The Irish standard., 1907-11-02
IRISH PROPER NAMES.
Strange to the English Reader, but
Beautiful When Understood.

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1t may not be here necessary to give
an explanation of some of the proper
and Christian names of men and wom-
en- that frequently occur in the course
Of Irish annals. Many of these Irish
names appear strange and uncouth to
the mere English reader, though if
their etymology and pronunciation
were perfectly understood, they would
be found truly beautiful, euphon.uus
given, as follows:
"Aodh," pronounced ZEE" and e.
was one of the most frequent names
of kings and chiefs amongst the Irish.
The word signifies fire, and was l1ob-
ably derived from the Druidical vor-
ship. The name has been Anglicized
into Hugh, and Latinized variously.
Hugo, Ardus, Aedanus, Aidus and
Odo.
"Aongus," the name Of kings and
chiefs. pronounced Angus, derived
from Aon, excellent, and Gus, strength.
This has become surname, Mac Aon-
gusa, or MacGennises, lords of Ivesgh.
The O'Hennessys derive their name
from the same root.
"Ardgal," a name of chiefs, from
Ard, exalted, and gal. valor.
art" name Of kings and c!.iefs,
derived from Art, noble. 1t was a
frequent name amongst the O'Nei]ls.
1t has heen Anglicized into Arthur.
Brian" a name of kings and chiefs,
derived from Bri, strength. and An,
very great, that is, a warrior Of great
strength. 1t has been Anglicized into
Bryan and Bernard. 1t hass become a
surname in the great family OF the
O'Briens, kings of Thomond, as de-
rived from their ancestor, Brian Boro-
hime.
"Brandubh," the name of a king Of
Leinster in the sixth century, signify
ing the Black Raven, from the color
of his hair, the word Bran signifying
raven, and Dubh, black. The O'R,ians
and OByrnes, chiefs of Wicklow, de-
rived their descent from this king.
"Blosgach,' the name of chief, sig
nif1es strong man, or a smasher. Tnis
has become the surname Of Mac BIDS
gaidh, or Mac Gloskey, a clan in
Derry.
"Cathal," a frequent name of kings
and chiefs. signifies great warrior,
from Cath. battle, and all, great.
"Cathoir," or "Cathair," also I fire.
quent name of kings and chiefs, has
a. similar Specification from Cath, a
battle, and ar, slaughter.
In the pronunciation of those names
the 1T" is silent. and they are to be
pronounced Cah-al and Cah-ir. 1t
may be remarked that both these
names have been absurdly Anglicized
into Charles.
"Cormac." name Of kings and
chiefs. signifies the son Of the cha riot
from corb, a chariot, and mac, a son.
Cairbre. Il frequent name of kings,
probably derived from the same source
as corb, q chariot, and ri. king, hence
may signify the chief or ruler OF the
chariot.
Conn a name of kings and chiefs,
may be derived from Conn, wisdom O,
sense: or from Gu, which signifies q
hound, and was figuratively applied to
a warrior, as the genitive case OF On
makes Con. This was a favorite nn,ae
with the chiefs of the O'Neills. from
Conn of the Hundred Battles. monarch
of all Ireland. one of their ancestors.
"Conall." name Of kings and chiefs.
derived either from Conall, friend .hin.
or from Gu. making in the genit,ve
Con, signifying warrior, and oil,
mighty, an instance of which may be
given in the famous warrior conan
Cearnach, or Conall the Victorious.