Irish Baby Name · Girl

Banba

Pronounced: BAN-ba / BON-ba

Meaning: Of obscure origin; perhaps 'pig' or 'unploughed land'

About the name

Origin
Irish
Variants
Banbha
Stronghold region
All-Ireland

Overview

One of the three eponymous goddesses of Ireland, alongside Ériu and Fódla; daughter of Ernmas of the Tuatha Dé Danann and a poetic name for Ireland itself.

The story behind Banba

When the Milesians landed in Ireland, each of the three sister-queens, Banba, Fódla and Ériu, asked that the island be named for her; though Ériu's name became standard, all three live on as poetic names for the land.

Mythology & legend

Tutelary goddess of Ireland; one of three sister-queens of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

Did you know?

Banba is sometimes used in Irish poetry as a name for Ireland itself.

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