Until We Meet Again Tattoos for Men

Like their Native American counterparts did with tribal tattoos, Scottish and Irish warriors also defined their rank or commemorated a particular battle by tattooing permanent marks onto their skin. As far back as the 1600's Scots were using tattoos as identifiers in times of war. As warriors of old evolved into military men and firefighters of now, Scottish tattoos took on a new form. A firefighter, for example, will not get a tattoo until the day of his retirement, at which point he will ink a Lifetime of Service memorial on his arm, often symbolized by flames or a fireman's helmet. Another type of Scottish tattoo is the Fallen Fighter memorial tattoo, which honors a friend or family member who died in the line of duty. If his or her occupation was that of a firefighter, the tattoo will often have the person's name, date of birth, date of death and ladder number.

But perhaps the most popular tattoo of Irish/Scottish descent is the Scottish clan tattoo that has emerged over the past 20 years or so. Scottish clan tattoos are family crests of Scottish families that typically include the "swatch" or plaid design. Each of the 13 regions in Scotland have their own crest along with their own plaid, so tattooing a particular design explains where an individual's family hails from.

Gaelic Translations

• Irish Gaelic Translation Forum
  
• English - Irish Dictionary
  
• English to Irish Dictionary
  
• Gaelic Dictionary
  
• Irish Gaelic to English Translator
  

Gaelic is the language that is spoken by Irish and Scottish people, with differences in usage, accent and pronunciation depending on which country you are in. There are a number of different dialects spoken within various areas of the country as well. The three main Irish dialects can be found in the provinces of Munster, Connacht and Ulster, with the newest (but rarely recorded) dialect appearing in Dublin and spoken amongst the younger generations. The Scottish Gaelic language (a branch of Celtic) is the main language spoken in Scotland today and dates back as early as the 5th or 6th century. There are a number of English names that can be directly translated to Gaelic. Ailean is Alan, Donnchadh is Duncan, Coinneach is Kenneth; Iain is John, Uilleam is William, Catriona is Catherine, Mairi is Mary, Seumas is James and Padraig is Patrick. Other names, however, have no direct equivalent, so if you're interested in getting your name tattooed in Gaelic you will have to settle for the closest translation.

As with any tattoo that is done in a foreign language not your own, make sure you do your homework. Double check your translation with several sources. A native speaker is your best bet, someone who speaks Gaelic as their first language, English as their second. If a native speaker is not available to you, your next best bet is a Gaelic scholar who has studied the language extensively. Last but not least, there are several online translators who offer their services for free. Although they can be very useful, keep in mind that it is important to ensure your translation is correct by either using several different online translators or confirming it's accuracy with native speakers on a Gaelic forum or message board.

Here are some Gaelic phrases to get your creative juices flowing:

Is fhearr fheuchainn na bhith san duil -- It's better to try than to hope

An uair as laine 'n cupan, 's ann as dorr' a ghiulan -- When the cup is fullest it is most difficult to carry

B' i sin reul 's an oidhche dhoilleir -- That were a star on a dark night

Níl aon leigheas ar an ngrá ach pósadh -- The only cure for love is marriage

Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas -- love, loyalty, friendship

Cha d'dhùin doras nach d'fhosgail doras -- No door ever closed, but another opened

Eiridh tonn air uisge balbh -- A wave will rise on quiet water

Fear gu aois, is bean gu bàs -- A son is a son until he comes of age; a daughter is a daughter all her life

An rud is annamh is íontach -- What is seldom is wonderful

Ceileann searc ainimh 's locht -- Love is blind

Tada gan iarracht -- Nothing without effort

Gaelic Tattoos

"Family"

"Father until we meet again may God hold you in the hallow of His hand"

"Friendship, loyalty, love"

"Live, love, laugh"

Scroll to Continue

"rage"

"Scotland forever"

"The girl made lovely by sorrow"

"Truth" and "Strength"

"You are half of me"

LM Basu from Nepal on April 22, 2020:

Wonderful Articles

AlasdairMacCaluim on September 08, 2016:

If anybody is having any trouble sourcing Gaelic for a tattoo - or for any other purpose, I am a professional Scottish Gaelic translator and offer translations for Gaelic tatoos for a small fee. https://www.fiverr.com/gaelicalasdair/suggest-a-sc...

james1952 on May 11, 2016:

i would like some help if i can i want to put a tatoo in uncial script saying ( Beware the anger of a patient man

Henrique on March 26, 2015:

