Irish Baby Name · Girl

Dearbhla

Pronounced: DER-vla

Meaning: True desire

About the name

Origin
Irish
English version
Dervla, Derbhla
Variants
Deirbhile, Dervla
Stronghold region
Connacht

Overview

A modern Irish name from Old Irish Derbáil; used in continuous tradition since the medieval period.

The story behind Dearbhla

Saint Dearbhla fled to Achill to escape an unwanted suitor; when he pursued her she plucked out her own eyes to make herself unattractive to him — and her sight was miraculously restored when she reached the safety of Achill.

Mythology & legend

Saint Dearbhla of Achill founded a church on the western tip of Achill Island.

Did you know?

Dearbhla means 'true desire' or 'true poet'.

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