Ailbe – Name Meaning

The name Ailbe is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word “ailbhe”, which means “white”. It is a unisex name that can be used for both boys and girls.

Ailbe is a unique name with a strong meaning behind it. The name has been popular in Ireland for centuries and is still widely used today. It is often seen as a symbol of purity and innocence, making it an ideal choice for parents looking for a special name for their child.

History of the Name

The name Ailbe has its roots in ancient Irish mythology. In the old stories, Ailbe was the daughter of the god Dagda and was known as the goddess of love and beauty. She was said to have had magical powers and could bring good luck to those who invoked her name.

In more recent times, Ailbe has become associated with Saint Ailbe, who was an Irish saint from the 5th century. He was known for his piety and devotion to God, and his feast day is celebrated on August 1st each year.

Popularity

The name Ailbe has been steadily gaining popularity over the past few decades. In 2020, it ranked at #1,845 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States. This makes it one of the more uncommon names out there, but still one that many parents are choosing for their children.

Variations

There are several variations of the name Ailbe that can be found around the world. Some of these include Alby (English), Albina (Italian), Albin (Swedish), Albinus (Latin), Albinia (Polish) and Albinette (French).

Famous People Named Ailbe

There are not many famous people with this name, but some notable ones include:

  • Ailbhe Garrihy: Irish actress best known for her roles in Fair City and The Fall.
  • Ailbhe Ní Bhriain: Irish singer-songwriter who released her debut album in 2018.
  • Ailbhe Smyth: Irish feminist activist who co-founded the Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment.

Final Thoughts

The name Ailbe is a beautiful choice for any child. Its strong meaning and unique sound make it stand out from other names, while its history gives it an air of mystery and intrigue. Whether you choose this name for your son or daughter, they will surely appreciate its special significance.

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By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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