With a dash of Ainsley, Kennedy, and Brynn, and a splash of Finley and Isla, American parents have embraced names with Celtic roots. And with Liam continuing to reign among boys, it's clear that names from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have plenty of staying power.
Madigan: It's just two letters away from the contemporary favorite Madison, making this rare Irish surname a sweet little secret for anyone searching for an alternative. Madigan also allows for the nickname Maddie, giving girls with this name the option to fit in or stand out a little from the crowd.
Ailsa: Distinctively Scottish and full of charm, Ailsa takes its name from Scotland's Ailsa Craig, a rocky island famous for its seabirds. Puffins and gannets aside, this sweet Scottish name is practically a unicorn twin to Frozen's Elsa, but it hasn't received anything like the attention a Disney princess can garner. For parents who love Isla but want something less expected, Ailsa might be just the ticket.
Carys: This Welsh standout means "love," which seems reason enough to give it a little more attention. Carys sounds like a sweet alternative to Paris, with a softness that fits right in among today's favorites. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas chose the name for their daughter in 2003, but despite that celebrity endorsement, Carys remains an uncommon choice in the United States. With such a charming meaning, I think this name deserves a bit more love.
Bevin: Actress Bevin Prince brought some awareness to her name while playing Bevin Mirskey on One Tree Hill. And yet, this intriguing Irish name is still collecting dust in the US while the similar-sounding Vivian enjoys considerably more attention. Bevin is an anglicized form of the Irish Bébhinn, traditionally associated with meanings such as "fair lady." It's familiar enough to be approachable, but unusual enough to make an impression.
Rhian: This Welsh name isn't too far removed from familiar favorites like Rhiannon, Ryan, or Reagan, but it's much less expected. With its simple two-syllable rhythm and sleek appearance, Rhian feels contemporary without being newly invented. It's a breath of fresh air with genuine Welsh roots.
Teagan: Related to the Irish name Tadhg through the surname Ó Tadhgáin, Teagan has transformed into a fashionable choice for girls in the United States. Its lively sound and surname-style appeal helped it find an audience among parents who also loved names like Reagan and Keegan. Teagan is no longer quite the undiscovered gem it once was, but its cheerful personality and easy familiarity still make it appealing.
Carrigan: Two things happened in the '90s that helped bring this Irish-sounding surname into the spotlight: Nancy Kerrigan became one of figure skating's biggest stars, and a character from the movie Casper helped parents envision the similar-sounding Carrigan for a girl. Today, Carrigan remains an unusual choice that offers the darling nickname Carrie. And while Carrie might still bring the '70s and '80s to mind for some, that retro charm could be part of the appeal.
Keeva: An anglicized spelling of the Irish Gaelic name Caoimhe, pronounced roughly KEE-va, this name means "gentle, beautiful, precious." While Caoimhe is familiar in Ireland, Keeva remains a rarity in the United States. It's a Celtic gem with an energetic personality, an approachable spelling, and a sound that fits right in alongside names like Eva and Kiva.
Tierney: This lovable Irish surname choice is still not on most American parents' radar. But that makes it an undiscovered gem that might be met with a little surprise—and plenty of approval. With its breezy rhythm and fashionable surname styling, Tierney feels right at home among names like Delaney and Kennedy. The late actress Gene Tierney adds some timeless Hollywood glamour to the name as well.
Enya: The ethereal Irish singer Enya, born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, made this anglicized form of her first name familiar to audiences around the world. It's still an uncommon choice in the United States, but with names like Anya, Aria, and Ayla finding favor, Enya feels surprisingly current. Musical, graceful, and a little mysterious, it has a personality all its own.
Tamsin: This cheerful feminine form of Thomas comes to us through Cornwall, a region of England with its own Celtic language and heritage. Traditionally a contraction of Thomasina, Tamsin has been used there for centuries. The name is still rare in the United States, but it has an easy charm that makes me want to steal it from across the pond. It's spunky without being cutesy, and literary without feeling stuffy.
Mirren: Familiar in Scotland but still surprising to American ears, Mirren is a Scottish name associated with the name Muirenn and sometimes treated as a form of Marion. Its gentle sound and fashionable -en ending give it an easy appeal, while its Scottish heritage lends it distinction. Actress Dame Helen Mirren's surname has a different origin—it was shortened from Mironoff—but she gives the name both elegance and familiarity.
Emlyn: It may look a bit made up, but Emlyn is actually a traditional Welsh name, historically used for boys. Here in the United States, it has plenty of potential to sit alongside feminine choices like Evelyn, Emmalyn, and Adalyn. Its soft sound and streamlined spelling could make it an intriguing possibility for parents who don't mind borrowing a traditionally masculine name. And unlike some of its more familiar sound-alikes, Emlyn is likely to catch people by surprise.
Wynne: This simple, one-syllable name is elegant and charming, with the potential for the sweetly old-fashioned nickname Winnie or Wynnie without the frills of Winifred. Derived from a Welsh element meaning "fair" or "blessed," Wynne has a long history as a name and surname. It feels both crisp and cozy, and its understated style makes it a lovely alternative to names like Wren and Quinn.
Maisie: Once a familiar favorite across the United Kingdom, this Scottish pet form of Margaret has found an enthusiastic audience in the United States, too. Its sweet, vintage feel easily rivals its more contemporary sound-alike, Macy. Actress Maisie Williams of Game of Thrones helped introduce the name to a new generation, while the Maisie Dobbs mystery novels and other fictional Maisies have kept it in the cultural conversation. What once seemed like a promising newcomer has become a genuine American favorite—and it's easy to see why.
From the spirited Teagan to the understated Wynne, these names show just how much variety Celtic naming traditions have to offer. Some feel surprisingly modern, while others have centuries of history tucked behind their appealing sounds. Whether you're searching for a rare alternative to a familiar favorite or simply enjoy discovering names from around the world, I hope a few of these have caught your imagination.
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