Irish baby name with beautiful meaning was only given to two babies in 2023
If you're looking for a baby name that's both rare and deeply rooted in Irish heritage, Ríoghnach might just be the perfect pick.
Elegant, meaningful and steeped in history, this stunning name was given to just two baby girls in Ireland in 2023, making it one of the country's rarest.
Despite its beauty, Ríoghnach has never broken into Ireland's top 100 baby names. In fact, it ranked 625th on the Central Statistics Office (CSO) list last year, with fewer than three recorded uses.
Pronounced either ree-uh-nah or ree-uh-knock, Ríoghnach translates to "queenly" in Irish. It's a name that effortlessly carries a regal tone - perfect for parents hoping to inject their daughter's identity with a touch of old-school royalty.
Its royal flair isn't just linguistic - it's also mythological. Ríonach, an alternative spelling, is tied to the legendary wife of one of Ireland's earliest High Kings, giving the name historical and cultural depth.
While Ríoghnach remains relatively unknown, its simplified variant Ríona has seen more popularity, landing at number 142 last year with 33 babies given the name.
Ríoghnach hasn't been entirely under the radar, however. Notable figures bearing the name include award-winning film director Ríoghnach Ní Ghrioghair and acclaimed sean-nós singer Ríoghnach Connolly, both proving the name has style, substance and serious Irish charm
For anyone in search of a name that's as meaningful as it is majestic, Ríoghnach is a rare gem waiting to be discovered.
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