| Name |
Meaning |
Name of Fame |
Naal
|
Latin: ‘Birth’. The name of an early Irish saint derived from the Latin word for 'birth'. Sometimes rendered as Natalis. |
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Nehemiah
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Hebrew: 'God's consolation'. This name has become established in Ireland by its usage as an anglicisation of Giolla-na-Naomh. Famous historical name Nehemiah Grew (1641-1712) English vegetable anatomist and physiologist In 1682 appeared his great work on the Anatomy of Plants, which also was largely a collection of previous publications. It was divided into four books, Anatomy of Vegetables begun, Anatomy of Roots, Anatomy of Trunks and Anatomy of Leaves, Flowers, Fruits and Seeds, and was illustrated with eighty-two plates. Famous name: Nehemiah Persoff ‘Twilight Zone’ screen actor and voice over star. |
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Neil
Niall |
Gaelic: ‘Cloud’. This is a form of the name Niall more commonly used in Scotland. However this form is establishing itself increasingly in Ireland. Another variant is Neal. Famous names: Niall Nóigiallach, or Niall of the Nine Hostages, was one of the greatest Irish Kings. Neil Alden Armstrong is a former US Astronaut who spoke the immortal words “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind” as he became the first human to set foot on the moon. Famous Irish actor Niall Toibin. |
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Nessan
Neasan |
Gaelic: ‘Stoat’. An old traditional name likely derived from the Gaelic word neas meaning 'stoat'.
Famous name: U.S. mathematician Dr Nessan (Macgiolla Mhuiris) Fitzmaurice PHD Cornell 1986, Nessan Kerrigan Assistant Professor Organic Chemistry University of Oakland. |
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Nevan
Naomhan |
Gaelic: 'Little Saint'. A diminutive name derived from the Gaelic word naomh meaning ‘saint’ which has become more common in its use as a surname. Nevin is the usual spelling in English. Famous name: Cell Biologist Dr Neva J. Krogan of University of Toronto, Irish animation artist Nevan Lahart Nevan aharet Pat Nevin is a famous Scottish soccer player. |
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Niadh
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Gaelic: 'Champion'. A traditional name which commemorates the saint Niadh associated with Meath. Famous name: Athy Town Manager Terry O’Niadh in County Kildare. |
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Niall
|
Gaelic:‘Cloud’. This name is derived from neall, 'cloud'. Is pronounced differently in Irish and in English. In Irish Niall rhymes with 'real'; whilst in English it rhymes with 'phial'. One of the most famous figures in Irish folk history is Niall Nóigiallach or Niall of the Nine Hostages, the most famous king of Tara who established the Ui Neill dynasty of Irish kings. The O'Neills family line descends from Niall Black-Knee, killed in battle in 917 fighting against the Norse. Famous names: Neil Alden Armstrong is a former US Astronaut who spoke the immortal words “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind” as he became the first human to set foot on the moon. Famous Irish actor Niall Toibin. |
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Nicholas
Nicolas |
Greek: 'Victorious'. A name which was brought across to Ireland with the Anglo Normans in the middle ages. Has maintained popularity through its association with St Nicholas. Also a surname. Famous name: screen actor Nicholas Cage and author of the Horse Whisperer Nicholas Evans. |
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Nigel
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Norse: ‘Cloud’. It is though that the Norse took the Irish name Niall to Iceland where it became changed to Njal, and traveled in this form across to Scandinavia, then on its travels landed in Normandy where it was latinised as Nigellus. Nigel dates from the fifteenth century, and it has become the everyday English form. Although used in Ireland, the form is better established in Scotland where it also occurs as Neil. Famous name: classical and jazz violinist Nigel Kennedy and Englsih TV and screen actor Nigel Hawthorne. |
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Noel
Nollaig |
French: ‘Christmas’. The use of this name derives from the French word for 'Christmas', which was taken up with the growing popularity of the season in the 19th century. Like all fashions has had its moment and now exists as a family tradition. Famous name: 20th Century dramatist, composer of popular songs and actor Noel Coward (1899-1973) Founder and singer songwriter for Bristish rock band Oasis Noel Gallacher. |
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