Ogham Translator

Ogham Translator vs Transliterator — what's the difference?

Most people search for "Ogham Translator" — and that's perfectly fine. Technically, what this tool does is more accurately called an Ogham transliterator: it converts individual letters from the Latin alphabet (A, B, C…) into their corresponding Ogham symbols (ᚐ, ᚁ, ᚉ…). A translator converts meaning between languages; a transliterator converts characters between scripts.

Ogham is not a language — it is an alphabet, just as the Latin alphabet is used to write English, Spanish and French. The ancient Irish used Ogham to write Primitive Irish, the earliest known form of Gaelic, from around the 4th century AD onwards.

What's Your Name in Ogham?

Looking up your name in Ogham is one of the most popular uses of this tool. If your name is English, the most historically accurate approach is to find the Irish (Gaelic) equivalent first — for example, John → Seán, Mary → Máire — and then transliterate into Ogham. We've compiled a list of the 100 most popular names in Ogham to help you find yours instantly.

Most Popular Ogham Words & Phrases

Beyond names, the most common searches are spiritual words and Irish blessings. Here are the most popular:

A Brief History of Ogham

Ogham is an Early Medieval alphabet used to write the early Irish language, known as Primitive Irish. Evidence shows Ogham was in use from at least the 4th century AD — long before the Latin alphabet reached Ireland. The script is traditionally written along the edge of a stone, read from bottom to top, which is why it is displayed vertically.

Around 400 inscribed stone monuments survive across Ireland and parts of western Britain, most recording personal names — memorials to the people of early Gaelic society. Here is a real inscription from the Breastagh Ogham Stone in County Mayo:

Learn about every letter of the Ogham alphabet →