Líadan
/LEE-adin/
Líadan is an Irish girl's name pronounced /LEE-adin/. A soft, historical name meaning 'grey lady', belonging to a 7th-century poetess in Irish legend.
Meaning of Líadan
A soft, historical name meaning 'grey lady', belonging to a 7th-century poetess in Irish legend.
Líadan is derived from the Old Irish elements 'líath', meaning grey, and a diminutive suffix, often translated as 'Grey Lady'. In Irish legend, it is most famously associated with the 7th-century poetess Líadan of Corkaguiney, who became a nun after a tragic romance with the poet Cuirithir.
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- /LEE-adin/
Cultural background
The name remains a classic choice in Ireland, valued for its historical weight and poetic associations. It is typically pronounced LEE-a-din or LEE-din depending on the regional Irish dialect.
Variations & nicknames
- Liadan
- Líadain
- Liadain
- Lia
Famous people named Líadan
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Líadan of Corkaguiney
Historical Irish poetess and nun featured in the 9th-century tale 'Líadan and Cuirithir'.
Literature · 7th century
Liadan Hynes
Prominent Irish journalist and author known for her work in national newspapers and podcasts.
Journalism · Present
Saint Líadán
Mother of Saint Ciarán of Saighir and a figure in early Irish Christian hagiography.
Religion · 5th-6th century
Frequently asked about Líadan
- What does Líadan mean?
- Líadan is an Irish name meaning 'grey lady' or 'grey girl', derived from the Old Irish word 'líath' (grey).
- How do you pronounce Líadan?
- It is typically pronounced 'LEE-a-din'. The fada on the 'í' creates a long 'ee' sound.
- Is Líadan a boy or girl name?
- Líadan is traditionally and exclusively used as a girl's name in Ireland.
- Is Líadan a common name in Ireland?
- While not in the top ten rankings, it is a well-established and recognized traditional name throughout Ireland.
Love Líadan? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Irish names each week — free, no spam.
Compare Líadan with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
More Irish names
See all Irish names- Aisling/ASH-ling/
A poetic name referring to a vision or a dream, originating from a genre of 17th-century Irish poetry.
- Siobhán/shiv-AWN/
A timeless name that serves as the Irish form of Joan, meaning 'God is gracious'.
- Eoghan/OH-en/
An ancient name meaning born of the yew tree, representing longevity and resilience.
- Síofra/SHEE-fra/
An enchanting name that means 'elf' or 'sprite', reflecting the magical folklore of Ireland.
- Ailbhe/AL-va/
A bright and radiant name derived from the Old Irish word for white or noble.
- Clíodhna/KLEE-u-na/
A name meaning shapely, belonging to a powerful figure in Irish folklore.
- Fiadh/FEE-ah/
A nature-inspired name derived from the Old Irish word for wild, representing a free-spirited soul.
- Caoimhe/KEE-va/
A beautiful name signifying gentleness, beauty, and preciousness.