my GP list, because I think it's too unusual in my native language, as well as being a little out there. Pomeline is the French form of Pomellina, a medieval Italian name whose meaning is unknown. A famous bearer of Pomeline is Charlotte Casiraghi, the granddaughter of Princess Grace of Monaco, whose full name is Charlotte Marie Pomeline. 

Ebenezer

I have Ebenezer on my GP list, because as cool sounding as it is, it's too connected for Scrooge to me and as a lover of Christmas, it would seem awkward of me to use it in real life. Ebenezer is a Biblical name, and has a meaning of "stone of help". The only time Ebenezer appeared on the US popularity charts was in 1884, where it had a ranking of #764.

Wenceslaus

I have Wenceslaus on my GP list, because, even though that it's a lovely carol, I feel that it's too associated with Good King Wenceslaus in my native language to use in real life. Wenceslaus is the Latin form of Veceslav, which has a meaning of "more; glory". 

Zadok

I have Zadok on my GP list, because I feel that it's too unusual to use in real life, and in my country it's heavily associated, as beautiful as the tune is, to the coronation anthem, Zadok the Priest. Zadok is of Ancient Hebrew origins and it has a meaning of "righteous". 

Erasmus

I have Erasmus on my GP list, because I feel that it's too pretentious for real life. Erasmus is derived from the Greek ερασμιος, which has a meaning of "beloved". Erasmus was the name of a fourth century Saint, who was also known as Saint Elmo, and the famous Renaissance painter.

Zephyrus

I have Zephyrus on my GP list, because I feel that it's too pretentious for real life. Zephyrus is the Latin form of Zephyros, which itself is related to Zephyr, which has a meaning of "west wind". 

Naming Nationalities #3: Spanish names

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I apologise for not posting for what seems like ages, revision and exams have been the main focus at the moment!

Today I thought I'd post about my favourite naming nationality, which is that of Spanish names. I hope to end up settling down in the Balearic Islands in the future, so I'll most likely get to use a few Spanish gems. 

Adelina

My most favourite girl's name, Adelina has a meaning of "noble". As well as in Spain, Adelina is also used in Italy, Portugal, Romania and Germany. And now in the US, as it ranked at #531 in the popularity charts last year. 

Alaia

This unusual name, which can also be found as Alaïa, is of Basque origins and has a beautiful meaning of "joyful; happy". 

Alba

This spunky name has a meaning of "dawn" in the Spanish language, though it has been suggested that it also has Latin and Ancient Germanic routes. In England and Wales, it ranked at #378 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in Spain, where it is the name of a Duchy, it ranked at #11 in the popularity charts that same year. The last time Alba appeared on the US popularity charts was in 1923, where it had a ranking of #940.

Adelaida

Adelaida is a regal Spanish form of Adelaide. It also has it's usage in Hungary. Adelaida, as a variant of Adelaide, has a meaning of "noble natured". It is an unusual name in both Spain and the US.

Adoración

This interesting name has a charming meaning of "adoration" in the Spanish language. The name refers to The Adoration of the Magi, the part of the Nativity Story where the Magi gave gifts to the Baby Jesus, also making this name appropriate for a baby born in December or around the Epiphany. It's (still unusual) more common diminutive is Adora. 

Lucia

Common amongst babies of Hispanic heritage, this elegant name has a meaning of "light" as it is derived from the more masculine Lucius. In its native Spain, Lucia was the most popular name for girls in 2013, whilst in  England and Wales, it ranked at #169 in the popularity  charts that same year; and in the US, it ranked at #230 in the popularity charts a year later.

Ana

The quirky Spanish form of Anna has a meaning of "grace". In it's native Spain, it ranked at #19 on the popularity charts in 2013, whereas in England and Wales, it ranked at #397 in the popularity charts that same year; and lastly, in the US, it ranked at #222 in the popularity charts a year later.

Concepción

Another religious name, Concepción refers to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and is the name of a city in Chile. The English translation is literally "conception". In the US, it last appeared on the popularity charts in 1937, where it had a ranking of #964. 

Emiliana

This regal name has a meaning of "rival", as being originally derived from Aemilius, which itself is derived from Emil. It is a rare name in both Spain and the United States.