Hi, I'm from Brazil and I like a lot celtic culture, and I have parents in my family that's related. I would like to tattoo this blessing in gaelic that I think is very important " May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face The the rain fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand". Please if someone can help me, I'm trying a long time to translate correct this, my email is henriquemiranda89@yahoo.com.br

Gammy on June 02, 2014:

Looking to say

"Blood makes you related,

Loyalty makes you family"

can anyone help me?

josh on March 19, 2014:

Im trying to translate my daughters my love or my daughters are my world in gaelic

Miro pls help on January 03, 2014:

hi :) I want a tattoo in gaelic saying : stranger in a strange land

can anyone help me ? :) pls answer me on my mail xEMirOx@centrum.sk

THANKS :)

Ackerson on April 30, 2013:

How would you write or say

"Fighting Everyday" ?

Bruce Fummey on March 04, 2013:

As a Scotsman with some Gaelic, I have read the information above. I have to say that I have never heard so much nonsense in many a long year. It was particularly funny that the site then encourages people to get their facts correct when they haven't even checked the basic fact that Gaelic has not been the main language spoken in Scotland for many hundreds of years

Steve on February 04, 2013:

Hi could someone please translate the phrase

"what's for you won't go by you"

into Scottish Gaelic?

please email to sbdonk@yahoo.com

Thanks, Steve.

Kath on January 19, 2013:

Hi,

Can someone please translate "The love of family" into scottish gaelic?

Thankyou

ELAINE on December 04, 2012:

PLEASE TRANSLATE "YEHLEN & ELAINE FOREVER" IN Gaelic thanks ..... its our secret love thnks

Atmoneeunsunc on November 06, 2012:

hard work drink iPhone request puts tempers floating

yonex nanospeed-yonex voltric-http://www.badmintonyonex.com/yonex-badminton-rack...

julie on August 08, 2012:

i want one love tattooed on me in scottish gaelic. can anyone give me the translation?

and also the translation for, " i know the rocks are heavy, and i know the sea may always be rough, but there's sunshine for tomorrow, and for me that is enough. " - Julie Murphy

Katie on July 31, 2012:

I want 'through my mothers eyes' in Irish Gaelic. I have to be 100% certain before I have it tattooed forever. Any help would be much appreciated x

Jessicaa on June 29, 2012:

I want to get "Honor Thy Father" in Gaelic , but I'm unsure of how it is spelled & how to obtain this information . considered using a translator but I'm iffy on how much I can trust anything over the Internet these days , ya know..

David on May 30, 2012:

hello im looking to get a tattoo in scottish gaelic and would like it to say

"Family is an unbreakable bond"

please email if you can help to 6hitta@westnet.com.au

thanks

James on May 29, 2012:

How would you translate "mind over body" and "let it strengthen you not weaken you" into Scottish Gaelic

April on May 27, 2012:

Hello My Fellow Gaelic lovers!!

I am looking for "wisdom born of pain" in gaelic. The person I used to get my translations has unfortunately passed away.

I am hoping someone can help me! Please e-mail me lil_lady_bug_@hotmail.com

Much appreciated!!!

Stephanie on May 19, 2012:

Hey I'm looking to get my first tattoo. Can someone please help me translate to gaelic please! Thank you !!!

"Family is Life"

"Live Life"

Please email Ahern.stephanie@yahoo.com

Missy on May 11, 2012:

Hello, I'm looking for a translation in Scottish/Gaelic for

" I am the Hero of this Story "

Can anyone help me with this? Thank you!

maxine taylor on May 11, 2012:

I'm needing a phrase translating to Scottish gaelic

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

And

Eyes are the gateway to your soul

If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated

Jordan on May 04, 2012:

Hey my name is Jordan and I wanna get a tattoo on my side saying family but everyones getting it already so I figured getting it in Gaelic scottish since im almost 90% percent lol but yea any suggestions iknow it starts with a te I'm pretty positive

Wiz on April 24, 2012:

Hey guys,

Can someone translate, into Scottish Gaelic, please

"Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead"

Hope someone can help, me and my friend are getting this tattoed to commemorate her 21st :) Thanks

Scott on April 11, 2012:

Can anyone please tell me what Brennen, Conner, and Addison would be in Irish Gaelic? thanks

Alex on March 30, 2012:

My dad is from Scottland, and I have worked out a design combining a "triquetra" with a "&" and plan to do "Dad" + my name in his handwriting in this design, covering parts of the Triquetra+& combo.

