This collection presents 20 Irish girl names that start with H, spanning from “Hanna” to “Hope”. They include traditional Gaelic forms and well-attested anglicized names, useful for parents, writers, and genealogists.

Irish girl names that start with H are female given names used historically in Ireland and in Irish-language traditions. Several come from old Gaelic words, while others are anglicized versions or later borrowings; for example, “Hanna” appears in both Irish and anglicized usage.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Notes.

Name: The given name as usually spelled, so you can scan and shortlist favorites quickly.

Pronunciation: A phonetic guide that helps you say each name correctly and avoid common mispronunciations with confidence.

Meaning: A short definition of the name’s original sense or symbolic meaning, so you can judge its fit and tone.

Notes: Additional context such as Irish form, historical use, or notable associations to help you decide suitability.

Irish girl names that start with H

NameIrish spellingPronunciationMeaning
HonoraOnórahuh-NOR-uhhonour
HonorHonorAH-nor / HON-orhonour
HonoriaHonoriahoh-NOR-ee-əhonour
HannahHannahHAN-əgrace
HesterHesterHES-terstar (from Esther)
HelenHelenHEL-entorch, shining
HelenaHelenaheh-LEE-nətorch, shining
HeloiseHeloiseheh-LOYZ / heh-LOO-eezhealthy, wide (likely)
HenriettaHenriettahen-ree-ET-əruler of the home
HarrietHarrietHARR-ee-ethome ruler (diminutive of Henry)
HildaHildaHIL-dabattle woman
HelgaHelgaHEL-gahholy, blessed
HawiseHawiseHAY-wis / HAW-isfrom Hedwig, “battle” (Old Germanic)
HazelHazelHAY-zulhazel tree
HeatherHeatherHEH-thurheather plant
HollyHollyHOL-eeholly tree
HopeHopeHOHPhope (virtue)
HawysHawysHAY-wisvariant of Hawise
HonourHonourHON-ər / ah-NORhonour
HannaHannaHAN-əgrace

Descriptions

Honora
Latin-derived name long used in Ireland since medieval times; Irish form Onóra. Common in Anglo-Norman and Gaelic families; variants Honoria, Honor, Nóra.
Honor
Simpler anglicised form of Honora, used historically in Ireland and today; variant of Latin honor. Popular in Anglo-Irish records and modern baby-name lists.
Honoria
Latinate feminine form used in medieval and early modern Ireland; variant of Honora. Seen among gentry and in parish registers.
Hannah
Biblical name widely used in Ireland since the 17th century, common in both Protestant and Catholic communities. Simple, timeless with modern popularity.
Hester
Variant of Esther found in Irish parish records from the 17th–19th centuries, common among Anglo-Irish families. Classic, old-fashioned revival name.
Helen
Greek-origin name long used in Ireland, often anglicised from older Gaelic forms; common among Anglo-Irish and in literature. Variants Helena, Ellen.
Helena
Classical form of Helen used among Anglo-Norman and later Anglo-Irish families. Elegant, historic; variants include Helen and Ellen.
Heloise
French/Norman name occasionally recorded in medieval Ireland among Anglo-Norman families; literary associations and rare modern use.
Henrietta
French/English feminine of Henry, widely used in Anglo-Irish aristocratic families in 17th–19th centuries; formal, with nickname Hetty or Etta.
Harriet
Common English name adopted in Ireland, especially among Anglo-Irish; friendly, Victorian-era popularity continues today.
Hilda
Old Germanic name known in Ireland through Norse and Anglo-Norman contact; used in 19th–20th centuries. Short, strong, vintage revival potential.
Helga
Norse name attested among Viking-age and Norse-Gael communities in Ireland; fits Norse heritage areas. Rare but historically grounded.
Hawise
Medieval Anglo-Norman feminine name recorded in Irish records as Hawise/Hawys; rare today, historically attested among Norman families.
Hazel
English nature name adopted in Ireland in the 19th–20th centuries; popular modern choice with vintage charm. Not Gaelic but widely used.
Heather
English nature name that became popular in Ireland from the 20th century; evokes Irish landscapes though not of Gaelic origin.
Holly
Modern English name used in Ireland from the 20th century; seasonal, nature-inspired, widely recognised and used in Irish births.
Hope
Virtue name used in Ireland, particularly from the Protestant tradition and later broadly; simple, familiar, modern usage.
Hawys
Medieval Welsh/Norman form recorded in some Irish genealogies and documents; a variant spelling of Hawise used among Anglo-Normans.
Honour
British/Irish spelling variant of Honor/Honora; historically used in Ireland in written records and occasionally as a given name. Classic, virtue-based.
Hanna
Variant spelling of Hannah seen in Irish records and modern usage; accessible, brief form with biblical roots.
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