Irish parents love Irish names. But while there are plenty of gorgeous Irish names to choose from, parents are always searching for something that little bit different.

Many parents looking for an Irish name from at home and abroad may also be on the lookout for one that won’t be too much of a tongue-twister for people who aren’t used to Irish names.

According to the most recent records, the top ten Irish girl names are:

Fiadh (2)

  • Pronounced ‘fee-ah’
  • Meaning ‘little deer’

Éabha (8)

  • Pronounced ‘ay-va’
  • Meaning ‘life’

Croía (23)

  • Pronounced ‘cree-ah’ 
  • Meaning ‘of the heart’

Caoimhe (26)

  • Pronounced ‘quee-va’ or ‘kee-va’ 
  • Meaning ‘gentle,’ ‘beautiful,’ ‘precious’

Saoirse (27)

  • Pronounce ‘seer-sha’
  • Meaning ‘freedom’

Cara (27)

  • Pronounced ‘ka-rah’
  • Meaning ‘friendship’

Aoife (31)

  • Pronounced ‘ee-fa’
  • Meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘radiant’

Róisín (36)

  • Pronounced ‘row-sheen’
  • Meaning ‘little rose’

Erin (40)

  • Pronounced ‘air-in’
  • Meaning ‘Ireland’

Sadhbh (40)

  • Pronounced ‘sive’
  • Meaning ‘goodness’

They are really special names, with beautiful spellings and meanings, but the problem with them, for some parents, is that some of them are rather difficult for some people to pronounce.

The most popular Irish girl name internationally is Maeve, which has soared in popularity in recent years, thanks to characters in various hit shows and books bearing the moniker. The anglicized spelling is probably the most popular way to spell it these days, which makes it an unusual but easy-to-work-out name to say.

That is why we’re thinking this rare Irish girl name may be in line to take Maeve’s crown. It looks Irish and it sounds Irish and it definitely crosses cultures.

What is the rare Irish girl name in question?

It’s Neala – and it is so rare in Ireland, it was used only five times in 2023. Neala (or Neila) is the feminine form of the boy name Neil, which can also be spelled Neal. Both spellings are the anglicized versions of the name Niall, which comes from the old Irish word niadh, meaning ‘champion.’ Very cool!

Would you add this rare Irish girl's name to your list? Do you think that it is an up-and-comer?

* This article was originally published on Rollercoaster.ie.