Like the trusted LBD, or that favourite jumper that gets worn every winter because you love it, these Celtic names represent those Irish, Scottish and Welsh names that are pleasing, familiar and, dare I say it, plain ol' comfortable and reliable. They are no longer simply an "Irish," "Scottish" or "Welsh" name, but have moved solidly into mainstream.
Take Narbhfhlaith and Orla, for example, which both share the same etymological element -- the Irish flaith "sovereignty". Narbhfhlaith, although evocative and engaging, is unfamiliar and challenging for non-Irish speakers. Orla (or even Orlaith), with its slimmed down spelling and popular usage, feels much cosier and more comfortable.
And, whilst many parents may choose Dylan, having no knowledge of its origin, simply because they love it, the name can still claim a strong Celtic heritage and history regardless of why it was chosen.
In fact, all the Cosy Celtics can claim a rich and colourful Celtic past; they simply no longer wear the label all over their T-shirts.
| Aidan / Aiden Alan Alistair / Alisdair Angus Brendan Cai Callum Cian / Kian Ciaran / Kieran Colin Connor Declan Douglas |
Duncan Dylan Evan Euan / Ewan Finlay / Finley Finn Gareth Gavin Gethin Ian Lachlan Liam Llewelyn |
Lloyd Logan Malcolm Morgan Niall Oscar Owen Patrick Rhys Ronan Rory Seamus Sean |
Bethan Bonnie Bridget Bronwen Caitlin Cara Carys Cerys Ciara / Kiera Eilidh Erin Fenella / Finella Fiona |
Gwen Iona Isla Jennifer Kirstin Kirsty Lorna Lowri Maeve Maisie Megan Moira Nia |
Niamh Orla Rhiannon Roisin Seren Sian Sinead Skye Siobhan |
The Celtic surnames-turned-first names (Ryan, Kelly, Stuart, Lindsay) have been deliberately omitted as they will be featured in a separate list. More Celtic lists are to follow.