This will be my first and most likely only tattoo, so I appreciate help from those who speak Scottish Gaelic to advice on all words for Dad in Sc. Gaelic and what the English translation is/word to use would be. I have no idea what I would call him, had I spoken Sc. Gaelic.

However if I do it in Scottish Gaelic it must not mean Daddy & Alex, as I want Dad & Alex, as I call him dad. Father is way to formal for me, and I hate Daddy as all brats who nags on their parents says Daddy/Mummy slowly in that annoying way.

The D and X could be fitted as part of the triquetra, but before I work more on the design I need to know the Scottish Gaelic word/names to use. Alex is of course short for Alexander, but I can't remember he calling me that, not even once.

Is the "&" symbol for AND used in Scottish Gaelic?

I could ask him to help, but that would spoil the surprise as the triquetra is a copy of his tattoo.

kaytelizabeth on March 26, 2012:

if someone could help me out with a quote to be translated into Scottish Gaelic i would be so grateful!!! i want 'the brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all'

i've been trying to find it for a while and haven't been able to :(

Kt on March 17, 2012:

I was wondering, the word happiness. is it "sonas" or "athas"?

Póilína on March 14, 2012:

C.Milne,

"My home" in Irish gaelic would be "Mo bhaile", pronounced kinda like 'muh wahl-ya' in English. Unless you wanted Scottish Gaelic, then I really dont know :/

Lafferty on March 14, 2012:

I have Beatha,Gra',Ga'ire which is also Live,love,laugh

Sara on March 06, 2012:

Hi ya! Can anyone translate in scottish gaelic " you keep me under your spell " for me please?? I've found the meaning of each word but I don't know if the phrase will have a sense...Thank u!

stephen on March 03, 2012:

hi

i would really like to know the translation of "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" thank you

lisa on March 02, 2012:

hey guys, i would like to know the translation of McConnell in Irish or Scottish Gaelic. Also, it would be awesome to know the translation of 'The light of god encircles me, the love of god enfolds me, and the strength of god protects me' thank you!

Nicky on March 01, 2012:

Hi my mum is want to have 'be impulsive' in Scottish Gaelic. This is special to her as it was her way of coping with what was going on in her life at the this time. Please help. X

C.Milne on February 25, 2012:

I am trying to get the translation of "My Home" in gaelic

Any Ideas,

Thanks

melanie on February 23, 2012:

I want a tattoo to say to love with one heart and my kids name jack deven hayden and lucus

abes84 on February 14, 2012:

I'm looking for a Gaelic saying for my son and my daughter can anyone help

abes84 on February 14, 2012:

I'm looking for a Gaelic saying for my son and my daughter can anyone help

warrior1 on February 14, 2012:

Can someone translate "simply the best" into Irish Gaelic please

Amanda on February 13, 2012:

Can anyone tell me what the phrase "CRAZY STYLE" would be in gaelic?

Vicky on February 13, 2012:

Can someone translate Born Again into Scottish Gaelic please? Thank you.

ruthieb on February 06, 2012:

Been researching translations for mother, sister, daughter and friend in Scottish Gaelic and have found mathair, piuthar, nighean, caraid. Can someone confirm this is correct? Also interested in what "protect and serve" would be as well. I've been looking at older posts and have found some good resources...thanks for the suggestions. E-mail me ddbrowning@charter.net. Thanks much!

Jeff on February 03, 2012:

I am looking translate "keep the peace" and " protect and serve" for a law enforcement tattoo. Can anyone help. Chaserofu@gmail.com. English to Irish Gaelic please

Jeff on February 03, 2012:

I am looking translate "keep the peace" and " protect and serve" for a law enforcement tattoo. Can anyone help. Chaserofu@gmail.com

Elijah on February 02, 2012:

Can some one please translate, brothers for life, in Scottish Gaelic. Many thanks. My email is, bigmac0230@gmail.com

Michiel on January 26, 2012:

Hi can someone help me translate this: Hapiness and luck is the road we travel by and not our destination,

Thanks!

Ps: apologies for any miss spelling etc. Englisch is not my native language

Jeff on January 23, 2012:

Hi can anyone translate Nothing is True, Everything is allowed into Scottish Gealic...?

