Quick facts
Last updated June 2026
What it means
“Clíodhna is an Irish girl name usually linked with the meaning "shapely." In Irish mythology, Clíodhna is remembered as a figure of love and beauty, with strong ties to Munster and County Cork.”
Clíodhna is one of those Irish names that feels musical before you even know the story behind it. The meaning most often given is "shapely," a simple old-fashioned word that suggests graceful form, beauty, and poise. Nameberry lists Clíodhna as Irish in origin and gives the pronunciation as KLEE-uh-na or KLEE-nuh, which helps make the spelling feel much less intimidating once you hear it aloud. The name is also closely connected to Irish mythology. In those stories, Clíodhna appears in several forms, including Clídna, Clionadh, Clíodna, Clíona, and the English transliteration Cleena. She is described as a Queen of the Banshees of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and in some Irish myths she is a goddess of love and beauty. That gives the name a layered feeling: gentle and lovely on the surface, but old, strong, and deeply rooted underneath. Parents drawn to Clíodhna often like names with real cultural depth, especially Irish names that have not been smoothed into a more familiar English shape. The fada over the í matters visually and culturally, because it marks the Irish spelling and changes how the name is read. Still, families outside Ireland may choose Clíona or Cleena if they want a spelling that is easier for English speakers. There is a place-name connection too. Clíodhna is associated with Carrig-Cleena near Mallow in County Cork, and folklore places her especially in South Munster. That gives the name a grounded, local Irish feeling rather than a vague Celtic mood. For a child, Clíodhna can carry the sense of beauty, legend, music, sea air, and old family storytelling, all packed into one bright, distinctive name.
Why parents love it
Clíodhna is a wonderful choice if you want an Irish name with real depth, not just a pretty sound. It has that bright KLEE opening, then softens into a gentle ending, so it feels both clear and lyrical. The meaning, "shapely," gives it a graceful old-world charm, while the mythology adds something much bigger: love, beauty, healing birds, and stories tied to the landscape of Munster. This is not the easiest name on the preschool cubby label, and that may be part of its appeal. Clíodhna asks people to learn it. Once they do, it tends to stay with them. If you have Irish roots, especially Cork or Munster connections, the name can feel personal in a way that more familiar Irish names may not. It also gives you options. You can use the full Irish spelling, choose Clíona for a slightly simpler form, or use Cleo or Clio as an everyday nickname. Clíodhna feels rare, graceful, and meaningful, the kind of name a child can grow into rather than outgrow.
Heritage
Clíodhna has a strong place in Irish myth, especially in traditions connected with Munster. She is described as a Queen of the Banshees of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and some stories know her as a goddess of love and beauty. In folklore, she is also linked with County Cork and with Carrig-Cleena, a place near Mallow whose name still preserves her memory. One especially vivid detail from the tradition is that Clíodhna is said to have three brightly colored birds who eat apples from an otherworldly tree. Their song is said to heal sickness. That image gives the name a tender, almost lullaby-like quality, which is part of why it can feel so appealing for a baby name even though its roots are ancient. For families with Irish heritage, Clíodhna can be a meaningful way to choose a name that has not lost its original shape. The accent mark, called a fada, is part of the Irish spelling, so parents should be prepared to correct forms and databases now and then. Some families keep Clíodhna for its beauty and authenticity, while others use Clíona or Cleena for daily ease. There is no broad religious taboo attached to the name in the provided sources. It is mythological rather than biblical or saintly, so it may feel especially right for parents who love folklore, Irish language names, and names with a sense of place.
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The traditional meaning "shapely" gives Clíodhna a poised, elegant feeling without making it feel fussy.
Its mythological background brings to mind stories, music, birds, sea legends, and old Irish landscapes.
Clíodhna stands out in English-speaking settings because of its Irish spelling, accent mark, and lyrical sound.
Because Clíodhna is connected in myth with love and beauty, the name carries a soft, heartfelt quality.
Its ties to Munster, County Cork, and Carrig-Cleena make it feel anchored in a real cultural place.
Original
Clíodhna
Transliterations
Maeve keeps the Irish feeling and gives the full name a strong, compact ending.
Grace echoes the name's meaning and softens the more unusual first name for English-speaking ears.
Rose is familiar and simple, which lets Clíodhna stay the clear star of the name.
Jane gives the name a crisp, classic balance and is easy to say after three flowing syllables.
Faye has a light, fairy-tale sound that pairs naturally with Clíodhna's mythic background.
Eve is short and bright, making the full name feel elegant without becoming too long.
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