Find out how popular the first name Sorcha has been for the last 35 years (from 1989 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sorcha by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Sorcha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sorcha.

The history of the first name Sorcha

The name Sorcha originates from the Irish language and has its roots dating back to ancient Gaelic times. Sorcha is derived from the Old Irish word "sorc," which means "brightness" or "radiance." It is also closely related to the Irish word "sorcha," meaning "light" or "illumination."

In its earliest recorded usage, the name Sorcha appeared in ancient Irish manuscripts and historical records from the 5th century AD. It was a popular name among the Celtic tribes and clans of Ireland, particularly in the regions of Munster and Connacht.

One of the earliest documented references to the name Sorcha can be found in the Irish epic tale "The Cattle Raid of Cooley" (Tain Bo Cuailnge), which dates back to the 8th century AD. In this ancient text, Sorcha is mentioned as the name of a powerful female warrior and druidess.

Throughout the centuries, several notable figures have borne the name Sorcha. One of the most famous was Sorcha Ní Ghuairim (c. 1670-1747), an Irish noblewoman and landowner from County Mayo who was renowned for her generosity and support of Irish language and culture.

Another prominent figure was Sorcha Nic Leoid (c. 1570-1634), a Scottish Gaelic poet and member of the Clan MacLeod. Her poetic works, known as "The Lays of Sorcha Nic Leoid," are considered significant contributions to Scottish Gaelic literature.

In the 12th century, Sorcha ingen Donnchada (c. 1120-1195) was a renowned Irish princess and abbess who founded several monasteries and played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of medieval Ireland.

Sorcha Ní Ghriallais (c. 1490-1560) was an Irish noblewoman and chieftain of the O'Grialais clan in County Mayo. She was renowned for her leadership and military prowess during a time of turmoil in Ireland.

More recently, Sorcha Cusack (born 1949) is an Irish actress and writer who has appeared in numerous films and television productions, and is known for her advocacy of Irish culture and language.

The name Sorcha continues to be popular in Ireland and among Irish communities around the world, carrying the cultural significance and historical resonance of its ancient Gaelic origins.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Sorcha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Sorcha, please contact us.

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