This list includes 18 Irish girl names that start with M, from “Macha” to “Mórfhion”. They are mainly traditional Gaelic names with several mythological and anglicised forms included. Parents, writers, and genealogists use this list for naming, research, and storytelling inspiration.

Irish girl names that start with M are female given names rooted in Gaelic language and Irish history. For example, “Macha” is an ancient mythological name linked to cycles of sovereignty and heroic tales.

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

Name: The Irish given name in Gaelic or anglicised form, so you can quickly see the exact spelling.

Pronunciation: A concise phonetic guide helps you say each name correctly when discussing choices or reading aloud.

Meaning: A brief definition or translation gives cultural context and helps you choose a name with fitting significance.

Notes: Short notes add context about origin, variants, or mythological links to aid your decision-making.

Irish girl names that start with M

NameIrish SpellingPronunciationMeaning
MáireMáireMAW-raIrish form of Mary
MaireadMairéadMAW-raydIrish form of Margaret; “pearl”
MaureenMáirínMAW-reenDiminutive of Máire; “little Mary”
MaeveMéabhMAYVShe who intoxicates (legendary)
MedbMedbMAYVOld Irish form of Maeve
MeadhbhMeadhbhMAYVVariant of Medb; “intoxicating”
MuireannMuireannMUR-inSea-white or “sea-fair”
MuirennMuirennMUR-inVariant of Muireann
MuirneMuirneMOOR-nuhBeloved; sea-fair
MachaMachaMAH-kahGoddess name; likely “horse-rider”
MórMórMOREGreat or “big”
MoiraMáireMOY-raAnglicised form of Máire
Máel MuireMáel MuireMAYL-MEER-uhServant/devotee of Mary
MoninneMoninneMOH-ninEarly saint’s name; meaning uncertain
MuirghealMuirghealMUR-yelSea-bright
MaebhMaebhMAYVAlternate spelling of Meadhbh
MuiriscMuiriscMUR-iskPossibly “sea-wood” or ancient name
MórfhionMórfhionMORE-inGreat white (compound)

Descriptions

Máire
The traditional Irish form of Mary, long common in Ireland; often anglicised Mary, Maura, or Moira; central to Catholic naming and many historical figures.
Mairead
A classic Irish form of Margaret, spelled Mairéad; remains popular and appears in literature and song; anglicised as Mairead or Margaret.
Maureen
Anglicised from the Irish diminutive Máirín; especially popular in 20th-century Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.
Maeve
From Queen Medb of Connacht in Irish myth; Maeve is a widely used modern form with strong mythic resonance.
Medb
The medieval spelling of the legendary queen/goddess Medb; gives historical authenticity to the modern Maeve.
Meadhbh
Traditional Gaelic spelling seen in older texts and modern registers; pronounced like Maeve.
Muireann
A mythic and medieval name borne by several legendary and historical women; in use today as a distinctly Irish choice.
Muirenn
An older medieval spelling recorded in annals and genealogies; essentially the same name as Muireann.
Muirne
Name of Fionn mac Cumhaill’s mother in myth; rare but with strong traditional roots.
Macha
Ancient mythological name of a powerful goddess/queen; attested in early literature and some medieval records.
Mór
A very old female name and element in medieval Irish names; borne by queens and noblewomen.
Moira
A familiar anglicised form of Máire used widely in Ireland and abroad; retains clear Gaelic origin.
Máel Muire
Compound ecclesiastical name from early medieval Ireland; borne by abbesses and noblewomen in annals.
Moninne
Name of St Moninne (6th c.), patron of Killeavy; attested in hagiography and early medieval sources.
Muirgheal
A poetic Gaelic compound (muir + geal), attested in medieval records; rare but authentically Irish.
Maebh
Modern anglicised spelling sometimes used for Meadhbh/Méabh; retains the mythic Maeve identity.
Muirisc
An early medieval female name attested in legend and annals, borne by a legendary sea-warrior/princess.
Mórfhion
A rare compound attested in medieval name-lists; example of older Gaelic naming patterns combining Mór with descriptive element.
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