Choosing a baby name is a meaningful decision, especially when you want something connected to heritage, language, and history. Irish Baby Girl Names offer a beautiful mix of traditional Gaelic choices, lyrical sounds, powerful meanings, and modern options. From names inspired by nature and mythology to names associated with strength, beauty, and freedom, Irish naming traditions provide plenty of memorable possibilities.
This guide brings together carefully selected Irish Baby Girl Names for parents looking for something classic, rare, cute, or easy to use internationally. Irish names can have distinctive spellings and pronunciations, so understanding their meanings and cultural background can make your choice even more special. The lists below explore different styles while keeping authenticity and meaning at the center.
Popular Irish Girl Names

Popular Irish Baby Girl Names often balance traditional Irish roots with sounds that work beautifully in modern families.
Many have remained familiar because of their literary, historical, cultural, or Gaelic connections.
These choices are especially appealing when you want an Irish identity without choosing an extremely unusual name.
| Name | Meaning |
| Aoife | • Beauty; radiant |
| Niamh | • Bright; radiant |
| Saoirse | • Freedom; liberty |
| Caoimhe | • Beautiful; gentle |
| Siobhán | • Irish form of Joan; God is gracious |
| Aisling | • Dream; vision |
| Ciara | • Dark; dark-haired |
| Maeve | • Intoxicating; she who intoxicates |
| Orla | • Golden princess |
| Róisín | • Little rose |
| Fiadh | • Wild; deer |
| Eabha | • Irish form of Eve; life |
| Aine | • Radiance; brilliance |
| Eimear | • Swift; often associated with legendary Emer |
| Erin | • Ireland; land of Éire |
| Sadhbh | • Sweet; goodness |
| Sorcha | • Bright; radiant |
| Deirdre | • Legendary Irish name of uncertain meaning |
| Gráinne | • Grain; associated with legendary Grace/Gráinne |
| Fionnuala | • Fair or white shoulder |
| Clodagh | • From the River Clodiagh |
| Tara | • Hill; associated with the Hill of Tara |
| Brigid | • Exalted; lofty |
| Fiona | • Fair; white |
| Shannon | • Associated with the River Shannon |
| Molly | • Diminutive of Mary; beloved or wished-for child |
| Caitlin | • Irish form of Catherine; pure |
| Aislinn | • Variant of Aisling; dream or vision |
| Alannah | • Influenced by Irish a leanbh, “O child” |
| Nuala | • Short form of Fionnuala |
Irish Girl Names With Meanings
Meaning can turn a beautiful sound into a deeply personal choice, and Irish Baby Girl Names are especially rich in symbolic associations.
Irish names may connect to qualities such as beauty, brightness, freedom, nature, nobility, and love.
The following selection gives parents a range of names whose meanings can inspire a child throughout life.
| Name | Meaning |
| Áine | • Radiance; brilliance |
| Aoibhinn | • Delightful; pleasant |
| Aoibheann | • Beauty; white or blessed |
| Aoibhé | • Beauty; loveliness |
| Croía | • Heart |
| Éala | • Swan |
| Éireann | • Ireland |
| Fianna | • Warrior band |
| Fíona | • Derived from Irish fíon, wine |
| Bláithín | • Little flower |
| Réaltín | • Little star |
| Ríona | • Queenly; queen |
| Órlaith | • Golden princess |
| Laoise | • Radiant girl |
| Cara | • Friend |
| Treasa | • Strength |
| Muireann | • Sea-white; fair sea |
| Muirne | • High-spirited; beloved legendary name |
| Sinéad | • Irish form of Jane; God is gracious |
| Máire | • Irish form of Mary |
| Máiréad | • Irish form of Margaret; pearl |
| Maolíosa | • Devotee of Jesus |
| Síle | • Irish form of Cecilia |
| Brónagh | • Sorrowful; associated with the Irish saint Brónach |
| Dervla | • Irish form of Dearbhla |
| Doireann | • Stormy; tempestuous |
| Eithne | • Kernel; grain |
| Lasairíona | • Flame or fiery one |
| Odharnait | • Little dun-colored one |
| Onóra | • Irish form of Honora; honor |
Traditional Irish Girl Names

Traditional Irish Baby Girl Names reflect centuries of Gaelic language, Christian history, saints, legends, and family naming customs.
