| Name |
Meaning |
Name of Fame |
Ea
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Gaelic: ‘Flame’. A spelling variant of Aodh A name borne by six kings of Tara. A popular old Irish name often anglicised as Hugh. Conversely it was also Latinised as Aedus, Aidus - the Aidan name of a number of saints. Also the source of the surname MacAodha,which has spawned versions such as Magee or MacHugh in Ireland, and Mackay in Scotland. Aodh (or Hugh) O'Neill and Oadh Rua (Red Hugh) O'Donnell were two famous Irish rebels who led an insurrection in the reign of Elizabeth I. Other spelling variants include Ea and Y. Contemporary name Irish politics academic Aodh Quinliven. |
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Eachann
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Gaelic: ‘Horse Lord’ . A name which is especially in the Scottish Gaelic tradition. Has been anglicised as Hector. Eacann Bacach, ‘Lame Hector’ was a 17th century bard or poet who served the Macleans of Duart, writing poems in praise of the clan leaders, especially the 16th chief, Sir Lachlann (d. April 1648) and his son Sir Eachann, who was killed at the Battle of Inverkeithing in 1651. Only seven poems have survived, and they are collected in "Bardachd Chloinn Ghill-Eathain", (1979) edited by CoIm O Baoill. Musically the name is celebrated in the famous fiddle air composed by J Scott Skinner ‘ Hector the Hero’ commemorating the Highland soldier Sir Hector Macdonald otherwise known as ‘Fighting Mac’. |
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Eamon(n)
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Gaelic: ‘Rich Protector’. The Irish form of the Anglo-Saxon Edmund, but also used to translate Edward. Aimon is a rare spelling variant as is Iamonn which is mostly associaeted with Derry and Omeath. The name is currenly quite popular. Famous names: Eamon De Valera (1882-1975) was a key Irish politician who was a significant leader of Ireland’s struggle for independence from the UK and went on to hold key prime ministerial and presidential offices from 1917 to 1973. De Valera was the author of Bunreacht na hEireann Ireland's constitution. Eamnon Andrews (1922-1987) was a famous television compere in the UK as host of ‘This is Your Life’. |
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Echlin
Eaclain |
A name monopolised by the O'Kanes in Derry, and Armagh though nowadays the name is rarely found as a first name. ‘Echlin O'Kane’ may still be seen on a signboard as one passes into Garvagh from Coleraine. Fifty years ago it was quite common. A Paddy ‘Echlin’ O'Kane still lives in Glenullin. ‘John O'Kane (Ecklin)’ occurs in the 1851 census for Coolnasillagh, Errigal parish (Gravagh). The name nowadays is more often recorded as a surname. Real person: Arkansas football jock Andy Echlin. |
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Edmund
Eamonn |
Anglo Saxon: 'Rich Protector'. In Ireland this name is usually represented by Eamonn, or Iamonn is sometimes bestowed in its own right. Recently the spelling Edmond has become more popular. The name Edmund Pevensie features in the famous Chronicles of Narnia by the Northern-Irish writer C.S. Lewis (1898-1963).
King Edmund 1st of England 921-946 AD is recorded as being the first King to settle an agreement with Ireland Scotland and England regarding domain borders. |
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Edward
Eadbhard |
Anglo-Saxon: 'Rich Guard'. Though Eamonn is usually given as the Irish form of this name the proper Gaelic form should be Eadbhard. Edward spread following the 1169 Norman Invasion. Now its strong associations with the English monarchy have helped curtail its popularity as an Irish name. Famous name: Edward Delaney, the celebrated Irish bronze sculptor His best known works include the statue of Wolfe Tone, the famine memorial at St Stephen’s Greenin Dublin and the statue of Thomas Davis opposite Trinity College Dublin. Hollywood screen actor Edward Norton. |
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Egan
Aodhagan |
Gaelic: 'Little Fire'. Most commonly known and widespread as a surname in variation s Eagan Eagen MacEgan and Keegan. The Clan Mac Aodhangain I sdecsnded from a tradition of Brehons or judges in the areas of Connaught, Leinster and Ormond. Famous name: Egan O'Rahilly was an Irish poet in the seventeenth century. Current name is retired English fooball star Kevin Keegan. |
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Eimar
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A traditional Irish name which is increasing in usage in modern Ireland even though its origins and meaning are obscure. Eimar O'Duffy was an Irish satirist, poet, playwright, and novelist, and was the author of the fantasy Cuanduine trilogy and Life and Money. |
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Elhe
Ele |
Gaelic: 'Bier', 'Litter'. A name of a character recorded in the legends of the Healy family. Famous name: Carolina novelist John Elhe. |
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Emmet
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Now increasingly popular as a first name which retains a strong Irish resonance through its connection with the celebrated eighteenth-century rebel and renowned orator Robert Emmet. Current famous name is American screen actor M. Emmet Walsh. |
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