Abilio

This interesting name is the Spanish form of the Ancient Roman Avilius, whose meaning is unknown. It can also be spelt as Abílio in Portuguese.

Alfonso

A royal name in Spain, Alfonso has a meaning of "noble and ready" in the Spanish language.  In its native Spain, it last appeared on the popularity charts in 2004, where it had a ranking of #99. In the US however, it had a ranking of #849 in the popularity charts last year. 

Alvaro

Spelt as Álvaro in Spanish, this handsome name has a meaning of "army; warrior" as being suggested from the Germanic name Alfher. In Spain, Alvaro ranked at #5 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the US, it ranked at #922 a year later.

Cristóbal

This exotic Spanish variant of Christopher has a meaning of "bearing Christ". In Spanish speaking Chile, it had a ranking of #10 on the popularity charts in 2006. In the US, it last appeared on the popularity charts a year later, where it had a ranking of #917. 

Domingo

The Spanish form of Dominic has a meaning of "of the Lord". In the US, it last made an appearance on the popularity charts in 1993, where it had a ranking of #952.

Eliseo

This quirky Spanish variation of Elisha has a meaning of "my God is salvation". In the US, it had a ranking of #949 in the popularity charts last year.

Felipe

The name of the King of Spain himself is the Spanish form of Philip. It has a meaning of "friend of horses". In the US, it had a ranking of #713 in the popularity charts last year.

Florencio

This handsome name is the Spanish form of Florentius, which itself is a masculine form of the more feminine Florence. It is a rare name in both Spain and the US.

And her name is .... Charlotte Elizabeth Diana!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have named their daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, a beautiful name for a beautiful little Princess. She's a younger sister to George Alexander Louis.

Credits: BBC / IB Times / US Magazine

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Charlotte
Charlotte has featured a few times in British royal history, first appearing on Charlotte Stuart, Duchess of Albany, the illegitimate daughter of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his mistress Clementina Walkinshaw. The next royal bearer of the name was Charlotte, Princess Royal (1766-1828; later Queen of Württemburg). Following her was George III's wife Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. In Europe, Charlotte is currently the name of Princess Caroline of Monaco's daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi. 

Charlotte has a meaning of "man", as a feminisation of Charles. In England it was #21 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it was #11 on the popularity charts that same year.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a very classic name that has been used throughout royal history, starting with Elizabeth of York, the mother of Henry VIII of England. The next royal Elizabeth was her granddaughter, Elizabeth I of England "the Virgin Queen". After her was Princess Elizabeth of the United Kingdom (1770-1840) and Princess Elizabeth of Clarence (1820-1821). More recently, it's been worn by the Queen Mother and the Queen herself. It is also the middle name of Kate as well as a number of other royals. 

Elizabeth has a meaning of "God is my oath" and In England, Elizabeth ranked at #39 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #10 in the popularity charts that same year.

Diana
The name of the much adored Princess of Wales has a meaning of "heavenly; divine" and is the name of the Roman goddess of the moon, hunting, forests and childbirth. The Roman goddess Diana is commonly identified with the Greek goddess, Artemis. In England, Diana ranked at #358 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #270 that same year.

Another royal Diana includes Diane, Duchess of Württemburg, who was born in 1940 at was originally a member of the defunct French Orléans Royal Family.

A Princess is born! Last Minute Predictions for the new Cambridge Baby

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I'm so delighted for the Cambridges on the arrival of their new little Princess, who is the first Princess to bear the title since the Duke of York's daughter Princess Eugenie back in 1990. The Earl of Wessex's daughter is technically a Princess, however upon his and his wife's wishes, she's "just" a Lady. 

I have also decided that I'll post photos in my blog to make it a bit more colourful!


Victoria
The name of Queen Victoria and a (reportedly) favourite of William's seems like a very appropriate choice for the little Princess. Victoria has a meaning of "victory" and ranked at #88 in the popularity charts in England in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #25 in the popularity charts that same year.

Elizabeth
The name of the Queen herself features many times in  history has a meaning of "God is my oath". Elizabeth has been popular for many years and is considered a classic. In England, Elizabeth ranked at #39 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #10 in the popularity charts that same year.