Gewaltschnitzel@gmx.de

Shalom

erin on January 23, 2012:

can anyone tell me how to spell "what does not kill me will only make me stronger" in irish/gaelic please ta

kennedy on January 22, 2012:

can i have the scottish translation for, "consider the end"

ravi on January 21, 2012:

combine ravi{my name} Krishna{my gf name}...

shakespam on January 10, 2012:

Scottish Gaelic translation for "you are the light that shines in dark" or "forever loved"

for a friend that wants to get them in a tattoo

samantha on January 09, 2012:

Hi im looking to get a tattoo off beauty attracts beauty but I can't find a translation anywhere would some be able to email me a translation too sam_luvin_life_@hotmail.com

Tattoo on January 02, 2012:

http://www.greattattoos.net/

trevor on December 30, 2011:

can anybody translate live for your self die for your family into irish gaelic

teresa on December 24, 2011:

how to put teresa in celtic

ELMA on December 09, 2011:

Hi can someone please translate "Father until we meet again may God hold you in the hallow of His hand" into gaelic for me please

thanks

nick_langham@hotmail.com

rhondadawn on December 07, 2011:

i want to get a tatto about my feelings for my sister but dont want it to be a whole page on my back looking for a nice small script to sum up my love for her she is my best friend we are a year apart we were raised by our dad are mom left when i was 2and sis was 1 we didn't meet are mother till were 9 and 10 are dad was are everyting and me and my sis had eachother she is my rock means the world to me she was diganosed two years ago with mulitple sclarosis and she has been very sick so i would love to get the tatto sooner then later if anyone has a way to sum it up with the words sister bestfriend and my rock or other half just wanting sopmething beautifull to be written on my body thank you

allen on November 23, 2011:

hey was looking for the translation of "don't worry be happy" into irish

dan on November 21, 2011:

can someone please translate McAlpine into scottish gaelic for me :D

cailean on November 17, 2011:

translation for made in scotland and also born in scotland. can anyone help thanks email cailean70@hotmail.co.uk .alba gu brath.

billie on November 16, 2011:

i want to get many things in life may change us but we start and end in family translated to scotish gaelic can someone help me

Haylee on November 14, 2011:

I am looking for the irish gaelic translation of "May God watch over my family" and "stay strong"

Brittany on November 08, 2011:

Life

Brittany on November 08, 2011:

Hi im looking for irish gaelic that says, to live lif can anyone help? Thanks can also email me: love_n_me2much@hotmail.com :)

Gary Vincent on November 06, 2011:

I am trying to find the translation in Scottish Gaelic for 'Honour thy Family, Clan and Country'

lisamae63 on October 25, 2011:

How do you say "forever young" in scottish gaelic?

Thanks.

Mary Henry on October 16, 2011:

Can anyone translate in Scottish Gaelic the following phrase with the word "forever" meaning eternity/everlasting?

"Forever and a day"

Bruce on October 14, 2011:

Joined: Sat May 19, 2007 8:26 pm

Posts: 981

I would be likely to say:

Cho fad' 's a mhaireas ceudnar againn beò, cha strìochd sinn fo smachd nan Sasainnich

As long as 100 of us remain alive, we will not yield to the control of the English

Is this translation correct?

Lori on October 07, 2011:

Looking for a Gaelic symbol and or words for the words.... Love, Happiness and Simplicity.

Thx

Tamara on October 07, 2011:

Is there anyone who can please tell me how to say " Harm None " in Scottish Gaelic.. I've tryed looking everywhere... tryiam@yahoo.com.... Thanks sooooo much!

MissJohnno on October 07, 2011:

Hi

I just wanted to know if anyone could help me with translating the of the below few words.

"Watch over me"

"Always loved, never forgotten"

Can you also help me with the name Tony Kenneth is possible.

Cheers.

babytiger30@yahoo.com on October 05, 2011:

My last name is WARRIOR. I want to get a gaelic tattoo of Warrior. Does anyone have any ideas?

becauseilive (author) from N.J. on September 29, 2011:

@missmeaghan - Very cool! If you send me a pic, I'd be happy to post it :) becauseilive@hotmail.com

missmeaghan on September 28, 2011:

Hi - just wanted to thank you for this page. I got "Cha d'dhùin doras nach d'fhosgail doras" and I love love love it!

redheadsrtrouble on September 27, 2011:

I am looking for a translation of

Always A Part of My Heart, Forever In My Soul

in Scottish Gaelic.

Can anyone out there help me?

Thanks so much!!

If you know how to pronounce, please add in phonetics...hard to find anyone who speaks Gaelic in Canada!

thetroublewithredheads@hotmail.com

Anne on September 19, 2011:

Hi, could someone please tell me if this translation is correct? It should be in Irish Gaelic. "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace." : "Déan gléas chun síochána díom id láimh, a Thiarna."