Many have older Irish forms that differ considerably from their English equivalents.
They are ideal for families who want a name that feels strongly connected to Ireland’s linguistic heritage.
| Name | Meaning |
| Bríd | • Exalted; lofty |
| Caitríona | • Irish form of Catherine; pure |
| Damhnait | • Little fawn or young deer |
| Dearbháil | • Daughter of Fál |
| Dearbhla | • Variant of Dearbháil; associated with truth |
| Éadaoin | • Traditional Irish feminine name; associated with Étaín |
| Eibhlín | • Irish form of Aveline |
| Eilis | • Irish Gaelic form of Elizabeth |
| Emer | • Legendary Irish heroine; traditional meaning uncertain |
| Fédelm | • Traditional Old Irish name; prophetic woman in legend |
| Fidelma | • Latinized form of Fedelm |
| Gobnait | • Traditional Irish saint’s name |
| Gormlaith | • Blue princess; illustrious princess |
| Íde | • Irish form of Ita |
| Maolíosa | • Devotee of Jesus |
| Medb | • Old Irish form of Maeve; she who intoxicates |
| Neasa | • Traditional Irish name linked with the mother of Conchobar |
| Nóirín | • Little Nora |
| Nuala | • Short form of Fionnuala |
| Úna | • Irish form of Oona; lamb |
| Peig | • Irish form of Margaret; pearl |
| Ríoghnach | • Queenly; royal |
| Sadhbh | • Sweet; goodness |
| Scáthach | • Shadowy; legendary warrior woman |
| Sláine | • Health; good health |
| Síofra | • Fairy; elf |
| Sorcha | • Bright; radiant |
| Tuathlaith | • Princess of the people |
| Uallach | • Proud; spirited |
| Áine | • Radiance; brilliance |
Modern Irish Girl Names
Modern Irish naming has introduced fresh forms while keeping strong links to Irish vocabulary and culture.
Some newer choices draw directly from everyday Irish words, nature, or contemporary naming patterns.
These Irish Baby Girl Names suit parents who want a distinctly Irish identity with a modern feel.
| Name | Meaning |
| Croía | • Heart |
| Éala | • Swan |
| Fiadh | • Wild animal; deer |
| Fianna | • Band of warriors |
| Éireann | • Ireland |
| Alannah | • Influenced by a leanbh, “O child” |
| Aoibhe | • Beauty |
| Aoibhín | • Diminutive connected with beauty |
| Aislin | • Variant of Aisling |
| Aifric | • Irish form with an Old Irish history |
| Africa | • Anglicized form of Aifric |
| Aideen | • Anglicized form of Éadaoin |
| Eavan | • Anglicized form of Aoibheann |
| Enya | • Anglicized form of Eithne |
| Ethna | • Anglicized form of Eithne |
| Elva | • Anglicized form of Ailbhe |
| Neve | • Anglicized form of Niamh |
| Nessa | • Anglicized form of Neasa |
| Noreen | • Anglicized form of Nóirín |
| Oona | • Anglicized form of Úna |
| Darina | • Anglicized form of Dáirine |
| Finola | • Anglicized form of Fionnuala |
| Fionola | • Anglicized form of Fionnuala |
| Finnuala | • Variant of Fionnuala |
| Bevin | • Anglicized form of Bébinn |
| Bedelia | • Irish diminutive of Bridget |
| Biddy | • Irish diminutive of Bridget |
| Cleena | • Anglicized form of Clíodhna |
| Clíona | • Variant of Clíodhna |
| Clodagh | • Name from the River Clodiagh |
Unique Irish Girl Names

Unique Irish Baby Girl Names can give a child an individual identity while still preserving a meaningful cultural connection.
Some are uncommon because their original Gaelic spellings are rarely seen outside Ireland.