Diana
The name of the late Princess of Wales who unexpectedly and tragically died in a car crash aged 36 has a meaning of "heavenly; divine" and is the name of the Roman goddess of the moon, hunting, forests and childbirth. The Roman goddess Diana is commonly identified with the Greek goddess, Artemis. In England, Diana ranked at #358 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #270 that same year.

Caroline
A form of the Duchess's mother Carole Middleton, Caroline has a meaning of "man" as a feminisation of Charles. Caroline last appeared on the popularity charts in 2004 in England, where it had a ranking of #459. In the United States however, it ranked at #63 in the popularity charts in 2013.

Mary
The name of Queen Mary and the middle name of many female members of the royal family, Mary has a meaning of "bitter" in Hebrew. It also has the nickname possibility of May, which would be a lovely nod to the Princess's birth month. In England, Mary had been extremely popular for years but is slowly deteriorating - it ranked at #244 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #121 in the popularity charts that same year.

Catherine
The name of the Duchess of Cambridge herself has a meaning of "pure". In England, where Katherine is a common spelling variation, it ranked at #230 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #172 in the popularity charts that same year.

Rose
The middle name of Princess Margaret, "the English Rose" is a vintage flower name that has been making a comeback in recent years. The name of my own grandmother ranked at #68 in the popularity charts in England in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #224 in the popularity charts that same year.

Alice
My own name and the name of Prince Philip's mother, who helped Jews during the Holocaust, has a meaning of "noble", which is very fitting for the little Princess. One of the top contenders for her, Alice ranked at #27 in the popularity charts in England in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #107 in the popularity charts that same year.

Helena
The name of one of Queen Victoria's children and the middle name of Princess Eugenie has a meaning of "torch; correspondent" as the Latin form of Helen. In England, Helena last made an appearance on the popularity charts in 2008, where it had a ranking of #475. In the United States however, it had a ranking of #409 in the popularity charts in 2013. 

Adela
An old medieval name that hasn't had any usage in the royal family since, Adela has a meaning of "noble". It is a rare name in England, however in the United States, it last made an appearance on the popularity charts in 1957, where it had a ranking of #936. Another old medieval alternative is Adeliza, which is even more unusual. 

Happy St. Georges Day! English Names

Upon St. George's Day, I decided that this post would be focusing on names that have an English feel. A couple of these names don't have English / Old English origins, though they are names, in my opinion, that feel typically English. 

Peregrine
Peregrine is a name that is most commonly found amongst the British aristocracy, and it is the name of the current Duke of Devonshire (who prefers to be known as "Stoker"). It is actually of Latin origins, as it is derived from Peregrinus, which had a meaning of "traveller". 

George
The name of St. George himself is actually of Greek origins, where it is derived from  γεωργος, which translates as "georgos", which has a meaning of "farmer; earthworker". It mostly has it's usage in England, though it can also be used in Romania. The name of the young Prince of Cambridge, George ranked at #10 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #157 that same year.

Ainsley
This gender neutral name is of Modern English and Scottish origins, though is also a surname that itself originated from a place name, either Annesley in Nottinghamshire or Ansley in Warwickshire, which mean "Anne's field; hermitage field". In England, the last time it appeared on the popularity charts was in 1997, where it had a ranking of #410. In the United States however, it had a ranking of #332 for girls in 2013.

Alden
Alden originates from a surname which itself is derived from Ealdwine, an Old English first name which is derived from the Old English elements of eald and wine. In the United States, it ranked at #704 on the popularity charts in 2013.

Alfred
Alfred is derived from Ælfræd, an Old English name which is composed of the elements ælf  and ræd. The name of a King of Wessex from the ninth century, Alfred still has it's usage in England today, where the more informal nicknames of Alfie and Alf are also used. In it's native England, it ranked at #136 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #967 in the popularity charts that same year.

Edgar
Edgar is of Old English origins, where it derives from the elements  ead and gar. The name of a tenth century English King and famous poet Edgar Allen Poe ranked at #286 in the popularity charts in 2013. It also has usage in France and Catalonia, where it ranked at #264 in 2010 and #95 in 2013 respectively.

