Féchín is an Old Irish masculine given name, meaning "little raven." It derives from the Old Irish element fiach ("raven") combined with a diminutive suffix, thus conveying the sense of a small or young raven. This name was borne by an Irish saint from the 7th century.
Saint Féchín
Saint Féchín (sometimes Latinized as Fechinus or Fechin) was an Irish abbot and missionary who founded the monastery at Fore (County Westmeath). He is associated with several churches and holy wells across Ireland. Tradition holds that he died of the yellow plague (probably a form of bubonic plague) that swept through Ireland in the 660s. His feast day is celebrated on January 20. Irish annals record his death as well as various miracles attributed to him, such as calming a storm and resurrecting a dead man.
Variants and Related Names
A variant spelling is Féichín. The name is also related to Fiachna, a figure from Irish mythology, which likely shares the same root fiach.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "little raven"
- Origin: Old Irish
- Type: Saint's name, given name
- Usage: Old Irish, Irish
- Suffix: Diminutive (expresses endearment or smallness)