Name meaning & originDearbhla
/DER-vla/
Dearbhla is an Irish Gaelic girl's name pronounced /DER-vla/. A traditional name meaning daughter of a poet, celebrating a heritage of creativity and art.
Share this name
Meaning of Dearbhla
A traditional name meaning daughter of a poet, celebrating a heritage of creativity and art.
The name Dearbhla is derived from the Old Irish elements 'der' meaning daughter and 'file' meaning poet. It historically signifies a lineage of creativity and is famously associated with Saint Deirbhile, a 6th-century abbess who founded a monastery in County Mayo.
- Origin
- Irish Gaelic
- Pronunciation
- /DER-vla/
Cultural background
The name remains a classic choice in Ireland, particularly in Gaeltacht areas, representing a strong connection to Gaelic literary tradition. It is frequently chosen by parents who value traditional Irish orthography and cultural heritage.
Variations & nicknames
- Deirbhile
- Dervla
- Dearbhail
- Dervala
- Derbhla
Famous people named Dearbhla
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Dervla Murphy
Renowned travel writer known for 'Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle'.
Literature · 1931–2022
Dearbhla Walsh
Emmy Award-winning director of television series like 'Shameless' and 'Bad Sisters'.
Film · 1990s-present
Dervla Kirwan
Award-winning actress known for 'Ballykissangel' and 'Goodnight Sweetheart'.
Film · 1980s-present
Dearbhla Molloy
Distinguished stage and screen actress and Tony Award nominee.
Film · 1960s-present
Dearbhla Crotty
Prominent Irish stage actress associated with the Abbey Theatre.
Film · 1990s-present
Frequently asked about Dearbhla
- What does Dearbhla mean?
- Dearbhla is a traditional Irish name meaning 'daughter of the poet'.
- How do you pronounce Dearbhla?
- It is typically pronounced 'DER-vla', where the 'bh' creates a 'v' sound in Irish.
- Is Dearbhla a boy or girl name?
- Dearbhla is a feminine name of Irish origin.
- What is the English version of Dearbhla?
- The most common anglicized spelling of the name is Dervla.
Love Dearbhla? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Irish Gaelic names each week — free, no spam.
By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.
Compare Dearbhla with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
More Irish Gaelic names
See all Irish Gaelic names- Eadhra/EY-ra/
An ancient and rare name that carries the meaning of time or a specific period.
- Cormac/KOR-mak/
An ancient royal name that signifies a son of defilement or a charioteer.
- Eilís/EYE-leesh/
The elegant Irish form of Elizabeth, signifying that God is my oath.
- Senan/SHEN-an/
A gentle and historic name that means little wise one.
- Damhnait/DEV-nat/
A traditional name meaning little fawn, symbolizing grace and gentleness.
- Cian/KEE-an/
A storied name meaning ancient or enduring, rooted in Irish mythology.
- Gráinne/GRAWN-ya/
A storied name from Irish mythology likely meaning grain or sun, famously borne by a legendary princess.
- Saoirse/SEER-sha/
A meaningful name signifying liberty and freedom that gained popularity in the early 20th century.