Irish Baby Name · Girl

Eithne

Pronounced: EH-nya / EN-ya

Meaning: Kernel, grain

About the name

Origin
Irish
English version
Enya, Eithne, Edna, Annie
Variants
Ethna, Edna, Eithné
Stronghold region
All-Ireland

Overview

A name borne by mythological figures including the mother of Lugh, by numerous early Irish saints and queens, and by characters in modern Irish literature.

The story behind Eithne

Imprisoned by her grandfather Balor of the Evil Eye in a tower to prevent her bearing the prophesied son who would kill him — Lugh — she escaped and bore Lugh anyway.

Mythology & legend

Mother of the god Lugh by Cian; also borne by many queens and saints.

Did you know?

More than thirty saints of this name appear in the Irish martyrologies.

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