Edith
This elegant name is derived from the Old English name Eadgyð and has the charming nickname opportunity of Edie. Popular in the Anglo-Saxon era as well as the nineteenth century, Edith is now starting to come back into fashion and a famous namesake includes Edith Piaf. In it's native England, it ranked at #164 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #718 in the popularity charts that same year.

Fay

Fay, also spelt as Faye or Fae, is of Middle English origins and has a beautiful meaning of "fairy". Fay started out as a surname and first began to be used as a first name in just the nineteenth century. In it's native England, it last appeared on the popularity charts in 2003, where it had a ranking of #475, whilst in the United States, it last appeared on the popularity charts in 1968, where it had a ranking of #989.

Elizabeth

The name of the Queen of the United Kingdom herself is actually of Hebrew origins and has a meaning of "God is my oath". In England, it had a ranking of #39 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #10 in the popularity charts that same year.

Audrey

Audrey is of Medieval English origins and was originally a diminutive of Æðelþryð, which is derived from the elements æðel and þryð. Namesakes include a seventh century saint and Audrey Hepburn. In it's native England, it had a ranking of #437 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it had a ranking of #32 in the popularity charts that same year.

Names from Morocco

From March 31 - April 10, I visited Morocco (well, most of the last day was spent in Paris due to the strike). I managed to spot lots of names from both tourists and the local people. 

Also, I apologise for not posting for ages!

Zachary

Zachary was a teenage boy who was around 15 years old at the airport. His name is the most common English form of Zacharias, which itself is the Greek form of the Biblical Zechariah, which has a meaning of "Yahweh remembers". In England and Wales, it ranked at #39 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States that same year, it ranked at #73.

Eilidh

Pronunciation: "ay-lee"

Eilidh was a little girl who was around four years old at the airport. Her name is suggested to be the Scottish Gaelic form of Helen, which has a meaning of "torch" or "correspondent". It is also a diminutive of Eilionoir, the Scottish form of Eleanor, which has a meaning of "the other Aenor". In it's native Scotland, Eilidh ranked at #19 in the popularity charts in 2014, whilst in it's neighbouring England, it didn't make an appearance on the on the popularity charts in 2013. 

Sienna

Sienna was a little girl who was around eight years old on the plane. Her name is a Modern English name and has a meaning of "orange-red". There is also a city in Italy called Siena, which received it's name because of the colour of the clay that can be found there. In England and Wales, it ranked at #22 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #263 in the popularity charts that same year.

Mohammed

A popular name in Morocco and also the name of their King, Mohammed is a variant transcription of Muhammad, which has mostly Arabic origins, but is also of Pakistani, Urdu, Pashto and Tujik origins. Muhammed, or Mohammed, has a meaning of "praiseworthy" and is the name of the prophet who founded the Muslim religion. In England and Wales, Muhammad became the most popular boys name, jumping from #23 in the popularity charts just the year before. In the United States, it ranked at #80 in the popularity charts that same year.

Ali

Another popular name in Morocco. Ali is mostly of Arabic origins, though it is also of Persian, Pakistani, Urdu and Pashto origins. In the Arabic language, it means "lofty; sublime" and Ali was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. In England and Wales, it ranked at #137 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #350 in the popularity charts that same year.

Zephyr

Zephyr was a boy who was around ten or eleven years old on the plane. His name is the Anglicized version of Zephyros, who was the Greek god of the west wind, therefore the name literally means "west wind". Variants include Zephyrus and the Hebrew Tzafrir. 

Hassan

The name of one of the staff at the riad in Marrakech (as well as the name of the young Crown Prince of Morocco), Hassan has a meaning of beautifier; improver" and is mostly of Arabic origins, though is also of Persian, Pakistani and Urdu origins. In England and Wales, it ranked at #248 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #822 in the popularity charts that same year.

Ritva

Pronunciation: "reet-vah"

Ritva was a tourist in Marrakech. Her name has a meaning of "birch branch" and is of Finnish origins. It is a rare name in both England and the United States.

Jamila

Jamila was another tourist in Marrakech. Her name has a meaning of "beautiful" in the Arabic language, as the feminisation of Jamil. The last time it made an appearance on the popularity charts in the United States was in 1995, where it ranked at #979. 

Omar

The name of one of the staff at the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Omar has a meaning of "populous; flourishing" as the variant transcript of Umar. In England and Wales, it ranked at #209 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #204 in the popularity charts in 2013.

