The book of Irish names

The Irish brought many things with them when they left their native land and went to the United States. Along with leprechauns and other myths, they include their names. As is the case in any culture, the name is generally an abbreviation for a more exalted title and a linguistic modification of another name. For example, Sean is the Irish form of John and means "God's gracious gift." This book contains the explanation of over 150 Irish names, roughly evenly split between male and female. If you are about to have a baby or are just interested in the origins of common Irish names, then this is a book that will interest you.

THE CELTIC TRADITION has given us some of our most beautiful and evocative names. The Book of Irish Names lists the most popular names for both boys and girls, giving their derivations, pronunciations, meanings and the legends associated with their historical and mythical namesakes. Comprehensive calendars of Irish saints' feast days also allow a baby's birth to be matched to the saint of the day. The names, which range from the ever-popular Liam and Bridget to the more unusual Aoife and Lochlainn, are accompanied with specially commissioned illustrations, making The Book of Irish Names the ideal present for parents-to-be.