Aine
/AWN-ya/
Aine is an Irish girl's name pronounced /AWN-ya/. The name of the Irish queen of the fairies and goddess of summer, meaning 'radiance' or 'brilliance'.
Meaning of Aine
The name of the Irish queen of the fairies and goddess of summer, meaning 'radiance' or 'brilliance'.
Derived from the Old Irish word 'áine', the name signifies radiance, brilliance, or splendor. In Irish mythology, Áine is the goddess of summer, wealth, and sovereignty, often associated with the sun and the midsummer festivals at Knockainey.
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- /AWN-ya/
Cultural background
The name remains a perennial favorite in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, valued for its deep mythological roots and classic phonetic structure. It is almost exclusively used as a feminine given name.
Variations & nicknames
- Áine
- Anya
- Aene
- Enya
- Ann
Famous people named Aine
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Áine Minogue
Acclaimed Irish harpist and singer-songwriter.
Music · 1990s–present
Áine Brady
Former Irish Fianna Fáil politician and Minister of State.
Politics · 2007–2011
Áine Ni Ghlinn
Irish journalist, poet, and the Laureate na nÓg (Children's Literature Laureate).
Literature · 1980s–present
Áine O'Gorman
Professional Irish footballer who has earned over 100 caps for the national team.
Sport · 2006–present
Áine Lawlor
Prominent Irish radio and television broadcaster for RTÉ.
Journalism · 1980s–present
Frequently asked about Aine
- What does Áine mean?
- The name Áine translates to 'radiance', 'brilliance', or 'brightness' and is associated with the Irish goddess of summer.
- How do you pronounce Áine?
- It is typically pronounced 'AWN-ya' or 'AHN-yuh', similar to the name Anya.
- Is Áine a boy or girl name?
- Áine is a traditional Irish feminine (girl) name.
- Is Áine the same as Anne?
- While often anglicized as Anne or Anna, Áine has distinct Irish roots separate from the Hebrew 'Hannah'.
Love Aine? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Irish names each week — free, no spam.
Compare Aine with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
More Irish names
See all Irish names- Ailbhe/AL-va/
A bright and radiant name derived from the Old Irish word for white or noble.
- Caoimhe/KEE-va/
A beautiful name signifying gentleness, beauty, and preciousness.
- Oisín/uh-SHEEN/
Meaning 'little deer', it is a name deeply rooted in Irish mythology and the natural world.
- Siofradh/SHEE-fra/
A whimsical and mystical name that translates directly to 'elf' or 'sprite'.
- Líadan/LEE-adin/
A soft, historical name meaning 'grey lady', belonging to a 7th-century poetess in Irish legend.
- Darragh/DA-ra/
A nature-inspired name that signifies the strength of the oak tree.
- Aisling/ASH-ling/
A poetic name referring to a vision or a dream, originating from a genre of 17th-century Irish poetry.
- Lorcan/LOR-kan/
A spirited name meaning little fierce one, often borne by kings of Leinster.