Michel

One of the owners of the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Michel has a meaning of "who is like God?" as the French form of Michael. In Germany, Michel can also be a diminutive of Michael. In it's native France, Michel ranked at #435 in the popularity charts in 2010.

Colette

Another one of the owners of the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Colette has a meaning of "victory of the people" as a short form of Nicolette, which itself is a diminutive of Nicole, the feminisation of Nicholas. In the United States, it ranked at #608 in the popularity charts in 2013.

Maria

Another one of the staff at the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Maria is the European form of Mary, whose exact meaning is unknown, though one of its meanings is "bitter". In England and Wales, it ranked at #83 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst it was the most popular that year in Spain, where it ranked at #2 on the popularity charts.

Bahija

Another one of the staff at the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Bahija is an Arabic name and has a meaning of "happy". It is the feminisation of Bahij. It is a rare name in both England and Wales and the United States.

Laheen

Another one of the staff at the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Laheen's origins is unknown, though in Ireland, it is also a surname.

Hicham

Another one of the staff at the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Hicham is of Arabic origins and has a meaning of "the one who is generous". The meaning of the name comes from the traditional Arabic act of crushing bread into crumbs so that it can be shared with everyone.

Emma

A guest at the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Emma is an Ancient Germanic name that also has usage in other European countries. It was originally a short form of Ancient Germanic names which began with the element of ermen, which has a meaning of "whole; universal". In England and Wales, Emma ranked at #55 on the popularity charts in 2013. 

Charlie

A guest at another kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Charlie is a diminutive of Charles, which is of English and French origins and has a meaning of "man", as it is derived from the Germanic name, Karl. In England and Wales, Charlie ranked at #5 on the popularity charts in 2013 for boys, whilst for girls it ranked at #298 on the popularity chart that same year. In the United States, it ranked at #233 on the popularity charts for boys, whilst for girls it ranked at #240 that same year.

Alex

Another guest at the other kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Alex is a short form of the masculine Alexander or the feminine Alexandra, which have a meaning of "defending men". In England and Wales, Alex ranked at #65 in the popularity charts in 2013 for boys and #495 in the popularity charts for girls in 2009, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #110 for boys in 2013 and #983 for girls in 2004.

Jessica

Another guest at the other kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Jessica is of English origins and was first used in the Shakespearean play, The Merchant of Venice and was the name of Shylock's daughter. In England and Wales, it ranked at #6 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #163 on the popularity charts that same year.

Isabella

A guest at the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Isabella is the Latin form of Isabel, which itself is the Medieval Occitan form of Elizabeth, which has a meaning of "my God is an oath". In England and Wales, it ranked at #8 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #4 that same year. In Denmark, where it is the name of the daughter of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, it ranked at #3 in the popularity charts that same year. At the time of the Princess's birth in 2007, it ranked at #16.

Rachel

Another guest at the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Rachel is a Biblical name and has a meaning of "ewe". Rachel was the wife of Jacob in the Old Testament. In England and Wales, it ranked at #227 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #138 that same year.

Jamie

Another guest at the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, Jamie is a Scottish diminutive of James, which itself is of Biblical origins where it is the Anglicized form of Jacob, which itself has a meaning of "holder of the heel". Since the 19th century, Jamie has also been used for girls. In England and Wales, it ranked at #68 on the popularity charts for boys in 2013, and 471 on the popularity charts in 2008 for girls. In the United States, it ranked at #767 on the popularity charts for boys in 2013, whilst it ranked at #490 on the popularity charts for girls.

Yena

A toddler at a swimming pool in Marrakech, Yena has a meaning of "talented; beautiful" and is of Korean origins. It is a rare name in both England and Wales and the United States.

Tara

A little girl at the airport in Marrakech, Tara is the Anglicized version of the Irish place name Teamhair, which has a meaning of "elevated place". Teamhair is a sacred hill near Dublin and it was the residence of the Irish Kings. In England and Wales, Tara ranked at #430 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in the United States, it ranked at #907 on the popularity charts that same year.

Carys

Carys is of Welsh origins, where it has a meaning of "love", as it is derived from the Welsh word caru, which means "to love". As of 2012, it ranked at #299 in both England and it's native Wales.

