Eithne

EN-ya; ETH-na
Gaelic
"nut kernel"

Eithne Origin and Meaning

The name Eithne is a girl's name of Irish origin meaning "nut kernel".

Pretty and soulful name of a goddess from Irish mythology and several Irish saints. Singer Enya, born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, has made the Anglicized spelling familiar. Eithne comes from the vocabulary word "kernel", which was used as a term of praise in old bardic poetry.

The name can be pronounced EN-ya, but ETH-na is also commonly used.

# 1186 on Nameberry

Eithne Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Eithne Popularity

Famous People Named Eithne

  • Eithne Hannigan
    Irish musician and actress
  • Saint Eithne
    6th century Irish saint from Leinster with her sister Sodelb
  • Eithne
    wife of the High King Fiacha Finnfolaidh; mother of Tuathal Teachtmhar
  • Eithne
    mother of Saint Columba
  • Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin
    birth name of Enya, Irish singer,songwriter
  • Eithne Ní Uallacháin
    Irish singer,songwriter
  • Eithne Strong
    Irish poet and writer of fiction
  • Eithne Dunne
    Northern Irish actress
  • Eithne Coyle
    Irish Republican activist
  • Eithne Fitzgerald
    Irish economist and politician
  • Eithne Walls
    Irish physician and dancer

Eithne in Pop Culture

  • Ethniu or Eithne
    Irish mythological figure; daughter of the Fomorian leader Balor; mother of Lugh
  • Also translates as Etna; both pronunciations are used across Ireland
    depending on dialect