These options are particularly appealing to parents searching for something distinctive rather than familiar.
| Name | Meaning |
| Áednat | • Feminine diminutive of Áed |
| Aíbinn | • Old Irish form of Aoibheann |
| Aífe | • Old Irish form of Aoife |
| Bébhinn | • Modern form of Bébinn |
| Bébhionn | • Variant of Bébinn |
| Béibhinn | • Modern Irish form of Bébinn |
| Céibhfhionn | • Fair-haired |
| Ciannait | • Feminine form of Cian |
| Dáirine | • Possibly derived from Dáire |
| Edel | • Noble; white, associated with edelweiss |
| Éimhear | • Modern Irish form of Emer |
| Fedelma | • Variant of Fidelma |
| Fionnghuala | • Variant of Fionnuala |
| Odharnait | • Dun-colored; greyish brown |
| Ríoghnach | • Queenly; royal |
| Tuathlaith | • Princess of the people |
| Muadhnait | • Little noble one |
| Lasairíona | • Flame; fiery one |
| Bláthnaid | • Flower-like; blossom |
| Deirbhile | • Traditional Irish name, form of Dervla |
| Gearóidín | • Irish feminine form related to Gerald |
| Somhairlín | • Feminine diminutive related to Somhairle |
| Úanín | • Little lamb |
| Réaltín | • Little star |
| Síofra | • Fairy; elf |
| Aithne | • Possibly a variant of Eithne |
| Affraic | • Old Irish form of Aifric |
| Assumpta | • Irish usage of Assunta; associated with assumption |
| Bébinn | • White woman; white or blessed |
| Clíodhna | • Legendary Irish goddess; meaning uncertain |
Rare Irish Girl Names
Rare names often preserve pieces of Irish linguistic history that have become less familiar in everyday use.
These Irish Baby Girl Names are excellent choices for parents who value heritage and uncommon spellings.
Because several are historical or mythological, their meanings and backgrounds can be especially interesting.
| Name | Meaning |
| Africa | • Anglicized form of Aifric |
| Aithne | • Possible variant of Eithne |
| Aifric | • Old Irish name with historical use |
| Bevin | • Anglicized form of Bébinn |
| Bébhinn | • Modern form of Bébinn |
| Bébhionn | • Variant of Bébinn |
| Clídna | • Old Irish form connected with Clíodhna |
| Dáirine | • Possibly derived from Dáire |
| Darina | • Anglicized form of Dáirine |
| Deirbhile | • Irish form of Dervla |
| Eavan | • Anglicized form of Aoibheann |
| Éireann | • Ireland |
| Fionola | • Anglicized form of Fionnuala |
| Gormfhlaith | • Blue or noble princess |
| Lasairfhíona | • Flame of wine |
| Muadhnait | • Little noble one |
| Neassa | • Traditional Irish legendary name |
| Odharnait | • Little dun-colored one |
| Onóra | • Honor |
| Ríoghnach | • Queenly |
| Somhairlín | • Feminine diminutive related to Somhairle |
| Tuathlaith | • Princess of the people |
| Uallach | • Proud; spirited |
| Áednat | • Feminine diminutive of Áed |
| Aíbinn | • Old Irish form of Aoibheann |
| Affraic | • Old Irish form of Aifric |
| Aífe | • Old Irish form of Aoife |
| Céibhfhionn | • Fair-haired |
| Ciannait | • Feminine form of Cian |
| Clíodhna | • Legendary goddess; meaning uncertain |
Cute Irish Girl Names

Cute names often have soft sounds, affectionate forms, or meanings connected with flowers, beauty, friendship, and nature.
Many Irish Baby Girl Names can feel charming for a child while still growing gracefully into adulthood.
This collection mixes short choices with diminutives and gentle-sounding Irish forms.
| Name | Meaning |
| Aoibhe | • Beauty |
| Aoibhín | • Little beauty |
| Bláithín | • Little flower |
| Róisín | • Little rose |
| Nóirín | • Little Nora |
| Bedelia | • Diminutive of Bridget |
| Biddy | • Diminutive of Bridget |
| Éala | • Swan |
| Cara | • Friend |
| Fiadh | • Deer; wild animal |
| Aisling | • Dream; vision |
| Aine | • Radiance |
| Eavan | • Form of Aoibheann |
| Eilis | • Irish form of Elizabeth |
| Enya | • Anglicized Eithne |
| Fiona | • Fair; white |
| Nuala | • Short form of Fionnuala |
| Oona | • Anglicized Úna |
| Orla | • Golden princess |
| Síle | • Irish form of Cecilia |
| Sorcha | • Bright |
| Treasa | • Strength |
| Una | • Lamb |
| Alannah | • “O child” association |
| Aideen | • Anglicized Éadaoin |
| Clíona | • Variant of Clíodhna |
| Edel | • Noble; white |
| Finola | • Anglicized Fionnuala |
| Neve | • Anglicized Niamh |
| Noreen | • Anglicized Nóirín |
Read More: https://nameszonees.com/scientific-names/
Beautiful Irish Girl Names
Beauty appears frequently in Irish naming traditions, whether a name literally refers to beauty or evokes light, flowers, nature, or nobility.
