The Baby Name Wizard

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Comments and insights on the name Eithne: | Edit

This is quite an old Irish name, it can sometimes be anglicised as Edna or Anya although the anglicisations are not connected to the name. The name Eithne is pronounced as Enya in County Donegal, hence the pronunciation of singer Eithne (Enya's) Ní Bhraonáin's name.

Personal experiences with the name Eithne: | Edit

I went to college with a girl named Eithne, plus two of my former neighbours were also named Eithne.

Nicknames for Eithne: | Edit

Enya, Anya.

Meanings and history of the name Eithne: | Edit

Eithne (earlier Ethniu, Ethliu, Ethlinn and a variety of other spellings) is a popular Irish female name meaning 'little fire' or 'kernel'.

Famous real-life people named Eithne: | Edit

Eithne, daughter of the king of Alba, wife of the High King Fiacha Finnfolaidh and mother of Tuathal Teachtmhar
Eithne, the mother of Saint Columba
Enya (Eithne Ní Bhraonáin), musician
Eithne Fitzgerald, Irish politician
Ethna Viney, writer.

Eithne in song, story & screen: | Edit

Ethniu, daughter of Balor and mother of Lug in Irish mythology.