Edonnelly@gmail.com

Thank you very much!!

Kelsey on September 13, 2011:

I wanted to get a tattoo named after an Irish song played at my grandmother's funeral - the song is called "Island Girl" - how would this translate into Gaelic? I know there isn't an exact translation...but how would you say, "the girl from the island" or "the girl of the island"?? Help please!

Steven Carlin on September 07, 2011:

Hi could any one translate 'My Family My life'.. 'Brendon'and'Mikayla' in Irish Gaelic. Thanks Steve

carlin11@bigpond.com

Megan on September 06, 2011:

Hi, can anyone tell me the scottish garlic translation for ' sisters by choice' please. thanx

Ryan on September 05, 2011:

Can anyone tell me the Irish Gaelic spelling for "family, Faith, Forgiveness" thanks!!

Brett on September 04, 2011:

Can someone please translate the name "Randles" into Irish gaelic please. Much appreciated

Michael on September 03, 2011:

can someone translate.. Through every dark night, there's a brighter day.. into irish gaelic please

William MacLaine on September 02, 2011:

I have a translation of a phrase my grandfather used to say, but I do not remember the pronunciation (or the words he used). Translated in english it means "Beware the wrath of a patient man". In Scots (I've been told) it can be written "BI AIR FAICEALL FEARG DUINE FOIGHIDNEACH".

Can someone confirm this is correct for me? Thanks.

Cheylene on August 30, 2011:

HEY can anyone translate

"Then a light among them brightened,

So that, if Cancer one such crystal had,

Winter would have a month of one sole day."

into IRISH GAELIC please, I want to get my tatto done in the next 2 months xo.

My email is cheyleneraemichelle@live.ca

Thank you sososo much.

padraig on August 28, 2011:

Google translate is usually wrong with its gaelic translations, and even if it were always right, it only has irish gaelic. And lol at the Lord of the Rings tattoo in the corner of the third pic.

sarah on August 24, 2011:

use google translation.........

adam on August 23, 2011:

hello, can anyone translate ' soo when your hopes on fire, but you know your desire into gaelic please?... cheers

Connie Westbrook on August 23, 2011:

I am wanting to know how to say (Rusty Nail) n Gaelic. Please thnk you>

Heather G on August 22, 2011:

Hey im heather ... ( Fhraoich if any one wanted to know the translation lol.. oh and its said like frew-och btw thats scot gaelic )

i really liked this page erm so thought i would put a few translations of english into scottish gaelic of a few quotes im in love with and some words lol

Na gèill is tu beò.

Do not surrender while you are alive.

Brìgh gach cluiche gu dheireadh.

The essence of a game is at its end.

Beag air Bheag

little by little

Caraidean

friends

tha mi sona gu leòr

I'm happy enough

Tha gaol agam ort

I love you

Tha e math a bhith beò

It's good to be alive

hope this keeps you going for now :)

beannachd leibh!

( which is bye )

evey on August 21, 2011:

i need "beautiful fighter" translated into irish gaelic for a tattoo im finishing

mic on August 17, 2011:

hi does anyone know if there is a way to write your last name in scottish gaelic, or if there is a previous scottish alphabet to scottish gaelic? perhaps someone can translate "valentine" for me, is there a website that you can write your family name into and have it translated?

Matt on August 15, 2011:

wow, there are some people about to get some really cliché and stupid tattoos. LOL. gotta love people. So stupid

je85 on August 06, 2011:

does anyone know what script the one that says "The girl made lovely by sorrow" is in?

pk11 on August 03, 2011:

i am looking for a translation of"i work to live i dont live to work" thank you

fashion on August 02, 2011:

Interesting tattoo ideas.Informative hub.You did well job.

Donna on July 27, 2011:

I'm looking for the words Walk with me in Scottish Gaelic. Any input would be much appreciated.

christopher on July 25, 2011:

can someone help me with, is there any difference of the quote "Nothing without effort" in irish gaelic or in scottish gaelic? help me please :)

Lane on July 23, 2011:

Could someone translate "Moore" for me in both Irish and Scottish Gaelic. I dont know if there is a difference. Thanks

Paul on July 22, 2011:

Could somebody translate "Never forget your past, but never lose sight of your future" into Irish Gaelic for me?

melissa on July 21, 2011:

if someone could translate,

'this too shall pass'

into SCOTTISH GAELIC that would be great!

smithinart1960.blogspot.com

Source: https://discover.hubpages.com/style/Tattoo_Ideas_Gaelic_Words_Phrases

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