← All names

Sorcha

Girl name · 155 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Sorcha: 155 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 10 births in 2025.

Sorcha is a Gaelic name rooted in the Old Irish word *sorcha*, meaning "brightness" or "radiant," and has been used in both Scotland and Ireland for centuries. Among its notable bearers are Sorcha Ní Ghuairim, a celebrated Irish traditional singer and sean-nós performer, and Sorcha Richardson, a contemporary Irish singer-songwriter. While no major places are named directly after a Sorcha, the name shares its luminous meaning with the Irish word for "light" (*solas*). The name is often anglicised as Sarah or Sally, though it has no etymological link to those Hebrew names—a common misunderstanding that reflects the challenges Gaelic names faced in English-speaking records. In Scotland, Sorcha remains a cherished link to Celtic heritage, with a soft, melodic sound that feels both ancient and fresh.