Meaning & History
Ríghnach is an Irish feminine name, functioning as a variant of Ríoghnach.
Etymology and History
The name Ríoghnach is derived from Old Irish rígain meaning "queen". According to some sources, Ríoghnach was the name of a wife of the semi-legendary Irish king Niall of the Nine Hostages. Niall himself is an early Irish name of disputed origin, possibly connected to the Celtic root *nītu- "fury, passion" or Old Irish nia "hero". It may also derive from Old Irish nél "cloud".
Cultural Significance
The name Ríghnach belongs to a group of Irish names expressing royalty, like Ríona and Ríonach, all stemming from the word for queen. Although less common today, it preserves an ancient heritage linked to Gaelic nobility and mythology.
- Meaning: queen (via Ríoghnach)
- Origin: Irish
- Type: Variant
- Usage Regions: Ireland
Related Names