Name meaning & originLiadán
/LEE-ah-dawn/
Liadán is an Irish girl's name pronounced /LEE-ah-dawn/. A poetic name meaning grey lady, associated with a famous medieval Irish poetess.
Share this name
Meaning of Liadán
A poetic name meaning grey lady, associated with a famous medieval Irish poetess.
Liadán is derived from the Old Irish word 'líath', meaning 'grey', combined with the diminutive suffix 'án'. It is traditionally interpreted as 'Grey Lady' or 'Grey Girl', historically referring to the grey habit worn by the namesake 7th-century nun and poetess.
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- /LEE-ah-dawn/
Cultural background
The name remains a classic yet relatively uncommon choice in Ireland, often associated with literary and artistic circles due to its poetic heritage. It is exclusively used as a feminine name.
Variations & nicknames
- Liadan
- Líadan
- Líadain
- Liadaine
Famous people named Liadán
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Liadán of Cork
A 7th-century Irish poetess and nun, central figure of the tragic legend 'Liadán and Cuirithir'.
Literature · 7th century
Saint Liadán
The mother of Saint Ciarán of Saighir, recognized as an early Irish saint.
Religion · 5th-6th century
Liadán Hynes
Irish journalist and author known for her work in national newspapers and podcasts.
Journalism · 2000s-present
Frequently asked about Liadán
- What does Liadán mean?
- Liadán is a Gaelic name meaning 'Grey Lady' or 'Grey Girl', derived from the Irish word for grey, 'líath'.
- How do you pronounce Liadán?
- It is typically pronounced 'LEE-din' or 'LEE-dawn', depending on regional Irish dialects.
- Is Liadán a boy or girl name?
- Liadán is traditionally and exclusively a girl's name in Irish culture.
- Who was the most famous Liadán in history?
- The most famous figure is the 7th-century poetess Liadán of Cork, known for her tragic love story with the poet Cuirithir.
Love Liadán? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Irish 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 Liadán with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
More Irish names
See all Irish names- Darragh/DA-ra/
A nature-inspired name that signifies the strength of the oak tree.
- Ailbhe/AL-va/
A bright and radiant name derived from the Old Irish word for white or noble.
- Lasairfhíona/la-SARE-ee-na/
A radiant name meaning flame of wine.
- Aisling/ASH-ling/
A poetic name referring to a vision or a dream, originating from a genre of 17th-century Irish poetry.
- Quinn/KWIN/
This name signifies wisdom, intelligence, or a person of high counsel.
- Ríona/REE-nuh/
A short and elegant name meaning 'queenly', derived from the Irish word for queen, 'ríoghan'.
- Eibhlín/EV-leen / EYE-leen/
This name is often associated with being a shining light or a bird.
- Ronan/RO-nan/
A charming maritime name that means little seal.