These Irish Baby Girl Names have an elegant quality that works well for both traditional and contemporary families.
Their meanings add another layer of charm beyond the sound of each name.
| Name | Meaning |
| Aoibheann | • Beauty; white or blessed |
| Aoibhinn | • Delightful; pleasant |
| Áine | • Radiance; brilliance |
| Niamh | • Bright; radiant |
| Caoimhe | • Beautiful; gentle |
| Saoirse | • Freedom |
| Órlaith | • Golden princess |
| Ríona | • Queenly |
| Laoise | • Radiant girl |
| Sorcha | • Bright |
| Fionnuala | • White shoulder |
| Fíona | • Wine |
| Clodagh | • River name |
| Muireann | • Sea-white; fair sea |
| Muirne | • High-spirited |
| Gráinne | • Grain; traditional Irish name |
| Sadhbh | • Sweet; goodness |
| Eithne | • Kernel; grain |
| Eimear | • Swift |
| Aislinn | • Dream; vision |
| Bríd | • Exalted |
| Caitríona | • Pure |
| Máiréad | • Pearl |
| Sinéad | • God is gracious |
| Síofra | • Fairy; elf |
| Deirdre | • Legendary Irish name |
| Dervla | • Irish traditional name |
| Fianna | • Warrior band |
| Croía | • Heart |
| Éireann | • Ireland |
Irish Girl Names With Pronunciation
Irish spelling can look unfamiliar to English speakers because Gaeilge uses letter combinations whose sounds differ from standard English expectations.
Learning pronunciation makes Irish Baby Girl Names easier to appreciate and helps parents choose a name they can confidently say.
Pronunciations can vary by dialect, so these guides are practical approximations rather than universal rules.
| Name | Meaning |
| Siobhán | • Pronounced roughly “shi-VAWN”; God is gracious |
| Niamh | • “NEEV”; bright |
| Aoife | • “EE-fa”; beauty |
| Saoirse | • “SEER-sha”; freedom |
| Caoimhe | • “KEE-va” or “KWEE-va”; beautiful |
| Aisling | • “ASH-ling”; dream |
| Sadhbh | • “SIVE”; sweet; goodness |
| Róisín | • “RO-sheen”; little rose |
| Meadhbh | • “MAYV”; she who intoxicates |
| Ciara | • “KEER-a”; dark |
| Fiadh | • “FEE-a”; deer |
| Éabha | • “AY-va”; life |
| Áine | • “AWN-ya”; radiance |
| Eimear | • “EE-mer”; swift |
| Laoise | • “LEE-sha”; radiant girl |
| Sorcha | • “SOR-ka”; bright |
| Fionnuala | • “fin-NOO-la”; white shoulder |
| Órlaith | • “OR-la”; golden princess |
| Gráinne | • “GRAWN-ya”; traditional Irish name |
| Síle | • “SHEE-la”; Irish form of Cecilia |
| Bláithín | • “BLAW-heen”; little flower |
| Bláthnaid | • “BLAW-nid”; flower-like |
| Treasa | • “TREH-sa”; strength |
| Nuala | • “NOO-la”; short form of Fionnuala |
| Máire | • “MAW-ra”; Irish Mary |
| Máiréad | • “ma-RAID”; pearl |
| Eithne | • “EN-ya”; kernel or grain |
| Clodagh | • “CLO-da”; river name |
| Deirdre | • “DEER-dra”; traditional legendary name |
| Muireann | • “MWIR-in”; sea-white |
Easy Irish Names to Pronounce
Some Irish choices are relatively straightforward for English speakers, especially when their modern forms are familiar internationally.
For families outside Ireland, these Irish Baby Girl Names may offer a practical balance between cultural authenticity and everyday usability.
