Étaín

Étaín is a name from Irish mythology, derived from a diminutive form of Old Irish ét, meaning "jealousy" or "passion". In modern Irish, it is properly spelled Éadaoin. The name is borne by the heroine of the 9th-century tale Tochmarc Étaíne (The Wooing of Étaín), one of the oldest and richest stories in the Mythological Cycle.

Mythological Figure

According to legend, Étaín was the wife of the god Midir, but his jealous first wife, Fuamnach, transformed her into a fly. After being accidentally swallowed by a woman, Étaín was reborn and grew to adulthood again. She then married the Irish high king Eochaid Airem, having no memory of her former life with Midir. Eventually, Midir and Étaín were reunited after Midir defeated Eochaid in a game of chess. The story is a classic tale of love, transformation, and rebirth.

Among scholars, T. F. O'Rahilly identified Étaín as a sun goddess. She is sometimes known by the epithet Echraide ("horse rider"), suggesting links with horse deities and figures such as the Welsh Rhiannon and the Gaulish Epona. In the narrative, Midir names her Bé Find ("Fair Woman"), while the poem "A Bé Find in ragha lium"—possibly an older, unrelated composition—is embedded in the story.

Variants and Etymology

Variants of the name include Aideen, Éadaoin, and Étan. The historical name Edana is an anglicized form. The name's enduring popularity in Irish culture stems from its mythological prominence and the rich narrative surrounding the character.

• Meaning: "jealousy, passion" (from Old Irish ét)
• Origin: Old Irish, Irish mythology
• Type: First name, feminine
• Usage: Irish, Old Irish, Irish Mythology, History