Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 335

Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 335

This report is available at http://www.s-gabriel.org/335

Some of the Academy's early reports contain errors that we haven't yet corrected. Please use it with caution.

Greetings,

Here's the information we have about the name "Oonagh."

"Oonagh" is actually an English rendering of the original Irish name "Úna." (the slash represents an accent, so that "Ú" is an accented "U"). "Úna" was an extremely popular medieval name, and is completely appropriate for medieval Irish. (1)

We don't know the origin of the name, but it's possible that it was imported by Scandinavians. The first reference to the name is a legendary daughter of the "King of Lochlainn." Lochlainn refers to part of Scandinavia, and there's a Norse name "Una" which could have been brought into Ireland. It's possible that this could be a coincidence, but it's the best idea we have.

Tangwystl verch Morgant Glasvryn contributed to this letter.

We hope this has been helpful. If we can continue to assist you, please let us know.

In service,
Alan Fairfax
Academy of S. Gabriel

(1) O'Corrain & Maguire, "Irish Names."