Cainnech (Modern Irish: Cainneach) is an Old Irish given name.

Cainnech
Gendermale/female
Name day28 January, 11 October
Other gender
MasculineCainneach/Caindeach
FeminineCainneach/Cainnear (Cainder)
Origin
Word/nameIrish
Meaningfrom the Irish word caoin meaning kind, gentle or attractive
Other names
Variant form(s)Caindeach, Cainder

Cainnech appears to have belonged to that class of Irish names which were suitable for both sexes (Flann, Ceallach, Fedelm). Two early male saints bore this name including Cainnech of Aghaboe (515/16–600) and the more obscure Cainnech of Achad Raithin.[1] Several woman have also borne this name.

Etymology

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Cainnech or Cainneach comes from the Irish word caoin meaning "kind, gentle, good or attractive."[2] It is related to the female name Cainnear or Cainder[3] which shares a similar etymology and means "kind or gentle daughter" (literally caoin + der in Irish)[citation needed]

Bearers of the name

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References

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  1. ^ Marcella. "Saints Laidhgenn, Cainneach and Accobran, November 28". Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  2. ^ "Name Cainneach - meaning, origin, popularity". www.nameslist.org. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Irish Saints". www.namenerds.com. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  4. ^ Marcella. "Saints Laidhgenn, Cainneach and Accobran, November 28". Retrieved 15 March 2023.
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