Gender Feminine
Pronounced Pron. EE-fyə(Irish)  [key·IPA]

Meaning & History

From Old Irish Aífe, derived from oíph meaning "beauty" (modern Irish aoibh). This was the name of several characters in Irish legend, including a woman at war with Scáthach (her sister in some versions). She was defeated in single combat by the hero Cúchulainn, who spared her life on the condition that she bear him a child (Connla). Another legendary figure by this name appears in the Children of Lir as the jealous third wife of Lir.

This name is sometimes Anglicized as Eve or Eva.

Related Names

VariantsAoibhe(Irish) Aífe(Irish Mythology)
DiminutiveAoibhín(Irish)
Other Languages & CulturesAífe(Old Irish)

Popularity

People think this name is

classic   youthful   natural   wholesome   refined   strange   complex   serious  

Images

Painting depicting Aoife by John Duncan (c. 1915)Painting depicting Aoife by John Duncan (c. 1915)

Categories

Entry updated January 21, 2022