Naming Nationalities #2: Irish Names

In honour of St. Patrick's Day, I decided to do another "Naming Nationalities" post, this time about, of course, Irish names. 

Aoife
Pronunciation: "ee-fa"
In Irish mythology, Aoife, also spelt as Aífe, was a warrior princess, who was the second wife of King Lir. The name Aoife has a charming meaning of "beauty". In it's native Ireland, Aoife ranked at #6 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in England and Wales, it was at #192 in the popularity charts. 

Meave
With associations to Queen Mab, an Irish legendary fairy queen, Maeve has a meaning of "she who intoxicates" and can also be spelt as Méabh. In France, the alternative Maeva has always been popular. In it's native Ireland, Maeve ranked at #100 on the popularity charts in 2010. 

Caoimhe
Pronunciation: "kee-va"
Spelt as Kiva in the English language, Caoimhe has a gorgeous meaning of "beautiful", though it has also been suggested that it also means "precious" and "gentle". In it's native Ireland, Caoimhe ranked at #19 on the popularity charts in 2013, whereas in England and Wales, it ranked at #639 on the popularity charts in 2013.

Orla
The Anglicised variant of the more Irish Órlaith, the meaning of Orla is connective: the "ór" part of Órlaith has a meaning of "gold", whilst "laith" has a meaning of "prince; princess; sovereign". It is considered that together, Orla has a meaning of "golden sovereign". In it's native Ireland, Orla ranked at #82 on the popularity charts in 2012, whereas in England and Wales, Orla ranked at #132 in 2013.

Saoirse
Pronunciation: "sear-sha"
With a meaning of "freedom; liberty", Saoirse was popular in Ireland at the time of it's independence in the 1920s. In it's native Ireland, it ranked at #22 in the popularity charts in 2013.

Niamh
Niamh has a long usage in Ireland, and has a beautiful meaning of "bright". In it's neighbouring England, it can also be spelt as Neve. In it's native Ireland, Niamh ranked at #20 in the popularity charts in 2014, whereas in England and Wales, it ranked at #90 in the popularity charts in 2013.

Ailbhe
Pronunciation: Like the name Alva
Ailbhe is the Irish spelling of Alva, which is also a Swedish and Norwegian name, and has a long usage in the two countries. Ailbhe has a meaning of "white". In it's native Ireland, Ailbhe ranked at #93 in the popularity charts in 2013.

Ruaidrí (Rory)

The Irish spelling of Rory has a meaning of "red king", and also has its usage in Scottish Gaelic, making it a Goidelic name (a combination of both Irish and Scottish Gaelic). In it's native Ireland, Ruaidrí or Rory ranked at #65 in the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in it's neighbouring England and Wales, it ranked at #96 in 2013. In Scotland, it had a much higher ranking of #27 in 2014.

Cormac

It has been suggested that Cormac is derived from corb and mac, which have a meaning of "raven; wheel" and "son" respectively. The name of an ancient Irish King, Cormac ranked at #68 on the popularity charts in it's native Ireland in 2013.

Oisin

Pronunciation: "osh-een"

Oisin has a charming meaning of "little deer", and is spelt as Oisín in Ireland.  Oisín was a legendary warrior hero and poet. In it's native Ireland, Oisin ranked at #14 on the popularity charts in 2013.

Ciaran (Kieran)

Spelt as Ciarán in Irish Gaelic, Ciaran has a meaning of "black", as it is a diminutive of Ciar. Ciarán was the name of two Irish saints, and in it's native Ireland, had a ranking of #74 on the popularity charts in 2013, whilst in England and Wales, it had a ranking of #489 in 2013.

Tadhg

Pronunciation: "tieg" ("tiger" without the 'R' sound)

Tadhg has been getting more recognition in the United Kingdom in more recent years. It has a meaning of "poet", and in 2013, ranked at #51 on it's native Irish popularity charts.

Niall

The name of 1/5 of One Direction, Niall has a meaning of "champion; cloud" as the original Irish form of Neil. In it's native Ireland, it had a ranking of #88 in 2013, whereas in England and Wales, it had a ranking of #280 in 2013.