So, how did Ireland get its Name?
When people think of Ireland, they picture rolling green hills, Celtic folklore, and perhaps a pint of Guinness in a cozy pub. But behind this magical island’s culture lies a deeper question: what is Ireland named after? The answer goes back thousands of years—to the goddess Ériu, one of the most important deities in Celtic mythology.
The name Ireland originates from the Old Irish word Ériu, believed to mean “fertile land” or “abundant land.” In myth, Ériu was a goddess of sovereignty, and together with her sisters, Banba and Fódla, she represented the spirit of the island. When the English language adapted the name, it became Ireland, combining “Ire” (from Ériu) with “land.”
For centuries, the name of Éire or Ireland has carried with it both the poetic beauty of mythology and the weight of history, shaped by Romans, Celts, Vikings, Normans, and English rulers. To answer who named Ireland and how Ireland got its name, we must first dive into myth, legend, and conquest.
Roman Influence Over Ireland's Name
The Romans, who never fully conquered Ireland, still left their mark. They referred to the island as Hibernia—a Latinized form of a Celtic word connected to Ériu. Early Roman writers described the island as a misty, mysterious land at the edge of the known world. Though the Romans didn’t settle in Éire, their name lingered in maps and writings, influencing how outsiders perceived the island.
Interestingly, some Roman records even used the name Scotia for parts of Ireland, which later transferred to Scotland. These shifts illustrate just how many times outsiders asked themselves what Ireland was called before it was Ireland.
Ancient Origins of Ireland's Name
Long before written history, Ireland was home to hunter-gatherers and later farming communities dating back over 10,000 years. The Celts arrived between 500 BCE and 300 BCE, bringing language, traditions, and gods. They gave form to the mythology that survives today, tying the land to divine beings like Ériu.
The Celts were not the first to step onto Irish soil, but they defined much of what the world thinks of as Ireland: its music, language, and knotwork art. So when we ask what Ireland was called before, the answer depends on who you ask: for early tribes, it may not have been a single name at all, but rather many local ones tied to valleys, rivers, and clans.
Gaelic Goddess: Ériu and Her Sisters – A Triple Threat
The goddess Ériu was one of a trio of sovereignty goddesses, alongside Banba and Fódla. According to legend, when the mythical Milesians came to conquer the land, the sisters demanded that the island bear their names. The Milesians agreed, but ultimately Ériu’s name became the most enduring.
This is how Ireland got its name through a goddess who embodied fertility, abundance, and sovereignty. Banba and Fódla, while remembered in poetry, became secondary. But in early texts, poets sometimes referred to Ireland by their names, showing just how powerful this goddess trio was in shaping cultural identity.
The First “Gaels”
The Gaels, descendants of the Milesians in Irish myth, carried the story of Ériu forward. In their mythology, they had traveled from Iberia (modern Spain) and won the island from the Tuatha Dé Danann, the mystical race of gods. This victory intertwined their identity with the land itself, making them the first true people of Éire.
Tuatha Dé Danann’s Last Stand and Ériu’s Request
The Tuatha Dé Danann, legendary beings skilled in magic, were said to have ruled Ireland before the Gaels. When defeated, they retreated into the mounds, becoming the fairy folk of Irish lore. Before this transition, Ériu herself requested that the land bear her name forever.
Thus, the name wasn’t just a label; it was a pact, a bridge between mortals and the divine.
Ériu Has the Power
In myth, Ériu was no ordinary goddess. She represented the land itself, sovereignty, and the right of kings to rule. To marry Ériu symbolically was to claim the throne of Ireland. This idea that the ruler was wedded to the land underpinned ancient kingship traditions and reinforced the sacredness of the island’s name.
What Happened to the Tuatha Dé Danann?
After their defeat, the Tuatha Dé Danann were said to inhabit the sídhe, the otherworldly mounds and hills scattered across Ireland. They transformed into the fairies of folklore, powerful, mysterious, and ever-present. Their stories ensured that Éire remained a land of magic, one where the borders between worlds are thin.
