I am writing a paper on the Céli Dé monastic reform in 9th centry Ierland, but have'nt been able to find a translation on the movement's name. Could anyone help me?
Diana

The term could be translated as "Servants" or "Clients" of God. "Céli", also spelled "céili", is the plural of "cé(i)le". The Irish of that time had a complex system of contractual loans and obligations called "céilsine" or "clientship" in which a "céile" received goods, such as cattle, and benefits such as protection, both physical and in legal affairs, from his "flaith" (lord). The "flaith" in turn received rent (food, mostly), and services such as farm labour, from his "céili". His status also depended in part on the number of "céili" he had. This concept of contractually entering into a relationship with a "higher power" for the mutual benefit of both parties is thought to have influenced the institution of the Céili Dé. That is, God afforded spiritual protection and the Céili Dé repaid this with praise and prayer.

The primary meaning of "céile" in Modern Irish is "spouse" or "partner" or "reciprocal party".

Stair an Fhocail
http://www.eskimo.com/~donncha/stair3.html

Thank you so much, that helps me a great deal.

Were they the ones who were called the Culdees?

S'iad a bhí ann ceart go leor!

Yes. I read in one of Peter Beresford Ellis' books that they survived in Scotland up to the 14th Century. In Ireland they were supplanted by Contintental Orders (Cistercians etc.)