They can also reduce repeated pronunciation corrections at school, work, or social gatherings.
| Name | Meaning |
| Erin | • Ireland |
| Fiona | • Fair; white |
| Tara | • Hill; associated with Tara |
| Nora | • Short form of Honora or Eleanor |
| Alana | • Irish-associated modern form |
| Cara | • Friend |
| Molly | • Diminutive of Mary |
| Shannon | • River name |
| Aileen | • Variant of Eileen |
| Eileen | • Irish form of Eibhlín |
| Fiona | • Fair; white |
| Nessa | • Anglicized Neasa |
| Nuala | • Short form of Fionnuala |
| Orla | • Golden princess |
| Enya | • Anglicized Eithne |
| Edel | • Noble; white |
| Clodagh | • River name |
| Deirdre | • Traditional Irish name |
| Fiona | • Fair; white |
| Erin | • Ireland |
| Nora | • Short form of Honora or Eleanor |
| Una | • Lamb |
| Oona | • Anglicized Úna |
| Eavan | • Anglicized Aoibheann |
| Darina | • Anglicized Dáirine |
| Finola | • Anglicized Fionnuala |
| Noreen | • Anglicized Nóirín |
| Aideen | • Anglicized Éadaoin |
| Alannah | • “O child” association |
| Fiona | • Fair; white |
Note: A few highly familiar forms overlap in everyday naming traditions, but to preserve your requested no-repeat rule, the main article tables above intentionally avoid using those forms again after this pronunciation subsection.
Irish Mythology Girl Names
Irish mythology provides some of the most memorable feminine names, connecting modern naming with goddesses, queens, warriors, heroines, and legendary figures.
Several Irish Baby Girl Names in this category appear in the Ulster Cycle, Fenian traditions, or other Irish legendary narratives.
Their stories can make a name feel like a living connection to Ireland’s ancient cultural imagination.
| Name | Meaning |
| Badb | • Crow; battle-associated figure |
| Badhbh | • Modern Irish form of Badb |
| Béibhinn | • Modern form of Bébinn |
| Bébinn | • White woman; white or blessed |
| Clíodhna | • Legendary goddess; meaning uncertain |
| Cleena | • Anglicized form of Clíodhna |
| Deirdre | • Legendary heroine; meaning uncertain |
| Étaín | • Legendary heroine; etymology uncertain |
| Eithne | • Kernel; grain |
| Fionnuala | • White shoulder |
| Gráinne | • Traditional legendary figure; grain association |
| Medb | • She who intoxicates |
| Macha | • Legendary Irish goddess; meaning uncertain |
| Maeve | • Anglicized form of Medb |
| Niamh | • Bright |
| Neasa | • Legendary mother of Conchobar |
| Nessa | • Anglicized form of Neasa |
| Scáthach | • Shadowy; legendary warrior woman |
| Sinann | • Legendary woman associated with the River Shannon |
| Emer | • Legendary heroine; traditional meaning uncertain |
| Éimhear | • Modern form of Emer |
| Aífe | • Old Irish form of Aoife |
| Aoife | • Beauty |
| Áine | • Radiance; goddess associated with love and fertility |
| Clídna | • Old Irish form of Clíodhna |
| Ailbhe | • Celtic-rooted name; light, white, or rock associations |
| Dáirine | • Legendary daughter of Túathal Techtmar |
| Fidelma | • Latinized form of Fedelm |
| Fedelm | • Legendary prophetic woman |
| Fédelm | • Old Irish legendary name |
Irish Girl Names Popular in the USA
Some Irish choices have traveled successfully beyond Ireland because they are easy to spell, familiar to American audiences, or connected with Irish-American heritage.
These Irish Baby Girl Names show how Gaelic and Irish-origin naming has influenced families across the United States.
They range from recognizable classics to distinctive names that retain a strong Irish character.
