This list includes 15 Irish girl names that start with N, from “Naoimh” to “Nóra”. Many names here come from Gaelic roots and include both traditional and anglicized forms. Use these names when choosing a baby name, naming a character, or researching family history.

Irish girl names that start with N are given names used in Ireland beginning with the letter N. Many reflect Gaelic language, saints’ names, or nature words, with Nóra as a well-known example.

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

Name: The standard Irish or anglicized form of the given name, so you can choose the preferred spelling.

Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide that helps you say each name correctly and avoid mispronunciation.

Meaning: A concise definition or origin summary to explain the name’s literal or cultural significance.

Notes: Brief context like historical usage, common variants, or regional associations to guide your selection.

Irish girl names that start with N

NameIrish/Gaelic spellingPronunciationMeaning
NiamhNiamhNEEV (ˈniːv)bright, radiance
NeveNiamh (anglicised)NEEV (ˈniːv)bright, radiance
NeaveNiamh (anglicised)NEEVbright, radiance
NaoimhNaoimhNEEV (ˈniːv)holy, saint
NualaNuala (short for Fionnuala)NOO-lah (NOO-lə)fair-shouldered (from Fionnuala)
NóraNóraNOR-ah (NOH-rah)honour (from Honora/Honoria)
NoraNóra (anglicised)NOR-ahhonour
NorahNóra (anglicised)NOR-ahhonour
NóirínNóirínNOH-reen (NOH-reen)little Nóra; little honour
NollaigNollaigNOL-ig (NOL-ig)Christmas
NollaigínNollaigínNOL-ig-een (NOL-ig-een)little Christmas
NeasaNeasaNESS-ah (NEH-sah)uncertain origin; legendary name
NessaNeasa (anglicised)NESS-ahuncertain origin; legendary name
NeamhNeamhNYAV (NYAV)heaven
NiamhínNiamhínNEEV-een (NEE-veen)little Niamh; little brightness

Descriptions

Niamh
One of the best-known Gaelic names from myth (daughter of the sea-god), very popular in modern Ireland and the Irish diaspora.
Neve
Common English spelling of Niamh; used as an accessible anglicised form while preserving the traditional name and meaning.
Neave
Alternative anglicised spelling of Niamh seen in Ireland and the UK; retains the original Gaelic root and pronunciation.
Naoimh
Derived from the Irish word naomh “saint/holy”; historically attested as a female given name and used in modern Ireland.
Nuala
A familiar short form of Fionnuala (legendary figure); popular and affectionate, widely used in both Irish and English contexts.
Nóra
Irish form of Honora long-attested in Ireland; fully assimilated into Irish usage and often written with a fada on the o.
Nora
Common anglicised form of Nóra; widely used internationally but historically established in Ireland as an Irishised name.
Norah
Variant spelling of Nora found in Ireland and abroad; used interchangeably with Nora, often pronounced the same.
Nóirín
Traditional Irish diminutive of Nóra, used historically and as a familiar form (anglicised as Noreen).
Nollaig
Literally the Irish word for “Christmas,” used as a feminine given name in Ireland, especially for girls born near Christmas.
Nollaigín
Diminutive of Nollaig; rare but attested as an affectionate Irish given-name form meaning “little Christmas.”
Neasa
An old Irish name (modern form Neasa) associated with Queen Ness/Netta in Ulster Cycle; used historically and revived today.
Nessa
Anglicised form of Neasa, famous from legend (Queen Ness); used in English and Irish contexts with Celtic flavour.
Neamh
From the Irish word for “heaven” or “sky”; used as a modern feminine name and occasionally as short form of names like Neamhán.
Niamhín
Diminutive of Niamh attested in medieval and later Irish records; used historically as an affectionate or pet form.
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