Irish Baby Name · Girl

Áine

Pronounced: AWN-ya

Meaning: Radiance, brightness

About the name

Origin
Irish
English version
Anya, Aine, Anne
Variants
Aine, Anya
Stronghold region
Munster

Overview

A goddess of summer, sovereignty and prosperity in Irish mythology, associated with Cnoc Áine (Knockainey) in County Limerick. Also borne by an early Irish saint.

The story behind Áine

Daughter of the Tuatha Dé Danann king Eógabal, Áine was wronged by King Ailill Aulom and bit off his ear; on Midsummer Eve people walked sunwise around Cnoc Áine with torches in her honour.

Mythology & legend

Goddess of summer, sovereignty and prosperity; fairy queen of Munster.

Did you know?

Cnoc Áine (Knockainey) in Limerick is named for her and was a midsummer-eve gathering place for centuries.

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