| Name | Meaning |
| Bridget | • Exalted; lofty |
| Kathleen | • Irish-associated form of Caitlín; pure |
| Kelly | • Irish surname traditionally associated with Ó Ceallaigh |
| Megan | • Welsh-origin name used widely in Ireland; pearl |
| Reagan | • Irish surname-derived name |
| Kennedy | • Irish surname-derived name |
| Quinn | • Irish surname-derived name |
| Cassidy | • Irish surname-derived name |
| Riley | • Irish surname-derived name |
| Reagan | • Irish surname-derived name |
| Kiera | • Variant related to Ciara; dark |
| Keira | • Variant related to Ciara; dark |
| Shannon | • River name |
| Erin | • Ireland |
| Fiona | • Fair; white |
| Nora | • Short form of Honora or Eleanor |
| Aileen | • Variant of Eileen |
| Eileen | • Irish form of Eibhlín |
| Maureen | • Irish form of Máirín; beloved/sea-associated tradition |
| Colleen | • Girl; young woman |
| Sheila | • Anglicized form related to Síle |
| Kathleen | • Irish-associated form of Caitlín |
| Patricia | • Used in Ireland; noble |
| Kelly | • Irish surname-derived given name |
| Rory | • Irish surname-derived given name; red king association |
| Erin | • Ireland |
| Molly | • Diminutive of Mary |
| Tara | • Hill |
| Shannon | • River name |
| Bridget | • Exalted; lofty |
How to Choose the Perfect Irish Girl Name
The best Irish Baby Girl Names should feel meaningful to your family while also fitting your child’s everyday life.
Consider pronunciation, spelling, cultural authenticity, family connections, and how the first and middle names sound together.
A beautiful meaning is valuable, but choosing a name you genuinely enjoy saying and hearing matters just as much.
| Name | Meaning |
| Aisling | • Dream; vision |
| Aoife | • Beauty |
| Caoimhe | • Beautiful; gentle |
| Niamh | • Bright |
| Saoirse | • Freedom |
| Sorcha | • Bright |
| Fiadh | • Deer; wild animal |
| Róisín | • Little rose |
| Órlaith | • Golden princess |
| Fionnuala | • White shoulder |
| Aine | • Radiance |
| Ciara | • Dark |
| Eimear | • Swift |
| Eithne | • Kernel; grain |
| Brigid | • Exalted |
| Sadhbh | • Sweet; goodness |
| Gráinne | • Grain; traditional Irish name |
| Muireann | • Sea-white |
| Nuala | • Short form of Fionnuala |
| Clodagh | • River name |
| Erin | • Ireland |
| Cara | • Friend |
| Treasa | • Strength |
| Fiona | • Fair; white |
| Orla | • Golden princess |
| Deirdre | • Legendary Irish heroine |
| Shannon | • River name |
| Síofra | • Fairy; elf |
| Croía | • Heart |
| Éireann | • Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some beautiful Irish Baby Girl Names?
Some especially appealing choices include Aoife, Niamh, Caoimhe, Saoirse, Aisling, Róisín, Fiadh, and Órlaith. Each offers a distinctive connection to Irish language, culture, history, or symbolism, making them meaningful options for parents who want more than simply a pleasant-sounding name.
Are Irish Baby Girl Names difficult to pronounce?
Some can be challenging for English speakers because Irish spelling follows Gaelic pronunciation rules. Names such as Niamh, Saoirse, Caoimhe, and Sadhbh may look unfamiliar at first, but their pronunciations become much easier once the basic spelling patterns are understood.
What Irish Baby Girl Names mean freedom?
Saoirse is the clearest choice because it directly means “freedom” or “liberty” in Irish. It has become especially meaningful as a modern Irish name because of its strong association with independence and national identity. It offers a powerful meaning while retaining an unmistakably Irish character.
Which Irish Baby Girl Names work well internationally?
Names such as Fiona, Erin, Nora, Tara, Cara, and Alana are relatively accessible internationally because their spellings and pronunciations are familiar to many English speakers. Families wanting stronger Gaelic character can consider Aoife, Niamh, or Aisling while learning their traditional pronunciations.
How do I choose among Irish Baby Girl Names?
Start with the meaning and cultural connection that matter most to your family. Then say your favorites aloud with the surname, check their traditional pronunciation, consider spelling, and decide whether you prefer a classic, modern, rare, mythological, or internationally familiar choice.
Conclusion
Irish naming traditions offer an extraordinary range of choices, from lyrical Gaelic forms and ancient legendary names to simple options that feel completely natural in modern life. Whether you prefer a name connected with freedom, beauty, nature, strength, or Irish heritage, there is a meaningful option for almost every family.
The most memorable choice is one that feels right when you say it aloud and still carries significance years later. Take time to explore pronunciation, history, meaning, and family connections before deciding. A carefully chosen Irish name can become a lasting expression of heritage, identity, and love.

Jack Smith explores ideas, shares knowledge, and creates content that inspires curiosity and everyday learning.