Evolution to “Ireland”
From Ériu to Éire to Ireland, the name evolved alongside the language and rulers of the island. The English-speaking world adopted “Ireland,” but the Irish continued to cherish “Éire.” Poets popularized “Erin” in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in songs like Erin go Bragh (“Ireland Forever”).
So, why did they name it Ireland? Because Ériu’s blessing demanded it. The mythological roots proved stronger than any foreign word.
Other Names of Ireland
Throughout history, Ireland has had many names:
Éire – the modern Irish name, used officially in the Constitution of Ireland.
Erin – a poetic English name.
Hibernia – the Roman name.
Scotia – once used by the Romans for Ireland, later shifting to Scotland.
Southern Ireland – a political name used during the partition in 1921.
Ulster – often referring to Northern Ireland, but historically one of the four provinces of Éire.
This explains the mixed phrases you’ll see today, such as Éire Southern Ireland or Éire Ulster.
Continuing Traditions
Today, people still ask how the Irish say Ireland. The answer is simple: “Éire.” In everyday conversation, many use “Ireland,” but the Irish-language version holds deep cultural pride.
Ireland’s names remain part of its identity, woven into poetry, songs, and politics. They connect the modern nation back to the goddess Ériu and to the myths that defined sovereignty and belonging.
Éire Pronunciation
The word “Éire” (Irish for Ireland) is typically pronounced in English as AIR-ə or AIR-ah. The “é” carries a long a sound, much like the word “air.” The “re” softens into a schwa, making the sound gentle and flowing. This lyrical quality mirrors the musicality of the Irish language itself.
The History of Ireland Jewelry Collection
Jewelry has always been a storyteller of culture, and nowhere is that more evident than in the History of Ireland Jewelry Collection. This unique collection is engraved with twelve symbols that tell the history of Ireland from ancient times to the present day. Each symbol represents a milestone in Ireland’s journey—from the arrival of St. Patrick and the introduction of Christianity to the struggles for independence and the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Wearing a piece from the History of Ireland Jewelry Collection is like carrying a timeline of Éire with you. Rings, bracelets, and pendants in the collection are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. They connect the wearer to the story of Ireland, its people, and its enduring spirit.
The collection resonates especially with those who wonder what Ireland was called before or how Ireland got its name. It reminds us that while names may change—from Ériu to Éire to Ireland—the heritage, struggles, and triumphs remain engraved in the soul of the nation. For Irish descendants worldwide, these designs offer a tangible link to the history of Ireland, ensuring that the myths, struggles, and victories are remembered and celebrated with every wear.
People Also Ask
What was Ireland called before it was called Ireland?
Before being known as Ireland, the island was called Ériu (from the goddess Ériu), Hibernia by the Romans, and sometimes Scotia.
Why did they name it Ireland?
Because of Ériu, the goddess who blessed the land, the Gaels honored her wish, and her name evolved into Éire and then Ireland.
What was Ireland called in 1921?
In 1921, during partition, the southern region was officially referred to as “Southern Ireland,” while the northern part became “Northern Ireland.”
How do the Irish say Ireland?
In Irish, the country is called “Éire,” pronounced AIR-uh.
About Us
At The Irish Jewelry Company, we celebrate the beauty, history, and symbolism of Ireland through our handcrafted jewelry. From Claddagh rings to Celtic crosses, each piece carries the traditions of Éire into the present.
Our Jewelry
Our collections honor the mythology and history of Ireland from designs inspired by the goddess Ériu to symbols like the Tree of Life and the Trinity Knot.
Customer Care
We pride ourselves on excellent service, ensuring your experience is as meaningful as the jewelry itself.
Weekly Emails, Competitions, and More
Join our community for exclusive offers, competitions, and stories celebrating Ireland’s heritage. Sign up now > Subscribe
Validate your login