Ceilidh

Meaning & origin

Ceilidh is a Scottish Gaelic name derived from the word for a traditional social gathering featuring music and dance. As a personal name, it first appeared in U.S. records in 1989, during a period of growing interest in Celtic heritage. The name reached its peak popularity in 1999, which aligns with the highest recorded usage. Since then, its usage has remained stable but very low, with no significant rise or decline. Ceilidh has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000, and its rarity makes it a distinctive choice. The name is most often given to girls, reflecting its soft sound and cultural associations with community and celebration. While not tied to a single state or region, it appeals to families with Scottish or Irish roots.

Ceilidh comes from Scottish Gaelic 'ceilidh' and Irish 'céilí', meaning 'visit' or 'social gathering'. Traditionally, a ceilidh is a gathering featuring folk music, singing, and dancing. As a given name, it began to be used in the late 20th century, initially in Scotland and Ireland, and later gaining some popularity in other English-speaking countries. The name is typically feminine, though it can be used for any gender.